Mike Simpson

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. I would be happy to. Section 1746 hits the pause button on the EPA's efforts to regulate greenhouse gas emissions because of what I think are unfounded fears about global climate change. As the chairman knows, and as the gentleman from Kentucky knows, over the last 2 years, EPA Administrator Jackson has been very busy creating an enormous body of regulations on greenhouse gas emissions. These regulations will cost jobs, drive up energy costs, and further imperil the American economy. EPA's greenhouse gas regulations need to be stopped in their tracks, and that's what section 1746 does. It provides a time-out for the balance of this fiscal year, during which time EPA will be prohibited from acting on them or enforcing them. Section 1746 is intended to put a halt to the regulations that we feel will harm this economy. It is not intended to affect permitting or other matters unrelated to greenhouse gas emissions such as construction starts or permit approvals.

Mr. SIMPSON. I continue to reserve my point of order.

Mr. SIMPSON. I would be happy to.

Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Chairman, I must insist on my point of order. The amendment proposes to amend portions of the bill not yet read. The amendment may not be considered en bloc under clause 2(f) of rule XXI because the amendment proposes to increase a rescission to offset an increase in an appropriation. And I would ask for a ruling from the Chair.

Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Chairman, I reserve a point of order on the gentlewoman's amendment.

Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Chairman, I object to the modification of the amendment.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. There is no magic bullet. We know we can't balance this budget simply by reducing non-security, non-defense spending. Yet as the saying goes: The journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step. This is that first step. Yes, we have to get after the entitlement programs if we're going to reduce this deficit. Yes, we have to look at all of our tax structure if we're going to get after this deficit; but we've got to do what the American people instinctively know is the right thing to do, which is to get back to a balanced budget and quit endangering the future of our children and grandchildren.

Mr. SIMPSON. First, let's discuss the rule because we are here debating the rule. Mr. Speaker, this is essentially an open rule. Yes, it does have a requirement for preprinting, but any Member can offer any amendment they want as long as they preprint it. Now, I understand my colleagues on the other side of the aisle might not like that. It's kind of foreign to them. For the last 4 years, we've had rules come to the floor that were closed. Members didn't have an opportunity to amend them. In fact, if we were under the previous leadership, what we would have here is a closed rule, an hour's debate on this CR. We would pass it and it would be done. Members wouldn't have an opportunity to influence the legislation before us. This is part of this majority's promise that we are going to open the process and let the Members of Congress, the elected Representatives of the people, have a say in how we craft this legislation and in how it turns out in the long run. I don't understand, frankly, why Members would oppose the rule. I can understand their opposition to the underlying bill, but to oppose the rule makes no sense whatsoever. Secondly, I rise in support of the underlying legislation. It is tough. The other side of the aisle continues to say all the right things: We've got to make tough decisions. We've got to enforce tough love. We've got to reduce the deficit. We've got to cut our spending. I hear those words and those phrases by every speaker who has come up. Yet they oppose every effort to try to reduce the spending of the Federal Government as if it is a drastic reduction in what's going to happen and as if it's going to destroy our economy and destroy the Federal Government. Frankly, none of that is true. Remember, as the gentleman from Iowa did say, we've got a $1.65 trillion deficit in this budget, $1.65 trillion. That's on top of the $14 trillion we're already in debt.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 641, to suspend the rules and pass S. 3860, a bill to require reports on the management of Arlington National Cemetery, I was unavoidably detained and unable to vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 642, to suspend the rules and pass S. 3447 the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010, I was unavoidably detained and unable to vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 3987, the Red Flag Program Clarification Act of 2010. This bill, as was mentioned, is a bipartisan, commonsense approach to protecting our Nation's small businesses from needless, burdensome government regulations. This legislation clarifies the definition of ``creditor'' for the purposes of complying with the Red Flags Rule. Under this law, a creditor would include only those entities that regularly use consumer reports or furnish information to consumer reporting agencies. Mr. Speaker, our doctors and dentists across the country are not financial institutions, do not present an identity theft risk, and should not be treated as such. Under the old rule, many of these medical and dental offices were considered creditors because they worked with patients to develop payment plans that they could afford. This rule actually discourages efforts to improve access to care for people who can't afford to pay. This goes against all of our efforts to improve our health care system. Congress never meant for small businesses such as doctors, dentists, accountants, and others to be included in this definition. This legislation is a good compromise in addressing the concerns of impacted businesses and health care providers while still protecting individuals from the risk of identity theft. I would like to thank my good friends, Congressman Adler and Congressman Broun. I have enjoyed working with you on this legislation. I would like to recognize the work of Chairman Frank and Ranking Member Bachus to craft a balanced bill that addresses everyone's concerns, as well as Senator Begich and Senator Thune for their work on this issue. Finally, I would like to thank the FTC chairman, Chairman Leibowitz, for working with us so diligently on this issue throughout this rather long and arduous process. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 30th anniversary of the Assistance League' of Boise, Idaho. This outstanding association is an all volunteer, non-profit organization that puts caring and commitment into action through philanthropic programs in Ada County, Idaho. Thirty years ago on this day, 73 charter members opened the door to a new philanthropic organization, and over time their membership has grown to over 370. Together they provide a multitude of needed services to the community. The seven philanthropic programs of Assistance League' of Boise focus on helping school age children in need, children and adults with hearing disabilities, and community education. The members of Assistance League' of Boise have achieved remarkable results in improving the lives of those in need through their innovative and targeted philanthropic programs. Congratulations to all the members of this fine and outstanding organization on your 30th anniversary. I thank you, the community thanks you, the children and families you have helped thank you.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Speaker, in recognition of National Teacher Appreciation Week, I rise today to pay tribute to teachers across the country. This year, National Teacher Appreciation Week has extra significance. With unemployment holding near double-digits, the economy in a prolonged recession, and education budgets slashed in many states, many teachers face the possibility of being laid-off. As Congress considers education reform legislation, we must keep in mind the needs of educators, who have the most important job of all--preparing our young people for the future. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I have spent a great deal of time working on education issues, meeting with teachers, and trying to better understand the many issues confronting our nation's schools. While there are many pressing needs at hand, I will take every opportunity to recognize the commitment of our teachers, many of whom are underpaid and often underappreciated for their crucial work. That is why I am proud to be a cosponsor of H. Res. 1312, which recognizes the roles and contributions of America's teachers to building and enhancing our Nation's civic, cultural, and economic well- being. Teachers play a critical role in shaping our future. They touch the lives of children every day. They inspire, encourage, motivate, and educate the next generation. I applaud their efforts and thank them for their dedication

