Kevin McCarthy

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such as much time as I may consume. I am pleased to support H.R. 586, a bill that will allow for the collection and preservation of eyewitness accounts of the civil rights movement from the people who lived through it. This investment in history will allow future generations to both learn and be inspired by the sacrifice of those that came before them. While some stories of prominent civil rights leaders are well- documented, there are many lesser-known experiences and accounts just as important to the cause and lessons we and future generations can learn. Now is the time to collect the stories of those that stood up for their rights and fought for justice. I believe that this is an important piece of legislation that will provide future generations with the rich collection of oral accounts from individuals who lived through the civil rights movement, and I strongly urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. I am pleased to support H.R. 749, which will permit each Federal candidate to designate an individual who, in the event of the candidate's death, will be authorized to make arrangements for the disbursement of campaign funds. Every private citizen who decides to become a candidate for public office is driven by issues that inspire and motivate them to want to serve. Often, those issues outlive the individuals who campaign for their ideals. This bill will ensure that every Federal candidate will have the opportunity to appoint a trusted individual to distribute campaign funds after they have passed. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 749. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to the author, the distinguished gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Jones).

Mr. McCARTHY of California. I have no other speakers. I would just like to thank the gentleman for his work. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. As a member of the House Administration Committee, I am pleased to support H.R. 1679, the House Reservists Pay Adjustment Act of 2009. I congratulate Chairman Brady for his leadership in introducing this bill, and I am pleased to support any measure that will alleviate some of the financial burden placed upon our military families. The men and women of the United States Armed Forces, both Active Duty and Reservists, make many sacrifices to protect our freedom. When called to active duty, Reservists are asked to spend time away from home, to selfishly put themselves in harm's way and, in many cases, to accept a salary that is less than what they would normally earn in civilian life. The gap in pay experienced by these servicemen and -women often causes undue hardship to them and their families and increases the already heavy burden placed upon them as they leave for battle. I am pleased that this legislation will empower the House of Representatives to do its part to eliminate the financial hardship for those brave employees and their families. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 1679.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. I am pleased to support this resolution authorizing the use of the Capitol Visitor Center for the purpose of unveiling the bust of Sojourner Truth. The ceremony will take place in Emancipation Hall, a site wholly appropriate for this remarkable woman who was born into slavery, emancipated and spent her adult life fighting for the rights of others. In 1843, while in her mid-forties, she told her friends that she had been called by the Spirit. She changed her name to Sojourner Truth and embarked on a journey of activism. Upon her death more than 40 years later, Sojourner Truth traveled the country, preaching about abolition, women's suffrage and human rights. The inclusion of this work and the collection of arts and artifacts of the Capitol and the display of the bust in the Capitol Visitor Center fill the gap in the representation of historic Americans that contribute much to the betterment of this country. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the National Congress of Black Women, who generously offered this bust and pedestal as a donation to the collection of the United States Capitol. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like to first thank the gentleman for his work and also our colleague Jerry Lewis for his work. I rise today in support for House Concurrent Resolution 101. President Ronald Reagan was first known widely to the public as a beloved actor. Ronald Reagan became president of the Screen Actors Guild, a two-term Governor of California, and then a two-term President of the United States. During his time in office as President, Ronald Reagan tamed inflation, reduced America's tax burden, and faced down the Soviet empire, delivering millions from tyranny. Speaking at the Berlin Wall on June 12, 1987, President Reagan challenged Soviet General Secretary Gorbachev to bring down the Iron Curtain. Standing at the Brandenburg Gate, Reagan declared, ``If you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, come here to this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.'' Upon his death in 2004, when Ronald Reagan was lying in State in the Rotunda, Gorbachev came and paid silent tribute to his erstwhile adversary. Fittingly, in the same Rotunda, the statue of President Ronald Reagan will remain permanently, with a ring of fragments from the Berlin Wall embedded in its pedestal. President Reagan once said, ``There is no limit to what a man can do or where he can go if he doesn't mind who gets the credit.'' While placement of the statue in the Capitol Rotunda does not, in my opinion, offer due credit to the 40th President, by recognizing him in this manner the people of California ensure that Ronald Reagan will have a lasting and symbolic presence for the countless future generations of Americans visiting the United States Capitol. I would like to thank the former First Lady, Nancy Reagan, and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library for their tireless work in this tribute. Along with my colleagues Ken Calvert and Jerry Lewis, they have been a driving force behind this effort.