Mike Rogers

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1517 to correct the hiring status of approximately 30 Customs and Border Protection officers stationed overseas under the wrong hiring appointments. I appreciate the opportunity to stand in support of this legislation in the place of Ranking Member Peter King, the Republican sponsor of the bill. H.R. 1517 grants special authority to the Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection to noncompetitively convert about 30 CBP employees mistakenly hired under an overseas limited deployment to permanent status stationed at the overseas pre-inspection posts. CBP operates pre-clearance stations at 15 foreign airports where travelers to the U.S. are able to undergo entry inspections before boarding their planes. This initiative facilitates travel while adding an important security benefit. Unfortunately, this hiring error, if not addressed, could force these employees to transition into locally hired staff, much like Foreign Service nationals at embassies, or to return to the United States and compete for domestic CBP positions. Through no fault of their own these employees are now facing the problems with their employment status due to a mistake made years ago when they were initially hired. The Congressional Budget Office analysis shows no significant impact from this legislation, as these are existing employees who only need a category adjustment to their employment records. I would like to highlight and express appreciation for the bipartisan manner in which this legislation was developed. Congressman Engel and Ranking Member King worked together to develop this bill, and both Chairwoman Sanchez and Chairman Thompson sponsored this bill as it moved unanimously through our committee. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I would like to request the House's attention today to pay recognition to the Cherokee County High School football team in Centre, Alabama, which recently won the 2009 Alabama 4A State Football Championship. On Decemer 3, the Cherkoee County Warriors defeated Jackson High School by a score of 31-24 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The Warriors finished the season with a record of 15-0, making them the only undefeated team in the state. The Warriors are coached by Tripp Curry, and the school's principal is Doug Davis. I'd like to congratulate the football team, coaches and high school students and staff on this outstanding achievement. All of us across Cherokee County and East Alabama are deeply proud of these talented young Alabamians.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I would like to request the House's attention today to pay recognition to the Piedmont High School football team in Piedmont, Alabama, who won the 2009 Alabama 3A State Football Championship. On December 3, the Piedmont Bulldogs defeated Cordova High School by a score of 35-28 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The Bulldogs finished the season with a record of 13-2. Piedmont High School is located in northern Calhoun County, and their Bulldogs are coached by Steve Smith. The principal is Jerry Snow. Congratulations to the Piedmont County High School Bulldogs football team, coaches, staff, and high school. All of us across Calhoun County and east Alabama are proud of these young people for their outstanding achievement.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I would like to request the House's attention today to pay recognition to the special life of Ruby Hartley Barton of Talladega, Alabama. Mrs. Barton was born on December 15, 1911 in Georgia to James and Victoria Hartley. Mrs. Barton's father died while she was a baby, and her mother raised her and her six brothers and sisters. Mrs. Barton grew up in a farming and textile family. She was married to the late B.W. Barton for over 50 years and was blessed with two sons, Charles D. Barton and Larry H. Barton and one daughter, Edith Barton Bishop. Mrs. Barton now has three grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Mrs. Barton worked at Bemis Mills for close to 40 years and has spent her life serving God and volunteering in her church as a Sunday School teacher, choir director and pianist. On December 15th, her friends and family will celebrate her birthday in her room at Talladega Health Care in Talladega. Today I would like to wish Mrs. Ruby Hartley Barton a very Happy 98th Birthday.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 28, sponsored by my friend and the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee). We know the Nation's surface transportation systems are designed for accessibility and efficiency, making them vulnerable to terrorist attack. When hardening the transportation sector from terrorist attack, we must construct and finance a system of deterrence, protection and response that effectively reduces the possibility and consequences of another terrorist attack without unduly interfering with travel, commerce and civil liberties. In the 9/11 Act of 2007, Congress mandated that DHS take certain steps to ensure the security of our Nation's public transportation systems. More than 2 years later, a number of mandates have gone unmet by the department, and this resolution expresses the sense of Congress that DHS should actually implement those mandates. It