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer my support for H. Res. 1041 and H. Res. 1042, both offered by my colleague from Idaho, Congressman Walt Minnick. The resolutions honor the successes of two excellent college football programs in Idaho and commend them on their historic 2009 seasons. H. Res. 1041 congratulates the University of Idaho's football team, led by head coach Rob Akey, for their remarkable season, capped by their thrilling come from behind victory in the Roady's Humanitarian Bowl. The success of this team marked an exceptional turnaround for a program that has struggled in the past and now is amongst the best in the conference after a stellar 2009. It can be expected that Coach Akey and his staff will continue to succeed in Moscow, where they have developed a mindset that expects to win. H. Res. 1042 commends Boise State University for another fantastic football season in 2009. Coach Chris Peterson has developed BSU into one of the most prestigious programs in the nation. Indeed, 2009 was perhaps the most successful in Boise, with the Broncos posting a 14-0 undefeated record, culminating in a convincing victory in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl and a number four national ranking to end the season. Coach Peterson was also awarded the Paul `Bear' Bryant Award, as the NCAA college football national coach of the year, a deserved honor. Enough cannot be said about the work of Coach Peterson and the players to transform BSU into a national powerhouse in only a few years. As we look ahead to 2010, we can expect more good things from both of these programs, and both of these universities. The people of Idaho are truly blessed to have such world class universities in their state.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 3590 and H.R. 4872. Passage of this legislation represents the first step to a government takeover of our health care system. Everyone agrees that our health care system needs to be reformed. Health care in America is too expensive and too many families across America are worried about losing or have already lost their health coverage. Businesses, small and large alike, are struggling to provide health insurance for their employees. Unfortunately, rather than working on real reforms to improve access to health care for all Americans, Democrats have chosen to pass a trillion dollar bill that would raise Americans' taxes, create a massive new tax burden, and do little to address the problems in our current health system. The frightening reality for the American taxpayer and anyone who will need health care in the future is that the Democrats are hiding the true costs of these bills and doing so in ways that will be disastrous to our Nation's long-term fiscal health. Instead of creating another absurdly expensive government program, we should work to make health care affordable and accessible for everyone. I strongly believe that there are a number of measures that all of us, regardless of party affiliation, support that will bring down costs and improve access to care for all Americans. These are not new ideas-- they are, however, ideas that are critical to implementing real, affordable and effective health reform. First, we must pass effective medical malpractice reform. We should end the practice of banning the purchase of insurance across State lines, and we should pass legislation to allow small businesses to band together through associations to buy health care coverage. I also support provisions that prohibit insurers from denying coverage to those people with pre- existing conditions. Further, we need to do more as a country to focus on prevention and early intervention. As a dentist, I have seen the benefits of prevention and early intervention. We should be focusing more on how to prevent disease or treat it early when it is most cost- effective and the outcomes are best. Unfortunately, the Democrats' health reform bill fails to accomplish these goals. I am disappointed that President Obama and Speaker Pelosi have chosen to ignore the clear message from the American people by supporting a massive government takeover of our health system. Americans deserve REAL reform--not a partisan, gimmicky bill that will cost trillions of dollars and do little to improve care.

Mr. SIMPSON

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

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4474, the Idaho Wilderness Water Resources Protection Act. This bipartisan, non-controversial legislation is a technical fix intended to enable the Forest Service to authorize and permit existing historical water diversions within Idaho wilderness. Last year, one of my constituents came to me for help with a problem. The Middle Fork Lodge has a water diversion within the Frank Church- River of No Return Wilderness Area that has existed since before the wilderness area was established and is protected under statute. The diversion was beginning to leak and is in desperate need of repairs to ensure that it does not threaten the environment and watershed, but when the Forest Service began the process of issuing the Lodge a permit to allow them to make the necessary repairs, we discovered that the Forest Service did not have the authority to issue the required permit. As we looked into this issue, we discovered that the Forest Service lacks this authority throughout both the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, where there are a number of these diversions. These diversions are primarily used to support irrigation and minor hydropower generation for use on non- Federal lands. The damage to the water diversion at the Middle Fork Lodge is severe enough that the Forest Service had to do temporary emergency repairs last fall, but without authority to issue them the necessary special use permit, they will be unable to do the work needed to permanently fix the problem. While the urgent situation at the Middle Fork Lodge brought this issue to my attention, it is obvious to me that this problem is larger than just one diversion. At some point in the future, all 20 of these existing diversions will need maintenance or repair work done to ensure their integrity. H.R. 4474 authorizes the Forest Service to issue special use permits for 20 qualifying historic water systems in these wilderness areas. I believe it is important to get ahead of this problem and ensure that the Forest Service has the tools necessary to manage these lands. For these reasons I have worked with my colleague, Walt Minnick, to introduce H.R. 4474. This legislation allows the Forest Service to issue the required special use permits to owners of these historic water systems and sets out specific criteria for doing so. Providing this authority will ensure that existing water diversions can be properly maintained and repaired when necessary and preserves beneficial use for private property owners who hold water rights under State law. I have deeply appreciated the cooperation of the Forest Service in addressing this problem. Not only have they communicated with me the need to find a system-wide solution to this issue, but at my request they have worked with me on this legislation to ensure that it only impacts specific targeted historical diversions--those with valid water rights that cannot feasibly be relocated outside of the wilderness area. H.R. 4474 is bipartisan and non-controversial. It is intended as a simple, reasonable solution to a problem that I think we can all agree should be solved as quickly as possible. I was encouraged that the bill passed out of Committee without objection, and I am hopeful that today we can pass it without delay so that the necessary maintenance to these diversions may be completed before the damage is beyond repair.