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to introduce the Wind Incentives for a New Decade (WIND) Energy Act of 2009, which would extend the production tax credit (PTC) over the next decade to demonstrate that we are committed to powering our nation with more alternative and clean electricity. Electricity prices have soared more than 26 percent nationally since 2000. Wind energy and other renewable energy resources are a crucial component to ensuring that Americans have access to clean, reliable, diversified, and affordable electricity. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, wind energy today accounts for approximately 3 percent of electricity produced in the United States. However, wind energy capacity has the potential to significantly increase in the United States in the future--but only if we have a stable investment climate. A clean, reliable, and renewable energy source, wind-generated electricity produces no carbon dioxide or greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, in 2007, the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) estimated that wind energy displaced more than 28 million tons of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere. A 2007 report compiled by the American Solar Energy Society indicates that widespread use of wind has the potential to displace up to 1,780 million metric tons of carbon dioxide by 2030. By extending the PTC through 2020, my bill would create long-term fiscal stability primarily in the wind energy market. This certainty is vital to wind energy project planning and development. By providing a long-term credit, wind energy developers can attract investors and plan out schedules for project development, thereby creating an efficient and cost-effective process for allocating resources and encouraging investment in this industry. This alone has the potential to reduce the costs associated with many of these projects thereby making wind- generated electricity more competitive with other types of electricity that is generated. The wind energy industry currently employs over 85,000 individuals and indirectly employs tens of thousands more in industry-related support services. With a current national unemployment rate of 8.1 percent, which is higher in the construction sector (21.4 percent) and manufacturing sector (11.5 percent), providing long term stability in the tax code for the PTC would help create sustainable, good-paying jobs. In fact, in 2008, AWEA estimates the wind industry invested over $7.8 billion in wind turbines, primarily made of steel, which translated into purchases of more than $3 billion of steel and cast iron components. Additionally, a report published in 2007 by the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that a 5- to 10- year extension of the PTC, relative to one- or two-year extensions, could reduce the cost of wind projects by up to 15 percent, result in better transmission line planning, enhance private research and development spending, and significantly increase domestic manufacturing of wind equipment thereby, creating American jobs. In addition, this report goes on to indicate that by extending the PTC through 2020, wind energy has the potential to increase in the United States from about 3 percent to 17 percent of our electricity supply by 2030. Unfortunately, since its creation in 1992, the PTC has been allowed to expire three times, only to be retroactively renewed and extended. In addition, Congress has very nearly allowed this credit to expire many times, but then has passed 11th hour extensions of the provision. The 3-year extension of the PTC included in the recently-enacted stimulus bill is a good start; however, given the history of extending this credit, such uncertainty in this process is a major disincentive to long-term wind and renewable energy development. This situation has led to a boom-bust cycle in wind energy rather than a consistent, longterm investment in one of our nation's limitless green energy resources. For instance, information compiled by AWEA shows that each time the PTC was allowed to expire but then was reactively renewed and extended, the subsequent year wind energy installations decreased 73 percent--93 percent compared to the prior year. Kern County, which I represent, is a model of renewable energy resources, and Tehachapi, California, is a leader in wind energy development. In fact, the Tehachapi Wind Resources Area, located in the Tehachapi Mountains of eastern Kern, has attracted wind energy developers because, if you have ever been there, the wind blows nearly all the time through the mountain tops and valleys. Underscoring the vast wind energy potential in this area, over 3,500 wind turbines have already been installed, which produce electricity to power more than 250,000 homes and create more than 650 jobs (both directly and indirectly) in the local communities. In addition, Kern County produces over 30 percent of the total wind-generated power in California, and accounts for about 5 percent of the total wind power generated in the United States. Even with all of this, it is my understanding there is still opportunity for significant expansion of wind power in the Kern- Tehachapi area, which some estimates put as high as bringing an additional 6,000 megawatts of wind-generated electricity online. A long-term extension of the PTC would help ensure that the Tehachapi Wind Resources Area, as well as the United States', vast potential for wind energy can be developed in a reliable and timely manner, which not only benefits Kern County, but California and the United States. It is time for Congress to take decisive action to help ensure that Americans have reliable and affordable renewable electricity. A long- term extension of the PTC would help ensure that we can maximize the potential of our American renewable energy resources, such as wind, and create thousands of new, skilled jobs, both in manufacturing and engineering in this country.