Hal Rogers

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. David R. Rudy, Associate Provost and Dean at Morehead State University, who is retiring this fall after 29 years of service. I want to recognize his record of excellence as a teacher, scholar, mentor, and public servant, and for his distinguished career. Dr. Rudy has a prominent record as a Professor of Sociology at Morehead State University, publishing numerous articles and books. His books on drug abuse, alcoholism, and the social struggles they entail are valuable tools to fight the challenges that many Americans face with these troubles, including southern and eastern Kentuckians. Dr. Rudy has published numerous scholarly articles including those in Sociological Analysis and the Journal of Studies on Alcohol. He has received funding to support his research from, among others, the Alcohol Beverage Medical Research Foundation at Johns Hopkins University, the National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Education, and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Among numerous service and outreach efforts, Dr. Rudy is a graduate of Leadership East Kentucky, served as a researcher for the Kentucky League of Cities ``New Cities'' program, and serves on the Board of the Advanced Manufacturing Partnership (AMP). Dr. Rudy has a long track record of mentoring young scholars and supporting excellence in their academic endeavors, with several of his students going on to receive Ph.D.s. He has given them an excellent example to follow. As a tenured professor at Morehead State University he was chosen to serve as Dean of a newly established Program of Distinction. The Institute for Regional Analysis and Public Policy (IRAPP) was then founded by Dr. Rudy in 1999 and over ten years he led the development of IRAPP as a research intensive unit that serves the eastern region of Kentucky. Dr. Rudy has been honored with the Distinguished Researcher Award and Distinguished Service Award by Morehead State University for these and other significant contributions to the campus and community. Under Dr. Rudy's leadership, Morehead State and the IRAPP program can take pride in his accomplishments. The impact of his career will be felt far and wide, as his students use what they have learned from him, and have their own impacts on eastern Kentucky, our nation and the world. As they do this, they will know that they have Dr. Rudy to thank.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. You know, people come to the U.S. from all points of the globe to get the medical treatment that America is best at all across the world. It's the best system ever invented, and we've evolved it over these 200-plus years. This experiment that the Obama administration is pushing the Congress to pass would rip out that system and put in its place what I think would be an inferior system. People don't understand why we need to do it. And, in fact, we don't have to do it. Our proposal is essentially three things that would allow us to keep this great medical system that we have, bring down the costs and make it affordable to everyone. We would allow small companies to form co- ops and bargain for their insurance coverage, much the same as the Kentucky Farm Bureau does in Kentucky even today. We would do away with junk lawsuits that drive up the cost of practice and cause doctors to perform very expensive defensive medicine. Do not pass this bill.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the House Republican standards on congressionally-directed funding, I am submitting the following information regarding funding included in H.R. 3288, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill of 2010. Requesting Member: Congressman Harold Rogers Bill Number: H.R. 3288 Account: Federal Aviation Administration--Facilities & Equipment Legal Name of Recipient: Hazard-Perry County Airport Board--Wendell H. Ford Regional Airport Address of Recipient: P.O. Box 420, Hazard, KY 41701 Description of Request: Provides directed funding of $500,000 for an Instrument Landing System (ILS) at Wendell H. Ford Regional Airport in Hazard, KY. for precision azimuth and elevation guidance signals to aircraft. For the 12-month period ending September 21, 2006, the airport had 10,200 aircraft operations, an average of 27 per day: 85% general aviation, 14% air taxi and 2% military. This project will make a more secure environment for military and civilian operations and provide safer landings at this regional airport. Requesting Member: Congressman Harold Rogers Bill Number: H.R. 3288 Account: Department of Housing & Urban Development--Economic Development Initiatives Legal Name of Recipient: Kentucky Communities Economic Opportunity Council (Gray, KY.) Address of Recipient: 5448 US 25 East, Gray, KY 40734 Description of Request: Provides directed funding of $250,000 for the construction of a health and wellness facility in Barbourville, KY., an area with a long history of high unemployment and high poverty. No such facility currently exists in the region, and this project would help combat serious health issues faced by residents as a result of the pervasive problems of obesity and diabetes--thereby