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3538, the Idaho Wilderness Water Resources Protection Act. This bipartisan, non- controversial legislation is a technical fix intended to enable the Forest Service to authorize and permit existing historical water diversions within Idaho wilderness. Last year, one of my constituents came to me for help with a problem. The Middle Fork Lodge has a water diversion within the Frank Church- River of No Return Wilderness Area that has existed since before the wilderness area was established and is protected under statute. The diversion was beginning to leak and is in desperate need of repairs to ensure that it does not threaten the environment and watershed, but when the Forest Service began the process of issuing the Lodge a permit to allow them to make the necessary repairs, we discovered that the Forest Service did not have the authority to issue the required permit. As we looked into this issue, we discovered that the Forest Service lacks this authority throughout both the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, where there are 22 known water developments, and the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, where there are three. These diversions are primarily used to support irrigation and minor hydropower generation for use on non-Federal lands. The damage to the water diversion at the Middle Fork Lodge is severe enough that the Forest Service had to do temporary emergency repairs last fall, but without authority to issue them the necessary special use permit, they will be unable to do the work needed to permanently fix the problem. While the urgent situation at the Middle Fork Lodge brought this issue to my attention, it is obvious to me that this problem is larger than just one diversion. At some point in the future, all 20 of these existing diversions will need maintenance or repair work done to ensure their integrity. H.R. 3538 authorizes the Forest Service to issue special use permits for 20 qualifying historic water systems in these wilderness areas. I believe it is important to get ahead of this problem and ensure that the Forest Service has the tools necessary to manage these lands. For these reasons I have worked with my colleague, Walt Minnick, to introduce H.R. 3538. This legislation allows the Forest Service to issue the required special use permits to owners of these historic water systems and sets out specific criteria for doing so. Providing this authority will ensure that existing water diversions can be properly maintained and repaired when necessary and preserves beneficial use for private property owners who hold water rights under state law. I have deeply appreciated the cooperation of the Forest Service in addressing this problem. Not only have they communicated with me the need to find a system-wide solution to this issue, but at my request they drafted this legislation to ensure that it only impacts specific targeted historical diversions--those with valid water rights that cannot feasibly be relocated outside of the wilderness area. H.R. 3538 is bipartisan and non-controversial. It is intended as a simple, reasonable solution to a problem that I think we can all agree should be solved as quickly as possible. I was encouraged that the bill passed out of Committee without objection and am hopeful that we can move it through the legislative process without delay so that the necessary maintenance to these diversions may be completed before the damage is beyond repair.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Speaker, in accordance with the policies and standards put forth by the House Appropriations Committee and the GOP leadership, I would like to list the congressionally-directed projects I have requested in my home State of Idaho that are contained in the Conference Report accompanying H.R. 3326, the FY2010 House Defense Appropriations Bill. Project Name: 3-D Technology for Advanced Sensor Systems Amount Received: $2,000,000 Account: Electronics Technology Account in the Department of Defense RDT&E Recipient: Boise State University Recipient's Street Address: 1910 University Drive, Boise, Idaho 83725 Description: The 3-D packaging approach offers the promise of a dramatic decrease in the system weight and volume, together with increased system performance. This project will provide funding to continue to develop 3-D processing techniques on silicon and LTCC platforms. These include technologies for die- and wafer-scale bonding and 3-D interconnects. These techniques will be applied to create 3-D integration and packaging solutions applicable to a general category of high performance sensor systems. The military has a need for new three- dimensional (3-D) packaging of electronic systems, particularly sensor systems for portable (i.e., on-soldier) applications. 3-D integration and packaging of sensors will result in smaller electronics with expanded capability, allowing the soldier in the field to be more effective. Project Name: Accelerator-Driven Non-Destructive Testing Amount Received: $2,000,000 Account: Support Systems Development Account in the Air Force RDT&E Recipient: Idaho State University Recipient's Street Address: 921 South 8th Avenue, Stop 8007, Pocatello, Idaho 83209 Description: The Idaho Accelerator Center (IAC) will develop a research, education and commercialization program that takes non- destructive testing techniques developed at the IAC and advances their development. The penetrating and non-destructive techniques that are under development include new techniques in positron annihilation spectroscopy with accelerator-based gammabeams, the use of mono- chromatic x-ray beams and the use of photon activation (via photonuclear reactions) for trace element analysis of materials and manufacturing processes. The development of practical non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques will help the U.S. Air Force reduce aircraft downtime necessary for inspection and enhance turn-around times by more quickly identifying needed repairs through spectroscopy and the use of x-ray. The development of practical NDT techniques will be of immense value to the armed forces in four critical areas: quicker return of aircraft to the line by reducing the tear-downs necessary for inspection; non-destructively addressing the enormous 'aging fleet' problem of the U.S.A.F. and the private sector; better economics by replacing parts on an on condition inspections basis instead of a 'life limited' basis; and the ability to successfully apply NDT techniques to composite materials. Currently, no commercialized NDT technique works on composite materials. Project Name: Domestic Manufacturing of 45nm Electronics (DOME) Amount Received: $3,200,000 Account: Advanced Spacecraft Technology Account in the Air Force RDT&E Recipient: American Semiconductor, Inc Recipient's Street Address: 3100 South Vista Avenue, Suite 