Tom McClintock

Mr. McCLINTOCK

Mr. McCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, in my opinion, the most important role of the national parks is to provide a link to our Nation's proud history. I believe in American exceptionalism. The story of our Nation is the story of the uniquely American principles enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and how they shaped and molded what has become the most successful Republic in the history of human civilization. One aspect of that story is exemplified by the Buffalo Soldiers, Americans of African descent who transcended the prejudices of the post-Civil War era to serve as the first peacetime Army units comprised of African Americans. They took the heroism and patriotism of the famous 54th Massachusetts and other Civil War units and made them into a proud and permanent fixture within the American Armed Forces. Their members included Medal of Honor winner Louis H. Carpenter and Henry O. Flipper, the first American of African descent to graduate from West Point. The Buffalo Soldiers made immeasurable contributions to the continental expansion of our Nation, to the protection of our first national parks, but perhaps most important is their immortal contribution to the unification of our Nation as a free people. As Shakespeare said, Their story should the good man teach his son. This bill would develop a plan to do precisely that within the national park system. I urge its adoption. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McCLINTOCK

Mr. McCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the East Bay Regional Park District serves the people of San Francisco, and the test of their satisfaction is the fact that they have continued to support it with voter-approved bonds, each vote being a vote of confidence in its work and each vote backing that confidence with local funds. It used to be that local projects that benefited local communities were paid for by those local communities, and the East Bay Regional Park is an example of this bygone era. Today the Federal Treasury is too often treated as a grab bag for local projects, literally robbing St. Petersburg to pay St. Paul. The success of the East Bay Regional Park District is a reminder that the most successful local projects are those that are paid for with local funds and superintended by local voters. It is a reminder that Federalism works and that we need to return to it. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McCLINTOCK

Mr. McCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his kind words, but I do wonder how he can define success in a program that has no standards for success. I also need to correct him on one other point, and that is the claim that this will provide or produce 3 million acre-feet of water. It does no such thing. All it does is allow us to continue to use the 3 million acre-feet of water that we already produce and that we have already paid for without impediments posed by additional ESA litigation. With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I readily concede that if you put a gun to somebody's head, you can get reasonable people to do unreasonable things. The ESA is a gun to the head of the people of the West. It's time we did something about that. No one suggests that there's not an important mission for the ESA, but it has gotten completely out of control. It has breached all bounds of reason and logic, and it is time that we visited that issue rather than continue to squander tens of millions of dollars on programs like this, whose sole purpose is simply to keep that ESA litigation at bay. With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McCLINTOCK

Mr. McCLINTOCK. I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise in opposition to this measure, which they call Cash for Caulkers, since it's based on the Cash for Clunkers program, and maybe, before we go any further, somebody needs to ask, Well, how did that last one work out? In fact, economists at Edmunds.com did exactly that. They discovered that of the 690,000 cars sold under Cash for Clunkers, 565,000 sales would have happened anyway, which means the taxpayers ended up paying about $24,000 for every genuine sale that it actually stimulated. But it gets worse. All the program accomplished was to entice people to move up their purchase decisions by a few months, which then caused below-normal sales in the months that followed. In other words, Congress spent $4 billion creating a car bubble. With that fresh economic wreckage just behind us, we're about to create a $6.6 billion home improvement bubble. We can now replace our ``Honk if you're making my car payments'' bumper sticker with ``Honk if you're paying for my home remodeling.'' What is this actually going to accomplish? First, a lot of fraud. We already know that the Energy Star program approved 15 out of 20 fake products that were submitted to them by the GAO, including a gasoline-powered alarm clock. One can only imagine what home improvement scams taxpayers will fund from this one. Second, it's going to pay for a lot of remodeling that would have been done anyway. That was the expensive lesson from Cash for Clunkers. Third, it's going to be paying for remodeling that makes no economic sense except for the rebate. After all, when remodeling actually saves money, people do it on their own. Congressman Ehlers just pointed that out. And if it doesn't save money, why should taxpayers be forced to pay for it in the first place?