is time for DHS to move beyond the transportation sector-specific plans that identify and evaluate risk, to implementing risk reduction measures. This resolution resolves that TSA should continue to enhance the security of mass transit and rail transportation systems, continue the development of the canine explosive detection program, and enhance on- line training programs. The resolution also takes special note that more attention is needed for school transportation systems. With that, Mr. Speaker, I would urge my colleagues to vote for this, and yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3980, sponsored by my good friend from Texas (Mr. Cuellar) who I'm pleased to serve with on the Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response Subcommittee. Since 2006, Congress has mandated FEMA to measure the Nation's level of preparedness, as well as the effectiveness of State and local homeland security grant programs administered by FEMA. Both the Post- Katrina Reform Act of 2006 and the 9/11 Act of 2007 require FEMA to develop metrics that can be used to identify and close gaps in preparedness with homeland security resources. These include the Comprehensive Assessment System, the Target Capabilities List, and the State Preparedness Report. Unfortunately, the various preparedness metrics developed since 2006 have not been properly integrated by FEMA, resulting in duplicative reporting requirements that put an undue burden on State and local governments. State and local homeland security grant programs are essential to achieving and maintaining preparedness capabilities, and they can be strengthened and improved with input from stakeholders and the establishment of sound performance metrics. This bill seeks to improve the way grant programs are administered and managed by FEMA, and will ensure that Congress is informed of the ongoing planning at FEMA for improving measures of preparedness and eliminating duplicative requirements placed on grantees. I urge my colleagues to support the measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I would like to request the House's attention today to pay recognition to Althea Thompson Thomas of Montgomery, Alabama. Mrs. Thomas currently serves at Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church as the church's organist. In June of 1955, she was hired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and from her unique vantage point seated in the organ pit, she was able to witness his sermons each Sunday with an up close and personal view of the pulpit. Mrs. Thomas is an accomplished composer, musician, artist, writer and educator. She has written and arranged musical pieces throughout her life and published musical compositions including four musical dramas, eleven books of piano works, three books of organ works and 25 choral works. She has served as organist for several churches and her artwork has been exhibited across Alabama and the Southeast. Over the years, she taught band, choral music and art in the Montgomery Public Schools and taught art, organ, piano, music theory and appreciation at Alabama State University and Alabama State Laboratory High School. She most recently worked at Alabama State University as an Adjunct Professor. Since 1982, she has taught piano, organ, wind instruments, percussions and guitar at the Thompson Legacy Studios (House of the Arts). She is the daughter of the late H.O. Thompson and the late Faustine Hilliard Thompson. She is married to Wiley Thomas, Jr. and the mother of 6 children. Mrs. Thomas has touched the lives of children and adults alike through her teaching, and I commend her for her dedication. I congratulate her on being honored at Dexter Avenue Memorial King Baptist Church for her contributions to the arts.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I respectfully request the attention of the House to pay recognition to an important day for the Bill Nichols State Veterans Home in Alexander City, Alabama. This important Veterans facility opened November 30, 1989, and was named after William ``Bill'' Nichols, who was instrumental in making Alabama's first state veterans home a reality. Congressman Nichols, a World War II Veteran and recipient of the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1966 and served until his passing in December of 1988. The Bill Nichols State Veterans Home is a 150-bed skilled nursing home for our Veterans, and because of its excellent quality of care, has well over 100 Veterans awaiting admission. To date, over 1,500 of our heroes have resided there. The Bill Nichols State Veterans Home was awarded the 2009 Quality Award from the American Health Care Association for its commitment to continuous quality improvement in long-term care. On November 30, 2009, the facility and its proud employees will host a 20th Anniversary Celebration program followed by a luncheon and open house. I would like to congratulate this facility, its proud employees and the community for reaching this important milestone. These Alabamians are shining examples of dedication for the brave men and women who have served our country in uniform and I wish them all the best at this important occasion.