Betty McCollum

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize this week as National Invasive Species Awareness Week. The National Invasive Species Awareness Week is an opportunity to learn about invasive species in our communities and the risk they pose to our environments, economy, and native wildlife. These non-native plants, animals, and other microorganisms are costing our local communities, states, and the federal government millions of dollars each year. One species of concern for my district is Asian Carp. If left unchecked, Asian Carp will destroy local ecosystems and potentially risk thousands of jobs in my home state of Minnesota. Since the 1970s, this environmental-invader has overwhelmed the Mississippi watershed. Asian Carp now threatens an estimated 10,000 lakes and 92,000 miles of rivers and streams in Minnesota. Jumping almost ten feet in the air, they pose a real hazard to boaters and fishermen. Our state is not alone in the devastating effects of this invasive species. Communities in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Iowa, Kentucky, Ohio, and Wisconsin have all been affected by Asian Carp. Earlier this year, I re-introduced the Strategic Response to Asian Carp Invasion Act (H.R. 358) along with Congressman Mike Kelly (R-PA). Effectively combatting this serious problem requires the federal government to be an equal partner, engaged with our states and local communities. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Pat Toomey (R-PA) have introduced an identical version--S. 125. Our legislation will hold federal agencies accountable and improve their coordination with local authorities to slow the spread of Asian Carp. The bill would require the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to lead a new multi-agency effort that includes the Army Corps of Engineers, the National Park Service and the U.S. Geological, Survey to develop a coordinated strategy that supports on-going state and regional efforts as well as provide high-level technical assistance, best practices, and other resources. Ongoing work by the Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Commission, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, non-governmental organizations, our Canadian partners, and regional efforts demonstrate a broad recognition of the scope of this threat. However, no federal strategy currently exists to protect the Upper Mississippi and Ohio River basins and tributaries from this destructive, invasive species. The Strategic Response to Asian Carp Invasion Act has the endorsement of several national wide organizations such as Trout Unlimited, National Wildlife Federation, National Parks Conservation Association, and B.A.S.S. Last year, taxpayers paid an estimated $100 million for the control of Asian Carp. We will continue to waste taxpayer dollars without a national strategy that targets our resources, invests in new solutions, and coordinates ongoing, effective efforts to slow the spread of Asian Carp.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 592. In this country, we have a strong tradition of coming to the aid of communities that have suffered national tragedies and natural disasters. This is a tradition to be proud of, but H.R. 592 takes an unprecedented and unconstitutional step of adding houses of worship to the list of entities eligible for direct government assistance through Federal Emergency Management Agency. The Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled that direct government aid for houses of worship is unconstitutional. In Tilton v. Richardson (1971) and Committee for Public Education v. Nyquist (1973), the Supreme Court ruled that taxpayer funds could not go to buildings to construct or repair facilities intended to be places of worship. Religious institutions are still eligible for federal loans, including small business loans, to help rebuild their place of worship. Justice Sandra Day O'Connor wrote in a later ruling (Mitchell v. Helms, 2000), that direct grant government grants to religious institutions brings ``special dangers.'' This danger is not just to the government, but also to the religious institution. Religious freedom is one of our country's most sacred principles. The separation of church and state protects not only the state, but also the church from state interference and restriction. This type of direct assistance, however well intentioned, puts that separation and religious freedom at risk. Churches, synagogues, temples and mosques are often the center of a community; the wish to rebuild as quickly as possible in the wake of a natural disaster is well-intentioned and understandable. However, rebuilding or repairing these houses of worship with direct government assistance, putting their independence at risk, comes at too high of a cost.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the founders, members and staff of Pheasants Forever on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the organization. The Minnesota roots of this organization go back to day one and its 500 original members in the early 1980s. Residents of Minnesota's Fourth Congressional District share great pride that for most of those years, the organization has worked to protect the habitat for this beautiful bird throughout North America from its home base in White Bear Lake. Today, Pheasants Forever boasts more than 125,000 members in more than 600 chapters in both the U.S. and Canada, from Pennsylvania to Washington and Minnesota to Texas. Minnesota has a long and distinguished history of wildlife conservation, and is the birthplace of several organizations dedicated to protecting wildlife and other natural resources. Born out of a crisis when our state suffered a dramatic decline in pheasant numbers, Pheasants Forever is a vital part of this proud tradition. The organization first took flight when a group of conservation