230, Boise, Idaho 83705 Description: Funding for this program will deploy a new foundry capability to address the most critical electronics sourcing issue faced for secure supply of advanced DoD integrated circuits in 2012 and beyond. DOME is an AFRL-sponsored initiative to implement a 45nm state- of-the-art wafer fabrication capability to meet current and future system requirements for fabrication of specialized integrated circuits in a broadly available foundry capacity to serve DOD. Microelectronics capability for defense applications requires advancement of technology for each generation of new defense system. Defense system requirements are often highly specialized and include capability beyond that of standard commercial devices due to their unique operational environments. An advanced and sustainable defense microelectronics supply solution is required that can provide parts in low volume at reasonable costs and be fabricated on-shore to meet security requirements. This advanced process technology enables higher speed, lower power electronics that are of vital importance to the military and intelligence communities. The DOME program will deliver the capability to manufacture semiconductors at the most advanced technology node currently in production, 45nm, at an American run on- shore facility optimized for DoD/IC business. Project Name: Hybrid Energy Systems Design and Testing Amount Received: $2,000,000 Account: Military Engineering Advanced Technology Account in the Army RDT&F Recipient: Idaho National Laboratory Recipient's Street Address: 2525 Fremont Avenue, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83415 Description: The Hybrid Energy Systems Development and Testing Program will provide the Army transformational technologies that advance Army leadership in global energy security and carbon reduction. Hybrid energy concepts provided through this program could allow the Army to simultaneously address energy supply (electrical grid and fuel supply) security and surety, environmental (CO2) footprint reduction, and provide national economic benefits. This project will leverage unique assets at the INL, such as its Hybrid Testing Lab, engineering- scale energy test beds, supercomputing capabilities, and hybrid systems design teams, and nuclear technology designs, to develop, validate, and assess hybrid and other advanced energy system concepts. This program will provide a foundation for Army leadership in clean, smart, secure energy for future defense and non-defense applications. Project Name: Integrated Passive Electronic Components Amount Received: $1,360,000 Account: Advanced Spacecraft Technology in the Air Force RDT&E Recipient: University of Idaho Recipient's Street Address: 820 Idaho Ave., Morrill Hall 109, Moscow, ID 83844 Description: Spacecraft are critical for coordinating modern military operations, particularly for intelligence gathering, battle-space communications, resource deployment (e.g. Global Positioning System), and targeting. More accurate and timely information enables more effective deployment, but requires enhanced sensing, communications and computing, which require more power. Limited energy sources and cooling capacity aboard spacecraft restrict increased processing capability. Power consumption has become a limiting factor in the performance electronic and computing technologies. Microchip designers have addressed rising power consumption by reducing the voltage levels of the power delivered to the chips, with excellent results. However, this creates a new problem of how to deliver clean low-voltage power to the chips. This research will develop the technologies to enable low- voltage power regulation to be integrated onto the same piece of silicon that holds the computing circuits, thus making ultra-low-power microelectronics practical. The key to this technology is integrated passive components. In addition, this research will produce a new range of component options for analog circuit designers, enabling greater ability to program and increasing flexibility of on-board electronic systems. Project Name: Material, Design, Fabrication Solutions for Advanced SEAL Delivery System external structural components Amount Received: $2,000,000 Account: Operations Advanced Seal Delivery System (ASDS) Development in the Department of Defense Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) Recipient: Premier Technology Inc. Recipient's Street Address: 1858 West Bridge Street, Blackfoot, Idaho 83221. Description: Premier Technology Inc. will work with the Idaho National Lab, Navy PEO Submarine (PMS 399), U.S. Special Operations Command, Naval Special Warfare Command and the Navy Office of Naval Research to provide material, design and fabrication solutions for ASDS external structural components allowing those components to withstand severe hydrodynamic, hydrostatic and shock loading while maintaining significant resistance to corrosion in situations where the ASDS is attached to the submerged host submarine operating at high speeds. Candidate components include the host submarine pylon assembly, ASDS lower hatch (buttress threads) and ASDS shaft line components. The goal of this project is to assist the U.S. Navy in bringing ASDS to its fullest operational capability by addressing challenges that it faces in key material issues. Project Name: Radiation Hardened Cryogenic Read Out Integrated Circuits Amount Received: $1,600,000 Account: Defense Production Act Purchases in Department of Defense Procurement Recipient: ON Semiconductor, Inc. Recipient's Street Address: 2300 Buckskin Road, Pocatello, Idaho 83201 Description: Readout integrated circuits (ROIC) are the foundation of thermal imaging systems. These systems have forever changed modern warfare and surveillance. The United States Air Force and the Missile Defense Agency have been investigating ways to improve manufacturing capabilities and improve cryogenic and radiation performance of these circuits. The thermal imagers of the future will operate in harsh environmental conditions for longer periods of time and will have increased resolution (through increased pixel count) than the detectors of today. Maintaining a domestic source of this technology, as well as working to enhance the manufacturing capabilities of this critical technology, are as equally important as increasing the yield. The DPA Tide III Readout Integrated Circuit (ROIC) program will continue the improvement efforts to develop technology that includes a larger stitched die, smaller feature size (< 0.35um), improved yields, and reduced cycle times will enable a domestic U.S. source for ROIC manufacturing to meet our national defense needs. I appreciate the opportunity to provide a list of congressionally- directed projects in the Conference Report accompanying the FY2010 Defense Appropriations bill on behalf of Idaho and provide an explanation of my support for them.