greatly increasing the quality of life for local residents. This facility is being constructed through a partnership between the City of Barboursville, KY., Union College and KCEOC Community Action Agency. Requesting Member: Congressman Harold Rogers Bill Number: H.R. 3288 Account: Department of Housing & Urban Development--Economic Development Initiatives Legal Name of Recipient: Kentucky Blood Center Address of Recipient: 3121 Beaumont Centre Circle, Lexington, KY 40513 Description of Request: Provides directed funding of $500,000 for the construction of new donor center along US-27 in Somerset, Ky., which would allow for storage of a large volume of blood components. The Kentucky Blood Center (KBC) currently leases a smaller space, which has proved insufficient to accommodate the growth in blood donation and staffing in the area. According to the American Association of Blood Banks International Task Force on Domestic Disasters, the single greatest risk from a disaster is not a lack of blood--but a disruption of the blood delivery system. The new Somerset Center will allow KBC to develop a regional approach in meeting blood donation needs, increasing preparedness for a disaster or blood emergency. The project has already undergone development and design, and can be under construction within 90 days. Requesting Member: Congressman Harold Rogers Bill Number: H.R. 3288 Account: Department of Transportation--Buses and Bus Facilities Legal Name of Recipient: LKLP Community Action Council--Hazard, Ky. Address of Recipient: 398 Roy Campbell Drive, Hazard, KY 41701 Description of Request: Through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Office of Transportation Delivery, provide funding of $1,000,000 for Hazard-based LKLP Community Action Council to construct a transit facility in West Liberty, Ky. A parking and transit structure would enhance the basic downtown infrastructure to support commuters and businesses, and this new transit facility will serve as an economic catalyst and hub for downtown revitalization in Morgan County, Ky. LKLP operates a number of federal Public Transportation programs including Section 5311, Section 5310, Section 5316 and Section 5317. Requesting Member: Congressman Harold Rogers Bill Number: H.R. 3288 Account: Department of Transportation--Federal Highway Administration--Surface Transportation Priorities Legal Name of Recipient: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Address of Recipient: 200 Mero Street, Frankfort, KY 40622 Description of Request: Provide directed funding of $750,000 to expand US-25 to 4 lanes near Corbin in Laurel County, Kentucky, which will greatly decrease congestion and increase safety in the area. Highway spending yields a 32% annual return on investments measured over decades, which far exceeds most other public or private investments. This important project is included in Kentucky's 2008 Highway Plan, as approved by the 2009 Kentucky General Assembly. Requesting Member: Congressman Harold Rogers Bill Number: H.R. 3288 Account: Department of Transportation--Federal Highway Administration--Surface Transportation Priorities Legal Name of Recipient: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Address of Recipient: 200 Mero Street, Frankfort, KY 40622 Description of Request: Provide directed funding of $750,000 to for continued construction of the Somerset Northern Bypass (I-66). Upon its completion, I-66 will provide a vital connection between Southern and Eastern Kentucky and the nationwide road system. This is crucial to providing Appalachian Kentucky residents with better access to health care, opening up communities to tourism, and supporting additional supply lines for new businesses. The highway will also improve safety for people traveling in and around the area. Highway spending yields a 32% annual return on investments measured over decades, which far exceeds most other public or private investments.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the House Republican standards on congressionally-directed funding, I am submitting the following information regarding funding included in H.R. 3293--Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Act, 2010 Requesting Member: Congressman Harold Rogers Bill Number: H.R. 3293 Account: Health and Human Services, SAMHSA Legal Name of Recipient: Operation UNITE Address of Recipient: 2292 South Highway 27, Somerset, KY 42501 Description of Request: Provide directed funding of $1,000,000 for a substance abuse treatment and voucher program through Operation UNITE. Operation UNITE is a comprehensive program to combat the scourge of drug abuse in southern and eastern Kentucky by coordinating federal, state and local efforts in law enforcement, treatment and education. Operation UNITE has arrested 3,028 drug dealers and removed over $8.64 million worth of drugs off the street, including 86,068 prescription pills, 450 pounds of marijuana, 11.7 pounds of meth and 23 pounds of cocaine. Over 2,050 nonviolent offenders have participated in UNITE- funded drug courts, and more than 1,430 individuals grappling with addiction have received vouchers for treatment. This funding will be utilized to provide a one-time