minded hunters rose to meet the challenge presented by Dennis Anderson, St Paul Pioneer Press outdoor editor, as he wrote about the devastation of grassland habitat in Minnesota. The grassroots origins of Pheasants Forever have remained critical to its success, and each chapter is empowered to determine how their funds are used. Members directly participate in the decisionmaking process and see firsthand the conservation impact of their contributions. Over the years, this strategy has produced real progress in protecting habitat. In 1985, members of Pheasants Forever helped form the Conservation Reserve Program, CRP, as part of the Department of Agriculture. The CRP implemented a land set-aside program that paid landowners to keep their environmentally sensitive areas unused, creating more natural habitat for pheasants and other wildlife. To this day, Pheasants Forever continues to work closely with the Department of Agriculture, partnering with USDA service centers and local landowners to create and improve vital habitat on private lands. More recently, Pheasants Forever launched the ``Build a Wildlife'' program to create public hunting grounds and outdoor recreation areas. In 2005, Quail Forever launched to focus on improving habitats for quail populations. To date, Pheasant Forever's various initiatives have protected and improved more than 8 million acres of wildlife habitat. These significant achievements have reversed the trend toward vanishing grasslands, and made Minnesota a premier example of upland habitat conservation. Mr. Speaker, I honor the 30th anniversary of Pheasants Forever and the hunters and outdoor enthusiasts who make this organization successful.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the unique history of the Saint Paul Curling Club on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the organization. Since 1912, the club has called Selby Avenue in Saint Paul, Minnesota its home. Today, it is the largest curling club in the United States with more than 1,200 members. The sport of curling has a deep and rich history in Minnesota's capital city. In 1885 two clubs formed under the names of the Saint Paul Curling Club and the Nushka Curling Club. The first games were played on the frozen Mississippi River near Raspberry Island in downtown St. Paul. In 1904 the first Saint Paul Curling Club closed and the Capitol City Curling Club was formed the following year. In 1912 the Capitol City and Nushka Curling Clubs merged to form the current Saint Paul Curling Club and the new club took up residence in its current home on Selby Avenue. During its century on Selby Avenue, the Saint Paul Curling Club has witnessed many changes--seasonal outdoor ice sheets have been upgraded to year round indoor refrigerated rinks; financial woes and declining membership in past decades have given way to booming times and a surge in membership; and a neighborhood in decline has been reborn. Throughout all these changes and more, the Saint Paul Curling Club has remained at 470 Selby Avenue. It has not only survived, it has invested in painstaking restoration as well as expansion of its historic home. Throughout its history on Selby Avenue, the Saint Paul Curling Club has served as a foundation for this neighborhood, which is once again a thriving residential community and bustling destination for dining, shopping, and socializing. Central to the Saint Paul Curling Club is the sport of curling. Not only is it the largest curling club in the U.S., it has frequently played host to both national and international competitions. The club has hosted numerous bonspiel's, which are curling tournaments, and in 1988 they hosted the USCA Men's Championship. The club is also home to former Olympians from the 2010 Vancouver games, John Benton and Allison Pottinger. The club has helped bring recognition and respect to the City of Saint Paul. Mr. Speaker, in honor of all the past and present members of the Saint Paul Curling Club, I am pleased to submit this statement for the Congressional Record recognizing the Centennial Anniversary of this Saint Paul landmark.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, with regard to H.R. 6726, this is a bill to deny all federal civilian employees a 0.5% pay increase after they have endured two consecutive years of a mandatory pay freeze. This bill unfairly punishes federal employees who have already sacrificed significantly during difficult economic times. By denying federal employees even a modest salary adjustment this Republican bill strangles the federal workforce, making federal service an ever less attractive career option for America's best and brightest. This bill also denies a modest cost of living increase to Members of Congress. If House Republicans want to deny a pay increase for Members of Congress then they should have put forward a clean bill that does not punish the federal civilian workforce. Last night the U.S. Senate passed the bipartisan amendment to H.R. 8 that prevents a tax increase for 98% of American taxpayers. In Section 902 of that legislation is language denying a cost of living increase to Members of Congress in 2013. If my Republican colleagues really want to deny Congress a pay increase that has a chance of becoming law then I urge them to vote for the Senate's bipartisan agreement that raises taxes on millionaires and billionaires and cuts taxes for middle class families.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, this evening I inadvertently missed voting on rollcall votes 655, 656, and 657. I intended to vote ``no'' on H.R. 6726. I intended to vote ``yes'' on the Senate Amendment to H.R. 443. I intended to vote ``yes'' on the Senate Amendment to H.R. 4212.