Doug Lamborn

Mr. LAMBORN

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

Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, the Leadville Mine Drainage Tunnel was originally constructed by the Federal Bureau of Mines in the forties and fifties to facilitate the extraction of lead and zinc ore for the World War II and Korean War efforts. The Bureau of Reclamation acquired the tunnel in 1959, hoping to use it as a source of water for the Frying Pan, Arkansas, project. Although the tunnel was never used for that project, water that flows out of the tunnel is considered part of the natural flow of the Arkansas River. With the passage and subsequent signing into law of H.R. 429 during the 102nd Congress in 1992, the Bureau of Reclamation constructed and continues to operate a water treatment plant at the mouth of the tunnel. Groundwater levels at the tunnel have fluctuated in recent years. In addition, a collapse inside the tunnel has increased the tunnel's mine pool significantly, leading to new seeps and springs in the area. Estimates suggest that at one time, up to 1 billion gallons of water may have built up within the mine pool. In November 2007, the EPA sent a letter to the Bureau of Reclamation expressing concerns over a catastrophic blowout, and in February 2008 the Lake County Commissioners declared a state of emergency. Emergency measures are currently being undertaken by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Bureau of Reclamation to relieve water pressure in the vicinity. Their success has been notable to date. However, many of the problems reported at this site are not new. Legislation addressing this matter and authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to rehabilitate its tunnel dates back to at least 1976. In response to the request for action from the local community, I have again worked together in a bipartisan manner with Senator Mark Udall from Colorado and reintroduced H.R. 3123. This bill would direct the Bureau of Reclamation to relieve water pressure behind certain blockages in the tunnel, permanently manage the mine pool behind any blockage to prevent releases of contaminated water, and manage the tunnel in such a way to prevent failure of the structure. I look forward to seeing this situation remedied so that concerns about human safety and environmental integrity may be appropriately and responsibly addressed. I remind Members that only minor technical changes have been made since the bill was originally passed by the House of Representatives in the previous Congress. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the resolution has been explained well by the majority. We have no objection.

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

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. In the 1920s, Virginia Key Beach, located about 2 miles south of Miami, Florida, became the area's public beach that was used primarily by African Americans. In 1945, Dade County officials designated the beach as a legally segregated beach for use by the African American community. Today, the beach is managed by the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust and is owned by the City of Miami. This resolution recognizes the historical significance of Virginia Key Beach Park. I congratulate Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen for her work, and I urge passage of this resolution. At this time, I yield such time as she may consume to my friend and colleague, the gentlelady from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen).