payment for residential substance abuse treatment for eligible individuals who cannot afford treatment. Requesting Member: Congressman Harold Rogers Bill Number: H.R. 3293 Account: Health and Human Services, SAMHSA Legal Name of Recipient: Operation UNITE Address of Recipient: 2292 South Highway 27, Somerset, KY 42501 Description of Request: Provide directed funding of $1,000,000 for a multi-school substance abuse counseling and curriculum development program through Operation UNITE. Operation UNITE is a comprehensive program to combat the scourge of drug abuse in southern and eastern Kentucky by coordinating federal, state and local efforts in law enforcement, treatment and education. From the 2004-2008 school years, 35 counselors served 44 school districts in the region. In addition, nearly 65,000 individual and group counseling sessions were provided, and 3,949 referrals to treatment were made. This funding will provide prevention, intervention, and treatment through drug counselors in the local school system. Requesting Member: Congressman Harold Rogers Bill Number: H.R. 3293 Account: Department of Health and Human Services, HRSA Legal Name of Recipient: Morehead State University Address of Recipient: 150 University Boulevard, Morehead, KY 40351 Description of Request: Provide directed funding of $250,000 to conduct a health outreach demonstration program in eastern Kentucky. The region has some of the highest rates of diabetes, obesity, and heart disease in the country. This is a targeted and comprehensive project to improve rural health and rural communities. The funds will be used for program development, supplies, health information resources, physician and professional support, and promotional/ awareness efforts. Requesting Member: Congressman Harold Rogers Bill Number: H.R. 3293 Account: Department of Education, FIE Legal Name of Recipient: Eastern Kentucky PRIDE Address of Recipient: 2292 South Highway 27, Somerset, KY 42501 Description of Request: Provide directed funding of $250,000 for environmental education and awareness to students through the Eastern Kentucky PRIDE program. PRIDE is the first initiative specifically created to solve severe environmental degradation problems in the region. PRIDE, a non-profit organization, unites citizens with the resources of federal, state and local governments in order to improve water quality in the region, clean up illegal trash dumps and other solid waste, and promote environmental awareness and education to break the cycle of pollution. This funding supports initiatives in local elementary, middle, and high schools to engage students in environmental stewardship. Requesting Member: Congressman Harold Rogers Bill Number: H.R. 3293 Account: Department of Education, FIE Legal Name of Recipient: The Center for Rural Development Address of Recipient: 2292 South Highway 27, Somerset, KY 42501 Description of Request: Provide directed funding of $500,000 for the continuation of Forward in the Fifth, a civic literacy program in southern and eastern Kentucky. Begun in 1986, the organization serves 44 Appalachian counties by placing a high priority on literacy education. In addition, Forward in the Fifth has developed and implemented a variety of programs to improve school attendance, enhance science and math instruction, reduce dropout rates, train parents in computer-based education platforms, and increase the number of residents attending college. The program works with local schools, teachers, parents, and the community. Requesting Member: Congressman Harold Rogers Bill Number: H.R. 3293 Account: Department of Education, FIE Legal Name of Recipient: City of Prestonsburg Address of Recipient: 200 North Lake Drive, Prestonsburg, KY 41653 Description of Request: Provide directed funding of $200,000 for arts education at the Mountain Arts Center, which is a non-profit cultural arts complex based in Prestonsburg, Kentucky. This funding will enable the complex to expand its curriculum and learning opportunities further in eastern Kentucky. It hosts a wide variety of arts education classes for all ages in music, art, and theater. Requesting Member: Congressman Harold Rogers Bill Number: H.R. 3293 Account: Department of Health and Human Services, HRSA Legal Name of Recipient: Union College Address of Recipient: 310 College Street, Barbourville, KY 40906 Description of Request: Provide directed funding of $500,000 for renovations and reconstruction on an existing building for a new nursing and allied health program facility. Union College intends to renovate the former Knox County Hospital building into a center for academic programs in nursing and science. This new facility and programs will improve the educational opportunities available to students in an underserved region.