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Speaker, in accordance with the policies and standards put forth by the House Appropriations Committee and the GOP Leadership, I place in the Record a listing of the congressionally- directed projects I requested in my home State of Idaho that are contained in the Conference Report accompanying H.R. 3288, the FY2010 Consolidated Appropriations Act. Division A--FY2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Project Name: Buses and Bus Facilities, Idaho Transit Coalition Amount Received: $1,000,000 Account: FTA/Buses and Bus Facilities Recipient: Community Transportation Association of Idaho Recipient's Street Address: 10480 Garverdale Court, Bldg. 4, Ste. 804A, Boise, ID 83704 Description: Funding for this project will be used to support essential transit systems in rural and urban areas of the State of Idaho. This project meets the criteria of the FTA's Section 5209 Capital Program and has been funded by the Committee since FY 2002. Project Name: Custer County Economic Development Initiative in Custer County, ID Amount Received: $500,000 Account: HUD/EDI Recipient: Custer County, ID Recipient's Street Address: 802 Main Street, Challis, ID 83226 Description: At almost 5,000 square miles, Custer County is larger than three states, and it has just over 4,000 people. Unfortunately, it is burdened with a high proportion of public lands with over 95 percent of the county's 3.4 million acres administered by federal agencies. The county's tax base, or more specifically the lack thereof, is inadequate to support the services required for such an expansive county. This grossly disproportionate public ownership causes a severe strain on their resources. Funding would be used to construct a community center which would serve a number of purposes for the county. Project Name: I-84, Broadway to Gowen Road Widening, Boise, ID Amount Received: $400,000 Account: FHWA/Interstate Maintenance Discretionary Recipient: Idaho Transportation Department Recipient's Street Address: 3311 West State Street, Boise, ID 83707 Description: This project will add a third east and westbound lane to I-84 between Broadway Avenue and Gowen Road on I-84. The FY10 earmark will fund the design of this project. The project will be ready for construction in FY11 in conjunction with the Connecting Idaho--GARVEE, bonding--projects in this area. This project is required to alleviate congestion and safety issues caused by the continued fast growth in the Treasure Valley. This project is included in the I-84 Boise Corridor Study adopted by the Idaho Transportation and Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho, COMPASS, Boards in October of 2001 and part of the COMPASS Regional 2030 Long Range Transportation Plan, approved in 2006. Project Name: Trail Creek Highway/Forest Highway 66 Reconstruction, Mackay, ID Amount Received: $3,750,000 Account: FHWA/Public Lands Highways Recipient: Lost River Highway District Recipient's Street Address: 213 South McCaleb, Mackay, ID 83251 Description: Trail Creek Highway/Forest Highway 66 runs through the Salmon-Challis National Forest from U.S. Highway 93 west to Sun Valley, Idaho. The road is maintained entirely by the Lost River Highway District and includes 17 miles of unpaved road that is used extensively for commerce and recreational purposes by tourists and homeowners. The high traffic volume--500 cars per day and expected to grow--and poor road conditions cause safety concerns for those traveling along the highway. Funds would be used to complete study and design work and upgrade the road by paving 5.5 miles of gravel road from the end of existing pavement near the West Bartlett Point Road--MP 11.750--to the Copper Basin Turn-off, MP 17.250. Division B--FY2010 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Project Name: Boise Center Aerospace Laboratory, BCAL, Watershed Modeling Utilizing LiDAR at Idaho State University Amount Requested: $500,000 Account: Department of Commerce NOAA Recipient: Idaho State University Recipient's Street Address: 921 South 8th Avenue Stop 8007, Pocatello, Idaho 83209 Description: ISU's Department of Geosciences has developed free spatial analysis tools available to the public for remote sensing and geographic information sciences, GIS. The remote sensing tools include a downloadable toolbox for analyzing light detection and ranging, LiDAR, data. LiDAR is an imaging method using a laser mounted on an aircraft to determine precise vertical information, topography, of the earth's surface--15 cm precision. Commonly, this information is translated into high-resolution digital elevation models, DEMs. LiDAR can provide both a bare earth surface and the vegetated--or built-- surface. LiDAR can also provide topographic data below water. Specifically to the concern of NOAA and the State of Idaho, LiDAR can provide up to date and precise flood plain maps for rivers with built environments--such as the Boise River--to guide decisions on flood insurance coverage and land use restrictions. These predictive maps can also aid in evacuation of people and livestock during an impending flood. This project will leverage existing infrastructure and expertise at ISU to develop state-of-the-art watershed modeling tools for NOAA and other federal agencies. These tools will enable better management of watersheds through improved topographic analyses for prediction of runoff, floods, and water storage capacity. Hyperspectral analysis-- soils and vegetation--will be coupled with the LiDAR data for a full characterization, spectrally and spatially of the landscape. These analyses will allow for studies of vegetation structure, dependence of vegetation, soils, and earth processes, e.g. fire, erosion, on topology--slope and aspect, drainages, surface roughness. The goal of this research and its resulting algorithms and tools is to significantly benefit NOAA in its ability to convert LiDAR data into usable derivative datasets for environmental and safety applications in Idaho and elsewhere. Project Name: Idaho Meth Project Amount Requested: $1,000,000 Account: Department of Justice COPS Meth Recipient: Idaho Meth Project Recipient's Street Address: 304 N. 8th Street, Room 446, Boise, Idaho 83702 Description: Methamphetamine trafficking and abuse in Idaho has been on the rise over the past few years and, as a result, meth is having a devastating impact in many communities throughout Idaho. Meth is the number one illegal drug of choice in Idaho and the State's leading drug problem. The financial and social consequences of meth abuse in Idaho are devastating. It is a contributing cause for much of the crime in Idaho, costs millions of dollars in productivity, contributes to the ever increasing prison populations and adversely impacts families. The Idaho Meth Project is a large-scale, statewide prevention and public awareness program designed to reduce the prevalence of first-time methamphetamine abuse in Idaho by influencing attitudes through high- impact advertising. The Idaho Meth Project is focused solely upon prevention and, to achieve this goal, is active in three areas: public service messaging, community action and public policy. This includes a pervasive media campaign reaching the target population through TV, radio, billboards, print, and the Internet. Project Name: Idaho State Police to participate in the Criminal Information Sharing Affiance Network, CISAnet Amount Requested: $500,000 Account: Department of Justice COPS Law Enforcement Technology Recipient: Idaho State Police Recipient's Street Address: 700 South Stratford, Meridian, Idaho 83642 Description: In 2006, the Idaho State Police, ISP, developed and deployed, on a limited basis, a web-based Case Investigative System, CIS. This tool allows investigators to collect, use and share critical law enforcement information across the state. CISAnet provides a bi- directional information-sharing network within and between state and local law enforcement agencies. CISAnet provides ISP and law enforcement across Idaho with real time access to criminal intelligence information shared by law enforcement partner agencies within the states of Alabama, Arizona, California, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. This ten state area is regarded as one of the most vulnerable to our Nation's security--a ``soft spot'' through which illegal Mexican immigrants filter, illegal drug trafficking passes and terrorists move freely. It is believed that securing this porous border with Mexico is an effective way to protect American citizens. The CISAnet system provides an effective means for law enforcement agencies to share information across state lines on known or suspected criminal activity. Together, access to CISAnet, Idaho's Fusion Center and remote access to CIS will ensure that Idaho state and local law enforcement officers have the best information available in