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I respectfully request the attention of the House to pay recognition to an important day in the lives of two constituents and friends of mine, Mr. and Mrs. Rick Raisanen. On December 4, 2009, Rick and Molly Raisanen will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Rick was born on November 27, 1939, and his wife, Molly, was born on July 7, 1940. The couple met at the skating rink at Fort McClellan. They married on December 4, 1959 at Centurion Chapel at Fort McClellan. Over the years, Rick and Molly have been blessed with two children, Keith and Kelli; and four grandchildren, Molly Kristen, Olivia, Emma Grace and Braden. Rick retired from Bell South and Molly retired from Jacksonville State University. On Saturday, December 5, the couple along with their family and friends will celebrate their anniversary at Saks Baptist Church. I would like to congratulate my friends, Rick and Molly, for reaching this important milestone in their lives. They are shining examples of love and dedication for us all, and I wish them and their family all the best at this important occasion.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I would like to request the House's attention today to pay recognition to the memory of Dr. Walter C. Bowie of Tuskegee, Alabama. For many years, Dr. Bowie served as the Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine at Tuskegee University. Known as ``the Dean of Deans,'' Dr. Bowie was and is considered by many to be a mentor, friend, respected colleague, and a gentleman. Dr. Bowie held a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Kansas State University, Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from Cornell University and completed post-doctoral studies at the University of Michigan. His 63-year tenure at Tuskegee University included positions as teacher, scientist, department head, administrator, associate dean, and dean emeritus. Dr. Bowie served as president of the American Association of Veterinary Physiologists and Pharmacologists, and the Alabama Heart Association. Dr. Bowie was among the founders, and later served as president, of the Association of Minority Health Professions Schools. Dr. Bowie passed on October 25, 2009. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Cornelia (Connie), daughters Sibyl, Carolyn, and Colleen; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members. While Dr. Bowie will be sorely missed, his legacy will live on in the students he taught at Tuskegee University.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I have reviewed this bill, and it is a jobs killer. Before I came to Congress, I was a small business person. I know what is to start small businesses and to run them, and I know how difficult it is to sustain those jobs. This Congress, the Democrat majority, rather than trying to find ways to help the people who are struggling with unemployment right now and to help small businesses create jobs, is finding a way to hinder them by penalizing employers who can't afford to provide health insurance for their employees. If we want to make sure they have access to health insurance, let's find ways to allow association health plans, to allow people to buy health insurance across State lines to get costs down, to pass tort reform, and do other meaningful things that make access more practicable. But first and foremost, let's don't kill jobs in an economy that's already struggling with 10 percent unemployment. And that's what this bill does. It's time for this Congress to get out of the way, to stop job- killing and start trying to help small businesses create new jobs.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I would like to request the House's attention today to pay recognition to the memory of James Anderson of Salem, Alabama. Mr. Anderson was born on December 12, 1969, and grew up in Smiths Station, Alabama. Mr. Anderson was married to Corinna and blessed with two children, Kristopher and Kelli, and a grandson, Jason James. Mr. Anderson loved Alabama football and Columbus Cottonmouth hockey. Mr. Anderson served our community as a deputy for the Lee County Sheriff's Office. On September 24, 2009, Mr. Anderson was intentionally and tragically struck by an automobile during a traffic stop. He was transported to Columbus Medical Center where he, despite best efforts, later passed away. He will be sorely missed, but remembered as a man who gave selflessly for his fellow Alabamians. Let us continue to pray for his loved ones at this difficult time.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of the Conference report accompanying H.R. 2996--Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010. Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL) Bill Number: H.R. 2996 Account: NPS, Acquisitions, $1,500,000 Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Conservation Fund Address of Requesting Entity: 4500 Hugh Howell Rd., Suite 470, Atlanta, GA 30084 Description of Request: ``Little River Canyon'' Taxpayer justification--It is my understanding that the funding would be used to allow the National Park Service (NPS) to acquire key parcels, only through willing sellers, within the new acquisition boundary of the Little River Canyon National Preserve.