Richard Pombo

Mr. POMBO

Mr. POMBO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Resources be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 4000) to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to revise certain repayment contracts with the Bostwick Irrigation District in Nebraska, the Kansas Bostwick Irrigation District No. 2, the Frenchman-Cambridge Irrigation District, and the Webster Irrigation District No. 4, all a part of the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. POMBO

Mr. POMBO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on House Administration be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 4510) to direct the Joint Committee on the Library to accept the donation of a bust depicting Sojourner Truth and to display the bust in a suitable location in the rotunda of the Capitol, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. POMBO. Mr. Speaker, I offer an amendment in the nature of a substitute.

Mr. POMBO

Mr. POMBO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Ways and Means be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 4635) to reauthorize the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant program through March 31, 2006, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. POMBO

Mr. POMBO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the following bills: S. 205, S. 652, S. 1238, S. 1310, S. 1481, S. 1892, H.R. 2099, H.R. 3179, H.R. 4000.

Mr. POMBO

Mr. POMBO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Energy and Commerce be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 4637) to make certain technical corrections in amendments made by the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. POMBO

Mr. POMBO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that Members may have until publication of the last edition of the Congressional Record authorized for the First Session of the 109th Congress by the Joint Committee on Printing to revise and extend their remarks and to include brief, related extraneous material on any matter occurring before the adjournment of the First Session sine die.

Mr. POMBO

Mr. POMBO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that during the Second Session of the 109th Congress, the Speaker, majority leader, and minority leader may accept resignations and make appointments authorized by law or by the House.

Mr. POMBO

Mr. POMBO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today pursuant to this order, it adjourn to meet at 4 p.m. on Thursday, December 22, 2005, unless it sooner has received a message or messages from the Senate transmitting its adoption of a conference report to accompany H.R. 2863, its adoption of a conference report to accompany H.R. 3010, and its adoption of House Concurrent Resolution 326, in which case the House shall stand adjourned sine die pursuant to that concurrent resolution.

Mr. POMBO

Mr. POMBO. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to the order of the House of today, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. POMBO

Mr. POMBO. Madam Speaker, yesterday the House passed the conference report to H.R. 3199, reauthorizing the Patriot Act. While much has already been said about the national security aspects of this report, I would like to commend my colleagues for including the Combat Meth Act in the report. The meth epidemic is sweeping the nation, and has become a major law enforcement problem in California's 11th District. All the law enforcement officers I meet with tell me that meth is the number one problem they face today. From manufacturers to dealers, and the attendant social crimes they create, meth is devastating communities across the country. Methamphetamine production and distribution leads to murders, assaults and property crimes. Additionally, there is an associated increase in domestic abuse, prostitution, child abuse and neglect, and homelessness. The provisions included in H.R. 3199 are a positive development in the fight against this scourge. H.R. 3199 will repeal the so-called ``blister pack exemption,'' which currently allows the sale of unlimited quantities of pseudoephedrine. Pseudoephedrine and other major precursor chemicals in meth production will now be classified as ``Schedule Listed Chemicals'' with a daily purchase limit of 3.6 grams. These drugs will now be kept in locked cabinets or behind the counter at drug stores and other retailers. These measures will help reduce the manufacture of meth in the United States. As meth is an international problem, the bill contains provisions for international monitoring, and funding for cooperative efforts with Mexico, a source of much of the meth in California. It also strengthens federal penalties against meth smugglers and traffickers. Finally, there is language to clarify that employers registered under the Controlled Substances Act may ask prospective employees about prior drug convictions, as a safeguard to ensure that people with access to controlled substances do not pose risks to the public welfare. This clarification is necessary to stop the diversion of drugs from pharmacies for illegal purposes. Currently, in many states, employers are not allowed to ask this critical question. Madam Speaker, as a member of the Methamphetamine Caucus, I applaud the passage of this important language. While we still have a long way to go in the war on meth, this is certainly a step in the right direction.