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. In case you missed it, there was an ominous report in yesterday's Washington Post that said the administration is delaying for several weeks the congressionally mandated report on economic growth, job creation, and budget deficits, a report that's due right now. The administration said yesterday, We're not going to tell you what's in that report for several more weeks. Why? I will tell you why. They don't want to downplay the politically damaging deficit numbers, the unemployment numbers, and the economic growth, or lack of growth, numbers that are in that report. Why? Because it's an attempt to hide this record-breaking deficit as the Democrat leaders break arms to rush through this government takeover, the experiment in health care. That's why the administration is hiding ominous numbers from the American public.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the House Republican standards on congressionally-directed funding, I am submitting the following information regarding funding included in H.R. 3170--Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2010 Requesting Member: Congressman Harold Rogers Bill Number: H.R. 3170 Account: ONDCP Legal Name of Recipient: National Alliance for Model State Drug Laws Address of Recipient: 1414 Prince Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 Description of Request: As also requested by the President, provides $1,250,000 in directed funding to assist states with their efforts to address diversion of, abuse of, misuse of, and addiction to prescription drugs. The National Alliance for Model State Drug Laws (NAMSDL) is a non-profit organization that serves as a resource for governors, state legislators, drug and alcohol professionals, community leaders, and others striving for comprehensive and effective state drug and alcohol laws, policies and programs. NAMSDL's national network of drug and alcohol experts researches and analyzes model drug and alcohol laws, and facilitates working relationships among state and community leaders and drug and alcohol professionals. The proliferation of addictive pain-relief prescription drugs in Kentucky and across the country necessitates continued funding of NAMSDL programs.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the House Republican standards on congressionally directed finding, I am submitting the following information regarding funding included in H.R. 3170--Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2010. Requesting Member: Congressman Harold Rogers Bill Number: H.R. 3170 Account: Financial Services, SBA Legal Name of Recipient: SEKTDA Address of Recipient: 2292 South Highway 27, Somerset, KY 42501 Description of Request: Provide directed funding of $685,000 for economic and small business development in southern and eastern Kentucky. SEKTDA is a non-profit, region-wide initiative created to attract travelers and tour industry businesses to the area. SEKTDA's 47 county region is in one of the most depressed areas in the United States and economic and small business development is essential. These funds will contribute to the economic growth of the region.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the House Republican standards on congressionally-directed funding, I am submitting the following information regarding funding included in H.R. 3183, the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act of 2010. Requesting Member: Congressman Harold Rogers Bill Number: H.R. 3183 Account: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers--Construction, General (Section 202) Legal Name of Recipient: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers--Huntington & Nashville Districts Address of Recipient: 502 Eighth Street, Huntington, WV 25701 P.O. Box 1070, Nashville, TN 37202 Description of Request: As authorized in Section 202 of P.L. 96-367, as amended, provide directed funding of $9,500,000 for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to continue structural and non-structural flood damage reduction efforts in several flood-prone communities in southern and eastern Kentucky along the Levisa and Tug Forks and Upper Cumberland River. These important flood damage reduction projects mitigate hundreds of millions of dollars in potential damages. Without Section 202 projects, taxpayers in Appalachian Kentucky would be burdened by an additional $847 million in flood insurance. Of these sums, at least $3,000,000 is directed towards the Town of Martin, Kentucky, which recently suffered severe flood damage. Requesting Member: Congressman Harold Rogers Bill Number: H.R. 3183 Account: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers--Construction, General (Section 531) Legal Name of Recipient: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers--Huntington District Address of Recipient: 502 Eighth Street, Huntington, WV 25701 Description of Request: As authorized in Section 531 of P.L. 104-303, provide $1,500,000 in directed funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to execute its environmental infrastructure program in southern and eastern Kentucky. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates this region has over $300 million in unmet infrastructure needs. