Jerry Moran

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Nebraska and the gentleman from Ohio for this legislation. I am a supporter of H.R. 3663. In Kansas and across America, the relationship between pharmacists and patients is a vital part of the way we deliver health care. Patients depend upon pharmacists for information counseling to ensure that they receive quality products and medical services. My mom and dad are 92 and 93 and still live in my hometown of Plainville, Kansas, a town of about 1,900 people. My dad can be stubborn about going to the doctor because the doc may tell him he's not 100 percent healthy. But my dad has morning coffee with Keith Unrein, our local pharmacist, and Keith keeps a watchful eye on my dad's health. Access to pharmacies and other health care services determines whether Plainville and other Kansas towns survive and flourish, and we must protect and foster these health facilities. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has required pharmacies that provide diabetes testing supplies and other medical equipment to obtain accreditation by October 1, 2009, in order to dispense these important supplies to Medicare patients. H.R. 3663, as we have heard, will extend this accreditation deadline to January 1 and give Congress the time it needs to better address this issue. Many Kansans live in areas with too few doctors and nurses to meet their primary care needs. At the same time, the average age of Kansans is getting older. Often pharmacists are Kansans' most direct link for health information and counseling and the only place for miles that we can obtain much-needed medical equipment to keep us healthy. However, according to CMS's own estimate, 25,000 medical equipment suppliers will exit the Medicare program due to this new accreditation requirement. We should be encouraging our pharmacies and other medical professionals to provide care to their communities, not burden them with cost-prohibitive regulatory requirements that do not increase patient safety or expand access for these patients. In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this bill to protect Medicare beneficiaries' access to their necessary medications and supplies from their trusted pharmacist.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 163. This legislation designates tomorrow, September 23, 2009, as ``National Job Corps Day.'' I introduced this resolution to commemorate the 45th anniversary of Job Corps and to recognize the program for its successes. I firmly believe that the world is changed one person at a time. At Job Corps' 123 centers across the country, the program is changing lives each day. Close to three-quarters of the students who enroll in Job Corps are high school dropouts. Many have never held a full-time job. These young people come from difficult circumstances, with skills and abilities not yet discovered or fully developed. Yet, Job Corps recognizes the potential in these individuals. It gives them the opportunity to improve their education and learn an employable skill. It provides the care, encouragement, and support these youths need to turn their lives around. In an average 8 month stay at Job Corps, the majority of students leave with a high school diploma or equivalency and improve their literacy by more than two grade levels. About 75 percent of Job Corps graduates secure employment or enter the military. Young people need Job Corps now more than ever. While it can be difficult for a young person who lacks the proper skills and education to find work in good economic times, it becomes even more of a challenge in times of economic uncertainty. The unemployment rate in August for those ages 16 to 19 was a staggering 25.5 percent. For 20 to 24 year olds, the jobless rate was just over 15 percent. While Job Corps reaches some 60,000 youths each year, it cannot serve all those in need. Sadly, many young people still fall through the cracks and the cost to these individuals and society is immense. Studies tell us that over the course of the next decade, the 12 million students who are projected to drop out of high school will cost our economy more than $3 trillion. Here on this floor, we have been talking a lot lately about health care. Studies show that each class of dropouts costs states $17 billion in publically-subsidized health care over the course of their lives. In addition, individuals lacking more than a high school education make up close to the entirety of our Nation's prison population and account for 90 percent of incarceration spending. But it's about more than dollars and cents. It's about more than employment statistics. It's about people. It's about helping people achieve a better life. And that is what Job Corps does. Young people are our country's future. We have a responsibility to care for and educate them. Job Corps helps us do that. So I urge my colleagues to support this resolution and join me in recognizing Job Corps for the work it does for young people who need it most.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Madam Speaker, we are just days away from President Obama's deadline to Iran that it accept his offer of meaningful talks about that country's nuclear program. Although the U.S. and other world powers will meet in Iran on October 1, Iran has said discussions of its nuclear program are finished. Any discussion that does not include Iran's nuclear program significantly dilutes any benefits of such talks. For 8 months, Iran has had the opportunity to discuss its nuclear program. Now, moments before the deadline, it proposes talks but remains unwilling to engage on the most important issue. The President needs to rally international support through the U.N. and G-20 summit this month for sanctions against Iran to ensure that they have great impact. At the same time, Congress should move forward with legislation that has been introduced to put pressure on Iran. Specifically, we should pass H.R. 2194, the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act. The longer we wait to address Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons, the more difficult it becomes to deal with Iran, and the world becomes a more dangerous place. Hoping that Iran changes course is not a strategy we can live with.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Kansas (Ms. Jenkins).