Mr. POMBO

Mr. POMBO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to contribute to the debate on H.R. 4473 which is currently under consideration. Title II of the bill creates new regulatory authority for the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to investigate suspected manipulation of the natural gas futures markets. Currently, the price of natural gas in the United States is floating at a high near $14 MMBtu. When compared to most nations around the world, this amount is four, five, even fourteen times higher than some developing countries! I am encouraged by the attempt of some of my colleagues to correct this serious problem, but I have serious concerns with the manner by which we address this issue in legislation. As Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan has made very clear in a recent letter to Chairman Mike Oxley, the fundamental problem of natural gas price spikes is a shortage of supply. The only way this can be solved, and Chairman Greenspan appears to agree, is through increased production domestically and less barriers to liquefied natural gas imports. When the supply increases, natural gas prices will most certainly fall. While I will support passage of H.R. 4473, I believe Title II is a misguided approach that will not ultimately result in lower prices for natural gas. Sadly, some Members of Congress who support Title II of this bill have consistently opposed additional domestic production of energy supplies. They may believe that by voting for this legislation today, they will receive further cover for their positions, when in fact these Members' positions have led to our nation's high energy prices.

Mr. POMBO

Mr. POMBO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in favor of H.R. 3812, a bill authored because in San Joaquin County, California, water supplies are being depleted. The region suffers from highly significant groundwater overdraft and saline intrusion, affecting agricultural, residential and commercial water users. This bill provides a much needed solution to a growing problem. H.R. 3812 authorizes $3.3 million in Federal funding to complete studies that will examine additional surface water supplies, and improve water supply reliability and environmental protection for the Bay-Delta Region. Led by the Bureau of Reclamation, the project's multi-year evaluation would involve the participation and cooperation of a wide range of regional stakeholders and would provide information important to statewide water resource and environmental protection efforts. Areas aided by this bill include Stockton, Lodi, Lockeford, Clements, Waterloo, Farmington, Linden, Wallace, Camp Seco and Valley Springs. A clean, safe water supply is essential to sustain our growing communities. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Mr. POMBO

Mr. POMBO. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to relate the experience of Major Jeff Williamson, an employee of General Mills who serves in the Marine Forces Reserve. He was called to duty in February 2002 and sent to Camp Pendleton for anti-terrorism operations training. In March 2003, Major Williamson was sent to Iraq for initial operations, and remained until June 2003. During his service abroad, General Mills made up the difference to match what his regular salary had been while employed with the company back home. He and his family's medical and dental benefits remained unchanged during this time as well. When asked if he had any comments on how he felt about General Mills treatment of him during that time, he said he had not given that question much thought, adding that, that in itself, says a lot. Major Williamson commented that he did not have to worry about a thing as he and his family were well taken care of. In January, he will be considered for the position of Lt. Colonel. He is married to Tanja and they have two lovely little girls.

Mr. POMBO

Mr. POMBO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to show my appreciation for the National Guard, the Reserves and their employers. This resolution, H. Res. 302, recognizes those employers who accommodate the 1.1 million members of National Guard and other Reserve components. They make it possible for our country to be protected and defended by our patriot volunteers. This resolution acknowledges all employers from the small-town family business to the public sector that have provided a stable job to more than 460,000 members of the National Guard and Reserves who have been called to duty since September 11, 2001. These employers have provided our Reservists security in payment, health care and benefits. Reservists have been called up to serve in great numbers in order to assist with natural disaster relief on the homeland or in support for the global war on terror in Afghanistan and Iraq. I am proud to say that my district is home to recipients of the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. This award was created to recognize employers who have provided exceptional support to Reservists. One recipient of the Employer Support Freedom Award, Enterprise Rent- a-Car, has locations throughout my district from Pleasanton to Stockton and my hometown of Tracy. Enterprise received recognition for extending full salary and benefits for the entire length of mobilization, regardless of how much they receive in military pay. I would also like to mention the sacrifice of Give Every Child a Chance, a nonprofit located in Manteca, California. One of their employees, Oscar, is a military policeman in the Army Reserves. Oscar has served his country in Iraq and in Egypt for a total of 16 months. While Oscar was serving in Egypt, they temporarily replaced him with existing staff. They wrote to me that ``While it was a very chaotic month, we knew that when we hired Oscar he had a commitment to serve our country, and we accepted that commitment as part of our dedication to the United States of America.'' National Guard members and members of Reserve Forces comprise about 46 percent of our total available military manpower. With such a significant proportion of our Nation's defense dependent upon those who maintain careers in addition to their military service, a cooperative relationship between servicemen and -women and their employers is indispensable. The support for a healthy relationship has been prevalent from the United States Chamber of Commerce and the local chambers throughout my district. I would like to commend the Department of Defense, specifically the employers' support of the Guard and Reserve, for their cooperation with civilian employees. Other strong supporters include SBC Communications, Incorporated, and veterans groups like the American Legion. Our Guard, Reserves and their families sacrifice a great deal in the defense of our country. Please join me in recognizing their employers by supporting the passage of H. Res. 302.