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I recently submitted a member request declaration for the record. In that declaration, I stated that my requests were in H.R. 2647. It should have read that these requests were in H.R. 3326 as noted below. Requesting Member: Representative Doug Lamborn, CO-05 Bill Number: H.R. 3326 Account: RDTE Navy, Line 27, PE 0603216N Legal Name of the Requesting Entity: Global Near Space Services Legal Address of the Requesting Entity: 8610 Explorer Dr, Ste 140, Colorado Springs, CO 80920 Description of the Request: Requesting $6 million funding for the Lighter-Than-Air Stratospheric UAV for Persistent Communications Relay and Surveillance. This project will develop a lighter-than-air, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that will fly at 85,000 feet for three to four months, providing low cost, persistent surveillance, high bandwidth and over the horizon communications needed to effectively fight terrorism, achieve maritime domain awareness, protect critical infrastructures and secure national borders. Requesting Member: Representative Doug Lamborn, CO-05 Bill Number: H.R. 3326 Account: RDTE Air Force, Line 8, PE 0602201F Legal Name of the Requesting Entity: Colorado Engineering, Inc Legal Address of the Requesting Entity: 1310 United Heights, Suite 105 Colorado Springs, CO 80921 Description of the Request: Requesting $3 million funding for the Unmanned Sense, Track, and Avoid Radar (USTAR) for low rate initial production of an advanced radar system for the Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle platform to detect and track large and small targets. USTAR will allow the UAV to identify potential collision risks and increase maneuvering capability in controlled airspace and improve operability in adverse weather conditions. Requesting Member: Representative Doug Lamborn, CO-05 Bill Number: H.R. 3326 Account: RDTE Defense-wide, Line 89, PE 0603898C Legal Name of the Requesting Entity: Not Applicable Legal Address of the Requesting Entity: Not Applicable Description of the Request: Requesting $500,000 funding for an Independent Advisory Group to review Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Education and Training Needs and recommend a BMD education and training solution to include a recommendation of roles and responsibilities, organizational structure, and/or resources and facilities for integrated missile defense training.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards, I am submitting the following information regarding member requests I received as part of H.R. 3326--Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010: Requesting Member: Representative Doug Lamborn, CO-05 Bill Number: H.R. 2647 Account: RDTE Navy, Line 27, PE 0603216N Legal Name of the Requesting Entity: Global Near Space Services Legal Address of the Requesting Entity: 8610 Explorer Dr, Ste 140, Colorado Springs, CO 80920 Description of the Request: Requesting $6 million funding for the Lighter-Than-Air Stratospheric UAV for Persistent Communications Relay and Surveillance. This project will develop a lighter-than-air, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that will fly at 85,000 feet for three to four months, providing low cost, persistent surveillance, high bandwidth and over the horizon communications needed to effectively fight terrorism, achieve maritime domain awareness, protect critical infrastructures and secure national borders. Requesting Member: Representative Doug Lamborn, CO-05 Bill Number: H.R. 2647 Account: RDTE Air Force, Line 8, PE 0602201F Legal Name of the Requesting Entity: Colorado Engineering, Inc Legal Address of the Requesting Entity: 1310 United Heights, Suite 105, Colorado Springs, CO 80921 Description of the Request: Requesting $3 million funding for the Unmanned Sense, Track, and Avoid Radar (USTAR) for low rate initial production of an advanced radar system for the Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle platform to detect and track large and small targets. USTAR will allow the UAV to identify potential collision risks and increase maneuvering capability in controlled airspace and improve operability in adverse weather conditions. Requesting Member: Representative Doug Lamborn, CO-05 Bill Number: H.R. 2647 Account: RDTE Defense-wide, Line 89, PE 0603898C Legal Name of the Requesting Entity: Not Applicable Legal Address of the Requesting Entity: Not Applicable Description of the Request: Requesting $500,000 funding for an Independent Advisory Group to review Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Education and Training Needs and recommend a BMD education and training solution to include a recommendation of roles and responsibilities, organizational structure, and/or resources and facilities for integrated missile defense training.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, troubled about the Democrats' proposed government takeover of our health care system. The Congressional Budget Office, the CBO, has confirmed that this legislation will not reduce costs but will, rather, drive costs even higher for American families. They confirmed this weekend that a mandate on business would tend to reduce the hiring of workers at or near the minimum wage. They also pointed out that employers would be expected to pass the costs of fees on to workers in the form of lower wages. This government takeover will burden our economy, and it will stifle economic growth. Instead of a takeover, Congress should act on free market and Tax Code health care reforms to make our system better. The President and his majority in Congress failed to produce jobs with the so-called ``stimulus.'' In fact, things have only gotten worse. Why should we trust them with the government takeover of health care?

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today troubled about the Democrats' proposed government takeover of our health care system. The Congressional Budget Office has confirmed that this legislation will not reduce costs but, rather, drive health costs up higher for American families. In addition to rising costs, according to the White House's chief economic adviser, Christina Romer, business tax hikes alone could destroy up to 4.7 million jobs. Congress should consider free-market and Tax Code reforms to make our health care system better. The President and his majority in Congress failed to produce jobs with the so-called stimulus. Where are the jobs? Why should we trust them with revising the one-sixth of our economy based on health care, when their own advisers say it will mean millions of more jobs lost?

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Thank you for that brief response on my part. Those funds are fungible, and that is not a true prohibition. It will be used for taxpayer-funded abortions.

Mr. LAMBORN. Would the gentleman yield?