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I am deeply disappointed that I must rise in opposition to the Conference Report on H.R. 4310, the FY13 National Defense Authorization Act. America's men and women in uniform deserve, and Congress must pass, legislation that provides them with the resources they need to preserve our national security. Unfortunately, this bill does not reflect the range of 21st-Century threats the United States must prepare for, nor does it reflect the urgent fiscal crisis this Congress must address. What this massive $633 billion defense bill does reflect, however, are disastrously misplaced priorities. On May 10th of this year, House Republicans passed the Sequester Replacement Reconciliation Act (H.R. 5652), which exempts the Pentagon from $55 billion in automatic spending cuts agreed to in last year's Budget Control Act (P.L. 112-25). How did they propose to do it? By cutting over $310 billion from domestic programs. These were cuts to nutrition assistance programs for low-income seniors, people with disabilities, and working families; cuts that will deny more than 200,000 low-income children their school lunches; cuts to the Meals on Wheels program critical to disabled seniors, and cuts to programs that protect vulnerable and abused children. These will have a real and severe impact on American families. Instead of asking the Pentagon to make tough choices and eliminate wasteful spending programs, House Republicans would rather balance the budget on the backs of our Nation's most vulnerable citizens. Here is just one example of Pentagon spending that House Republicans are protecting by cutting programs for low-income children, seniors, and working families: in this fiscal year, the Department of Defense plans to spend $389 million for its 150 military bands and more than 5,000 full-time, professional military musicians. This is a prime example of excessive military spending that we simply do not need, and can no longer afford. Earlier this year, the House passed my bipartisan amendment to this bill limiting the amount the military spends annually on military bands to no more than $200 million--not an insignificant sum. I am very disappointed to see that this language was not included in the Conference Report. This smart cut would have continued to provided $200 million for military bands in fiscal year 2013, ensuring that America would maintain its strong tradition of military bands, while saving taxpayers $2 billion over the next decade. Lastly, the Conference Report does virtually nothing to correct the civil liberties abuses passed in last year's defense authorization bill. House and Senate Conferees stripped a bipartisan amendment offered by Senators Feinstein (D-CA) and Senator Lee (R-UT) which would have helped ensure that no one can be denied a fair trial and detained indefinitely when they are captured in the United States. I am appalled that this commonsense amendment to protect the most basic American civil liberties was not included in the legislation before us today. Mr. Speaker, there are several positive provisions of this bill that I support, including the continuance of DOD clean energy programs, lifting restrictions on servicewomen's access to reproductive health care, and addressing military sexual assault. It also takes steps that would help eliminate hazing in the military and prevents any increase in new TRICARE fees. Unfortunately, the underlying legislation contains too much wasteful spending and does not correct the egregious human abuses that were part of the fiscal year 2012 bill. One of our primary duties as Members of Congress is to provide the resources and policy guidance necessary to protect our Nation. We must make certain that every dollar in this bill contributes to our national defense. It is time for tough choices and smart cuts that save taxpayer dollars, even at the Pentagon. Wasteful and excessive Pentagon spending is no longer acceptable as low income families, seniors, and disabled Americans to go without the critical services. I urge my colleagues oppose this legislation.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, this Republican-controlled House has less than 36 hours to pass an extension of middle class tax cuts. Count me in as a ``yes'' vote right now to protect 98 percent of taxpayers from a tax increase. There should be bipartisan support to protect middle class families from higher taxes as our economy recovers. So I sincerely hope that this Republican House is not so broken, so dysfunctional, and so out of touch with the real lives of Americans that the majority simply refuses to stand with Democrats to immediately pass an extension of the middle class tax cuts. Yes, the top negotiations on other fiscal cliff issues must continue, but, Mr. Speaker, do not deny this Congress the opportunity to vote on a clean bill protecting middle class Americans. Let's start the new year by passing a commonsense, bipartisan extension of the middle class tax cuts and show America that Congress still works.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 80th anniversary of the Saint Paul Port Authority. For decades, the Port Authority has successfully managed the Port of Saint Paul, Minnesota, at the head of navigation on America's greatest river. Additionally, this regional industrial redevelopment organization has redeveloped major tracts of polluted industrial land in Saint Paul, Minnesota, resulting in more than $150 million of private investment, new job creation and tax revenue for the metropolitan area. The Saint Paul Port Authority was created by the Minnesota Legislature in the early 1930s as a direct result of Congress' decision to dredge a nine-foot channel in the Mississippi River from Saint Paul to New Orleans. As the manager of the Saint Paul Harbor, the Port Authority continues to foster a thriving commodities transportation network that has created thousands of jobs, increased the city's population, and has made St. Paul a major hub for agricultural and commodity shipping. Over time, the Saint