a timely manner. In today's environment, these systems are an effective way to monitor illegal drug and terrorist activity and identify, target and locate potential terrorists. These systems are important components of an overall prevention strategy and are crucial to protecting the citizens of Idaho and the United States' homeland security. The Criminal Information Sharing Alliance network, CISAnet, FY2010 federal funding will be used to continue the integration of CIS into the CISAnet infrastructure, to expand its capabilities by adding a Geo coding module and by integrating CIS, RMS and CISAnet into Idaho's Criminal Intelligence Center. Project Name: NCOMS Medical and Mental Health Sharing Software Development Amount Requested: $500,000 Account: Department of Justice Byrne Discretionary Grants Recipient: Idaho Department of Corrections Recipient's Street Address: 1299 North Orchard, Suite 110, Boise, Idaho 83706. Description: States are legally mandated to provide appropriate medical care to incarcerated individuals. These funds will be used to create, modularize and implement the medical/mental health module for the National Consortium of Offender Management Systems, NCOMS. This technology will allow public safety organizations that house offenders to track and record the medical information to ensure that offenders receive proper medical treatment. Division C--FY2010 Financial Services and General Government Project Name: Proof of Concept Center Amount Received: $285,000 Account: Small Business Administration Salaries and Expenses Recipient: Idaho TechConnect Inc. Recipient's Street Address: 5465 E. Terra Linda Way, Nampa, ID 83687 Description: Idaho TechConnect was created as a state-wide private- public cooperation that would bridge the gaps in the state's innovation pipeline. The Idaho TechConnect Proof of Concept Center will manage innovations from early stage projects to the launch of a viable start- up business or to license the product or service to an existing business. The Proof of Concept Center will work with new and existing businesses as well as the state's colleges and universities and the INL to create new commercial products, goods and services. Concepts will be vetted to ensure significant and efficient marketability and commercialization. These concepts will then be relegated to teams/ existing businesses to build or expand successful and profitable businesses. The Center will provide assistance with business models, intellectual property strategy, and access to capital, resulting in more ideas becoming products, creating jobs and companies. During these challenging economic times, this funding will assist businesses and public entities in their efforts to mature their innovative ideas into market-ready products and services to strengthen the economy of Idaho and the region. Project Name: Research and Economic Development and Entrepreneurial Initiative Amount Received: $400,000 Account: Small Business Administration Salaries and Expenses Recipient: Boise State University Recipient's Street Address: 1910 University Drive, Boise, ID 83725- 1135. Description: Boise State University will establish research partnerships with business and governmental agencies to aid and assist businesses in an effort to preserve free market enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the local and regional economy. The federal funds being requested will be used to match private and public sector dollars and in-kind contributions to conduct collaborative research that spurs intellectual innovation, creates jobs, and ultimately leads to the benefit and growth of the business community. The funds will also be used to develop the necessary infrastructure to mine, protect, and assess the commercialization potential of the intellectual property that is developed as a result of these efforts. A healthy businesses climate is critical to the economic strength of the state of Idaho, the region and the nation. The innovation and entrepreneurial spirit that originates from this sector will help the United States compete in today's global marketplace. Division D--FY 2010 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and Related Agencies Project Name: Bear Lake Memorial Hospital Addition and Remodel Amount Received: $300,000 Account: Health Resources and Services Administration Health Facilities and Services Recipient: Bear Lake Memorial Hospital Recipient's Address: 164 South 5th Street, Montpelier, Idaho 83254 Description: The Bear Lake Memorial Hospital is a key service provider to all individuals and plays a vital role in the community, as well as provides services to the popular Bear Lake recreation area. The current Emergency Department lacks sufficient space for a waiting room for emergency room patrons. It also fails to meet HIPPA compliance because of a lack of privacy for patients due to a high-use public hallway dissecting the two emergency room locations. In addition, the current diagnostic imaging facilities are scattered throughout the hospital, which makes it more difficult to provide timely and efficient care. By consolidating the services into one wing, the hospital will be able to provide improved patient care and increase overall staff efficiency. Funding provided would be used for the design and construction of a new addition as well as a renovation of the existing facilities in the Emergency Department and Diagnostic Imaging Department. Project Name: College of Southern Idaho's Pro-Tech Training Program Amount Received: $200,000 Account: Department of Education Higher Education Recipient: College of Southern Idaho Recipient's Address: 315 Falls Avenue, Twin Falls, ID 83303-1238 Description: This program will enable the College to partner with other agencies to identify training needs and to identify potential candidates for employment. Data provided by Region IV of the State of Idaho Economic Development Agency indicate that manufacturing will be a leading employment area in the Magic Valley and the state of Idaho with over 250 new jobs expected over the next two years. Current trends in manufacturing development necessitate the need for in-depth training in the technological aspects of the design, fabrication, and manufacturing phases of production. CSI is participating in a joint educational venture with Twin Falls High School and local industry that creates a pre-engineering academy at the high school and a Computerized Numeric Controls, CNC/Industrial Networking Program at the college campus. The Pro-Tech program involves students from grade levels 10-14, and allows the students to move from high school into a two-year program at CSI or into an engineering program at one of Idaho's four-year institutions. At the secondary school level, students learn the basics of computer- assisted design, design physics, and fabrication, with each course offering alighted to the program at CSI through either tech prep or dual credit affiliation. At the post-secondary level students will receive industry-standard training in CNC, automated logic, and industrial networking. This program will train students to meet the educational requirements needed to enable them to enter the high demand fields of the hi-tech manufacturing and engineering sectors. Project Name: Custer County Purchase of Medical Equipment Amount Received: $400,000 Account: Health Resources and Services Administration Health Facilities and Services Recipient: Custer County Recipient's Address: 801 East Main Avenue, Challis, ID 83226 Description: At almost 5,000 square miles, Custer County is larger than three states yet has just over 4,000 people. Unfortunately, it is burdened with a high proportion of public lands with over 95 percent of the county's 3.4 million acres administered by federal agencies. The county's tax base, or more specifically the lack thereof, is inadequate to support the services required for such an expansive county. This