Mr. POMBO. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to show my appreciation for the National Guard, the Reserves, and their employers, This resolution, H. Res. 302, recognizes those employers who accommodate the 1.1 million members of the National Guard and other reserve components. They make it possible for our country to be protected and defended by our patriot volunteers. This resolution acknowledges all employers--from the small-town family business to the public sector--that have provided a stable job to more than 460,000 members of the National Guard and Reserves who have been called to duty since September 11, 2001. These employers have provided our reservists security in payment, healthcare and benefits. Reservists have been called up to serve in great numbers in order to assist with natural disaster relief on the homeland or in support for the global war on terror in Afghanistan and Iraq. I am proud to say my district is home to recipients of the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. This award was created to recognize employers who provide exceptional support to reservists. One recipient of the Employer Support Freedom Award, Enterprise Rent- a-Car has locations throughout my district from Pleasanton to Stockton and my hometown of Tracy. Enterprise received recognition for extending full salary and benefits for the entire length of mobilization-- regardless of how much they receive in military pay. I would also like to mention the sacrifice of Give Every Child a Chance, a non-profit located in Manteca, California. One of their employees, Oscar, is a military policeman in the Army Reserves. Oscar has served his country in Iraq and then in Egypt for a total of 16 months. While Oscar was serving in Egypt, they temporarily replaced him with existing staff. They wrote to me that, ``[while] it was a very chaotic month, we knew when we hired Oscar he had a commitment to serve our country, and we accepted that commitment as part of our dedication to the United States of America.'' National Guard members and members of Reserve forces comprise about 46 percent of our total available military manpower. With such a significant proportion of our Nation's defense dependent upon those who maintain careers in addition to their military service, a cooperative relationship between service men and women and employers is indispensable. This support for a healthy relationship has been prevalent from the United States Chamber of Commerce, and local Chambers throughout my district. I would like to commend the Department of Defense, specifically the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve for their cooperation with civilian employers. Other strong supporters include SBC Communications, Inc. and veterans groups like the American Legion. Some employers in California's Eleventh Congressional District giving benefits to reservists are: A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc, Albertson's, Allstate, Bank of America, Best Buy, Cingular Wireless, Citigroup, Contra Costa County, County of Santa Clara, Dow Chemical Company, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Exxon Mobil, Federal Express, Harley Davidson, Home Depot, Lockheed Martin, McDonald's Corp., National Park Service, (Contra Costa County) Office of the Sheriff, Oracle, PG&E Corp., Safeway, SBC Communications Inc., Sears & Roebuck, UPS, State of California, Staples, Sybase, Inc., Target, TGI Friday's, TJ Maxx, U.S. Postal Service, and Verizon. Additionally, the resolution has received strong support from: U.S. Chamber of Commerce, American Legion of California, Brentwood Chamber of Commerce, Brentwood VFW Post 10789, Dublin Chamber of Commerce, Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce, Lodi Chamber of Commerce, Manteca Chamber of Commerce, Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce, San Ramon Chamber of Commerce, Stockton Chamber of Commerce, Air Force Sergeants Association, Association of the United States Army, Tino Adame Commander Karl Ross Post, 16, Give Every Child A Chance, American Legion, John Butler CTCS USN (retired), Commissioned Officers Association of the U.S. Public Health Service, Fleet Reserve Association, The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States, PG&E, General Mills, and SBC Communications, Inc. I would request that a list of more businesses and public entities recognized by the U.S. Chamber and ESGR be included in the Congressional Record. Our Guard, Reserves and their families sacrifice a great deal in the defense of our country. Please join me in recognizing their employers by supporting passage of H. Res. 302. The Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award was instituted in 1996 by Secretary of Defense William Perry under the auspices of the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). The award was created to publicly recognize American employers who provide exceptional support to their employees who voluntarily serve the nation in the National Guard and Reserve. The 2005 Recipients are: Alticor, Inc., formerly Amway, provides exceptional support that includes pay differential and continuation of benefits for up to one