Paul Port Authority's role was expanded to include revitalization. Today, the Saint Paul Port Authority specializes in restoring polluted and vacant properties, remediating Brownfields, and financing small and large business ventures. Through their knowledge, expertise, and ability to partner with key players, the Port Authority has become a major economic development force in our city, creating 22 business centers, and generating more than $33 million a year in real estate and property tax revenue. As noted in the June 26, 2012, New York Times article titled, ``Reconciling History and Hope at 3M's Old Home,'' the Saint Paul Port Authority's most recent development of the 61-acre abandoned 3M manufacturing site is a redevelopment success story and a testimony to their expertise. Because of the Port Authority's work, the old 3M home has been reborn into a private commercial development, committed to employing local residents with good-paying jobs and an eye towards preserving the local history that complements the city's unique and diverse East side neighborhoods. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to submit this statement for the Record commemorating the Saint Paul Port Authority's 80th anniversary, and commending its vital role in promoting economic development and fostering growth in the Saint Paul areas for the past eight decades.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 6156, the Russia and Moldova Jackson-Vanik Repeal Act of 2012. This legislation sends the wrong message, rewarding President Putin with trade privileges at a time when he is crushing pro-democracy voices at home and arming the murderous Assad regime in Syria. Russia has repeatedly and deliberately blocked international efforts to bring an end to the violence in Syria. The Russian government continues to arm President Bashar alAssad as he murders his own people. Just last month, the Turkish government seized munitions from a Russian flight intended for the Syrian Army. The violence has had a devastating impact on Syrian civilians, with 2.5 million internally displaced and over 400,000 registered refugees living in neighboring countries. By early next year, 4 million Syrians will need humanitarian assistance. Russia's support of the Syrian Army is extending the conflict, which increases the risks of destabilization within the region. The conflict has already spilled over Syria's borders into Turkey and Lebanon. Before I support any legislation favorable to Russia, that country's leaders must stop arming the Syrian regime and allow the international community to take action to end the violence. Proponents of this legislation argue it is time for Russia to graduate from Jackson-Vanik. This graduation, however, would take place in the middle of a serious crackdown on human rights in Russia. In the past year, the Russian government has forced international non- governmental organizations out of the country and imposed harsh sentences on individuals for peaceful protest. Just three days ago, President Putin signed a law that expands the definition of treason so broadly that any individual working with an international organization is at risk of being jailed for treason. These repressive tactics signal a serious step backward for Russia's human rights record. H.R. 6156 contains the Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act, which would require President Obama to publically name those responsible for Mr. Magnitsky's torture and murder. The President would then be able to address those persons and other human rights abusers with individual sanctions, including prohibitions on travel to the United States and the use of American banking facilities. Those responsible for Mr. Magnitsky's murder should be brought to justice. While I support this provision, it is not enough to justify voting for the bill, which ignores the continued suffering of millions in Russia and Syria. I urge my colleagues to join me in opposing H.R. 6156.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, the American people expect Congress to go to work, to create jobs and grow our economy. We all heard that message loud and clear in last week's election. We have an opportunity to save 75,000 American jobs right now by extending the wind production tax credit. In Minnesota, this tax credit helped create an entire industry, employs thousands of people from construction workers to high-tech analysts, and all of these jobs now, well, they're under threat. The St. Paul Pioneer Press ran a story last week, entitled, ``Wind- energy jobs falling off as tax credit set to expire.'' Minnesota companies are now being forced to lay off workers because the House has failed to act. Last quarter there was not one new single wind project announced in America because of the uncertainty of the tax credit. This is unacceptable and is completely avoidable. There is strong bipartisan support for extending this credit. Congress cannot wait until December 31. I urge Congress to pass the wind production energy tax credit.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak regarding H.R. 5987, which establishes the Manhattan Project National Historical Park in Oak Ridge, Tennessee; Los Alamos, New Mexico; and Hanford, Washington. These American cities were the primary locations of the Manhattan Project--an unprecedented American research and development effort during World War II that harnessed the power of the atom to produce the world's first atomic weapons. The project produced the atomic bombs detonated over the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki that ultimately led to the surrender of Japan in August 1945. The Manhattan Project is worthy of national recognition as a scientific achievement and a historical turning point in the greatest conflict of the 20th century. However, the highest degree of sensitivity is required in doing so. The same blasts that ended America's war and brought joy to our streets resulted in the death of over 300,000 Japanese civilians. There are important questions about how the National Park Service will interpret this new monument. These questions should be answered before H.R. 5987 moves forward. While I do not oppose the establishment of a national historic park recognizing the Manhattan Project, I expect the necessary consultations with stakeholders to occur prior to passage of this legislation.