grossly disproportionate public ownership causes a severe strain on their resources, including their ability to provide access to health services. The influx of tourism and visitors due to the nearby U.S. Forest Service, BLM, recreation and wilderness areas leads to an increased rate of trauma and accidents, placing a large burden on the county. The EMT services and health clinics in the County are in need of renovation and modernization of equipment. This funding would be used to purchase the much needed equipment and technology for the clinics and EMT services in Custer County. Project Name: Idaho Caring Foundation for Children for dental services for low-income children Amount Received: $300,000 Account: Health Resources and Services Administration Health Facilities and Services Recipient: Idaho Caring Foundation for Children Recipient's Address: 1211 W. Myrtle, Suite 110, Boise, ID 83702 Description: According to the 2000 U.S. Surgeon General's report, ``Oral Health in America'', tooth decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease. As a dentist, I understand the importance of proper dental hygiene at a very young age. Poor oral health can affect a child's self-esteem, ability to eat, appearance and ability to communicate. School attendance can also be negatively impacted. Over 35 percent of Idaho children lack dental insurance, which serves as a major deterrent in accessing and receiving needed dental care. According to Idaho Department of Health and Welfare 2005 Smile Survey, 27 percent of Idaho children in grades K-6 had untreated decay. Low- income, uninsured children suffer the greatest incidence of dental decay because their families lack the financial resources to receive regular dental care. The Idaho Caring Foundation will provide access to needed dental services for 600 low-income, uninsured Idaho children. These services will be provided by our network of 140 Idaho dentists from across the state. Eligible children will be identified by working in partnership with Idaho schools, Head Start programs, and other children's programs, such as the YMCA and the Boys & Girls Clubs. Project Name: Idaho Early Literacy Project Amount Received: $350,000 Account: Department of Education Elementary and Secondary Education Recipient: Lee Pesky Learning Center Recipient's Address: 3324 Elder Street, Boise, ID 83705. Description: The aim of the Idaho Early Literacy Project is to ensure that all children in Idaho are ready to read when they enter school. Stage III includes utilization of the research-based booklets, ``Every Child Ready to Read and Every Child Ready for Math'', an integrated approach to reading and mathematical literacy, the training of child care providers statewide, both live and on-line, and a direct intervention with parents and children. The training of child care providers includes a face-to-face approach in larger population centers and an on-line approach for remote rural locations. Stage III builds on early literacy training models implemented in 2008-2010 by unifying reading and mathematical literacy and by strengthening the intervention with parents and children. As such, the project assures that pre-school children will receive direct literacy education from child care providers and in special workshops with their parents, creating the ``language rich'' upbringing necessary to success in school. Project Name: Idaho SySTEMic Solution Amount Received: $400,000 Account: Department of Education Elementary and Secondary Education Recipient: Boise State University Recipient's Address: 1910 University Drive, Boise, ID 83725-1135 Description: Idaho SySTEMic Solution is a nationally relevant, hands- on, project-based STEM learning system (science, technology, engineering, & math) designed to spur achievement and confidence among elementary-age learners and their teachers. Proven methods show that long-term student achievement and interest in STEM can be dramatically improved by introducing systemic, contiguous, and engaging hands-on activities at an elementary level before children develop misconceptions, gender bias, math anxiety, or become distracted by cultural influences prevalent at puberty. In 2010 the project will extend into middle school grades where the need for hands-on activities is even greater. Key project components include a comprehensive, continuing teacher training model that includes a one-week summer institute and ongoing site-based follow-up training to boost the ability and confidence of elementary and middle school teachers; implementation into demographically diverse schools of curriculum- aligned learning lab systems that have been shown to improve student scores in math, science, and technology; and research and evaluation of results in accordance with Idaho and national assessment standards. Project Name: Madison County Memorial Hospital Renovation Amount Received: $350,000 Account: Health Resources and Services Administration Health Facilities and Services Recipient: Madison County Memorial Hospital Recipient's Address: 450 East Main, Rexburg, ID 83440 Description: Madison Memorial Hospital will initiate the implementation of the Electronic Medical Record, EMR, System into Physician Clinics that feed into Madison Memorial Hospital. Information from the EMR helps the clinician make informed decisions. As the patient status is entered into this EMR, the information increases staff efficiencies through faster transcription times, nursing notes, lab results, radiology and other electronic sources. This system will make it easier for physicians and clinicians to comply with all regulations by enabling them to keep their records up to date. Patient safety will be increased by developing a paperless electronic medical record environment where clinical information can be readily shared via electronic transactions with all entities within the Madison Memorial Hospital network. Project Name: Purchase of Biochemistry and Microbiology Laboratory Equipment Amount Received: $400,000 Account: Health Resources and Services Administration Health Facilities and Services Recipient: Idaho State University Recipient's Address: 921 South 8th Avenue, Stop 8007, Pocatello, ID 83209-8007 Description: Modern instrumentation is essential to improving both the Biochemistry and Microbiology programs at Idaho State University, ISU. This request will enable the purchase of the required instrumentation needed for courses in biochemistry courses, chemistry laboratories, and microbiology and biology courses. More than 400 students per year would gain access to state of the art instrumentation through this request, improving both the quality of their educational experience and the quality of research in these scientific fields that can be pursued. Project Name: St. Luke's Regional Medical Center's Children Health Services Expansion Amount Received: $350,000 Account: Health Resources and Services Administration Health Facilities and Services Recipient: St. Luke's Regional Medical Center Ltd Recipient's Address: 190 E. Bannock Street, Boise, ID 83712 Description: St. Luke's Health System is home to the only Children's Hospital in Idaho, providing unique full-service tertiary pediatric services between Salt Lake City, Utah, and Portland, Oregon, both more than 350 miles from Boise, Idaho. St. Luke's delivers over 25 percent of the babies born in the State. The Children's Health Services Expansion project provides an essential increase in capacity for Pediatric Medical/Surgical, Pediatric Intensive Care, Neonatal Intensive Care, Pediatric Oncology, and Pediatric Surgical Suites and support area, to meet the needs of the rapidly growing population in the hospital's service area. Prior to the beginning of this multi-year project, each area was frequently full, requiring children to be placed in adult units or diverted to other and often very distant hospitals. The federal funding provided for the