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I would like to request the House's attention today to pay recognition of the 100th Anniversary of the Pine Grove Baptist Church located in my Congressional district right outside of Lineville, Alabama. In 1909, a small group of Christians organized Pine Grove Baptist Church. In August of 1911, the congregation voted to build a new church, and over the years, the church has been renovated into what stands today. In 1988, a fellowship hall with a baptistery was added and stained glass windows were installed in the church. In 1997, the lightning-damaged steeple was replaced with a new lighted one. In 2004, Brother Gwen McCollum, Jr. was licensed to preach and in 2009, Brother Terry Helms was ordained to preach. On Sunday, November 8, 2009, the congregation will celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Pine Grove Baptist Church. I congratulate this church on this important milestone, and wish the congregation all the best in its next century of ministry to the community.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I would like to request the House's attention today to pay recognition to the memory of my friend, Mr. Lea Fite, of Jacksonville, Alabama. Mr. Fite was born in Anniston, Alabama, and was later married to Judy. They were blessed with four children, Laurie, Wes, Trae and Jared. Lea attended Jacksonville University and owned several supermarkets across Calhoun County. Mr. Fite was elected to the Calhoun County Commission in 1998 and then to the Alabama House of Representatives in 2002. He served tirelessly on behalf of his constituents in the 40th District. Mr. Fite unexpectedly passed away on October 26, 2009. He will be sorely missed, but remembered as a man who gave selflessly for his fellow Alabamians. He was a man of principle, of dignity, and a true American and Alabamian who was always willing to lend a hand whenever needed.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, the Democrat majority likes to say this is about choice and competition when, in fact, they know this is about a road to universal, government-run health insurance. The President says if we get this public option, you will have a choice between your insurance company. If you like it, you can keep it; if you don't, you can go into the public option. What he doesn't say is that after 2 or 3 years of this so-called competition, the private- sector companies won't be there any longer. The fact is our insurance companies have to make a profit. They have to pay taxes, they have to meet Federal regulations, and if they have a tough year, they have to just eat it and hope they can do better the next year. If they have a couple of tough years, they go out of business. This new government plan does not have to make a profit, will not have to pay taxes because it's the government, will not have to meet the same regulations because it's the government, and if it has a bad year, it's going to be subsidized by us. If anybody in the majority tells you that we're not going to put money into this program, they're not being straight with you. And if they say they're going to let this program go under because it has tough times meeting its obligations, they're not being straight with you. It will be subsidized. It will be unfair competition. It will end up with no private-sector competition, and we will all wind up in universal health care.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I respectfully request the attention of the House to pay recognition to the memory of much-loved ``Bulldog,'' Mr. Clifford ``Pete'' Tomlin. Mr. Tomlin died in September 2006 at the age of 42. He suffered from rheumatoid arthritis, but his ailment didn't stop him. Tomlin was named the Calhoun County's Outstanding Handicapped employee of the Year in 1989. Tomlin served as the voice behind the Anniston High School Bulldogs including the varsity, junior varsity and junior high football games for both WHMA and WAMA radio stations in Anniston, Alabama. Although Mr. Tomlin is sorely missed, he would be proud today to know the Press Box at Chink-Lott Stadium of Anniston High School will now proudly bear his name. Mr. Tomlin will always be remembered as the voice behind the football games at his alma mater and this great honor will help keep his spirit alive.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, the folks in east Alabama, as across most of America, are hurting right now. In my home county, we have 11 percent unemployment, and that's the lowest unemployment in that region of the State. I have several counties in my district with 15 percent unemployment, and I have one county with 17 percent. That's real pain. And instead of this Congress and this administration finding ways to help small businesses create jobs and get these people back to work, they're talking about raising taxes on small businesses and creating government-run health insurance and mandating it on small businesses. We need to find ways to help small businesses create jobs. We need to offer tax credits if you'll hire new employees. We need to offer tax credits if you'll buy new equipment, expand your plants and create jobs. We need to find ways to help these small businesses provide health insurance by allowing association health plans, simplified billing, allow us to purchase health insurance across State lines and passing tort reform. It's time for us to come up with the ways to help small business create jobs instead of finding ways to hinder them.