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 5912. This is a misguided bill that repeals public financing of our national political conventions and allows moneyed special-interests to complete their corporate buyout of America's electoral process. Public financing of both Democratic and Republican conventions, created in 1976 following the Watergate scandal, was designed to establish a safeguard against corruption in the political system by reducing the emphasis on fundraising in presidential campaigns and diminishing the influence of wealthy special interests. In recent years, the need to modernize the system for today's campaign environment has become evident, but the system remains as critical as ever to the integrity of our democracy--especially in the wake of the Supreme Court's Citizens United vs. FEC ruling. The disastrous Citizens United decision that unleashed nearly a billion dollars of corporate funding into the Presidential race has demonstrated how essential it is to restore and uphold the integrity of our elections. Passage of H.R. 5912 would only serve to further undermine this integrity by enabling secretive Super PACs and billionaires to take full control of our political conventions, a critical component of America's electoral process. Furthermore, public financing plays a vital role in helping state and local governments offset the costs associated with hosting national political conventions. These costs may include property taxes, parking accommodations, and local law enforcement funding. H.R. 5912 is unfair to the municipalities that have the honor of hosting these important national events. The financing system for political conventions must be repaired, not repealed, to better serve the interests of the American people and protect against corruption. I urge my colleagues to oppose this legislation.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to honor the life of Chairman Stanley Crooks of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. With the passing of Chairman Crooks on Saturday, August 25, the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, Minnesota and America lost a transformative and highly respected leader. Chairman Crooks lived his life serving our nation, the residents of Minnesota and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. A proud veteran of the United States Navy, Chairman Crooks was first elected chairman of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community in 1992. During his decades of leadership, he earned national renown for his eloquent and effective defense of tribal sovereignty. Chairman Crooks never missed an opportunity to reach out to less fortunate communities or to speak out on their behalf. He touched lives in a way that provided hope, opportunity, and dignity to Native American families and communities in need. He was a visionary and a proud leader, and his mentorship inspired a generation that will continue his work for Indian country. Those who knew him well share a tremendous appreciation, respect and fondness for him. I am grateful that he was always ready to lend a hand and to share with me his experience and wisdom regarding tribal issues. Mr. Speaker, the entire Congressional delegation from Minnesota extends our deepest sympathies to Chairman Crooks' family, including Cheryl, his wife of 48 years, as well as the entire Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, and all who encountered his generosity and profound spirit. Please join us in honoring the life of this great leader.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 786. I join President Obama, Secretary of State Clinton and my colleagues in Congress in condemning these attacks in the strongest possible terms. The attacks on our embassies in Cairo, Egypt and Sana, Yemen and the violent assault on our consulate in Benghazi, Libya were shocking and unacceptable. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the four U.S. embassy employees, including Ambassador Christopher Stevens, who lost their lives in the attack. Their courageous service represents the very best of America and their sacrifice will not be forgotten. Every day, America's diplomats serve their country by promoting our interests and values around the world. This difficult task becomes even more daunting and important in unstable countries where young democracies are struggling to take root in the presence of violent opponents and in the shadow of historical oppression. As our nation grieves this loss we must also strengthen our resolve. The changes brought by the Arab Spring are still unfolding. It is crucial for the United States to engage in these countries and support their transition to stable democracies that respect religious rights, human rights, especially the rights of women. In closing, the outpouring of condolences from the citizens of Libya, including those in Benghazi, is heartening. I was struck by the image of a young Libyan women holding a sign written in English so it would be understood by Americans that said ``Thugs and killers don't represent Benghazi or Islam.'' Ambassador Stevens believed these voices would ultimately triumph in Libya and we honor his memory by standing steadfast with them in their democratic journey.