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers therefore works closely with regional non-profits to determine priority water quality projects. Over 50 innovative regional projects for sewer and water improvements are currently underway or have been completed. Through this program, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has helped serve 20,861 homes with sewer improvement projects. FY10 funding for Section 531 projects will continue these important efforts. Requesting Member: Congressman Harold Rogers Bill Number: H.R. 3183 Account: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers--Construction, General Legal Name of Recipient: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers--Nashville District Address of Recipient: P.O. Box 1070, Nashville, TN 37202 Description of Request: Provide $123,000,000 in directed funding for continued design, preparation and construction to stabilize Wolf Creek Dam, which impounds Lake Cumberland. The lake mitigates possible flooding to several Kentucky and Tennessee communities, and it is estimated that Wolf Creek Dam has prevented more than $1.3 billion in damages and prevented major loss of life from flood events. The dam also supports a $150 million tourism industry in the region. A $341 million contract for the construction of a 4200-foot concrete barrier wall to eliminate seepage at Wolf Creek Dam was let in July 2008. The project is among the Corps' top dam safety projects in the nation and was requested by the President. Requesting Member: Congressman Harold Rogers Bill Number: H.R. 3183 Account: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers--Operations & Maintenance Legal Name of Recipient: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers--Nashville District--Lake Cumberland Address of Recipient: P.O. Box 1070, Nashville, TN 37202 Description of Request: Provide directed funding of $1,000,000 for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to perform needed recreational improvements to degraded Lake Cumberland structures and facilities. These operation and maintenance funds may be used for needed refurbishments and enhancements around the lake. These enhancements include, but are not limited to lake debris removal, environmental restoration and recreational improvements. Requesting Member: Congressman Harold Rogers Bill Number: H.R. 3183 Account: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers--Operations & Maintenance Legal Name of Recipient: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers--Huntington District--Town of Martin Address of Recipient: 502 Eighth Street, Huntington, WV 25701 Description of Request: Section 107 of H.R. 3183 directs the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to expedite the acquisition of properties in Martin, Kentucky that were damaged by floodwaters in a severe May 2009 flood event. Removing residents and businesses from harm's way should be a top priority for the Corps, and this language directs the Huntington District to modify its Project Detailed Project Report, dated March 2000, so that the acquisition of homes and businesses might commence immediately. Requesting Member: Congressman Harold Rogers Bill Number: H.R. 3183 Account: Department of Energy--Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Legal Name of Recipient: Consortium for Plant Biotechnology Research Address of Recipient: 100 Sylvan Drive, Suite 210, St. Simons Island, GA 31522 Description of Request: Provide directed funding of $3,000,000 for the Consortium of Plant Biotechnology Research (CPBR), a non-profit organization whose membership includes 43 leading U.S. research universities and 39 agribusiness companies and trade associations across the county. 92.6% of funding is utilized for researching plant biotechnologies that will improve the competitiveness of U.S. agriculture by developing technologies to lessen the country's dependence on foreign energy supplies. Federal funds are matched 130% on average. The University of Kentucky is a CPBR member. Requesting Member: Congressman Harold Rogers Bill Number: H.R. 3183 Account: Department of Energy--Fossil Fuels Research and Development Legal Name of Recipient: The University of Kentucky--Center for Applied Energy Research Address of Recipient: 2540 Research Park Drive, Lexington, KY 40511 Description of Request: Provide directed funding of $2,000,000 for the University of Kentucky's Center for Applied Energy Research (CAER) to continue important research regarding the development of strategic coal-based liquid transportation fuels. Rising petroleum prices, national security concerns and limited domestic oil reserves require a serious look at alternative sources of transportation fuels. The use of coal for transportation fuels can provide additional independence from oil imports, safeguard the nation's security, allow for the development of new industries, and provide new incentives for coal mining. The Department of Defense has a keen interest in securing alternatives to petroleum for reliable supplies of battlefield fuels. Moreover, there are certain applications where coal-derived fuels are environmentally superior for the production of ultra-clean diesel and jet fuel of interest to the aviation, heavy equipment and trucking industries. Eastern and western Kentucky coals are suitable feed stocks for these purposes. Requesting Member: Congressman Harold Rogers Bill Number: H.R. 3183 Account: Department of Energy--Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Legal Name of Recipient: Morehead State University East Kentucky Bioenergy Capacity Assessment Project Address of Recipient: 150 University Blvd., 901 Ginger Hall, Morehead, KY 40351 Description of Request: Provide directed funding of $250,000 for Morehead State University to analyze the availability of bioenergy in a region of Appalachia traditionally supported by coal. Many opportunities exist through the exploration of alternative fuel sources to allow the United States to become less energy dependent on fossil fuels, and this project would support a feasibility study to analyze the availability of bioenergy sources in southern and eastern Kentucky.