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of a committed public servant, Kevin Petersen, who retires April 3, 2009, as director of NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center located in my district. Kevin has served at Dryden for 38 years and is currently NASA's longest-serving field center director.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a community leader, Sandra Brockman, on her retirement after 27 years of service to the people of Kern County, California, most recently as Chief Deputy Registrar of Voters. Sandy Brockman began her career with Kern County on February 8, 1982 as a Deputy Court Clerk with the West Kern Municipal Court. In June 1984, she was promoted to Secretary, and five months later transferred to the County Clerk Election Division, where she has worked for over 25 years in the elections field. Ms. Brockman's position was reclassified to Senior Secretary in 1987, and by taking specialized classes relating to the conduct and history of elections over a two year period, she earned a National Certification as a Certified Elections Registration Administrator. In 1998, she was promoted to Election Process Supervisor and became interim Election Division Chief in 2000, accepting the position as a permanent appointment six months later. Ms. Brockman continued her education by attending classes designed specifically for California election law and became a Certified California Professional Elections Administrator in 2005. She has worked and supervised nearly every section in elections and capped her career off as Chief Deputy Registrar of Voters. Under her leadership, the Election Division, which conducts all federal, state and local elections in Kern County and maintains voter registration and precinct boundaries, implemented both voter registration and voting systems. She was the right person at the right time for the job; during the past seven years, the Elections Division has experienced more material changes in election law than in the previous 18 years of Ms. Brockman's career. Ms. Brockman has worked long hours to ensure that the election process has integrity and transparency. Her accessibility and commitment to helping anyone needing information, assistance or direction personifies how dedicated she was as a public servant. Ms. Brockman's institutional knowledge, personality and dedication to the citizens of Kern County will be sorely missed. I thank Sandy for her service to Kern County and wish her the very best in her future endeavors.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a community leader, Mr. Dennis L. Thompson, on his retirement after 36 years of service to the people of Kern County, California, most recently as Fire Chief of Kern County & Director of Emergency Services. Chief Thompson began serving Kern County, which I represent, as a seasonal firefighter in 1970 at Station 55 (Mettler). On his first assignment, he burned both of his ears while containing a standing grain fire and although that experience made him question what he was doing fighting fires, he stuck with it. In 1973, Thompson became a full-time firefighter and began his training at Station 44 (Southgate). When he started firefighting, he drove vintage military surplus vehicles from the World War II and Korean War eras that were converted into fire trucks that were older than he was. Thompson also joined the ranks of the ``Smoke Eaters'' as firefighters back then were called because regulations did not require a breathing apparatus. ``Thankfully'', as Thompson says, departmental and state regulations were changed. In 1975, Thompson started his full-time career in the Engineer position in Mettler, and in 1978, he was promoted to Captain for the Randsburg, Ridgecrest and Lebec areas. In 1981, Thompson suffered an on-the-job injury, while he was recouping, he returned to California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) to complete a 4-year degree. He returned to duty at Station 56 (Lebec) and graduated in 1983 with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration with honors. Thompson became Acting Battalion Chief in 1984 for Battalion 7, which covered northeast Kern County including the Lake Isabella and Ridgecrest areas. In 1985, he became Battalion Chief and Chief Training Officer for Battalion 2 and Battalion 5, which included southern and western Kern County. In 1986, Thompson completed his Master's degree in Public Administration from CSUB. In 1994, Thompson became the Deputy Fire Chief and oversaw Operations, Finance and Administration. In 2002, Thompson became a Chief Deputy at the Department, an Assistant Department Head. In 2003, Thompson became Kern County's 10th Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Services. Serving as Fire Chief for six years, Thompson oversaw the completion of many significant projects. Thompson reinstated Battalion 5 in August 2007 and made sure that Station 18 in Stallion Springs was open permanently, rather than seasonally for fire season. Thompson also increased minimum staffing levels from 2 to 3 person stations in all but one station. After 4 years of no equipment purchases, Thompson worked to acquire $38.8 million in replacement apparatus and equipment to fulfill the needs of Kern County Fire Department. The capstone of Thompson's career was overseeing, from start to finish, the completion of the Emergency Operations Center that made Kern County's operational area preparedness capability state-of- the-art and viable for the future. As someone who personally knows our local firefighting community well--my uncle previously held the post of Kern County Fire Chief, my father was an assistant Fire Chief for the City of Bakersfield, and during college I was a seasonal firefighter for the County--I am grateful for the service and leadership that Chief Thompson has given to the people of Kern County. I wish him well in his retirement, and I know he is looking forward to spending more time with his wife, Mary Jo, and their family.