Mr. McCLINTOCK. Madam Chair, I was just going to point out, Benjamin Franklin pointed out that ``experience keeps a dear school, but fools will learn in no other.'' This bill today offers us a sobering corollary--that there are some people who cannot even learn from experience. We call these people ``Congressmen.''

Mr. McCLINTOCK

Mr. McCLINTOCK. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, the proponents have a problem. They want statehood for Puerto Rico, but the people of Puerto Rico keep voting ``no.'' Well, what to do. Well, they replace a straightforward up-or-down vote with a very clever two-step process. If 40 percent support the Commonwealth and only 20 percent favor each of three alternatives, the overwhelming plurality is defeated on the first ballot, and they're left only to choose among three options, none of which they support. And then, just to be sure, proponents stuff the ballot box by letting non-Puerto Ricans vote just as long as they were born there. Well, that means that, as a Californian, I should be entitled to vote in New York's elections because I was born there. This bill isn't needed for a referendum. Puerto Rico can do that on its own. The purpose of this bill is to imply congressional support of this rigged election process that has no legal effect, that has surrendered any moral validity, and that promises only to set off bitter divisions within the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Mr. McCLINTOCK

Mr. McCLINTOCK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of Major Mark B. Hill of El Dorado Hills, California. Hill grew up in El Dorado Hills and after graduating from California State University- Sacramento, he was commissioned into the U.S. Air Force at Mather Air Force Base. Major Hill has served with distinction for the last 20 years, flying over 4,500 hours and more than 130 combat support missions aboard the E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft and as a qualified Master Air Battle Manager. He has deployed in support of multiple operations, including: Desert Storm, Provide Comfort, Southern Watch, Deliberate Force, Allied Force, Enduring Freedom, and Noble Eagle. As a qualified Joint Service Officer, he left a NATO post for his current duty assignment as a Branch Chief within the Command and Control, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Division, Directorate of Requirements, Headquarters Air Combat Command, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. As a former Eagle Scout, he remains a volunteer supporting the Boy Scouts of America and has done so throughout his military career. Hill's commendations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (two oak leaf clusters), Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Joint Service Achievement Medal. Madam Speaker, with his retirement from active duty in the United States Air Force on June 1, 2010, I am proud to recognize Major Mark B. Hill and thank him for over two decades of representing the finest of our values and for his long service in defense of our nation.

Mr. McCLINTOCK

Mr. McCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, during the recent health debate, the Speaker ominously said, We have to pass the bill so you can find out what is in it. Well, they passed the bill, and now we're finding out what's in it. They told us it would keep costs down. Well, now they admit health costs will soar $311 billion, increasing to 21 percent of GDP by 2019. They told us, If you like your plan, you can keep it. Well, now they admit that seniors on Medicare Advantage could lose their plans. Companies that offer health plans to their employees and retirees are now considering dropping them. They told us it would be good for the economy. Now they admit employers were correct to downgrade their earnings by billions of dollars that ultimately will come out of employees' wages and benefits. This issue is not going away. It will continue to plague those responsible until they replace it or until they themselves are replaced.

Mr. McCLINTOCK

Mr. McCLINTOCK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the brave individuals who served in the Military Intelligence Service and the Army's 100th Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team (RCT)--the most decorated unit for its size and length of service in the history of the U.S. military. These patriotic Americans, many of whom came from Placer County, California, served at a time when many of their families were interned in camps far from their homes. I am proud that the people of Placer County have partnered with the Japanese American Citizens League to create a permanent memorial commemorating the Americans of Japanese ancestry who served in the U.S. military during World War II. The memorial includes a 36-foot compass laid in concrete to symbolize the journey of the 442nd RCT located on Go For Broke Road, which is named in honor of the unit's motto. As our community moves into the second phase of this project, I congratulate everyone involved and thank them for their ongoing efforts to honor those individuals who risked and sacrificed so much in defense of our great Nation and the ideals for which we stand.