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the House Republican standards on congressionally-directed funding, I am submitting the following information regarding funding included in H.R. 3082, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2010. Requesting Member: Congressman Harold Rogers Bill Number: H.R. 3082 Account: MILCON, Army National Guard Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Kentucky Department of Military Affairs Address of Requesting Entity: Boone National Guard Center, 100 Minuteman Parkway, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601 Description of Request: Provide directed funding of $1.805 million to complete construction of the Phase IV Aviation Operation Facility-- London Joint Readiness Center located in Laurel County, Kentucky. The funding will be used for the construction of two additional (11,400 SF) unheated aircraft storage buildings at the facility. The project is required to fully house the Joint Support Operations equipment and personnel in one facility located in the vicinity of operations. At the conclusion of this project, the unit will be able to respond quicker and in a much more efficient manner which will allow a greater return on investment funds spent on the operation.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the House Republican standards on congressionally-directed funding, I am submitting the following information regarding funding included in H.R. 2997, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010 Requesting Member: Congressman Harold Rogers Bill Number: H.R. 2997 Account: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Legal Name of Recipient: Kentucky Division of Conservation Address of Recipient: 375 Versailles Road, Frankfort, KY 40601 Description of Request: Provide $545,000 in directed funding for conservation technical assistance grants to the Kentucky Soil Conservation Districts. This locally-led program promotes Kentucky's natural resource priorities and assists in the implementation of various Farm Bill conservation programs on small family farms. Requesting Member: Congressman Harold Rogers Bill Number: H.R. 2997 Account: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Legal Name of Recipient: Kentucky Division of Conservation Address of Recipient: 375 Versailles Road, Frankfort, KY 40601 Description of Request: Provide $724,000 for conservation technical assistance to the Kentucky Soil Erosion Control Cost Share Program. The Kentucky Cost Share Program is implemented in coordination with the Environmental Quality Incentives Program to address Kentucky's natural resource concerns. The funds will be used for engineering, designing, installing, and certification of systems/facilities in order to meet national conservation standards.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I submit the following: Requesting Member: Congressman Harold Rogers Bill Number: H.R. 2647 Account: MILCON, Army National Guard Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Kentucky Department of Military Affairs Address of Requesting Entity: Boone National Guard Center, 100 Minuteman Parkway, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601 Description of Request: Provide directed funding of $1.805 million to complete construction of the Phase IV Aviation Operation Facility-- London Joint Readiness Center located in Laurel County, Kentucky. The funding will be used for the construction of two additional (11,400 Sf) unheated aircraft storage buildings at the facility. The project is required to fully house the Joint Support Operations equipment and personnel in one facility located in the vicinity of operations. At the conclusion of this project, the unit will be able to respond quicker and in a much more efficient manner which will allow a greater return on investment funds spent on the operation.