year when an employee is mobilized. Citizens Financial Group is a catalyst for employer support within its many Rhode Island communities. With an expanded military leave and benefit program, which includes pay differential and extension of benefits for up to one year, Citizens grants up to five consecutive days of paid leave when a spouse, domestic partner of child is activated for military service. Eaton is a diversified industrial manufacturer that continues to provide full pay and benefits to their employees who are mobilized for the duration of their service. This is in addition to their compensation that is received from the military. Enterprise Rent-A-Car's connection to the U.S. military goes all the way back to Jack Taylor, who in 1957 founded the company and named it after one of the U.S. Navy aircraft carriers he served aboard as a naval aviator--the U.S.S. Enterprise. Enterprise shows its true loyalty to its employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve by extending full salary, regardless of military compensation, and benefits for the entire length of mobilization. IDACORP is a leading northwest employer that provides full benefits and pay differential for the entire duration of military service. IDACORP has also funded extensive family outreach programs in communities of Idaho, Washington, and Oregon when massive mobilizations have occurred. This funding provides for a $250.00 travel voucher for over 3,000 activated National Guard members. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has a long a proud history of supporting its employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. The LAPD provides pay differential and continuation of benefits for the length of mobilization. Mobilized employees also continue to receive service credit, accumulated annual vacation and tenure for the duration of their military service. The Louisiana Department of Safety and Corrections (LDSC) is the first Louisiana state agency to achieve ESGR five star status as a supportive employer of its employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. Pioneer Financial Services, Inc. is a very strong supporter of its employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. Pioneer's proactive support includes providing salary differential and benefits for up to two years, paying bonuses in advance of mobilization to assist with financial needs, and assigning a family support coordinator for the employees' families to assist with any issues that may arise during mobilization. Ryland Homes is an advocate for service in the National Guard and Reserve and demonstrates this patriotic corporate culture by providing full benefits, to include life, health and dental insurance, and pay differential for one year. Sears Roebuck, and Co. has a long legacy of providing support to its employees who serve in the military dating from 1916. Sears is a long- time advocate of military service, and provides pay differential and continued human resource benefits for its mobilized employees. Sears has led numerous initiatives that demonstrate its commitment to military personnel and family members, including a partnership with the National Military Family Association (NMFA). South Dakota State University's enthusiasm, patriotism, and support for its National Guard and Reserve employees and students is outstanding. By providing differential pay for its employees and student academic progression support, SDSU leads the way in maintaining its 140-year-old legacy of providing support to members of the armed forces. SDSU provides pay differential for the length of deployment, and also provides employees 40 hours of paid personal leave for preparation of a deployment. The State of Delaware has enacted legislation that provides deployed servicemembers with differential pay, including continued health, dental and insurance benefits for its mobilized or recalled military employees. Toyota employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve are provided pay differential, continuation of benefits, and the use or replacement of an employee special-lease vehicle for activated Guardsmen and Reservists and their families while deployed. In 2004, Toyota Motor Sales launched its Hire*A*Hero program, an initiative to foster career opportunities for military personnel transitioning back to civilian life. In addition, Toyota received agreement from 1,422 Toyota and Lexus dealers from across America to provide support above and beyond the requirements of the ESGR 5 Star Statement of Support program to their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. USAA continues to show great care and concern for their National Guard and Reserve employees and their families. Employees who are mobilized receive pay differential and continuation of benefits for up to 2 years. USAA has initiated a variety of military support programs, including Operation Keep in Touch, which was designed to keep deployed employees connected to their coworkers. USAA also provides its activated Guard and Reserve employees with a Deployment Preparedness Kit, which contains a comprehensive guide to assist military members with their leave of absence.