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I respectfully request the attention of the House to pay recognition to an important day in the lives of two constituents and dear friends of mine, Mr. and Mrs. Lamar Denkins. On October 25, 2009, Lamar and Joyce Denkins will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Lamar was born on March 12, 1935, and his wife, Joyce, was born on October 4, 1938. Lamar and Joyce met while working at Anniston National Bank in Anniston, Alabama. They married on October 25, 1959, at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church. Over the years, Lamar and Joyce have been blessed with two children, Susan and Jeffrey, as well as two grandchildren. Lamar has spent his life as a public servant as a minister and working for two different Members of Congress. He also served proudly in the Armed Forces. On Sunday, October 25th, the couple along with their family and friends will celebrate their anniversary at West Weaver Baptist Church. I would like to congratulate my friends, Lamar and Joyce, for reaching this important milestone in their lives. They are shining examples of love and dedication for us all, and I wish them and their family all the best at this important occasion.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I would like to request the House's attention today to pay recognition to the special life of Anne Forrester Lybrand of Oxford, Alabama. Mrs. Lybrand was born on November 11, 1906 in Talladega County. She was married to Mr. Eule Lybrand in 1928 and was blessed with two sons, Eule Lybrand, Jr. and Fred Ray Lybrand. Mrs. Lybrand and her husband owned their own business and she also worked as a City Clerk for the City of Oxford. She has been an active member of First United Methodist Church of Oxford since 1946 where she taught Sunday school, and is past President of the United Methodist Women's Group. She also has been involved with Interfaith Ministries and is a Charter Member of the Oxford ``Meals on Wheels'' program. On November 7th, her friends and family will celebrate her birthday at her church. Today I would like to wish Mrs. Anne Forrester Lybrand a very Happy 100th Birthday.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of the Conference Report accompanying H.R. 2997--Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010. Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (AL) Bill Number: Conference Report accompanying H.R. 2997 Account: ARS, Salaries and expenses account, $1,293,000 Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Auburn University, Auburn, AL Address of Requesting Entity: 102 Samford Hall, Auburn, Alabama 36849 Description of Request: ``Improved Crop Production Practices'' Taxpayer justification--It is my understanding that this funding will provide $1,293,000 to develop and assist in adopting cropping systems that reduce production cost primarily by reducing the need for nitrogen fertilizer, pesticides, fuel, and equipment. Federal funding would allow the program to expand reniform nematode research throughout the State, develop more intense mature management research that includes bioenergy crops, and expand research on the development of alternative substrates for nursery crop production. Current and future profitability of agronomic based crop production in Alabama is dependent on the research and outreach efforts. Use of precision technologies associated with these studies have resulted in practices that saves fuel, herbicides, and fertilizers and protects Alabama's vital natural resources. The project's total budget is $8,874,000. Specifically within the budget, $1,298,734 will go toward permanent personnel salaries, $360,760 for research expense, and $240,500 for equipment. This request is consistent with the intended and authorized purpose of the Agricultural Research Service, ARS Account. Auburn University will meet or exceed all statutory requirements for matching funds where applicable.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the dedicated employees at the Center for Domestic Preparedness in Anniston, Alabama. This Friday, they will graduate their 500,000th trainee through the first responder training program. As many of us here know, the CDP is a valuable training facility operated by the Department of Homeland Security. This facility is one of a kind in its mission as the only weapons of mass destruction training facility that provides hands-on training to civilian emergency responders, which includes the use of live agent training. This graduation ceremony is a tremendous feat that we should all be proud of, not only because of this important milestone, but also for the unique and cutting-edge training that the CDP continues to provide to our Nation's first responders to this day. To all the proud employees at the CDP in east Alabama and on behalf of all of us, congratulations.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I respectfully request the attention of the House today to pay recognition to an important educational institution in Montgomery, Alabama, as it celebrates 40 years of excellence in higher education. In September 1969, the doors to Auburn Montgomery were formally opened to students. Since that time, the student population has grown by a factor of nine and the areas of study from sixteen to over 90. Through its 40 years, Auburn Montgomery has conferred more than 31,000 degrees. Like so many of East Alabama's proud institutions of higher education, Auburn Montgomery has produced great leaders and thinkers who have made enormous contributions to our state and our nation. We are all proud of AUM for achieving this important milestone, and look forward to its continued growth and prosperity in its next 40 years of academic excellence.