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Well, I thank my fellow congressman from California (Mr. Lewis) for the fine work he does for all Americans. I rise today in support of the motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 1. I would argue that it should be retitled. It should be titled ``People Before Politics.'' All it is asking is 48 hours to see the example of more than 800 pages spending more than $800 billion. It is roughly $1 billion a page. I think the American public has a right to know what is in the bill and what it is being spent on. When I was watching television today and watching one of the interviews by one of our fellow Senators, one that helped negotiate where this bill currently was, when asked a question, he said, I only agreed to $780 billion. But the score today says $838 billion. When they asked him a question about what has gone in and what has been put in about health care, he said, I never agreed to that. So even the Senators themselves that have been negotiating this bill before it goes into conference are questioning what is in it. I think the American public has a right to know. I would tell you that a little more than a week ago we sat on this floor and we had an debate about this bill. And unfortunately, there was a partisan vote and then a bipartisan vote about this bill. One side of the aisle almost all voted ``yes.'' That bipartisan vote was a handful of Democrats and Republicans who said ``no.'' And I think their voice has a right to be heard. And their voice of saying ``no'' is not ``let's not do anything.'' We believe there is an ability to do something better. And on this side of the aisle, the Republicans have sat together, worked in a bipartisan group and worked together also in a working group and laid out to this President and have given him the ideas that said how can we improve, how can we move together in moving forward? And what we are saying with the motion to instruct is let's continue the work, let's improve it and let's make the American people be first and foremost. Let's put people before politics.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Frank Mecham, a resident and community leader from Paso Robles, California, for his outstanding and exemplary leadership while serving as the mayor of Paso Robles from 2000 through 2008. Frank has been a longtime leader in local government, reflecting the same success, enthusiasm, care, and commitment to his community as nine generations of Mecham Californians and five generations of San Luis Obispo County Mechams before him. His great-great grandfather, Don Joaquin Estrada, was a member of the first County Board of Supervisors in 1852, and his father was Fire Chief at Fort Hunter Liggett for over 20 years. Carrying on this tradition of public service, Frank served our country in the United States Navy and later began his political career on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Planning Commission for the City of Paso Robles. He was elected to the City Council in 1998 and served for two years. In 2000, Frank was the first mayor of Paso Robles to be directly elected by the voters (in the past, the mayoral post had rotated between elected city councilmembers). In 2003, Paso Robles felt the devastating effects of the San Simeon Earthquake. Frank showed strong leadership and composure throughout this natural disaster and guided the City through the aftermath and recovery efforts. Through his tireless efforts, the City of Paso Robles was able to rebuild faster and move forward onto the road to recovery quicker than anyone had expected. In addition, as mayor, he also oversaw the completion of the Barney Schwartz Park, the Public Safety Center, the Robert Rader Memorial 13th Street Bridge, and the Niblick Bridge expansion. In addition to his public service, Frank has also remained active in the Paso Robles community. Frank is a member of the Twin Cities Community Hospital Board of Governors, the Nacimiento Water Commission, and the Paso Robles High School Technology Academy. He has also coached youth baseball and football for over two decades in the community, established a youth football league which continues to this day, and created the first Youth Commission for the City in 1999. In 2004, Frank was honored by the Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce as Roblan of the Year in recognition of his outstanding service to the local community. In a City named for its strong oak trees, Frank has stood strong in times of challenge, and helped create prosperity through a commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparent and accountable government. I commend Frank for his service and leadership as mayor of Paso Robles, and wish him and his family well as he continues to serve our community as a supervisor on the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Harry Ovitt, a resident and community leader from San Miguel, California, for his outstanding and exemplary service and leadership to the residents of San Luis Obispo County during his tenure as County Supervisor from 1989 through 2008. Harry has been a longtime leader in local government who has established and participated in a extensive list of civic organizations, all in the pursuit of improving the community he represents. During his 19-year tenure on the Board of Supervisors, he served as Chairman in 1993, 1999, and 2004, and Vice-Chairman in 1992, 1998, and 2003. He also was active on various local boards, including the Children-At-Risk Task Force, the Mental Health Advisory Board, the Economic Vitality Committee, and the Resource Conservation District. During his time on the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors, Harry devoted himself to many issues to improve the lives of the residents within the County. He worked to secure funds to help construct both the Heritage Ranch Fire Station and the Meridian Fire Station. He established the North County Government Center in Templeton, which has a Sheriff's Substation and a County Agricultural Office. He was also instrumental in bringing a new courthouse to Paso Robles. Harry understood the importance of having adequate transportation infrastructure, and worked tirelessly to ensure residents had sufficient and safe roads as the County continued to grow. To that end, he has been a passionate advocate