Mr. POMBO

Mr. POMBO. Mr. Speaker, I missed recorded votes today in order to be with my family in California for an unexpected family emergency. I would like my intentions made known for my constituents in the 11th district. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall No. 569, the Conference Report on H.R. 3057--Foreign Operations, Export Financing and Related Programs Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2006.

Mr. POMBO

Mr. POMBO. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to make votes today on the House floor because of an untimely and unexpected need requiring me to be back home with my family in California. I take my responsibility to vote very seriously. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on H.R. 4128, the Private Property Rights Protection Act of 2005.

Mr. POMBO. Mr. Chairman, as a fourth generation rancher, my life has been shaped by the traditions and values associated with proper stewardship of the land. Our Constitutional rights put property ownership of capital importance in the Fifth Amendment. The right to own property is the backbone of our free-market system. With eminent domain becoming an expanding practice, a bipartisan approach bridging urban, suburban, and rural communities is necessary to uphold the rights of the individual. The regulatory takings that have been plaguing America's family farmers and ranchers have now spread to suburban neighborhoods, as the decision in the Kelo v. City of New London made absolutely clear. Congress has an inherent responsibility to uphold the Constitution, and on the property rights of United States citizens, the Constitution is clear. The need for H.R. 4128 has never been greater.

Mr. POMBO. Mr. Chairman, H.R. 4128, the ``Private Property Rights Protection Act'' is a timely response to the horrendous Kelo decision. I am supportive of this bill and call for its expedited passage. I want to thank Chairman Sensenbrenner for his leadership on this issue and look forward to working with him and others to see this bill as it moves through the House and Senate. Property rights are the heart of the individual freedom and the foundation for all other civil rights guaranteed to Americans by the Constitution. Without the freedom to acquire, possess and defend property, all other guaranteed rights are merely words on a page. The Fifth Amendment holds that private property shall not be taken by the government for public use without compensation. These safeguards have been under assault for decades and until now, the typical victims were family farmers and ranchers in the West. The Supreme Court's decision in the Kelo v. City of New London case to allow local governments to declare eminent domain in this case goes beyond compensation; it wholly perverts the intent of public use, and in so doing, may turn the American dream of home ownership into a nightmare. It has delivered the property rights assault from rural America right to the doorsteps of suburbia. In New London, Connecticut, city planners essentially decided that evicting 15 homeowners from their homes was in the ``greater good'' as a ``public use'' for an office park and new condos. But the public, to be directly served in this case, was a private corporation. Whether they were newly wed couples in their first home or life-long residents who owned their homes outright, whether it is farmers and ranchers which have been on their land for generations or urban and suburban communities with the promise of fellowship, this appalling behavior cannot be tolerated any more. The Supreme Court's decision to allow local government to declare eminent domain turns the Fifth Amendment on its head. However, we cannot forget about rural America. Rural America has been fighting this fight for decades and deserves praise for their unshakable stance on protecting private property. No longer will public use correctly be defined as a road, bridge, or hospital. Now it can be defined as an abstract good, such as increased tax revenue or economic development. Private property can now be taken at will by government and reallocated to another private entity if it runs afoul of a local bureaucrat's notion of public use and greater good. H.R. 4128 would greatly discourage this behavior and the total disregard for private property protections. Fortunately, Congress maintains the power over the purse strings. We will act to minimize the effects of this ruling to the greatest extent possible. This bill will prevent States and localities from ever doing this again by withholding economic development funds. However, many States and local communities alike are recognizing the importance of private property rights and beginning to act to protect themselves from this decision. This will assist their efforts. On the other hand, I do believe this legislation can be improved. Under this bill, if a State or locality takes property in violation of this legislation they will incur a 2 year prohibition of economic development funds. That is not long enough. We need to hold States and localities to a higher standard. By withholding Federal economic development funds for a longer period of time, if not permanently, States and localities will rethink the taking of private property, or remedy their previous egregious actions. They need to know there will be consequences. By withholding these funds for an extended period of time, if not indefinitely, they will understand the seriousness of our intentions. We have a chance at real reform here and this legislation should be passed. Again, I would like to thank Chairman Sensenbrenner for bringing this to the Floor as quickly as you did and I look forward to working with you in every step of the process to see this commendable legislation enacted. I have been fighting these injustices since before I was elected to this body and will continue to do so in the future.