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. I yield the gentleman an additional minute.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Holden) for his comments, and for the leadership of our Committee on Agriculture, Mr. Peterson and Mr. Lucas, for their support of this resolution, H. Res. 317. We consider this resolution today, which recognizes the region between Manhattan, Kansas, and Columbia, Missouri, a great opportunity for two States that are often rivals, to come together in recognition of the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor. This area of Kansas and Missouri has long been considered our country's headquarters for animal and bioscience. The largest concentration of animal health and nutrition interests in the Nation is located in this corridor, including more than 120 companies that account for nearly $17 billion in global sales. This amounts to over one-third of the total sales in the animal health industry. Part of what makes this region unique is its location in one of the largest livestock-producing regions in the country. My own congressional district is the largest livestock-producing district in the Nation. The Kansas City Animal Health Corridor is a benefit to livestock producers in our region and to the country, and to the employment and investments these producers contribute to the local economy. Biosciences are a tremendous opportunity for our State and its citizens. As the national economy has struggled, the animal health industry continues to expand and experience growth. The businesses, universities, and other interests located in the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor provide an opportunity for our best and brightest young people to stay and work in Kansas and Missouri, the Midwest. Earlier this year, the Department of Homeland Security named this world-renowned area for animal health research as the home of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, NBAF. This Federal laboratory is urgently needed to develop the vaccines and countermeasures against the threat of foreign animal disease, protecting our food supply and our economy. The Kansas City Animal Health Corridor will provide the workforce expertise and the collaboration opportunities to make NBAF a great success. I appreciate the House of Representatives recognizing the important role of this region to furthering animal health and nutrition across the Nation and the globe. By supporting this resolution, we are helping to foster support for crucial research and business development in the animal health and science area. I urge my colleagues and Members to support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Tiahrt).

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, how much time remains?

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I point out to Members and my colleagues that the resolution before us simply is a resolution on suspension recognizing an area, a part in Kansas, part in Missouri, related to animal science. The whereas clauses do mention that a facility has been approved for a site in Manhattan, Kansas, by the Department of Homeland Security, but this legislation before us today does nothing to say that's necessarily a good idea or bad idea. From my perspective, it is clearly a good idea. As I said earlier, I represent a congressional district in which livestock feeding, livestock raising and livestock producing is the way of life. Perhaps our most important component of our agricultural economy is feeding cattle or raising the feed to feed cattle. Even a rumor of animal disease or food safety causes the price to plummet for what we raise in Kansas. It is important for us as an industry, and important for us as a State, but important for us as a Nation to develop a facility, a top- notch, latest technology, most scientifically advanced research facility, to make certain that nothing happens to damage the safety of our food supply. What is happening on Plum Island is insufficient. It is not being rebuilt, it is not being expanded, and technology is not being improved. What we are talking about ultimately, although not in this resolution, what we are talking about is a decision by the Department of Homeland Security, both the Department from the Bush administration and the Department from the Obama administration, reaching a unanimous decision that a new facility to be built in the United States, competitively advanced, narrowed down to five States, a site ultimately chosen, unanimously chosen, and the message has been that the facility must be built, advances must be made, and science must advance the cause of animal safety. And the failure to do this, failure to move forward means that the risk we run is much greater than the risk if we fail to take this action. So today while we are here, in a sense, in a bit more ceremonial setting in which we are recognizing a set of businesses, industries and producers in a certain region of this country and naming it an animal health corridor, not here necessarily to debate the merits of NBAF, in my opinion, the location that has been chosen is the right one. Where else in the country would you expect us to care more than in the middle of cattle country to make certain that we do it right? And what university would I respect more with their ability to resolve these issues in favor of a safe food supply and protecting the cattle producers of this country than Kansas State University, the companion to the site being selected in Manhattan, Kansas. So while we are here today on perhaps a different mission, I am happy to have the discussion about the merits of what the Department of Homeland Security decided in the last administration and what the Secretary of Homeland Security in this administration says is a firm commitment that this administration is standing strongly behind. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, based upon yesterday's vote on H.R. 2749, the Food Safety Enhancement Act, one would think that the Democrat leadership would say, wait, maybe we have some issues here that need to be taken care of. Maybe we should refer this bill to the Committee on Agriculture and get some of these problems cleaned up. Instead of taking the lesson from yesterday's defeat on this bill on the Suspension Calendar, the Democrat leadership has decided to run this bill through the House under a closed rule with no debate and no amendments. I would ask: What's the problem with referring this bill to a committee of jurisdiction to make technical, yet necessary, changes? Why not allow an amendment to clean up some of the bill's problems regarding production agriculture and other rural businesses? All of us want to support a food safety bill. I will say that again: All of us, including me, want to support a food safety bill. I also believe that if the majority would allow a referral to the Committee on Agriculture, this food safety bill would receive wide and bipartisan support. However, the Democrat leadership has taken its my-way-or-the- highway approach that leaves those of us from rural America unable to support this legislation. Yesterday when H.R. 2749 was on suspension, I raised issues that concern farmers and ranchers. The primary concern is an inadequate exemption for grain farmers and livestock producers. True, the bill exempts grain farmers from performance standards and record-keeping from growing and harvesting activities, but it fails to exempt on-farm grain storage and transportation activities. So while I thank the members of the Energy and Commerce Committee for trying to accommodate us, it's still not right and more needs to be done. Another problem I would like to raise today involves the grain- handling industry, which affects thousands of small grain elevators across the country where farmers deliver their grain. Many of these facilities are already subject to USDA grain inspections. Many are also subject to State and Federal warehouse licensing fees. However, this bill gives duplication authority to the FDA to do its inspections. It also imposes a one-size-fits-all registration fee for grain-handling facilities large and small. What's the point of the fee? Grain elevators are already subject to licensing fees; so it must be to impose another revenue-raising tax. A country-of-origin labeling is included in this bill, but we don't need country-of-origin labeling for grain. Unlike meat, grain is a fungible product, and while it's possible, although difficult, to identify a steak, giving identity to tiny individual kernels of grain, which are blended with billions of other tiny kernels of grain, is next to impossible. I would like to point out that of the many food safety concerns Members and their constituents have raised, I have yet to hear a complaint about the grain industry. This is because we already have a system that works. Instead of strengthening that system, this bill overlays another system of unnecessary bureaucracy. Mr. Speaker, I oppose the rule and I oppose the bill and would ask once again that the Committee on Agriculture utilize its jurisdiction to correct the flaws so that all of us can vote ``yes.''

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Do not vote in favor of H.R. 2749 thinking that today's vote is a throwaway one to demonstrate one's support for food safety. We are all interested in food safety. It matters. Those of us involved in agriculture care about food safety. It is a matter of life and health for our consumers, and for the farmers and ranchers it is a matter of their livelihood. Even the rumor of unsafe food causes commodity prices to fall and farm incomes to decline. While I am unable to tell my colleagues the exact details of this bill, I can say with certainty there are significant adverse consequences to farmers, especially our smallest ones, and those consequences include on-farm performance standards, record-keeping requirements, arbitrary record access requirements and registration fees, none of which may actually improve food safety. The reason I am unable to describe the details of this bill is that those details became available only this morning. The bill before us was amended, striking everything after the enacting clause and inserting a new text. The entire bill as it existed yesterday was deleted and new language put in its place. There have been few hearings on this bill, constant redrafting by a few people outside the committees, and no referral to the Committee on Agriculture. Do not let the Suspension Calendar fool you. This bill is substantive legislation with uncertain consequences. Vote ``no.''

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 508, which recognizes the general aviation industry for its many and valuable contributions to our country. As a member of the Congressional General Aviation Caucus and as a representative from Kansas, I have special appreciation for the contributions of this industry. In Kansas, the aviation industry accounts for about 20 percent of the state's manufacturing employment and employs tens of thousands of Kansans. Nationwide, the general aviation industry employs nearly 1.3 million people and contributes more than $150 billion to U.S. direct and indirect economic output. While these numbers are impressive and significant, the industry's impact on our economy is even greater than the value of the products it produces. General aviation connects businesses and facilitates economic growth. It is estimated that 65 percent of general aviation flights are conducted for business and public services. Especially for businesses located in rural communities that do not have access to commercial aviation, general aviation aircraft help American businesses stay connected with customers and allow companies in small towns to compete across the country. It is important that my colleagues understand this. I was troubled in January during consideration of the TARP Reform and Accountability Act, that provisions to limit businesses from leasing or using general aircraft for business purposes were almost included in the final legislation. Doing so would have hampered economic activity, lowered national aviation production, and hurt workers everywhere, but especially in Kansas, where a large portion of our country's aviation products are manufactured. Congress must remember the importance of the general aviation industry to not only our national economy but to so many local and regional economies within the country. That is why I am pleased that we are taking up this resolution today. Like most all industries, general aviation has not been spared by the recession. During difficult times like these, it is especially important for Congress to support general aviation. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution and oppose any future proposal that would damage the general aviation industry.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. I thank the gentlewoman from Florida for recognizing me and allowing me the time this evening. Madam Speaker, it is important in life to call things what they are. Five years ago Congress did the right thing by calling what was happening in Darfur ``genocide.'' In 2007 I did travel with the gentlewoman from Florida and others to Darfur and saw genocide and its consequences firsthand. It sticks with me today. Malnourished children, family members mourning the loss of loved ones, people without homes, disease and despair in refugee camps. But whether or not one has been to Darfur, we know what is happening there. And those of us that have seen it have the obligation to tell the story. While calling the killing and violence ``genocide'' is a first and necessary step, we must do more. Our responsibility as human beings extends beyond properly recognizing the atrocities as genocide. As witnesses to genocide, we and all nations are obligated to take every necessary step to end the loss of life. So today I sadly rise 5 years after Congress declared genocide in Darfur knowing that peace does not yet prevail. Regrettably, we are here again, passing this resolution, to once more call on other nations to join us in taking steps to bring about lasting peace and to preserve the life of other human beings. The time to act was long ago. And I again urge as strongly as I know how for the United Nations and countries with significant influence in Sudan, including China and certain members of the Arab League, to fully commit to helping end the atrocities in Darfur. It is important to recognize genocide for what it is, but it is even more important that we stop genocide from taking place. The world has said ``never again.'' The world must mean it. In visiting the Holocaust Museum here in Washington, D.C., I was reminded of an earlier genocide. While there, I saw the Wall of Honor recognizing those who placed their own lives at risk to save the lives of Jews. May we be courageous enough to deserve such recognition in a wall of honor today in stopping the genocide of today.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3326, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010. Requesting Member: Congressman Jerry Moran Bill Number: H.R. 3326 Agency/Account: Department of Defense Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Kansas State University Address of Requesting Entity: 110 Anderson Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506 Description of Project: I have secured $3,500,000 for the recently established Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Mission Planning and Operation Center at Kansas State University at Salina, KS. The funding will be used to centralize UAS efforts in one location and continue the Center's collaboration with military, government and business to train UAS pilots, develop UAS technology, and create rules for safe integration of UAS aircraft into the national airspace system. The Center works in partnership with the Kansas National Guard to train Guard personnel by utilizing restricted airspace at nearby Smoky Hill Air National Guard Range. Better utilizing UAS assets will provide valuable real-time data, such as locating tornado victims, for Guard and other first responders to improve homeland security and disaster response. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project. Requesting Member: Congressman Jerry Moran Bill Number: H.R. 3326 Agency/Account: Department of Defense Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Saline County Road and Bridge Department Address of Requesting Entity: 3424 Airport Road, Salina, KS 67401 Description of Project: I have secured $1,000,000 for Saline County road improvements to better allow the transportation of military personnel and equipment to Smoky Hill Air National Guard Range near Salina, KS. Smoky Hill Range is remotely located and is accessible mainly via county roads. Currently, road conditions are poor and at times nearly impassible between the Range and the other facilities that make up the Kansas National Guard's Great Plains Joint Regional Training Center, as well as to major interstate highways connecting the Range to Fort Riley, KS. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information for publication in the Congressional Record regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3293, Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010. Requesting Member: Congressman Jerry Moran Bill Number: H.R. 3293 Agency/Account: Department of Education, Higher Education (FIPSE) Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Fort Hays State University Address of Requesting Entity: 600 Park Street, Hays, KS 67601 Description of Project: I have secured $250,000 for Fort Hays State University Equipment Project. The funding has four components. The first is for biotechnology equipment that will significantly enhance the training of undergraduate nursing students and other healthcare providers in rural Kansas. The second part is for computerized simulators which have become a significant learning tool in nursing programs as they have expanded to meet the needs of the current shortage. Physiology equipment will be purchased to enhance the training in physiology and clinical cardiopulmonary evaluation. Finally, the last part of the request is for equipment to mount a special video classroom for long-distance learning. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project. Requesting Member: Congressman Jerry Moran Bill Number: H.R. 3293 Agency/Account: Department of Education, Higher Education (FIPSE) Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Hutchinson Community College Address of Requesting Entity: 1300 N. Plum St., Hutchinson, KS 67501 Description of Project: I have secured $250,000 for Hutchinson Community College Equipment and Technology Project. In March of 2008 Hutchinson Community College broke ground on an expansion and renovation of its 40-year old science building into a Physical and Biotechnology Science Center. Donations from private donors and state and local public sources will pay for the necessary remodeling and facility expansion which is scheduled to be completed around March 2010. Funding will be used to equip the building with required safety, communication, and technical equipment and furnishings appropriate to learning environments. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project. Requesting Member: Congressman Jerry Moran Bill Number: H.R. 3293 Agency/Account: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Aging (AOA) Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Mosaic-Garden City Address of Requesting Entity: 2708 N. 11th St., Garden City, KS 67846 Description of Project: I have secured $350,000 for the Legacy Senior Services Program. Mosaic's ``Legacy Senior Services'' is a new model of service that will be provided in Garden City, Kansas, which will support approximately 40 seniors per day (age 55+), five days a week, who either have intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) or who have Alzheimer's disease. Seniors in these two groups have similar needs and can greatly benefit from similar services. Funding for Mosaic's ``Legacy Senior Services'' will be used to help staff and provide a structured environment where seniors with I/DD and those with Alzheimer's have opportunities to engage in socialization and other meaningful activities that are appropriate for each person's plan for support. These services will allow family members to receive respite from their day-to-day caregiving activities, thus reducing the likelihood of ``burnout'' that many caregivers experience while also decreasing the need for more expensive nursing home placement. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project. Requesting Member: Congressman Jerry Moran Bill Number: H.R. 3293 Agency/Account: Department of Health and Human Services, HRSA Legal Name of Requesting Entity: University of Kansas Address of Requesting Entity: 2385 Irving Hill Rd., Lawrence, KS 66405 Description of Project: I have secured $1,500,000 for the University of Kansas Cancer Research Facilities and Equipment. Funding will be used for facilities and equipment needs for cancer research in Wahl/ Hixon Research Complex at the KU Medical Center. To achieve the goal of National Cancer Institute designation, the University of Kansas Cancer Center must attract 19 new basic, translational, and clinical cancer researchers by 2011. These scholar recruits will only come to the University of Kansas Cancer Center if state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment are available on the Medical Center campus in Kansas City and the Drug Discovery campus in Lawrence. Currently, the Cancer Center plans to renovate 170,000 square feet and construct 98,200 square feet of laboratory space for cancer researchers. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3288, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010. Requesting Member: Congressman Jerry Moran Bill Number: H.R. 3288 Agency/Account: Department of Transportation, Office of the Secretary, Transportation Planning, Research, and Development Legal Name of Requesting Entity: University of Kansas Address of Requesting Entity: 2385 Irving Hill Rd., Lawrence, KS 66403 Description of Project: I have secured $350,000 for the University of Kansas Engine Test Cell Upgrade project. One of the education components of the University is the School of Engineering. The School of Engineering promotes and teaches interdisciplinary research learning. Engineers and computer scientists from different disciplines work together to provide innovative solutions to challenges around the world. Funding will be used to purchase equipment including an AC dynamometer. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project. Requesting Member: Congressman Jerry Moran Bill Number: H.R. 3288 Agency/Account: Federal Aviation Administration, Airport Improvement Program Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Oberlin Municipal Airport Address of Requesting Entity: 1832 Highway 83, Oberlin, KS 66749 Description of Project: I have secured $500,000 for the Oberlin Municipal Airport Runway Realignment and Lengthening Project. Recently the FAA has required a 500 foot displacement on the south end of north/south runway 17-35 at the Oberlin Municipal Airport. Shortening of the runway and lack of expansion to the north further hinders usage of the current alignment. Decatur County is currently not being served by air ambulance. Eagle Med sets runway requirements the pressure altitude of 2705, Oberlin, Kansas on an 85 degree day with a 10 knot head wind of approximately 4,200; this requirement increases about 100 feet for every one degree of temperature. The current north/south runway is less than 3,900 feet. Funding will be used for construction of this proposed new runway which will solve the aforementioned issues. The new runway, while providing utility for the existing users, will offer growth and expansion for several companies that use aviation, all of which are hindered by the poor runway conditions. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project. Requesting Member: Congressman Jerry Moran Bill Number: H.R. 3288 Agency/Account: Federal Highway Administration, Surface Transportation Priorities Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Great Bend Address of Requesting Entity: 1209 Williams, Great Bend, KS 67530 Description of Project: I have secured $400,000 for the Broadway and Kansas Avenue Repair Project in Great Bend, KS. The Broadway/Kansas Avenue Repair and Rehabilitation Project is designed to repair two roadways of economic importance to the Great Bend Community. Both roadways serve as major traffic arterials for commercial and residential traffic alike. Because of the sheer amount and the kind of traffic both these routes receive, the condition of both roadways is in rapidly increasing disrepair. The high traffic levels along with age of concrete sections on both routes have caused these sections of roadway to deteriorate faster than the typical roadway. The nature of businesses located on both of these routes makes repair action increasingly important. Funding will be used to help repair these roads. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project. Requesting Member: Congressman Jerry Moran Bill Number: H.R. 3288 Agency/Account: Federal Highway Administration, Surface Transportation Priorities Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Junction City Address of Requesting Entity: 700 North Jefferson, P.O. Box 287, Junction City, KS 66441 Description of Project: I have secured $500,000 for the Rucker Road at US-77 Project in Junction City, Kansas. The development of housing and business operations on the west side of Junction City has created a need for additional traffic signals at Rucker Road and US-77. Funding will be used for the addition of traffic signals and turn lanes on US- 77 and Rucker Road, which will ease the congestion and reduce the potential for accidents at this busy intersection. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, good evening. Since the Wright brothers left the ground for the first time at Kitty Hawk, aviation has fascinated our collective imagination, contributed to unprecedented interaction among people, and grown to become one of the most important industries in our Nation. Whether it was aviators of the past, like Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, or those more recently, like Steve Fossett, who flew a solo, nonstop trip around the world that began and ended in Salina, Kansas, aviation has had a unique ability to capture our attention and to inspire us to achieve things which we once thought were impossible. Advances in aviation technology and engineering have led to the development of larger, faster, more fuel-efficient planes that carry passengers and goods around the world. The ease of travel and shipment modern aviation allows has contributed to a worldwide economic growth and to new opportunities for leisure travel for far more people than ever before. In America, the aviation industry accounts for more than $1 trillion in economic activity each year. Millions of Americans are employed by this critical industry that facilitates so many other economic transactions. As a Kansan, I take special pride in the aviation industry, which has deep roots in our State. Pioneers in the industry, such as Glenn Stearman, Walter Beech, Clyde Cessna, Bill Lear, and Amelia Earhart, all have important connections to the Sunflower State. Many of these innovators helped establish Wichita as the ``Air Capital of the World.'' Today, a who's who of aviation companies operates in the city of Wichita, including Boeing, Airbus, Bombardier, Cessna, Hawker Beechcraft, Spirit Aerosystems, and Raytheon. In Kansas, the aviation industry accounts for 20 percent of the State's manufacturing employment, and it employs tens of thousands of Kansans. Engineers, machinists, mechanics, inspectors, scientists, and technicians are dedicated to producing the best aircraft in the world. These employees take great pride in what they do, and they deserve our support. Yet the industry faces significant challenges. The recession has hit aviation hard, and many workers have lost their jobs. During the difficult times that we're in, Congress especially needs to be supportive of this critical component of America's manufacturing base. Efforts to demagogue about the use of private planes and business aviation by private corporations harm this industry. I was troubled in January, during the consideration of the TARP Reform and Accountability Act, that provisions to limit businesses from leasing or from using general aircraft for business purposes were almost included in the final legislation. Doing so would have lowered the national aviation production, and it would have hurt workers everywhere, especially in Kansas, where more than 54 percent of our country's aviation products are manufactured. Congress must remember the importance of this industry, not only to our national economy but to so many local and regional economies within the country. It is in our collective interest to protect and to encourage growth in the general aviation community. As a member of the Congressional Aviation Caucus, I work to inform and to educate Members of Congress about the importance of this industry to our Nation. Congress was right to, once again, reject the ``user-fee'' proposal that would have further harmed general aviation. User fees would have unfairly burdened the general aviation industry. Congress must continue to oppose unnecessary taxes or fees on general aviation. Those in Congress must also question and fight the impractical regulations, such as the Transportation Security Administration's large aircraft security proposal, which would apply to many of the planes owned by individuals and small companies. When it comes to key American industries, aviation is at the top of the list. I encourage my colleagues to join me in pledging to do all we can to promote aviation through responsible policy.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I for one believe that the health care system must be reformed. I've said that and have worked in that regard during my time in Congress. But I'm greatly concerned about the plans that I see coming forth for us to consider in this Congress. The single-payer plan raises concerns with me on behalf of senior citizens across the country, especially those I represent in Kansas. The plan that we are currently operating under, Medicare, provides wonderful services for many Americans, for senior citizens. But the reality is, that plan is bankrupt. We will spend $38 trillion more than we have over the next 75 years. The plan is expected to be bankrupt by 2017. So the idea that we would expand the plan when it already is in financial difficulty baffles my mind. The plan is to raise $820 billion in taxes, and we still leave the national debt increasing by $239 billion. This plan needs attention, and we need to make certain that what we do does not wreck the health care delivery plan we have in place for seniors today, especially in places like Kansas, where senior citizens are dominant. That plan does that.