of making State Highway 46 safer for drivers through a widening project of this 2-lane highway as well as developing the North County Shuttle. He also worked to obtain mobile healthcare units, which visit communities around the County to provide basic medical services to residents so they do not have to incur the cost of traveling long distances to obtain medical services. Harry also worked to improve water quality and accessibility in the County. He formed the North County Water Forum, which examines the impacts of residential and agricultural development on the Paso Robles Water Basin, chaired the Lake Nacimiento Commission that has worked on the Nacimiento Water Pipeline Project, and is chairman of the North County Water Task Force. Prior to serving on the County Board of Supervisors, Harry was a Paso Robles City Councilman, a member of the Paso Robles Airport Planning Commission, and a past chairman of the Paso Robles Planning Commission. In addition to the public offices he has held, Harry always remained active in the local community. He was the Elks Club Citizen of the Year in the late 1980s and an Outstanding Jaycee of the Year. He was also a member of the Paso Robles Historical Society, the Santa Lucia Boy Scouts Executive Council, the Paso Robles Trail Riders, and a past chairman of the United Way North County Campaign. He is also a founder of the Clark-Ovitt Foundation, a nonprofit organization that has served the County since 1992. A true mark of leadership is the generosity of time and talents that one gives on behalf of his neighbors and community. Harry Ovitt exemplifies this time-honored tradition. I commend Harry for his service and leadership in San Luis Obispo County, and wish him well.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor those brave men and women who have been wounded while serving our country in the United States Army. SPC Jamin Y. Moore is one such individual who, while serving in Iraq, sustained serious injury after his platoon hit an improvised explosive device. SPC Moore is a graduate of Liberty High School in Bakersfield, California and I wish to honor him and his duty and sacrifice to our country by inserting into the Congressional Record a poem he wrote on Saturday, May 20, 2006, on why he joined the United States Army. I go because . . . I go for a multitude of reasons; many which make sense to me alone and cannot be expressed in words, for words can never describe the deepest truisms in life. I go to serve my country and to protect those I love. I go to honor those who have served and fallen before me, not only those of this country; but of all who paid with blood to make the world better. I go because I believe that I must be willing to fight and die for what I believe, or I am nothing. I go because I have been called upon to serve. I go because I will gain a deeper understanding of who I am. I go because I realize that a constant battle is raging between good and evil, hope and despair, life and death. I have chosen my side and go to fight in the War of Life.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Harold Meek, a community leader and entrepreneur from Bakersfield, CA, on his retirement after over 35 years with the Three-Way Automotive Group. Born in Oklahoma, Harold moved to Bakersfield in 1958 to work with his brother, Leo, in the automotive industry. After 17 years with his brother's dealership, Harold joined Three- Way Chevrolet, later the Three-Way Automotive Group, in 1973. With his business prowess and entrepreneurial skill, he become General Manager just 2 years later, was made a partner shortly thereafter, and, in 1996, was appointed president/dealer operator. Under Harold's leadership, the Three-Way Automotive Group, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary by opening a second Chevrolet dealership at the Bakersfield Auto Mall, has been internationally recognized and awarded numerous industry awards for outstanding service. For the past 7 years, Three-Way Chevrolet has been the number one Retail Volume Chevrolet Dealer in California and was the number one Retail Chevrolet Dealer in the world in June and July of 2005. In addition, Harold has received the prestigious Time Magazine 2003 Quality Dealer Award and, for the last 8 years, the General Motors' Jack Smith Dealer of the Year Award, all a recognition of his commitment to exceptional sales performance and superior customer service. Over his long career, he has also served on or chaired numerous State and regional automotive industry dealership associations. A successful entrepreneur in Bakersfield, Harold has also been active in the local community. Harold has served on the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Kern County Law Enforcement Foundation, and is a charter member of the Bakersfield Better Business Bureau. He also is a strong advocate for and has supported numerous civic and charitable organizations. Harold has supported and been involved in more than 250 civic and charitable organizations in the community, including numerous youth and sports programs as well as the American Cancer Society, the Bakersfield Women's Business Conference, the Kern County Fair, Relay for Life, Link to Life, the YMCA, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. A dedicated Republican, Harold has been active in local, State, and national Republican politics. He has served on the steering committees of numerous gubernatorial and presidential campaigns in California, and has managed several local campaigns, including city council, county supervisor, and sheriff's races. Harold also served as campaign chairman for former California State Assembly member from 1988 to 2000. Harold exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit and a dedication to community that has made this country great. I wish Harold the best in this new chapter of his life, and I know he looks forward to spending more time with his wife Kay; children Joi, Mark, and Vivienne; and grandchildren Clint, Cody, Jordan, and Julia.