Hal Rogers

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. I thank the gentleman.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 99, I call up the bill (H.R. 933) making appropriations for the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and other departments and agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2013, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the consideration of H.R. 933 and that I may include tabular material on the same.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Issa), the chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. The gentleman is correct. OMB did submit a list of proposed anomalies on February 18.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. OMB did not propose any change to the provisions in current law regarding 6-day mail delivery.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the talented musicians of the ``Morehead State University and Electric Edge'' band, which performed at the renowned Kentucky Society of Washington DC's Inaugural Bluegrass Ball on Saturday, January 19, 2013. Known for its high class entertainment, fine food, and Kentucky hospitality, the Bluegrass Ball is our premier inauguration party, made even more memorable when Electric Edge takes the stage. Great music is synonymous with the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and so it has been my pleasure to welcome these gifted educators and musicians to the nation's Capitol City. In fact, music has always been an important way of life in Kentucky. We enjoy a rich music heritage from Appalachia on into the cornfields of western Kentucky. In classrooms and on stage, these band members are helping keep our proud musical traditions alive, while training up the next generation of Loretta Lynns and Ricky Scaggs. A couple weekends ago, their abilities were on display at the Bluegrass Ball, indulging us with the melodies of Kentucky right here in Washington, DC. The band includes nationally and internationally acclaimed members, some of them on the distinguished faculty of Morehead State University. They include hit-chart writer and singer Tony Pence, Professor Glenn Ginn on electric guitar, Professor Gordon Towell on Saxophone, Professor Steven Snyder on piano, Danny Cecil on bass, vocalist- favorite Lisa Ginn, and Paul Deatherage on percussion. It likewise goes without saying that great food is synonymous with the Commonwealth of Kentucky. So, I'm also very pleased to recognize one of our nation's most celebrated chefs, Edward Lee, of Kentucky's famous ``610 Magnolia'' restaurant, who smartly found his way from New York to the Kentucky Derby and decided to stay. Chef Lee has a huge following as an alumnus of the ``Iron Chef of America'' and ``Top Chef'' television programs. One of his favorite foods is fried chicken, and he loves animals, especially horses. A true Kentucky gentleman, he graciously provided an exquisite three-course dinner for the Bluegrass Ball. I ask the Congress to join me in thanking the band and chef for showcasing their extraordinary talents and participating in the 57th Presidential Inauguration festivities.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the director and members of the Letcher County Central High School marching band, who have received the honor of performing in Washington, DC, for the 57th Presidential Inaugural Parade on January 21, 2013. This talented group of students should be proud of this remarkable achievement and I am honored to recognize their success. Competing with more than 2,800 applicants to perform during the parade following President Barack Obama's inauguration, Letcher County Central marching band was one of merely 24 groups chosen for this prestigious honor. After weeks of hard work, fundraising, and practicing in the cold, the band members will serve as the only representative from Kentucky to march in the Presidential Inauguration Parade this year. The band will also be joined by the school's ROTC Cadet Honor Guard performing a ``Patriotic Parade Sequence,'' a medley of American songs, after President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden are sworn into office. The marching band was also invited to perform at the Kentucky Society of Washington DC's Inaugural Ball on January 19, 2013. Contrary to their current success, the Letcher County Central High School music program has not always had a strong presence on campus. In fact, in 2006, the instrumental music program at Letcher County Central High School did not exist. However, with the help of Dr. Jason Griffith, Director of the LCCHS marching band, and several VH1 Save the Music Grants, the program has grown from 50 kids to approximately 400 kids in just six years. Today, the band has received numerous awards such as a Kennedy Center Honorable Mention, and has participated in prominent parades such as the Gubernatorial Parades in Kentucky in 2007 and 2011 and a special parade at Disney World in 2012. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Band Director Jason Griffith and the Letcher County Central High School Marching Band. This band has made Kentucky proud, and I wish them all the best as they take part in this once in a lifetime opportunity and become forever apart of our nation's history.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Florida (Mr. Young), the chairman of the Defense Subcommittee on Appropriations.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. I yield myself 3 minutes, Madam Chairman, and I yield to Mrs. Lowey, the ranking member of the committee--who, by the way, this is her first appearance on the floor as the new ranking Democrat on the full Appropriations Committee. I want to initially congratulate her on that position. I look forward to a good working relationship with her. I yield to the gentlelady.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Chairman, I urge adoption of the Rogers amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. I ask unanimous consent, Mr. Speaker, that in the engrossment of H.R. 152, the Clerk shall reinsert the text on page 1, lines 3 through 6, of the bill after the enacting clause.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. First, I want to thank the gentleman from Colorado for his work on the Emergency Watershed Program. I am aware of the need for this assistance not only in Colorado but in other parts of the country, and I look forward to working with you and others to address this important funding in future legislation.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Staten Island, New York City, Mr. Grimm.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Chair, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Palazzo).

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Yes, that is my understanding and intention. As you know, Congress has previously recognized the critical role our public schools play in creating stability and meeting the educational needs of children and youth displaced by disasters. The flexibility of the SSBG has proven crucial in responding to the many needs that arise in the aftermath of natural disasters.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. May I inquire, Madam Chair, of the time remaining?

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Coming from a University of Kentucky football and basketball fan, to my friend from Louisville and the Cardinals, congratulations. Fantastic for the State of Kentucky.