Mr. POMBO

Mr. POMBO. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to make votes today on the House floor because of an untimely and unexpected crisis requiring me to travel back home to be with my family in California. Unfortunately, I missed recorded votes and would like my intentions included in the Congressional Record. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on H.R. 1606--Online Freedom of Speech Act. I would have also voted ``yea'' on H.R. 4061--Department of Veterans Affairs Information Technology Management Improvement Act of 2005. This important bill will help improve Veterans' health services by improving the technology resources of the Veterans' Affairs Department. The VA has spent about $1 billion per year for the last decade to improve its information technology systems. This new bill will provide some key oversight to ensure that this money is spent in the most efficient way possible, and to reorganize the VA's information technology to best serve the healthcare needs of the Nation's Veterans. While there has been recent improvement in the VA's technology systems, there is a lot they can do to provide better healthcare to Veterans. I am proud to support this effort to better the lives of the men and women who have given so much for this country. Had I been present, I would have also voted ``yea'' on H.R. 1691-- John H. Bradley Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic Designation Act.

Mr. POMBO

Mr. POMBO. Mr. Speaker, on November 1, 2005 I missed recorded votes and would like my intentions included in the Congressional Record. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on both H.R. 3548 and H.R. 3989.

Mr. POMBO

Mr. POMBO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in order to extend a warm thanks and offer my heartfelt appreciation to those who work tirelessly to ensure the well-being of all Americans. The purpose of House Resolution 220 is to give credit where credit is due; to pay our respect to those who provide life-giving assistance to those in need. I would personally like to thank America's Blood Centers and its Member Organizations for 43 years of providing blood products and services to over 3,300 hospitals across the country. I am extremely proud to say my district is home to members of America's Blood Centers. The Delta Blood Bank in San Joaquin County is a founding member of America's Blood Centers. The Delta Blood Bank serves 18 hospitals throughout four California counties. And just as the demand for assistance never rests, the Delta Blood Bank center is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. This community blood bank accepts donations throughout our beautiful central valley from draw sites located in Stockton, Manteca, Lodi and my hometown of Tracy. Delta Blood Bank's diligent effort to collect, process, store and distribute safe and reliable blood and blood components to every patient in need has not gone unnoticed. America's Blood Centers has been at the frontline to respond to disaster, military and everyday demands. The America's Blood Centers has extended its helping hand beyond the needs of thousands of American hospitals by providing blood to our troops with the life-giving assistance they need. They play an integral role in ensuring the safety of those risking their lives to protect our great country. House Resolution 220 recognizes the contribution America's Blood Centers has made to the welfare of all Americans. Additionally, there are other organizations that contribute, such as the Pleasanton Blood Center, affiliated with the American Red Cross. Again, on behalf of the 4.5 million who benefit from its services each and every year, I would like to thank America's Blood Centers, particularly Delta Blood Bank, which serves my hometown and home district in California. And with such tragedies as hurricanes Katrina and Rita and continuing struggles in the Global War on Terror, the role the America's Blood Centers will play in the welfare of Californians and all Americans will be as important as ever.

Mr. POMBO

Mr. POMBO. Mr. Chairman, regarding the Judicial jurisdiction under H.R. 3824, the United States District Court shall have jurisdiction over an action by a requestor arising over a written determination under Section 12(d) or a claim for aid under Section 13 of the Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery Act, including the determination of the documentation of the foregone use and the fair market value thereof.

Mr. POMBO

Mr. POMBO. Mr. Chairman, Section 12(g) of H.R. 3824 clarifies that the operator of a water storage reservoir, water diversion structure, canal or other artificial water delivery facility is not liable for ``take'' of listed aquatic species that is attributable to recreational sportfishing programs managed by a State agency. Over the past several decades, the stocking of sport fish by State agencies has contributed to the decline in populations of native fish. Sport fish frequendy prey upon native fish and compete with native fish for food, breeding habitat and other essential resources. Nevertheless, State operated programs to stock these fish in river systems continue. Likewise, there are continuing adverse effects to native fish resulting from earlier State operated programs which introduced sport fish into the streams. In recent years, some federal agencies have attempted to impose the responsibility for ``take'' of listed native fish resulting from the presence of sport fish in the streams on operators of water storage reservoirs, canals, water diversion structures and other artificial water delivery facilities in the river basin. These operators have been faced with demands that they take on the financial burden of ``mitigating'' for the loss of native listed fish, even though this loss is attributable to the introduction of sport fish under programs managed by State agencies. Section 12(g) makes clear that the operators of water storage reservoirs, water diversion structures, canals and other artificial water delivery facilities are not liable for take of listed native fish under these circumstances, and are not responsible for implementing or financing mitigation measures to offset this take.