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Madam Speaker, consistent with House Republican Earmark Standards, I am submitting the following earmark disclosure information for project requests that I made and which were included within the House Amendment to the Senate Amendment for H.R. 2638, the ``Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009''. Requesting Member: Congressman Kevin McCarthy. Bill Number: H.R. 2638. Account: Military Construction, Air Force. Project Amount: $6,000,000. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Edwards Air Force Base. Address of Requesting Entity: 1 S. Rosamond Blvd., Edwards AFB, CA, USA. Description of Request: This funding would complete construction of the main base runway at Edwards Air Force Base, CA. The funding will be used to complete paved shoulders on the runway and account for extra costs in the overall runway replacement project from items such as the stabilization of over 41,000 cubic yards of both unsuitable and unstable soil. The main base runway, which supports almost every flight operation at Edwards Air Force Base, as well as space shuttle landings when necessary, is over 50 years old and is rapidly degrading as a result of Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR), a reaction between the cement and the aggregate that creates map cracking, scaling and spalling of the concrete. Emergency Foreign Object Damage (FOD) repairs have forced runway closures affecting 10 to 15 flights for each closure. No other runways at Edwards AFB can safely support the current and projected test operations without significant test mission delays, and temporary relocation of these missions is not feasible; however, many of the current and planned test missions can be supported by a temporary runway. This project was programmed by the Air Force in 2003 for FY06, and was incrementally funded over 3 years (FY06, FY07 and FY08). After the project was programmed, the cost of construction materials escalated dramatically, eliminating all management reserve and resulting in a reduction in the planned scope of the project. Providing the final $6,000,000 in FY09 will complete the project as originally scoped, avoid contractor demobilization and remobilization, and avoid reconstitution of the temporary runway to support this work, saving the government over $4,000,000 in cost avoidance on the temporary runway alone. Requesting Member: Congressman Kevin McCarthy. Bill Number: H.R. 2638. Account: Research Development Test and Evaluation, Air Force. Project Amount: $1,400,000. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Aerojet-General Corporation. Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 13222, Sacramento, CA 95813- 6000, USA. Description of Request: This funding will be used for the Hydrocarbon Boost Technology Demonstrator program and the increase in funding is to return the FY09 funding closer to the planned level at contract initiation. This critical, next-generation liquid rocket engine development effort run by the Air Force Research Laboratory at Edwards Air Force Base will not only provide the highest performing hydrocarbon engines ever developed in the United States, but also will provide higher operability, lower costs and greater safety with higher reliability than any liquid booster engine ever made in the U.S. and perhaps the world. A match is not required for defense research projects, but I was informed that during the past eight years, Aerojet has invested approximately $30 million in internal research and development funding on this technology and intends continued support in FY09. Requesting Member: Congressman Kevin McCarthy. Bill Number: H.R. 2638. Account: Research Development Test and Evaluation, Navy. Project Amount: $1,600,000. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: GE Aviation. Address of Requesting Entity: 3290 Patterson Ave., SE., Grand Rapids, MI 49512, USA. Description of Request: The funding for the Micro-munitions Interface for Tactical Unmanned Systems (MITUS) program will be used to develop an interface between Unmanned Air Systems (UAS) and micro-munitions, which are defined as weapons weighing less than 100 pounds. Integration of micro-munitions onto UAS requires a stores/weapons management interface that provides a safe and effective integration between the weapon and the unmanned system. Funds will be expended to develop key technologies, including a high speed communication network, airborne weapon emulator, interface for micro-minutions, unmanned safety architecture, and universal stores management system. Additionally the funds will be used for lab demonstrations of the technologies, integration into unmanned systems, and flight demonstration. Requesting Member: Congressman Kevin McCarthy. Bill Number: H.R. 2638. Account: Research Development Test and Evaluation, Navy. Project Amount: $1,200,000. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: AAI Corporation. Address of Requesting Entity: 124 Industry Lane, Hunt Valley, MD 21030, USA. Description of Request: The Next Generation Electronic Warfare Simulator (NGEWS) represents a technology breakthrough by its ability to simulate electronic warfare threats more precisely and accurately than existing technology. The NGEWS will be used to test the advanced Electronics Surveillance Measures (ESM) capabilities of FA and EAG aircraft, as well as other aircraft in the future. It saves time and money by optimizing lab testing rather than flight testing. The funding will be used to complete the upgrade of the firs identified necessary simulator.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Madam Speaker, consistent with House Republican Earmark Standards, I am submitting the following earmark disclosure for two project authorization requests that I made and which were included within S. 3001, the ``Duncan Hunter Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009.'' Requesting Member: Congressman Kevin McCarthy. Bill Number: S. 3001. Account: Military Construction, Air Force. Project Amount: $6,000,000. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Edwards Air Force Base. Address of Requesting Entity: 1 S. Rosamond Blvd., Edwards AFB, CA, USA. Description of Request: This funding would complete construction of the main base runway at Edwards Air Force Base, CA. The funding will be used to complete paved shoulders on the runway and account for extra costs in the overall runway replacement project from items such as the stabilization of over 41,000 cubic yards of both unsuitable and unstable soil. The main base runway, which supports almost every flight operation at Edwards Air Force Base, as well as space shuttle landings when necessary, is over 50 years old and is rapidly degrading as a result of Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR), a reaction between the cement and the aggregate that creates map cracking, scaling and spalling of the concrete. Emergency Foreign Object Damage (FOD) repairs have forced runway closures affecting 10 to 15 flights for each closure. No other runways at Edwards AFB can safely support the current and projected test operations without significant test mission delays, and temporary relocation of these missions is not feasible; however, many of the current and planned test missions can be supported by a temporary runway. This project was programmed by the Air Force in 2003 for FY06, and was incrementally funded over 3 years (FY06, FY07 and FY08). After the project was programmed, the cost of construction materials escalated dramatically, eliminating all management reserve and resulting in a reduction in the planned scope of the project. Providing the final $6,000,000 in FY09 will complete the project as originally scoped, avoid contractor demobilization and remobilization, and avoid reconstitution of the temporary runway to support this work, saving the government over $4,000,000 in cost avoidance on the temporary runway alone. Requesting Member: Congressman Kevin McCarthy. Bill Number: S. 3001. Account: Research Development Test and Evaluation, Air Force. Project Amount: $1,750,000. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Aerojet-General Corporation. Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 13222, Sacramento, CA 95813- 6000, USA. Description of Request: This funding will be used for the Hydrocarbon Boost Technology Demonstrator program and the increase in funding is to return the FY09 funding closer to the planned level at contract initiation. This critical, next-generation liquid rocket engine development effort run by the Air Force Research Laboratory at Edwards Air Force Base will not only provide the highest performing hydrocarbon engines ever developed in the United States, but also will provide higher operability, lower costs and greater safety with higher reliability than any liquid booster engine ever made in the United States and perhaps the world. A match is not required for defense research projects, but I was informed that during the past eight years, Aerojet has invested approximately $30 million in internal research and development funding on this technology and intends continued support in FY09.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments, SLOCOG, on its 40th anniversary. SLOCOG was established in 1968 as an area-wide planning and coordinating council responsible for a wide variety of transportation, housing, water and sewer, open space and other programs in San Luis Obispo County. SLOCOG served as the overseer of the region by adopting an area-wide infrastructure plan. In 1973, SLOCOG became a Regional Transportation Planning Agency and developed the region's first Regional Transportation Plan. Its plan addressed all modes of transportation, and it has continually updated the community schematic to address the changing needs and priorities of the area. In 1978, SLOCOG was designated the lead agency responsible for complying with the provisions of the 1977 Federal Clean Air Act and subsequently adopted the region's first air quality attainment and monitoring plan. Following the enactment of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991, ISTEA, SLOCOG expanded significantly in order to develop a comprehensive, interconnected, intermodal transportation system in the county. The agency then developed the region's first compliance plan for the Americans with Disabilities Act. Beginning in 1993, SLOCOG prepared the region's first Federal Transportation Improvement Program, FTIP, and has updated the plan every 2 years to address the changing community needs and to ensure San Luis Obispo County's infrastructure conforms to Federal policies. Demonstrative of SLOCOG' s ability to handle a big workload: the most recent FTIP consisted of 99 construction projects. In 1998, following enactment of the Transportation Efficiency Act for the 21st Century, TEA2l, the role of SLOCOG as the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the region was reinforced through the continued emphasis on the intermodal planning process established in ISTEA. Examples of SLOCOG's hard work and dedication to transportation needs are clear across San Luis Obispo County. SLOCOG has developed a regional network of bikeway and pedestrian facilities, which serve all areas of the county. It has also created a comprehensive community public transit system that serves all seven cities and unincorporated urban areas. SLOCOG improved passenger rail facilities throughout the region, and enhanced aviation service in the region with new and improved passenger airline safety equipment and facilities. SLOCOG has also worked cooperatively with local jurisdictions, Caltrans and other agencies to successfully plan and design construction of many major surface transportation system improvements. The San Luis Obispo Council of Governments has given the county of San Luis Obispo 40 years of dedicated service. I commend SLOCOG for its service to San Luis Obispo County residents in making their daily commutes and drives a little more pleasant and a little bit quicker because of well planned and executed transportation projects, programs, and policies.