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the 100th Anniversary of the Nut Goodie Bar--one of my favorite candies that just so happens to be produced in Saint Paul, Minnesota in my congressional district. This delicious candy became an instant success when it was introduced by Pearson's Candy Company in 1912, and it continues to delight 100 years later. Honoring the 100th Anniversary of a candy as iconic as Pearson's Nut Goodie Bar is no small task. The company is releasing a limited time only candy, the Sea Salt Caramel Nut Goodie. Inspired by the ``Golden Ticket'' contest from Rohald Dahl's, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the wrappers for the special edition Nut Goodie have a code that can be entered to see if you have won a ``Too Goodie to Be True Factory Tour.'' The Minnesota State Fair even got involved in the celebration with a deep fried Nut Goodie Bar. Pearson's Candy Company has been a Minnesota institution since 1909, when it was founded by J. Edward Pearson and his brothers John Albert and Oscar F. Pearson. The company quickly became a leading producer of candy. In 1933 the Pearson brothers introduced the Salted Nut Roll, which continues to be a favorite to this day. The company moved to St. Paul in 1951 when they purchased the Trudeau Candy Company, which brought the famous Mint Pattie to its growing array of products. Recently, the Bun Bar was added to the tasty company offerings. Mr. Speaker, please join me in paying tribute to the 100th Anniversary of the Nut Goodie Bar, and the proud employees who make them at Pearson's Candy Company in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Trust for Public Land on the occasion of its 40th anniversary. In 1972 a group of conservation-minded business professionals took the message of the first Earth Day to heart and saw a unique opportunity to meet the challenge of increasing encroachment on green space and natural areas. Using business sector strategies, this group of finance experts, real estate professionals and attorneys formed a trust to pool their talents and knowledge to conserve and expand the natural environment for the health and enjoyment of the public. The Trust for Public Lands was born. Initially the Trust for Public Land focused conservation efforts on urban and suburban areas. As success grew, the focus expanded to include working in rural areas. As a result of this hard work and innovation more than 4,250 park and conservation projects throughout the country have been completed, often by fostering public-private partnerships. During the past four decades, the Trust for Public Lands has developed expertise beyond the development of land trusts, to advising and assisting communities in the passage of conservation focused ballot measures, using GIS technology to better map and identify conservation opportunities, and combating climate change. The Trust for Public Land has developed a legacy of providing legal and philanthropic resources for community-driven conservation initiatives in Minnesota and across the country. The Trust for Public Land is an invaluable resource to Minnesota and communities in my congressional district through its unique approach to conservation. The work of the dedicated Trust for Public Land staff and volunteers has played a major role in protecting many of the spectacular parks, natural spaces, and protected watersheds which make our state great. I am proud to commend the Trust for Public Land on 40 years of accomplishments and wish them much success in the years to come. Mr. Speaker, in honor of the 40th anniversary of the Trust for Public Land, I am pleased to submit this statement for the Congressional Record.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to the so-called National Security and Jobs Protection Act. This legislation is another attempt by House Republicans to force severe spending cuts that would harm middle class families, while protecting tax breaks for millionaires. This bill is an election year talking point, not a genuine solution to preventing massive across-the-board budget cuts looming in January 2013. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office determined this legislation would do nothing to prevent budget sequestration. H.R. 6365 cannot take effect unless a separate bill implementing the policies of the House Republican Budget becomes law. The House Republican Budget turns Medicare into a voucher program, runs deficits for 29 years, provides trillions of dollars in additional tax cuts to millionaires and billionaires, and forces layoffs for thousands of police officers, fire-fighters, and teachers. President Obama and the Democratic Senate would never impose such a radical and destructive plan on America's families and communities. The American people should be thankful H.R. 6365 will never become law, since it embodies the same flawed policies as the House Republican Fiscal Year 2013 Budget Resolution. It seeks to replace the budget sequester House Republicans originally supported with cuts to America's women, children, seniors, and middle class families. H.R. 6365 insulates the Defense Department from spending reductions even though the Pentagon's budget doubled over the past decade and the war in Iraq is over. H.R. 6365 refuses to ask millionaires and billionaires to share the sacrifices it demands of middle class families. The budget sequester must be prevented from taking effect. House Democrats are ready to compromise and vote to replace the sequester with a balanced deficit reduction plan that includes a combination of spending reductions and revenue increases. Every mainstream economist agrees this is the only approach that will reduce long-term deficits and avoid plunging the economy back into recession. Regrettably, the bill on the floor today chooses ideology over compromise and prolongs the wait for the solutions our economy needs to grow and create jobs. I urge my colleagues to oppose H.R. 6365.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Will the gentleman yield?