Mr. LAMBORN. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise today to oppose the provision in this Financial Services bill that allows taxpayer-funded abortions in the District of Columbia. We cannot seriously talk about wanting to reduce the number of abortions in this country and then turn around and pay for them with taxpayer money. Planned Parenthood's own researchers report that without public funding, 30 percent fewer women have abortions. We have seen many polls showing that the American people oppose using their tax dollars for abortions. A poll done this year found that 69 percent of respondents said they are against repealing the Hyde amendment if its repeal would result in taxpayer funding of abortion as a method of birth control. Life begins at conception, and I cannot, in good conscience, support a bill that squanders taxpayer money for the first time in decades to destroy life in the womb. I urge my colleagues to reject this bill. I urge President Obama to reject this bill and to oppose taxpayer-funded abortions in the District of Columbia.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards, I am submitting the following information regarding member requests I received as part of H.R. 3082, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2010: Requesting Member: Representative Doug Lamborn, CO-05 Bill Number: H.R. 3082 Account: MCAF Legal Name of the Requesting Entity: Peterson Air Force Base Legal Address of the Requesting Entity: Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado Springs, CO 80914 Description of the Request: Requesting $7.2 million funding for the East Gate realignment at Peterson Air Force Base. This project demolishes the existing gate house and road system at the East Gate of Peterson AFB and constructs a new, realigned entry road, gate house, check stations, vehicle inspection buildings and anti-terrorism/force protection measures.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards, I am submitting the following information regarding member requests I received as part of H.R. 2647--National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010: Requesting Member: Representative Doug Lamborn, CO-05 Bill Number: H.R. 2647 Account: RDTE, Army, Line 13, PE 0602601A Legal Name of the Requesting Entity: Sturman Industries Legal Address of the Requesting Entity: One Innovation Way, Woodland Park, CO 80863 Description of the Request: Requesting $3.5 million funding for Digital Engine/Hydraulic Valve Actuation technology development and testing for combat vehicle and automotive technology allowing the use of alternative and renewable fuels while reducing military vehicle fuel consumption through improved engine efficiency. Requesting Member: Representative Doug Lamborn, CO-05 Bill Number: H.R. 2647 Account: RDTE Navy, Line 27, PE 0603216N Legal Name of the Requesting Entity: Global Near Space Services Legal Address of the Requesting Entity: 8610 Explorer Dr, Ste 140, Colorado Springs, CO 80920 Description of the Request: Requesting $6 million funding for the Lighter-Than-Air Stratospheric UAV for Persistent Communications Relay and Surveillance. This project will develop a lighter-than-air, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that will fly at 85,000 feet for three to four months, providing low cost, persistent surveillance, high bandwidth and over the horizon communications needed to effectively fight terrorism, achieve maritime domain awareness, protect critical infrastructures and secure national borders. Requesting Member: Representative Doug Lamborn, CO-05 Bill Number: H.R. 2647 Account: RDTE Air Force, Line 8, PE 0602201F Legal Name of the Requesting Entity: Colorado Engineering, Inc Legal Address of the Requesting Entity: 1310 United Heights, Suite 105, Colorado Springs, CO 80921 Description of the Request: Requesting $3 million funding for the Unmanned Sense, Track, and Avoid Radar (USTAR) for low rate initial production of an advanced radar system for the Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle platform to detect and track large and small targets. USTAR will allow the UAV to identify potential collision risks and increase maneuvering capability in controlled airspace and improve operability in adverse weather conditions. Requesting Member: Representative Doug Lamborn, CO-05 Bill Number: H.R. 2647 Account: RDTE Air Force, Line 80, PE 0604706F Legal Name of the Requesting Entity: Goodrich Corporation Legal Address of the Requesting Entity: 1275 N. Newport Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80916 Description of the Request: Requesting $7 million funding for continued development and testing of the ACES 5 ejection seat for U.S. military aircraft. Requesting Member: Representative Doug Lamborn, CO-05 Bill Number: H.R. 2647 Account: RDTE Defense-wide, Line 89, PE 0603898C Legal Name of the Requesting Entity: Not Applicable Legal Address of the Requesting Entity: Not Applicable Description of the Request: Requesting $500,000 funding for an Independent Advisory Group to review Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Education and Training Needs and recommend a BMD education and training solution to include a recommendation of roles and responsibilities, organizational structure, and/or resources and facilities for integrated missile defense training. Requesting Member: Representative Doug Lamborn, CO-05 Bill Number: H.R. 2647 Account: MCAF Legal Name of the Requesting Entity: Peterson Air Force Base Legal Address of the Requesting Entity: Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado Springs, CO 80914 Description of the Request: Requesting $7.2 million funding for the East Gate realignment at Peterson Air Force Base. This project demolishes the existing gate house and road system at the East Gate of Peterson AFB and constructs a new, realigned entry road, gate house, check stations, vehicle inspection buildings and anti-terrorism/force protection measures.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, energy prices are a vital concern to all Americans. As gasoline prices are edging up and as the economy is in a recession, we all need a policy of making energy affordable and available. Oil shale is a promising source of energy for America's future. I am holding in my hand a piece of oil shale from western Colorado. My State, along with Wyoming and Utah, have an estimated quantity of 1 trillion, with a ``T,'' barrels of oil products within our oil shale. Unfortunately, this administration put oil shale development on hold almost as soon as it took office. This is unfortunate, because we should not be importing oil products from the Middle East if we have it here at home. On top of that, the cap-and-tax policy that this administration is pushing will also drive up the cost of energy. Mr. Speaker, let's have an energy plan that uses American energy without needless taxes and costs piled on.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. I thank the gentleman. I rise today to oppose H.R. 2847, a bill that could use taxpayer dollars for a purpose the American people are adamantly against, housing Guantanamo detainees in Federal prisons in the United States. In a May Gallup poll, 65 percent of Americans were opposed to closing Guantanamo. Further, 74 percent of Americans opposed moving them to their own State. This bill leaves open the possibility for the Bureau of Prisons to use taxpayer dollars to house Guantanamo detainees in our communities in direct contradiction to the will of the American people. The amendment that I wanted to submit, before the Democrats in the Rules Committee issued their gag order, specified that none of the funds appropriated by this act may be used by the Bureau of Prisons to incarcerate individuals currently held in Guantanamo Bay. Mr. Speaker, these detainees are not convicted criminals repaying their debt to society but rather the most dangerous people on the face of the planet, terrorists who will stop at nothing to kill any and all Americans that they can. We cannot allow taxpayer dollars to be spent bringing these terrorists to live among the civilians they have sworn to destroy. Also, our prisons are already at capacity. In my Colorado district, Supermax Federal prison is at 99.7 percent capacity, leaving room for only one additional inmate, yet there are 226 prisoners now at Guantanamo. Other maximum security facilities in the U.S. are, likewise, operating at 55 percent above capacity. The fact is, we do not have the capability to house terrorists on our own soil without endangering prison employees and posing a risk to the communities in which they are sent. The President simply does not have a plan. It is unfortunate that my Democratic colleagues do not want to debate this vital issue. I urge my colleagues to defeat this bill.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. The gentleman from Missouri is correct. It's so inconsistent. If this was the previous President, the press would just be laying right into him. Right now they're giving the President a pass. And it's inconsistent, and I think the American people can see through that. And Congressman, you also mentioned, what are these phantom jobs out there that were saved? Anyone can claim, well, there's one or two or 300,000 jobs that were saved. I can't document it, but just take my word for it, and the press isn't looking at that either. I just wish the press would do their job of being an honest, objective observer and reporter of what the facts are. And until the press does that, the American people are really not being served well.