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the House Republican standards on congressional-directed funding, I am submitting the following information regarding funding included in H.R. 2996, the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2010. Requesting Member: Congressman Harold Rogers Bill Number: H.R. 2996 Account: Department of the Interior--National Park Service--Land Acquisition Legal Name of Recipient: Cumberland Gap National Historic Park Address of Recipient: US 25E S, P.O. Box 1848, Middlesboro, KY 40965 Description of Request: Provide directed funding of $500,000 for Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. P.L. 108-07 gave the National Park Service authority to acquire the historic and pristine Fern Lake and surrounding 4500 acre watershed incorporating this area into Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Fern Lake will eventually serve as a clean and reliable water source for the city of Middlesboro, Kentucky as well as enhance recreational opportunities at Cumberland Gap. In May 2009, using previously secured federal funds, over 2000 acres of this property were conveyed to Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. To date, 4021 acres of the watershed have been added to the park, and the ultimate goal is to acquire 4500 acres within the sightline of the park's popular Pinnacle Overlook. Requesting Member: Congressman Harold Rogers Bill Number: H.R. 2996 Account: Environmental Protection Agency--Science & Technology Legal Name of Recipient: Consortium for Plant Biotechnology Research Address of Recipient: 100 Sylvan Drive, Suite 210, St. Simons Island, GA 31522 Description of Request: Provide directed funding of $1,000,000 for the Consortium for Plant Biotechnology Research, a non-profit organization whose membership includes 43 leading U.S. research universities and 39 agribusiness companies and trade associations. 92.6% of funding is utilized for researching plant biotechnologies that will improve the competitiveness of U.S. agriculture by developing technologies to lessen the country's dependence on foreign energy supplies. Federal funds are matched 130% on average. The University of Kentucky is a CPBR member. Requesting Member: Congressman Harold Rogers Bill Number: H.R. 2996 Account: Environmental Protection Agency--Environmental Programs and Management--National Programs Legal Name of Recipient: Rural Communities Assistance Partnership Address of Recipient: 1522 K Street, NW., Suite 400, Washington DC 20005 Description of Request: Provide directed funding of $2,500,000 for the Rural Communities Assistance Partnership with the EPA. RCAP service providers work with federal and state agencies to help small communities address their drinking water and wastewater treatment concerns. While small, rural communities are home to less than 25% of the nation's population, they account for over 85% of the nation's community water systems. Problems with EPA clean water compliance may arise when small communities lack the oversight capacity and technical expertise to deal with the complexities of maintaining a safe and clean supply of water, and communities with fewer than 10,000 residents are more than twice as likely to violate drinking water standards as are larger systems. Each year, the RCAP network delivers services to more than 2,000 rural communities, 90% of which have populations of 2,500 or fewer, while leveraging an average of $25 in additional funding for every $1 in federal investment. FY10 funding will be equally divided between technical assistance activities related to drinking water and clean water compliance. Requesting Member: Congressman Harold Rogers Bill Number: H.R. 2996 Account: Environmental Protection Agency--STAG Water & Wastewater Infrastructure Legal Name of Recipient: Perry County Sanitation District Address of Recipient: P.O. Box 1615, Hazard, KY 41702 Description of Request: Provide directed funding of $500,000 to support the Perry County Sanitation District's ongoing efforts to provide sanitary wastewater treatment services for residents in the Chavies area. Funds will support the Sanitation District in developing a 150,000 gallon per day wastewater treatment plant and an enhanced collection system, which will ultimately serve 502 households. The project will initially construct approximately 24,900 feet of gravity sewer, 3,500 feet of force main and two pump stations to serve 109 new customers. The wastewater treatment plant will be constructed to accommodate future expansions as collection lines are extended to serve additional customers. The Perry County Sanitation District received a grant from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the design of the Wastewater Treatment Plant and Collection System, which covered the cost of a regional facilities plan, environmental assessment and design. An additional $1.154 million in Environmental Protection Agency funds have also been secured to begin construction.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. I simply want to join my chairman in opposition to the amendment for the reasons that he said.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Chairman, the Consortium of Kentucky Colleges and Universities was asked by the Department of Homeland Security if they would take on research projects that the department needed answers on, and the consortium said, yes, we will. They said, we can't compete probably singly working by ourselves with the MITs or the Cal Techs or the Harvards or maybe Phoenix University or the University of Arizona. But collectively, as a group, we can. And so the department gives the project to the consortium, and the best pieces of the consortium then collect together to work on that project. The University of Kentucky may be teamed up with Western Kentucky University, the University of Louisville or perhaps an out-of- state university, and they work on and solve the project that the