Ms. McCOLLUM. Sir, you said that there is designated land on the other half of the exchange, and very well--the school trust lands. Can you show me a map? I know that the State talks about areas.

Ms. McCOLLUM. I thank Mr. Grijalva. This is not about slowing down the process, and I know it's not the intention of the Members on the other side to assume my motivations. I know it's not their intention. This and the amendments that I offered are because there is a process in place in Minnesota that allows for people to be at the table, for tribes to be at the table to follow the regular order to have a regular appraisal like everyone else has had, and to have a map on the floor and not start creating a wave of Federal legislation that, to my knowledge, to my knowledge, no one has asked for this legislation to have a vote on the floor today. There is no Senate companion. There is no urgency; there is no emergency. The State of Minnesota has a process in place; and I will say, as a State legislator, there were times, yes, I didn't think we needed to move forward with the land exchange. But the northern legislators are convinced, overwhelmingly with the Governor of Minnesota, that this land exchange needs to take place, and it should take place, and I'm not trying to slow it down. I am trying to take this bad legislation and put it aside and let the good legislation and let the regular order that the State of Minnesota has established in order to have these land exchanges move forward. That is my motivation, good legislation, not for the first time in the history of the floor of this House passing a land exchange without a map and for the first time that I've heard not use the regular Federal standard appraisal process. It sets a bad precedent. I don't think anybody is out to do wrong by the schoolchildren of Minnesota. My children attended K through higher ed in Minnesota, and I know how strapped we are for cash. And I do believe that there will be very slight amounts of dollars that will go back into school trusts, but that's going to happen whether or not we take this bad vote on this bad bill today or not. The schoolchildren in Minnesota will be served. This land will be exchanged. The question for this Congress is: Do we do it the right way; do we do it the wrong way; do we set a bad precedent for future land exchange bills; or do we make sure that we allow a fair, open, transparent process that started in Minnesota, finishes in Minnesota?

Ms. McCOLLUM. With that, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. McCOLLUM. The House should not be spending its limited floor time on this bill. The House should be debating the American Jobs Act, the President's plan to put nearly 2 million Americans back to work without adding a dime to the deficit. Instead, today, the Republican majority has a land exchange bill on the floor that is completely unnecessary. I want to stress that. It is unnecessary. The State of Minnesota and the U.S. Forestry Service have all the authority they need to finalize this land exchange--and finalization is what they are working on. There's a stakeholder process underway in Minnesota to determine this proposed land sale and exchange. And it's underway. And they're going to do it. And they're working on it, with everyone at the table. So why are we debating this bill at all? I was a State representative for many years, and I worked on a lot of land exchanges. And I have never worked on a land exchange that has been so unnecessary as what I'm being asked to vote on today. This is a reckless bill, and it also sets a terrible precedent. This legislation does not specify what lands are to be exchanged. Yes, we know about the school's trust fund land, and that's specified, we know where that is, but we don't know what lands are to be exchanged. We don't know what the finished product is. Members of Congress are being asked to endorse a land exchange without knowing what lands will be exchanged. This legislation does refer to a bill in the Minnesota State legislature, and the Minnesota State legislation does not include a map of the Federal lands to be exchanged. It does not include a map. This is the first time in the history of this Congress--of Congress-- to bring a bill, a land exchange, to the floor without maps specifying what lands are to be exchanged. The first time in history. Every Member of this House should be asking themselves one simple question: where are the maps? Now, as I said, I've done many land exchange bills in my service in the Minnesota legislature, and the first rule of all of those land exchange bills is don't forget what you are exchanging out. We always had maps. We had the cost, we had the value, and the public input, and I believe the Minnesota State legislators should be able to finish that process themselves working with the U.S. Forestry, working in a transparent fashion to know exactly what we're voting on. Why are maps important? Because without a map it's impossible to determine how many Minnesotans could possibly see their property rights threatened by this bill. Can anyone here today tell me how many Minnesota cabin owners could open up their front doors and find a lack of public access to water that they have used and recreated in for years? There's no map. No one can answer that question. Can anyone tell me how many millions of dollars Minnesota will lose in property value because of issues like this, because of H.R. 5544? No one