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I respectfully request the attention of the House to pay recognition to Supervalu in Anniston, Alabama, for earning accreditation from the Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies. The Cambridge Center, along with a consortium of universities, consulting firms and insurance companies, developed accreditation criteria in 2001. It was formed to bring behavioral-based safety programs to the work place. Supervalu is one of only seven facilities in the world that has been recognized for its behavior-based safety programs since audits began. This accreditation demonstrates Supervalu's commitment in Anniston to help employees support and encourage each other, resulting in a positive work environment that is productive, safe and effective. In congratulate Anniston's Supervalu for this important distinction.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, in accordance with the Republican Conference standards regarding Member initiatives, I rise today to provide a description for how funds appropriated in response to my requests submitted to the House Appropriations Committee will be allocated. In making those requests, I submitted a financial certification letter to Chairman Obey which accompanied my requests, and included the following information: I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge these requests (1) are not directed to any entity or program that will be named after a sitting Member of Congress; (2) are not intended to be used by any entity to secure funds for other entities unless the use of funding is consistent with the specified purpose of the earmark; and (3) meet or exceed all statutory requirements for matching funds where applicable. I further certify that should any of the requests I have submitted be included in the bill, I will place a statement describing how the funds in each of the included requests will be spent and justifying the use of federal taxpayer funds. In order to fully comply with these standards, Madam Speaker, I hereby submit a description of how the funds appropriated in the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2010 will be used for the projects to follow. Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (Alabama) Bill Number: H.R. 3326, Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2010 Account: RDT&E, Army Legal Name of Receiving Entity: SCRA, Institute for Solutions Generation (funding will benefit the Anniston Army Depot) Address of Receiving Entity: 5300 International Boulevard, N. Charleston, SC 29418 Description of Request: Provide $2,500,000 in funding for the Highly Integrated Production for Expediting RESET. This funding was requested by the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce to benefit the Anniston Army Depot, located at 7 Frankford Avenue, Anniston, AL 36201. A critical readiness issue facing the military today is repairing and restoring military equipment that has been damaged or worn out in battle. Resetting small arms and crew served weapons is particularly challenging, given their sheer numbers and the fact that, there is a growing incidence of non-conforming parts used to support reset operations there. In addition, under the current system, a lot of time and cost are required to design and apply product improvements during reset. HIPER ensure a quick and efficient RESET turn-around for weapons to the theater. The requested funding will drive downstream efficiencies in manufacturing and quality inspection by enabling the utilization of laser scanning technology to significantly shorten the time and lower the cost for resetting and modernizing the military's small arms and crew-served weapons. This funding will provide for integration, collaboration, scanning and reverse engineering technology, and supply chain improvements to enhance and expedite RESET efforts. Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (Alabama) Bill Number: H.R. 3326, Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2010 Account: RDT&E, Army Legal Name of Receiving Entity: BAE Systems Address of Receiving Entity: 1101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 2000, Arlington, VA 22209 Description of Request: Provide $2,000,000 for the Paladin Integrated Management for work to be completed in Anniston, AL. The FY 10 President's Budget contains funding for research and development Army funds to assist in making the M109A6 Paladin and its companion vehicle the Field Artillery Ammunition Support Vehicle (FAASV) sustainable through the year 2050. The changes to this vehicle will incorporate the Bradley's drive train and suspension components that will reduce the logistics footprint thereby reducing operational and support costs. This funding is needed for this program be reinstated to its original schedule (the program was Congressionally reduced by that same amount during the FY09 budget process). Procurement funds to initiate low rate initial production are in the FY 10 procurement budget. The Army intends to fund this program through completion. This is a national defense program which provides firepower to our troops engaged in combat. Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (Alabama) Bill Number: H.R. 3326, Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2010 Account: RDT&E, Army Legal Name of Receiving Entity: Electric Fuel Battery Corporation (Arotech Subsidiary) Address of Receiving Entity: 354 Industry Drive, Auburn, AL 36832 Description of Request: Provide $2,500,000 for the Novel Zinc Air Power Sources for Military. This funding will develop Zinc-Air battery technology that will provide the soldier with a high energy density power source that significantly reduces battery carry weight. Previous advances in the technology have helped to cut warfighter battery carry weight in half. Continued development of body-worn energy distribution systems, coupled with further development of Zinc-Air battery technology, promises to cut warfighter battery carry weight further, while reducing battery quantities carried on long missions. Reducing battery type and count lowers operational risk by reducing the need for re-supply. In addition, Zinc-Air battery's intrinsic safety (cannot combust or explode even when penetrated by hot projectiles) enhances warfighter safety. Lithium-Air battery technology is in its infancy but has the highest possible energy density of any battery system promising a quantum leap in the warfighter mission length. Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (Alabama) Bill Number: H.R. 3326, Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2010 Account: RDT&E, Army Legal Name of Receiving Entity: Auburn University Address of Receiving Entity: 102 Samford Hall Auburn, AL 36849 Description of Request: Provide $1,500,000 for the Logistical Fuel Processors Development to Meet Army/TARDEC/TACOM Needs. The technical focus of this program is the development and demonstration of logistical fuel processor-fuel cell combinations that operate at significantly higher efficiencies than current IC engines used by the Army. System attributes to be optimized include: overall efficiency, fuel flexibility, activity maintenance and poison tolerance of the various catalysts, startup/shutdown time-scales, process robustness, reliability/ruggedness, safety, thermal/acoustic signature and integration, and reductions in overall weight and volume. Additional efforts will be conducted to design and adapt fuel processor/fuel cell systems to appropriate electrical loads with respect to voltage, current, AC/DC operation, peak power requirements versus average power and overall autonomy time. More efficient forms of energy conversion and power production are of key importance to the Army and can be leveraged many times as a gallon of fuel or a pound of food is transported from its point of origin to a forward deployed base of operations. For reasons of inter-operability, the Army must utilize existing and readily available fuel sources such as JP-8 and diesel. Requesting Member: Congressman Mike Rogers (Alabama) Bill Number: H.R. 3326, Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2010 Account: OM, Army Legal Name of Receiving Entity: Intergraph Corporation Address of Receiving Entity: 170 Graphics Drive, Madison, AL 35758 Description of Request: Provide $5,000,000 for the Fort Benning National Incident Management System (NIMS)-Compliant Installation Operations Center. In January 2009, the Department of Defense (DOD) released an instruction sheet (NUMBER 6055.17) on the Installation Emergency Management (IEM) program to establish policy, assign responsibilities, and prescribe procedures for developing, implementing, and sustaining IEM programs at DOD installations. IEM directly supports the Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD)- 5, which orders the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop and administer a National Incident Management System (NIMS). A NIMS- compliant installation operations center provides a unified approach to incident management, standard command, and management structures, as well as creates an emphasis on preparedness, mutual aid, and resource management. Without this system in place, it is very difficult for responders from different jurisdictions to communicate and work together effectively. Because Fort Benning extends across the Alabama- Georgia border, the implementation of a NIMS-compliant installation operations center directly supports HSPD-5 by providing interoperability and cross-jurisdiction capabilities among local and multi-state response agencies. The request will allow Fort Benning to create a NIMS-compliant state-of-the-art operations center. This system will provide Fort Benning with the critically needed capability to track and protect new incidents and existing activities. The final solution will integrate first responder force protection and the fire fighting common operational picture into one comprehensive command and control/decision support capability that will provide visibility to the commander to gain status and direct response, analyze the current anti- terrorism and force protection mission, and allow for appropriate reporting to other operations centers throughout the country.