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6625 which would permit facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs to be designated as voter registration agencies. As I have stated in the past, it is important that we ensure that every vote is counted and that every citizen is able to cast a ballot. As a part of that effort, I'm pleased to join in support of this bill which would designate veteran facilities as voter registration agencies. Doing so will allow those who have risked their lives for our freedom an opportunity to register to vote and make their voices heard. I am also pleased that Chairman Brady addressed our chief concern with the original version of the bill, that the desire to facilitate the voting process for patients does not supersede patient care due to intrusion by third party groups in VA facilities. This bill's original language stated that nonpartisan groups would have ``reasonable access'' to veterans in order to encourage voter registration. The word ``reasonable'' means different things to different people, and we would hate to see a veteran who wishes to convalesce in a private setting be intruded upon by activists from a voter registration group, however well intended they may be. Also, some patients may choose not to cast a ballot, and they should not feel pressured to do so. Language was added to this bill that stipulates that third party groups must work with the administrator of each VA facility to ensure their efforts will not infringe upon a patient's right to privacy and that their practices would not in any way disturb patients' recovery. Implementing this provision will require a commitment of time and personnel from the Veterans Administration. It is my sincere hope that in acting as a liaison between their patients and outside groups, the VA will not siphon off precious time and resources intended to improve patient care. Also, while the intention of this program is to ensure that our Nation's veterans are more easily able to cast a vote, the passage of the bill should not be taken as an invitation to disregard the absentee voting programs implemented at the State level in favor of turning Federal, State, or NVRA designated agencies into voting locations. Veterans also require months of care as a result of their injuries and have limited mobility during that time. This bill was crafted with their unique circumstances in mind, and it is not intended to be a gateway to similar programs at other agencies. When it comes to establishing voting locations outside of each State's established protocols, this bill should be considered the exception, not the rule. Again, I would like to thank Chairman Brady for his leadership on this issue and his commitment to improving this bill in a bipartisan fashion. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 998, which would direct the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian Institution to collect and preserve audio and video recordings from individuals who were involved in the civil rights movement. In 1954 the Supreme Court landmark decision, Brown v. Board of Education, served as a beacon of hope to those who had longed for racial equality in this Nation, and is largely credited with beginning the period commonly referred to as the civil rights movement. Rather than viewing the case which provided for the desegregation of public schools in the United States as the end of a journey, supporters of the civil rights movement recognized the Court's decision as the beginning of a long and difficult road ahead. The years that followed brought many hard battles, from the Montgomery Bus Boycott that was a result of Rosa Parks' brave refusal to give up her seat to a white passenger, to the march in Selma, Alabama, during which our own colleague, Congressman Lewis, suffered severe physical trauma in defense of voting rights. Congressman Lewis' recollections of this time have often brought those who have heard him speak to tears. It is exactly those types of oral histories that are in danger of being lost in the absence of a concerted effort to preserve them. We cannot afford to lose those accounts of extraordinary courage in the face of profound injustice. With the passage of time, generations of Americans have now been born with freedoms that would not have been possible without the struggle and sacrifice of those who participated in the civil rights movement. The audio and video recordings preserved as a result of this bill's passage will be an invaluable resource from which those young people who may learn about the struggle for racial equality and will serve as an inspiration to all Americans as they reflect upon this pivotal time in our Nation's history. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McCARTHY of California

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Resolution 61, which expresses the sense of the Congress that the United States flag flown over the United States Capitol should be lowered to half-mast 1 day each month in honor of the brave men and women from the United States who have lost their lives in military conflicts. For all of those who work in or visit the Capitol each day, the flag that flies atop this building is an emblem of the democratic principles that guide this body. This powerful symbol of freedom is even more striking when it's lowered to half-mast, signaling that our Nation is in mourning. The men and women of our military who defend our Nation in the time of war may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Lowering the flag atop the Capitol once a month in their honor is a small yet meaningful way to communicate how deeply their loss is felt by all Americans. In addition to being a moving tribute to the members of our military who we have lost, it is also a reminder to all Members of Congress that the actions we take--or do not take--have profound consequences on the men and women of our military. When we talk about funding our armored vehicles or express our views on intelligence gathering in the war on terror, it is imperative that we do not forget the real ramifications that our decisions will have on our servicemen and -women who must live with the consequences of our actions. I urge my colleagues to join with me in supporting this moving tribute to our Nation's Armed Forces. With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.