Mr. McCLINTOCK

Mr. McCLINTOCK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 150th anniversary of St. Mary's Academy in Grass Valley, California. Since its first day, St. Mary's has provided outstanding educational opportunities to the children of Nevada County. The Academy was founded in 1859 by Father Thomas J. Dalton, Pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Grass Valley as a school for the growing Nevada County area. The Academy has served as an orphanage, a finishing school for girls, a high school, and a grade school. Today the school offers kindergarten through eighth grade education. As our community gathers to celebrate this auspicious occasion, I am proud to recognize 150 years of service and excellence and thank those who have worked to keep the Academy open and thriving.

Mr. McCLINTOCK

Mr. McCLINTOCK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Army SPC Randall Ray Charles Landstedt from Pollock Pines, California, who was killed April 6, 2010 while on leave in Crestview, Florida. Specialist Landstedt grew up in El Dorado County, attending local schools, including Pinewood, Sierra Ridge, El Dorado High, and Independence High. From an early age, Specialist Landstedt was determined to serve his country and after graduation enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was known by his friends and family as kind, generous, considerate and loyal. He is survived by his parents, Joanne and Daniel Landstedt; brother, James Copeland of Pollock Pines; and sister, Rickie Bronstein of San Diego. I cannot begin to comprehend the pain of losing such a kind and courageous young man and I cannot ease that pain with my words. All I can do is say thank you for Randall's service. He exemplified the highest values of our country, embodying courage, valor and dedication in his service with the Army's 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. Specialist Landstedt was twice awarded the Army Commendation Medal and also received the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, an Army Service Ribbon, an Overseas Service Ribbon, and the NATO Medal with an International Security Assistance Force bar. We will remember SPC Randall Landstedt for his honor and dedication, and we must never forget the service and sacrifices of the sons and daughters of our great country.

Mr. McCLINTOCK

Mr. McCLINTOCK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Army Specialist Randall Ray Charles Landstedt from Pollock Pines, California, who was killed April 6, 2010 while on leave in Crestview, Florida. Spc. Landstedt grew up in El Dorado County, attending local schools, including Pinewood, Sierra Ridge, El Dorado High and Independence High. From an early age, Spc. Landstedt was determined to serve his country and after graduation enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was known by his friends and family as kind, generous, considerate and loyal. He is survived by his parents, Joanne and Daniel Landstedt, brother, James Copeland of Pollock Pines; and sister, Rickie Bronstein of San Diego. I cannot begin to comprehend the pain of losing such a kind and courageous young man and I cannot ease that pain with my words. All I can do is say thank you for Randall's service. He exemplified the highest values of our country, embodying courage, valor and dedication in his service with the Army's 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. Spc. Landstedt was twice awarded the Army Commendation Medal and also received the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, an Army Service Ribbon, an Overseas Service Ribbon and the NATO Medal with an International Security Assistance Force bar. We will remember Specialist Randall Landstedt for his honor and dedication, and we must never forget the service and sacrifices of the sons and daughters of our great country.

Mr. McCLINTOCK

Mr. McCLINTOCK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jeffrey Michael Ross of Roseville, California. On July 12, 2009 Jeffrey witnessed a driver lose control of her vehicle and careen into the canal in Rancho Cordova. Running to the water's edge, Mr. Ross found the vehicle sinking quickly and the semiconscious driver trapped inside. In a situation where some would feel helpless, Jeffrey took decisive action. He dove into the water and swam towards the car, forced open the window and started to pull the victim out. As water continued to rush inside the car, it slipped beneath the surface with the driver still inside. Ross continued to fight and freed the driver, bringing her safely to the surface. Jeffrey's act of courage and kindness is an example of the highest values of citizenship, and a credit to himself, his family and our community. I am proud to rise today to honor Mr. Ross and recognize him for receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation's Citizen Service Above Self Honors award earlier today in a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.