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to H.R. 3170, the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act for 2010. This bill passed the House of Representatives on July 16, 2009, over my objection, by a vote of 219-208. I opposed H.R. 3170 because the bill adopts the Obama Administration's proposal to allow publically funded abortion in the District of Columbia. The ``Dornan Amendment,'' which has been included annually in this appropriations bill since 1996, prevents the use of any congressionally appropriated funds for elective abortions in the District. H.R. 3170 repeals this prohibition and replaces it with a meaningless watered-down restriction that applies only to funds specifically contributed for ``federal'' program purposes. Because ``federal'' and ``local'' funds are commingled in the District, separating them is a mere bookkeeping exercise. By simply designating the funds that pay for abortions as ``local'' funds, D.C. will be able to fund abortion on demand. Stripping the Dornan Amendment from financial services appropriations bill is unacceptable. Our nation's capital already has one of the highest abortion rates in the country. Removing the Dornan Amendment from the bill will certainly increase those numbers, especially among teenagers. President Obama has repeatedly vowed that his goal is to reduce the number of abortions in our country. I question how providing taxpayer funding for abortions will somehow reduce the number of abortions. More than 40% of all pregnancies in the District already end in abortion. Even the Guttmacher Institute, an organization founded by a division of Planned Parenthood, reports that when public funding is not available, 30% fewer women in the covered population have abortions. This means that 30% of babies whose mothers receive government subsidized health care survive because of abortion funding restrictions. No administration or lawmaker can support this policy change and still claim to support reducing abortions. Washington, D.C. has a troubled history when it comes to abortion funding. In the 1980s, when D.C. funded abortion, the District had one of the most permissive policies in the nation. A full D.C. abortion funding ban was enacted in 1989. In 1994, when the funding ban was lifted, D.C. took $1 million away from the Medical Charities fund, which was created to help AIDS patients, to instead pay for abortion. Then, the District needed additional funds to make up for the funds lost to abortion. After that, when the abortion funding ban was reinstated in 1996, the city continued to fund abortions in violation of the law for two more years. Including the Dornan Amendment in the Financial Services appropriations bill is a logical means to help reduce abortions, a common cause of both the Republican and Democratic parties, and protect our most vulnerable citizens. Directing taxpayer dollars to fund abortions is a clear violation of many Americans' deeply held beliefs and is simply bad public policy. For this reason, I stand in opposition to H.R. 3170.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, here we go again-- yet another attempt to expand the power of the Federal Government and to intrude further in America's business. Just like with cap-and-trade, which was forced upon Members without proper consideration, here comes another bill from the Energy and Commerce Committee. This time it is H.R. 2749, the Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009. I do believe that our Nation has the safest food supply system in the world, and I also agree that we should continue to examine that supply system to make certain that we continue to improve upon it. However, H.R. 2749 will not make us a better food safety country. Instead, it will expand the Federal bureaucracy, and it will impose unnecessary costs on a struggling ag economy. This legislation represents a dramatic shift in Federal policy that could, just like cap-and-trade, devastate agriculture. This legislation was considered by the Energy and Commerce Committee just a couple of weeks ago. Now, just like cap-and-trade, the Democratic leadership wants to bypass the expertise of the Committee on Agriculture and bring this bill to the floor, this time under a suspension of the rules--no further consideration, no markups by other committees of jurisdiction, no amendments, just a vote. One provision of H.R. 2749 that is of particular concern is section 103. This section would require the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to set on-farm performance standards. For the first time, we would have the Federal Government telling our farmers and ranchers how to grow crops and raise livestock. The cultivation of crops and the production of food animals is an immensely complex endeavor involving a vast range of processes. We raise a multitude of crops and livestock in numerous regions, using various production methods. Imagine if the government is allowed to dictate how all of that is done. Chaos will ensue. Unfortunately, that is what H.R. 2749 allows. Those who have never been on a farm will be allowed to tell a producer how to conduct his or her operations. We will not improve food safety by allowing the Food and Drug Administration to tell our farmers what to do. We will improve food safety by allowing farmers and ranchers to do something that they and their ancestors have been doing for generations. There are other problems with this bill as well--new penalties, recordkeeping requirements, traceability, registration mandates, user fees--all things that do nothing to prevent food-borne diseases and outbreaks but that do plenty to keep regulators busy and that increase costs. I raised these concerns today in a hearing of the House Agriculture Committee, which was reviewing food safety. The witnesses representing the FDA tried to reassure the committee by telling us not to worry, that they knew what they were doing and that they would consult with the Department of Agriculture. However, the FDA has no expertise in crop and livestock production