can answer that question because there are no maps. This bill could, and I believe will, greatly reduce public access to hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling in areas where the public currently has access. Minnesota Backcountry Hunters and Anglers is a sportsmen's conservation group. They represent over 2 million hunters in Minnesota and anglers as well. The group sent a letter to the U.S. Members of the House this month opposing this bill, and I'd like to quote from it. ``It provides no protective measures for how the land may be used, and no assurances that existing activities like hunting and angling would continue.'' Why? Because there is no map. There are also 700 miles of snowmobile trails in Superior National Forest that could be at risk because of this bill, trails where public and private trails intermingle and where public and private entities have worked for years raising money and revenues to be able to recreate. But no one can tell me, not Mr. Cravaack, not Mr. Hastings, no one here, no one can tell me how many trails, lakes, and hunting areas could be closed by this bill because there is no map. In addition, this bill eliminates the public's ability to participate in any decisionmaking process because it waives the National Environmental Policy Act process. This is just not the way we do things in Minnesota. We bring people together at the table. We make sure everyone is at the table: the State, the Federal Government, the local governments, the property owners, the hunters, the anglers, the tribal nations, the conservationists, the taxpayers, and yes, the job generators. We make sure that decisions are transparent, and transparency means you have to include a map. We make sure to get fair market value for land that is sold in exchange so that it's in the best interest of the taxpayers. As a Member of Congress representing Minnesota, and as a Member of the House Interior Subcommittee, I want to stress I am committed to supporting land exchange so that it is a good deal for Minnesota, a good deal for the American taxpayers, and I'm committed that the process that's in place in Minnesota moves forward. I serve with those northern legislators. They have fought for years to get something on the table. They deserve to have the process finish and finish correctly. They need good legislation, not bad legislation. Minnesota will produce good legislation. There is a stakeholders group in Minnesota that is working to determine if the land proposal is fair and transparent. They're not at the table, folks. It does not require a congressional action to finalize their proposal. It does not take congressional action to move forward the legislation that has passed and been signed into law by the Governor. This bill is unnecessary, it is reckless, and it sets a dangerous precedent for this House for the first time ever to vote on a land exchange without a full, complete map. The House should defeat H.R. 5544, and it should allow Minnesota to move forward without this interference and this recklessness.

Ms. McCOLLUM

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the August 23, 2012 ritual celebration of the new Carondelet Village in Saint Paul, Minnesota, a shared vision of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Presbyterian Homes and Services to raise the standard for older adult living in this community. The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet have long used their faith to forge relationships to promote the common good throughout our community. They understand that working for the good of all requires all elements of the human condition to be addressed. This is the idea that guided the Carondelet Village project--designing a community where all aspects of the lives of seniors could be nurtured and strengthened. They found an excellent partner in Presbyterian Homes and Services. Presbyterian Homes and Services has been addressing the housing and health needs of the senior community in Minnesota since 1946. Striving to do more than just meet housing needs, Presbyterian Homes also works continuously to improve the quality of its buildings and the care it provides for the older adult community. Seeing a need for senior living in Saint Paul, it drew upon decades of experience to address it. With the Sisters of St. Joseph, Presbyterian Homes posed the question of how to attend to the needs of seniors as a whole, rather than merely providing a place to live. When the Sisters of St. Joseph and Presbyterian Homes came together, they created a community that respects diversity and provides a space for spiritual development in order to enrich the lives of residents and their families. The Carondelet Village is a place that enables residents to reach their highest potential. At the heart of the Village is the embodiment of this vision--the Carondelet Circle--a community space where residents can work on their art, faith, health or just grab a cup of coffee. Neighbors met the Sisters of St. Joseph and Presbyterian Home plan with praise and intense interest. Before ground was even broken, seniors began placing reservations. By the time the doors opened in December of 2011, the Village was nearly at full occupancy. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Carondelet Village and the successful efforts of the Sisters of St. Joseph and Presbyterian Homes in providing needed housing and a supportive community for older residents of Minnesota.