Mr. McCLINTOCK

Mr. McCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this flawed health care bill. Under the provisions of this bill, Americans will be required by federal law to purchase health insurance policies that include every mandate imposed by the new federal health czar and will face federal fines and even imprisonment if they refuse. And they will pay for them through a combination of higher taxes, higher premiums or lower wages. The proposition that Congress has the power to order Americans to purchase insurance--or any other product--is contrary to the fundamental concept of individual liberty and antithetical to the takings clause of the Fifth Amendment. If this precedent were to be upheld, the federal government will have assumed authority over every aspect of individual choice in the care of ourselves and our families and can logically be extended to what foods we choose or to what physical activities we engage in. Nor is this brave new doctrine limited to health care. Once the precedent is established that government may usurp individual decisions in the marketplace, what limitation remains on its power to order any other of our decisions as consumers? Fortunately, the Constitution still protects our freedom from such usurpations. It will fall to the Supreme Court to hold this act accountable to the Constitution and it will fall to ``We the People'' to hold those responsible for it accountable at the polls.

Mr. McCLINTOCK

Mr. McCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this flawed health care bill.

Mr. McCLINTOCK

Mr. McCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, in his introduction to the epic ``The Ten Commandments,'' Cecil B. DeMille asked the question, ``Are men the property of the state, or are they free souls under God?'' Congress will authoritatively address this question tomorrow. Will the Federal Government order Americans to purchase products that the government thinks that they should buy and fine or imprison them if they refuse? Will it empower a new health czar to make decisions over the most minute details of every American's health care? Will it set loose 16,000 new IRS agents to enforce its edicts? This vote transcends any questions of health care. It introduces a proposition that will fundamentally alter the relationship between the Government and the people for all time. I pray that my democratic colleagues, drunk as they may be with power, will consider carefully the implications of the action they are about to take.

Mr. McCLINTOCK

Mr. McCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I appreciate sincerely the gentleman's sensitivity to the property rights of the individuals in the Hudson River Valley and the prerogatives of local government control; and for that reason, I should think that he would welcome the amendment that was placed in the bill that would give all of the people notice of what existing activities may be restricted if the study concludes that the area should be designated as a unit of the National Park System and if in fact it does become a unit. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4003 has been adequately explained by the majority. I do want to point out, however, that the committee wisely adopted an amendment by Congressman Rob Bishop that requires the National Park Service to identify local activities that will be limited or eliminated if the study leads to a park designation. As Congress considers additions to the National Park System, the public is entitled to know which existing activities, such as hunting and fishing and boating and snowmobiling and energy production and transmission, will be restricted. As we in the West painfully know, national park designation comes with an abundance of regulations and direct Federal management. It is important that people living in the affected area know ahead of time how much authority over their local affairs will be ceded to the Federal Government. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McCLINTOCK

Mr. McCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself just enough time to wish a belated happy birthday to the gentleman from Wisconsin. We have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McCLINTOCK

Mr. McCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the gentlelady from Guam has adequately explained this bill. Of course, it wouldn't be fair to compare the Vermont Long Trail to the magnificent trails of the Northern Sierra, but I'm assured that the Vermont Long Trail is a very nice one for Vermont. The resolution sponsor has wisely avoided any references to sports teams and is not involved in any ongoing feuds that I'm aware of. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McCLINTOCK

Mr. McCLINTOCK. Madam Speaker, if the gentlelady from Guam has no further speakers, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McCLINTOCK. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The legislation allows the National Park Service to accept the donation of a small parcel of land that will allow it to better interpret the historic battle for which the park was created. It also authorizes the Park Service to purchase the historic train depot where Abraham Lincoln arrived and departed from his historic visit in 1863. I am told that there was a time when that historic train depot served as a pizza parlor. Today, it serves a much more fitting role as a museum, and under this measure the Park Service will take over its operation. I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman, Mr. Platts, the author of the measure.

Mr. McCLINTOCK

Mr. McCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I will simply appeal again to the majority, water might be controversial, but it needn't be partisan. We have done everything we can in good faith to support this bill for clean drinking water for Rialto and Colton. We would ask the majority again to reconsider its opposition to restoring the full water entitlement to the Central Valley. Again, there is something desperately wrong with our public policy when we are at 129 percent of normal in our Sierra precipitation and yet only 25 percent of the water deliveries to the Central Valley. With that final appeal for bipartisanship, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McCLINTOCK

Mr. McCLINTOCK. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.