practices, and I have little confidence that the FDA will work with the USDA. In fact, a recent example of the FDA's unwillingness to accept the expertise of the USDA was demonstrated this week. It involved another bill, H.R. 1549, which would restrict--in fact, eliminate--the use of animal antibiotics. H.R. 1549 would institute a ban on the nontherapeutic uses of antibiotics, which is another ill-conceived concept concerning a very complex issue. Yet we learned today that no consultation by the FDA has occurred with the USDA. In a hearing earlier this week before the House Rules Committee, the FDA suddenly shifted its course and supported this ban. No new research or scientific analysis was presented. Again, apparently no consultation with the USDA occurred. So much for collaborating with the Department of Agriculture. Mr. Speaker, we must stop rushing legislation through Congress without careful, thoughtful and complete consideration. Congress rarely gets things right when we have ample time to properly consider policy changes, but it never makes good decisions when rushed by arbitrary timetables. H.R. 2749 needs to be referred to the Committee on Agriculture to allow for necessary improvements to this food safety bill, improvements which will actually improve the food safety of our country and will not shut down agriculture. We do not need FDA from farm to fork.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3183, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010. Requesting Member: Congressman Jerry Moran Bill Number: H.R. 3183 Agency/Account: Corps of Engineers, Section 205 Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Concordia Address of Requesting Entity: 701 Washington Street, Concordia, KS 66901 Description of Project: I have secured language for the Army Corps of Engineers to provide assistance to The Concordia project which is located on an unnamed tributary on the south side of the City of Concordia. An existing embankment on that stream serves as a detention dam during heavy rainfall events and protects a residential and commercial development immediately downstream. This embankment breached as a result of heavy rainfall in 1950 and flood waters devastated the downtown business district. The embankment was restored, but not designed to current or any acceptable engineering standards, and its condition makes the risk of flooding to the housing and business district immediately downstream very high. The project will develop a plan to construct a safe and reliable flood protection project in partnership with the City of Concordia. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project. Requesting Member: Congressman Jerry Moran Bill Number: H.R. 3183 Agency/Account: Department of Energy, EERE Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Kansas State University Address of Requesting Entity: 110 Anderson Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506 Description of Project: I have secured $500,000 for the Kansas State University Center for Sustainable Energy. The Kansas State University Center for Sustainable Energy has become a partner in the Alliance for Biotroleum Ventures which will serve as a catalyst for transforming America's energy landscape by integrating the Midwest's vast capabilities and resources. The K-State Center for Sustainable Energy provides broad-based expertise in biomass design, production, and conversion to fuels and chemicals, as well as in biofuel/bioproduct utilization. The Center is K-State's focal point for research, education, and outreach on biotroleum-based fuels and products. Funding will be used to support the work the K-State University Center for Sustainable Energy is doing in regards to the Alliance for Biotroleum Ventures. This includes integrating renewable Midwest biomass and public-private ``biotroleum'' resources to advance technology to production scale for rapid national deployment. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project. Requesting Member: Congressman Jerry Moran Bill Number: H.R. 3183 Agency/Account: Department of Energy, EERE Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Cloud County Community College Address of Requesting Entity: 2221 Campus Drive, P.O. Box 1002, Concordia, KS 66901 Description of Project: I have secured $750,000 for Cloud County Community College Renewable Energy Center of Excellence. Located on campus, the proposed center will house Cloud County Community College's (CCCC's) Wind Energy Technology (WET) program and wind technician education training. The facility will also be available for regional wind conferences, public and private industry training, and workshops related to other renewable energy initiatives. CCCC's Wind Energy Technology program is preparing a qualified workforce for the emerging wind industry estimated to increase by 80,000 jobs by 2020. The curriculum blends on-campus, online and distance learning, and field opportunities for students. Funding will be used to establish the CCCC Renewable Energy Center of Excellence and to help develop curriculum and program standards for the WET program. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Madam speaker, I submit a clarification of my vote on Rollcall No. 503 the Hensarling Amendment No. 6, to H.R. 2997. I mistakenly voted ``nay'' when I intended to vote ``yea''. The amendment would have Prohibited funds from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service from being used for an earmark for the National Biodiversity Conservation Strategy project, Kiski Basin, Pennsylvania, and reduces the overall amount of the appropriations in the bill by $200,000. I had mistakenly believed that I had voted yea and it was not until after the vote had closed that I realized that I had pressed the wrong button and voted nay. My vote against the Hensarling amendment was purely accidental and I regret my error and appreciate the opportunity for clarification.

Mr. MORAN of Kansas

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Chair, I submit clarification of my vote on rollcall No. 503 the Hensarling Amendment No. 6, to H.R. 2997. I mistakenly voted ``nay'' when I intended to vote ``yea.'' Part C Amendment No. 2 Offered by Mr. Campbell