expansion project has resulted in expanding all units with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. Funding received will assist with the purchase of equipment, including electronic medical record hardware and software programs and patient monitor technology for patient support and EMR connectivity to be used in the Medical/Surgical Pediatrics, Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care, Oncology, Surgical Suites and support areas. The hospital is spending millions on the expansion and federal funds will represent only a small portion of the project's total costs. Project Name: Twin Falls Library Modernization Project Amount Received: $100,000 Account: Museums and Libraries in the Institute of Museums and Library Services Recipient: City of Twin Falls Recipient's Address: 201 Fourth Avenue East, Twin Falls, ID 83301 Description: The Twin Falls Public Library seeks to obtain a fully searchable database for it local historical newspapers. The Library has on 709 reels of microfilm of local newspapers from 1904 to the present. It is difficult to use the microfilm because of its deteriorating physical condition and outdated format. There is no index; if an exact date is not known, patrons must browse through the microfilm by hand, which is very inefficient. These funds will be used to digitize and index 709 reels of microfilm of the local newspaper dating from 1904 through 2008. The searchable database will replace the deteriorating microfilm with a searchable format allowing patrons to search articles, pictures, and advertisements by keyword; view information in its historical context; preserve the look and feel of the original format; and print or email articles, photos, or ads of interest. The reference staff will be able to serve the community more effectively, both on- site and remotely, by digitizing and indexing the microfilm. This newspaper database will be an historical asset to library patrons and will provide an accessible and unique service to the community. Division E--FY2010 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Project Name: Civil Engineer Maintenance Complex at Mountain Home Air Force Base Amount Received: $690,000 Account: Air Force Military Construction Account Recipient: 366th Wing, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho Recipient's Street Address: 366 Gunfighter Avenue, Ste 107, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho 83648 Description: The civil engineer functions are currently dispersed among 10 WWII-era wood-frame and Korean War-era facilities. Wood frame facilities have a RAC 2 due to failing roof structures and cracked and spreading concrete foundations that have contributed to failing floors and trusses, presenting risk to squadron members who work in the facilities. Currently, employees must evacuate during heavy snowfall or high winds. The fire safety deficiencies are endemic to all buildings, the patchwork electric wiring is maxed out, which increases fire risk, and the HVAC systems can't keep buildings heated and cooled. The dispersed locations and failing conditions of existing facilities adversely affects all daily Civil Engineering operations and negatively impacts the Wing's mission. This funding will be used for planning and design. Project Name: Logistics Readiness Center Amount Received: $20,000,000 Account: Air Force Military Construction Account Recipient: 366th Wing, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho Recipient's Street Address: 366 Gunfighter Avenue, Ste 107, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho 83648 Description: The existing Logistics Supply is a condemned 53-year-old wooden structure beyond economical repair. The roof is held up with temporary structural supports. The building is evacuated and now 60 percent of base supply functions operate from temporary spaces across base, creating significant delays in troop/equipment mobilization. This negatively impacts the Wing's ability to demolish and relocate from other substandard facilities on base. When funded, the Logistics Readiness Center will provide command and control for all materials in-bound and outbound, including freight processing, packing, crating, pallet buildup shop, and provide bulk and bin storage. The facility will also support secure storage, an armory, and have administrative areas. I appreciate the opportunity to provide a list of congressionally- directed projects in my district that have received funding in the Conference Report accompanying H.R. 3288, the FY2010 Consolidated Appropriations Act and provide an explanation of my support for them.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, as the House considers the conference report on H.R. 3288, the Omnibus Appropriations Act for FY2010, I wanted to clarify the sponsorship of one congressionally-directed projects included in the report that has been attributed to me. Division A of the Conference Report, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, includes $400,000 in funding for FH-24, Banks to Lowman. The Report mistakenly names me as the sponsor of this project. While this project is located in Idaho, I did not submit a request for this project, which is located in the first district. I appreciate the Committee's work in providing funding for important projects in Idaho, but in the interest of transparency, I wanted to clarify this for the record.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from California.

Mr. SIMPSON. I will close. Again, I want to thank Chairman Dicks and the staff for the tremendous job they have done and the bipartisan way in which they have worked with us in trying to solve some problems. Madam Speaker, I don't think there is anybody on this side of the aisle that actually disagrees with the various programs that are going on in this appropriations bill. The disagreement comes that we just believe it's too much money; a 17 percent increase on top of the $11 billion that was received during the stimulus package I think is too much, given these economic times and the hardship that is being felt by Americans all across this country. I think that's where the main opposition comes. It's not about any particular program. We have done a tremendous job in a lot of different areas that I think all of us agree with. There are specifics that I think if I were king for a day would probably be a little different, and this bill would probably be a little different if you were king for a day. We realize it's a compromise, and we try to work out those differences between both the majority and the minority and between the House and the Senate. I think Chairman Dicks has done an admirable job of doing that. In fact, I don't even disagree with the discussion that was going on here earlier about the Great Lakes shipping. I don't disagree with what Chairman Obey was trying to do here. I understand the impact that it would have on the economy in the Great Lakes and what is going on there. All we ask oftentimes is that when we have those same types of issues relative to mining or timber or industries in our part of the country, that people will be sensitive to the impact that some of the regulations that are imposed by the EPA and other agencies are going to have on those, and we are only seen as trying to gut those regulations when, in fact, we are trying to do oftentimes the same thing that's being done here. I don't disagree with what you are trying to do, and I understand it. I support what you are trying to do. While I would like to tell the chairman that I could support this bill, because I think we have done some good work here, unfortunately, I can't, just because of the spending level. I would encourage my Members to vote ``no'' on this appropriations bill. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SIMPSON. I would inform the gentleman from Washington that I am ready to close whenever the gentleman is.