department has need for. To set the record straight, the institute receives specified research task orders from the science and technology directorate at DHS. The task orders are then farmed out to the consortium of colleges and universities throughout the State of Kentucky and other public and private entities across the country for their input on that particular problem. This process taps into and unleashes the intellectual firepower of our best and brightest people to address new and emerging threats to the homeland. These are competitive grants. Make no mistake. These are competitive grants. All decisions on funding are made by the Department of Homeland Security. So far, 22 projects are underway with dozens of colleges and universities participating. These are low-cost solutions with a minimal footprint and maximum results. A couple of examples. University of Kentucky researchers have developed a system to maintain the security of raw milk as it is transported from the dairy farm to the processing plant to combat a problem that we found in China where many dozens of young people were sickened by milk that had been tainted. This issue is critical in securing our food supply. That system is now available across America and is being used. University of Louisville researchers are developing a system that samples air particles in large enclosed spaces such as shopping malls and sports venues to detect the presence of explosive materials. We know from the London and Madrid mass-transit bombings that terrorists seek enclosed and populated places. Western Kentucky University teamed up with the University of Louisville, and they have designed devices to detect leaks in rail transport tanker cars. A chlorine or ammonium nitrate spill in any neighborhood could be disastrous. Research funds have been awarded to reduce the explosive potential of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil by coating the material with coal combustion byproducts. These two chemicals, when mixed, form a common explosive material for terrorists and were the deadly combination used in the tragic Oklahoma City bombing. MITOC, Man-Portable Interoperable Tactical Operation Center, provides communication services to disaster sites to make interoperable communications where it did not exist in these public venues. MITOC has been deployed to areas around the country to help them solve the interoperable need for communications in the disaster scene when no other communication systems were working, including Texas during Hurricane Ike and recently in Kentucky during the massive ice storm throughout the entire State. So these are research projects that are producing results that the department needs and asks this consortium to do, and is engaging the intellectual firepower of these universities and colleges in Kentucky and their counterparts throughout the country. It is one of the best things the department has ever done. And I'm happy to say it is in my home State of Kentucky.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. I thank the gentleman. I reserve.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. I join the chairman in opposing the amendment. As he says, all of these congressionally directed spending earmarks have been vetted by the Department. They have been scrubbed by our subcommittee unlike anything before, and I join in opposition.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Chair, I rise to claim opposition to the amendment.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. I want to join the gentleman in saying that we have scrubbed these congressionally directed spending in this bill unlike anything before. They are clean, and they are needed in the areas where they have been congressionally directed. So I join the gentleman in opposing this amendment.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. I join the gentleman in opposing the amendment. I think the gentleman would be derelict in his duties to the Congress and to the people of his district and the country if he didn't make these efforts to help the people that he represents. That is not a unique thing to try to help the people that you represent in the U.S. Congress. And I salute the gentleman.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Would the Chair yield?

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. The gentleman has worked hard on this issue and has brought forth some information that is very helpful to us, and I support the amendment he has offered and salute him for offering it.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Would the gentleman yield?

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Are these lookout posts on U.S. soil?

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Would the gentleman yield?

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. I want to congratulate our leader for this very adequate amendment that will help us on the border where the drug war wages, and we can use that personnel. The meager increases in the number of agents the gentleman has referred to in the bill needs to be increased, and the gentleman's amendment does just that, and I congratulate him and support it fully.