Mr. LAMBORN. Thank you. With that amount, 9.4 percent, which I think is the high point for 25 years, unfortunately it's the high point in unemployment in our country for two and a half decades. And I just wanted to mention, it's so inconsistent or even hypocritical for the press to say that this is not anything other than an unmitigated disaster. They're falling all over themselves trying to put a spin on this thing saying, Oh, it's really not as bad as it seems. The rate of growth of unemployed people has slowed down, or it's less than we thought it was going to be. Can you imagine if we were 12 months ago, 24 months ago, when George Bush was President, what the press would have said? They would have said, It's horrible, and the policies are doing this and driving unemployment up.

Mr. LAMBORN. Well, I thank the gentleman from Missouri for letting me have this time. It's good to join you for a few minutes with this time that you've put together to speak and present to the American people and to have a dialogue between each other what the spending is really costing us. And so far it's not producing jobs. I think we hit 9.4 percent, if I have that correct, of what the latest unemployment figures are.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the Democratic bill manager has adequately explained this bill. An earlier version of the bill would have allowed water infrastructure funds to be expended for trails and a visitors center. The bill now targets funding for water recycling infrastructure only. As such, we have no objection to this narrowly focused bill. I would yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. We have no more speakers.

Mr. LAMBORN. And I yield back also.

Mr. LAMBORN

Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The Democratic bill manager has adequately explained this bill, which authorizes limited Federal participation in a water reuse project in McLennan County, Texas. We have no objection to this well-intended bill. I reserve the balance of my time.