Mike Simpson

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the important research it is doing. There are few investments the Federal government makes that regularly pay such important dividends to the American taxpayer. The National Institutes of Health, the lead government agency tasked with preventing and curing diseases and disorders, is one such investment. While NIH conducts some biomedical research at its Bethesda, Maryland campus, between 80 to 90 percent of its budget funds research that takes place at universities, research centers and hospitals throughout the United States. At a time when stimulating the economy is on everyone's mind, we should remember that the NIH dollars that flow into our communities provide direct economic benefits in the form of increased employment and growth opportunities for research institutions and local businesses at the same time that they are funding research to save lives and improve the quality of life of all Americans. One example of that is NIH-supported research to identify a gene variant involved in isolated cleft lip. About one in every 600 babies in the United States is born with isolated cleft lip and/or palate (roof of the mouth). While there are several surgeries to correct the condition, families suffer under the emotional and economic strain, and children often require additional treatment, including complex dental care and speech therapy. Because isolated clefts occur during fetal development from disruptions in the dynamic, but still poorly understood, interplay of genes, diet, and environment, ongoing research is seeking ways to prevent or reverse the problem before a baby is born. One course of action has been to isolate genes involved in the developmental process. Six years ago, a gene known as IRF-6 was discovered. Within the gene's structure is a sequence variant known as a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). Scientists recently discovered that the frequency of this SNP was significantly higher in babies born with cleft lip only. Through this type of research, scientists can now account for about 30 percent of isolated cleft lip. Researchers supported by NIH's National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) are working to identify the causes of cleft lip, develop better ways of treating clefts, and provide information on whether they might occur again in a family. Hopefully, better prevention strategies can also be an outcome of this work. Through continued research, American families can look forward to prevention of cleft lip and palate. This is just one example of how the research funded with taxpayer dollars at the NIH is improving the health and well-being of all Americans.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Speaker, in accordance with House earmark reforms, I would like to place in the record a listing of the congressionally- directed projects I have requested in my home state of Idaho that are contained in the report of H.R. 2638, the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009 Appropriations Bill. I originally attempted to submit this statement on September 24, 2008, but it appears that it was never printed in the Congressional Record, so I would like to resubmit my original statement. I'd like to take just a few minutes to describe why I support these projects and why they are valuable to the nation and its taxpayers. The report contains $4,000,000 in the NPPD Infrastructure Protection and Information Security account for the Power and Cyber Systems Protection, Analysis, and Testing Program at the Idaho National Laboratory. The program would conduct vulnerability analysis, testing, and protection of power and cyber connected systems for the Department of Homeland Security, utilizing the unique resources available at the Idaho National Laboratory, such as the electric grid, SCADA and control systems, cyber and communication test beds, and the explosives test range. The proposed work entails collaboration with leading universities and other National Laboratories to leverage ongoing research at these institutions and advance the state-of-the-art in building resilience into infrastructure systems. The funding would be used to obtain full-scale systems in sectors of interest to DHS for testing of vulnerabilities, identification of protection strategies, and evaluation of resilient designs; partner with universities and National Laboratories to develop resilient control systems; and establish a program that develops new protection schemes. The INL is uniquely placed to carry out this program, which would leverage its ongoing work in this area sponsored by DoD, DHS, and Intelligence Agencies and its established relationships with industry, universities, and National Laboratories. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account. The entity to receive funding for this project is the Idaho National Laboratory, located at 2525 North Freemont St., Idaho Falls, Idaho 83415. The report contains $1,600,000 in the Defense Production Act Purchases account for the Read Out Integrated Circuit (ROIC) Manufacturing Improvement. 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) over the detectors of today. Maintaining a domestic source of this technology as well as working to enhance the manufacturing capabilities of this critical technology arc equally as important as increasing the yield. Funds for this project will be used to establish a long-term, known US source; improve yields both by the manufacturer and by the vendors who use the contractor as a manufacturing source; decrease the cycle time required in manufacturing ROICs and a reduction of design cycle time by ROIC designers; and provide a roadmap to meet the future needs of the ROIC designers. When the program is completed, ROICs will be available with twice the number of pixels for less money than the ROIC currently costs. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account. The entity to receive funding for this project is ON Semiconductor, located at 2300 Buckskin Rd. Pocatello, Idaho 83201. The report contains $1,600,000 in the Medical Advanced Technology account for the Integrated Patient Quality Program. To directly enhance the patient-provider encounter, the Integrated Patient Quality Program will identify the degree to which physicians utilize consumer content integrated into the DoD Electronic Medical Record (AHLTA) and provide after-visit summaries to patients, and identify the impact this critical medical information has on patients' health and their ability to make informed decisions. This phase of the project will build upon the requirements' definition and technical feasibility study performed within FY08 funding that developed a functional and technical road map, and successfully tested the Integrated Patient Quality concept in a development environment. Additionally, the Integrated Patient Quality Program will explore content delivery options outside of the patient- provider face-to-face interaction to include: secure provider/patient email, online laboratory results, pre-visit/test preparation, surgical decision support, and disease management to at-risk patients. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account. The entity to receive funding for this project is Healthwise, Incorporated, located at 2601 N. Bogus Basin Road Boise, Idaho 83702. The report contains $2,000,000 in the Support Systems Development account for the Accelerator-Driven Non-Destructive Testing. The Idaho Accelerator Center (IAC) proposes to continue development of penetrating and nondestructive testing (NDT) techniques utilizing new techniques in positron annihilation spectroscopy with accelerator-based gamma-beams, and the use of monochromatic x-ray beams that are produced by colliding high-power laser beams with high-energy electron beams. Both of these core technologies have been under development at the IAC for several years and have matured to the point that serious in-field commercialization is possible. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account. The entity to receive funding for this project is Idaho State University, located at 921 South 8th Avenue Pocatello, Idaho 83209. The report contains $1,440,000 in the Electronics Technology account for the 3-D Technology for Advanced Sensor Systems Project. The military has a need for new three-dimensional (3-D) packaging of electronic systems, particularly sensor systems for portable applications. The team of Boise State University and RTI International has developed 3-D processing techniques on silicon and LTCC platforms, including technologies for die- and wafer-scale bonding and 3-D) interconnects. These funds will allow them to apply these techniques to create 3-D integration and packaging solutions applicable to a general category of high performance sensor systems. These funds will be used to support summer salaries for faculty, and provide salaries for research staff, post-doctoral associates, graduate and undergraduate students. Research supplies, capital equipment, and travel will be funded as required to support the objectives of the project. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account. The entity to receive funding for this project is Boise State University, located at 1910 University Drive Boise, Idaho 83725-1135. The report contains $1,200,000 in the Critical Infrastructure Protection account for the Electric Grid Reliability/Assurance project. The effort will operationalize advanced electric grid modeling simulation and analysis capability that links disparate critical infrastructure sector models that run simultaneously and dynamically to share information providing greater understanding of critical infrastructure status before, during or after a destructive event. Funds will be used for the enhanced development of electric grid modeling, simulation and testing capabilities at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). Incorporation of both real-time and distributed system modeling capabilities will provide expanded capabilities for analysis of systems critical to DoD. These efforts will provide DoD an enhanced capability to simulate, prove and make recommendations for techniques to sustain mission operations via continued power generation when power from the electric utilities is no longer present. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account. The entity to receive funding for this project is Idaho National Laboratory, located at P.O. Box 1625 Idaho Falls, Idaho 83415 The report contains $1,200,000 in the Advanced Electronics Technologies for the Hybrid Power Generation System. Research has resulted in a breakthrough technology using compressed magnetic fields which can generate power. The continued research, development, testing and validation of the technology should result in mission extension for dismounted soldiers and considerable savings by reducing the reliance on disposable batteries. Approximately $57,000 is being spent per soldier, per year on batteries alone in theatre. This technology will not only reduce federal spending needed for such batteries, but will considerably reduce related military logistics costs, reduce the amount of hazardous waste disposal costs (for the toxic substances used in battery materials), and will reduce the man/machine interface by reducing the 20-30 lbs of extra batteries soldiers are currently required to carry for extended missions. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account. The entity to receive funding for this project is M2E Power, Inc., located at 875 W. McGregor Court, Suite 150 Boise, Idaho 83705 The report contains $3,200,000 in the Chemical and Biological Defense Program Account for the Vacuum Sampling Pathogen Collection and Concentration project. Production and commercialization potential of the recently completed basic wet- vacuum pathogen collection system will be further enhanced through completion and integration of current prototype-stage ``sister'' technologies. The combined systems will provide safer, more accurate and faster sample collection and processing capabilities with GPS-RFID sample site documentation and sample identification, plus handling, transport and lab traceability. Current outsourced production activities will be centralized through expanded in-house production facilities for more stringent cost, QC and delivery schedule management and control. Integrated technology systems will improve safety, accuracy and standardization of bio-agent detection methods for our soldiers and civilian end users. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account. The entity to receive funding for this project is Microbial-Vac Systems, Inc., located at 160 Bridon Way, Jerome, Idaho 83338. The report contains $3,200,000 in the Advanced Spacecraft Technology account for the Ultra Low Power Electronics. Ultra-Low Power (ULP) Electronics is an Air Force Research Lab-sponsored initiative working in collaboration with industry to develop electronics that require less power and provide increased efficiency. A key challenge for DoD electronics applications is the reduction of power consumption in the Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS)--the technology platform used for advanced integrated circuits. Funding in 2009 will develop a high OPS/Watt ULP platform solution for DoD designers of electronic systems and demonstrate a base technology that can be rapidly scaled to meet general ULP industry requirements for portable electronics. The project is an iterative, multi-lot, fabrication research and development effort that includes design tool and model development necessary to deploy the new technology. A viable scaling method for reducing electronic voltage requirements and the associated ULP products will define an alternative CMOS scaling roadmap specific to portable technology. This program will establish a new technical approach and industrial capability for U.S. electronics. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account. The entity to receive funding for this project is American Semiconductor, Inc., located at 3100 S. Vista Ave., Ste 230 Boise, Idaho 83705. The report contains $800,000 in the New Design Ssn Account for the Highly Corrosive-Resistant Alloy Joining for Nuclear Applications. This funding will be used to develop and test novel prototype design-for- manufacturing methods, flexible automated welding and inspection technology for application in submarine nuclear reactor propulsion systems. The research will result in new joining techniques to shape highly corrosive-resistant alloys to meet the requirements of underwater power generation and radiation containment. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account. The entity to receive funding for this project is Premier Technology, located at 1858 W. Bridge Street Blackfoot, Idaho 83221. The report contains $1,800,000 in the Air Force Military Construction Account for the Mountain Home AFB Logistics Readiness Center. The Existing Logistic Supply is a condemned 53-year old wooden structure beyond economical repair. The building had to be 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 and an armory and will include administrative areas. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account. The entity to receive funding for this project is the 366th Wing, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, located at 366 Gunfighter Avenue, Ste 107, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho 83648. I appreciate the opportunity to provide a list of Congressionally- directed projects in my district and an explanation of my support for them. (1.) $4 million for the Power and Cyber Systems Protection, Analysis, and Testing Program; Idaho National Laboratory. (2.) $1,600,000 for the Read Out Integrated Circuit (ROIL) Manufacturing Improvement; ON Semiconductor. (3.) $1,600,000 for the Integrated Patient Quality Program; Healthwise Incorporated. (4.) $2,000,000 for the Accelerator-Driven Non-Destructive Testing; Idaho State University. (5.) $1,440,000 for the 3-D Technology for Advanced Sensor Systems; Boise State University. (6.) $1,200,000 for the Electric Grid Reliability/Assurance; Idaho National Laboratory. (7.) $1,200,000 for the Hybrid Power Generation System; M2E Power Inc. (8.) $3,200,000 for the Vacuum Sampling Pathogen Collection and Concentration; Microbial-Vac Systems, Inc. (9.) $3,200,000 for the Ultra Low Power Electronics; American Semiconductor. (10.) $800,000 for the Highly Corrosive-Resistant Alloy Joining for Nuclear Applications; Premier Technology. (11.) $1,800,000 in the Air Force Military Construction Account for the Mountain Home AFB Logistics Readiness Center; Mountain Home Air Force Base.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, in accordance witt House earmark reforms, I would like to place in the Record a listing of the congressionally- directed projects I have requested in my home State of Idaho that are contained in the report of H.R. 2638, the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009 Appropriations Bill. I'd like to take just a few minutes to describe why I support these projects and why they are valuable to the Nation and its taxpayers. The report contains $4,000,000 in the NPPD Infrastructure Protection and Information Security account for the Power and Cyber Systems Protection, Analysis, and Testing Program at the Idaho National Laboratory. The program would conduct vulnerability analysis, testing, and protection of power and cyber connected systems for the Department of Homeland Security, utilizing the unique resources available at the Idaho National Laboratory, such as the electric grid, SCADA and control systems, cyber and communication test beds, and the explosives test range. The proposed work entails collaboration with leading universities and other National Laboratories to leverage ongoing research at these institutions and advance the state-of-the-art in building resilience into infrastructure systems. The funding would be used to obtain full-scale systems in sectors of interest to DHS for testing of vulnerabilities, identification of protection strategies, and evaluation of resilient designs; partner with universities and National Laboratories to develop resilient control systems; and establish a program that develops new protection schemes. The INL is uniquely placed to carry out this program, which would leverage its ongoing work in this area sponsored by DoD, DHS, and Intelligence Agencies and its established relationships with industry, universities, and National Laboratories. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account. The entity to receive funding for this project is the Idaho National Laboratory, located at 2525 North Freemont St., Idaho Falls, Idaho 83415. The report contains $1,600,000 in the Defense Production Act Purchases account for the Read Out Integrated Circuit (ROIC) Manufacturing Improvement. 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) over 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 equally as important as increasing the yield. Funds for this project will be used to establish a long-term, known U.S. source; improve yields both by the manufacturer and by the vendors who use the contractor as a manufacturing source; decrease the cycle time required in manufacturing ROICs and a reduction of design cycle time by ROIC designers; and provide a roadmap to meet the future needs of the ROIC designers. When the program is completed, ROICs will be available with twice the number of pixels for less money than the ROIC currently costs. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account. The entity to receive funding for this project is ON Semiconductor, located at 2300 Buckskin Rd., Pocatello, Idaho 83201. The report contains $1,600,000 in the Medical Advanced Technology account for the Integrated Patient Quality Program. To directly enhance the patient-provider encounter, the Integrated Patient Quality Program will identify the degree to which physicians utilize consumer content integrated into the DoD Electronic Medical Record (AHLTA) and provide after-visit summaries to patients, and identify the impact this critical medical information has on patients' health and their ability to make informed decisions. This phase of the project will build upon the requirements' definition and technical feasibility study performed within FY08 funding that developed a functional and technical road map, and successfully tested the Integrated Patient Quality concept in a development environment. Additionally, the Integrated Patient Quality Program will explore content delivery options outside of the patient- provider face-to-face interaction to include: secure provider/patient e-mail, online laboratory results, pre-visit/test preparation, surgical decision support, and disease management to at-risk patients. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account. The entity to receive funding for this project is Healthwise, Incorporated, located at 2601 N. Bogus Basin Road, Boise, Idaho 83702. The report contains $2,000,000 in the Support Systems Development account for the Accelerator-Driven Non-Destructive Testing. The Idaho Accelerator Center (lAC) proposes to continue development of penetrating and nondestructive testing (NDT) techniques utilizing new techniques in positron annihilation spectroscopy with accelerator-based gamma-beams, and the use of monochromatic x-ray beams that are produced by colliding high-power laser beams with high-energy electron beams. Both of these core technologies have been under development at the lAC for several years and have matured to the point that serious in-field commercialization is possible. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account. The entity to receive funding for this project is Idaho State University, located at 921 South 8th Avenue, Pocatello, Idaho 83209. The report contains $1,440,000 in the Electronics Technology account for the 3-D Technology for Advanced Sensor Systems Project. The military has a need for new three-dimensional (3-D) packaging of electronic systems, particularly sensor systems for portable applications. The team of Boise State University and RTI International has developed 3-D processing techniques on silicon and LTCC platforms, including technologies for die- and wafer-scale bonding and 3-D interconnects. These funds will allow them to apply these techniques to create 3-D integration and packaging solutions applicable to a general category of high performance sensor systems. These funds will be used to support summer salaries for faculty, and provide salaries for research staff, post-doctoral associates, graduate and undergraduate students. Research supplies, capital equipment, and travel will be funded as required to support the objectives of the project. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account. The entity to receive funding for this project is Boise State University, located at 1910 University Drive, Boise, Idaho 83725-1135. The report contains $1,200,000 in the Critical Infrastructure Protection account for the Electric Grid Reliability/Assurance project. The effort will operationalize advanced electric grid modeling simulation and analysis capability that links disparate critical infrastructure sector models that run simultaneously and dynamically to share information providing greater understanding of critical infrastructure status before, during or after a destructive event. Funds will be used for the enhanced development of electric grid modeling, simulation and testing capabilities at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). Incorporation of both real-time and distributed system modeling capabilities will provide expanded capabilities for analysis of systems critical to DoD. These efforts will provide DoD an enhanced capability to simulate, prove and make recommendations for techniques to sustain mission operations via continued power generation when power from the electric utilities is no longer present. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account. The entity to receive funding for this project is Idaho National Laboratory, located at P.O. Box 1625, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83415. The report contains $1,200,000 in the Advanced Electronics Technologies for the Hybrid Power Generation System. Research has resulted in a breakthrough technology using compressed magnetic fields which can generate power. The continued research, development, testing and validation of the technology should result in mission extension for dismounted soldiers and considerable savings by reducing the reliance on disposable batteries. Approximately $57,000 is being spent per soldier, per year on batteries alone in theatre. This technology will not only reduce Federal spending needed for such batteries, but will considerably reduce related military logistics costs, reduce the amount of hazardous waste disposal costs (for the toxic substances used in battery materials), and will reduce the man/machine interface by reducing the 20-30 lbs of extra batteries soldiers are currendy required to carry for extended missions. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account. The entity to receive funding for this project is M2E Power, Inc., located at 875 W. McGregor Court, Suite 150 Boise, Idaho 83705. The report contains $3,200,000 in the Chemical and Biological Defense Program Account for the Vacuum Sampling Pathogen Collection and Concentration project. Production and commercialization potential of the recently completed basic wet-vacuum pathogen collection system will be further enhanced through completion and integration of current prototype-stage ``sister'' technologies. The combined systems will provide safer, more accurate and faster sample collection and processing capabilities with GPS-RFID sample site documentation and sample identification, plus handling, transport and lab traceability. Current outsourced production activities will be centralized through expanded in-house production facilities for more stringent cost, QC and delivery schedule management and control. Integrated technology systems will improve safety, accuracy and standardization of bio-agent detection methods for our soldiers and civilian end users. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account. The entity to receive funding for this project is Microbial-Vac Systems, Inc., located at 160 Bridon Way, Jerome, Idaho 83338. The report contains $3,200,000 in the Advanced Spacecraft Technology account for the Ultra Low Power Electronics. Ultra-Low Power (ULP) Electronics is an Air Force Research Lab-sponsored initiative working in collaboration with industry to develop electronics that require less power and provide increased efficiency. A key challenge for DoD electronics applications is the reduction of power consumption in the Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS)--the technology platform used for advanced integrated circuits. Funding in 2009 will develop a high OPS/Watt ULP platform solution for DoD designers of electronic systems and demonstrate a base technology that can be rapidly scaled to meet general ULP industry requirements for portable electronics. The project is an iterative, multi-lot, fabrication research and development effort that includes design tool and model development necessary to deploy the new technology. A viable scaling method for reducing electronic voltage requirements and the associated ULP products will define an alternative CMOS scaling roadmap specific to portable technology. This program will establish a new technical approach and industrial capability for U.S. electronics. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account. The entity to receive funding for this project is American Semiconductor, Inc., located at 3100 S. Vista Ave., Ste 230 Boise, Idaho 83705. The report contains $800,000 in the New Design Ssn Account for the Highly Corrosive-Resistant Alloy Joining for Nuclear Applications. This funding will be used to develop and test novel prototype design-for- manufacturing methods, flexible automated welding and inspection technology for application in submarine nuclear reactor propulsion systems. The research will result in new joining techniques to shape highly corrosive-resistant alloys to meet the requirements of underwater power generation and radiation containment. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account. The entity to receive funding for this project is Premier Technology, located at 1858 W. Bridge Street, Blackfoot, Idaho 83221. The report contains $1,800,000 in the Air Force Military Construction Account for the Mountain Home AFB Logistics Readiness Center. The Existing Logistic Supply is a condemned 53-year-old wooden structure beyond economical repair. The building had to be evacuated and now 60% 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 and an armory and will include administrative areas. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of this account. The entity to receive funding for this project is the 366th Wing, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, located at 366 Gunfighter Avenue, Ste. 107, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho 83648. I appreciate the opportunity to provide a list of Congressionally- directed projects in my district and an explanation of my support for them. (1) $4 million for the Power and Cyber Systems Protection, Analysis, and Testing Program; Idaho National Laboratory. (2) $1,600,000 for the Read Out Integrated Circuit (ROIC) Manufacturing Improvement; ON Semiconductor. (3) $1,600,000 for the Integrated Patient Quality Program; Healthwise Incorporated. (4) $2,000,000 for the Accelerator-Driven Non-Destructive Testing; Idaho State University. (5) $1,440,000 for the 3-D Technology for Advanced Sensor Systems; Boise State University. (6) $1,200,000 for the Electric Grid Reliability/Assurance; Idaho National Laboratory. (7) $1,200,000 for the Hybrid Power Generation System; M2E Power Inc. (8) $3,200,000 for the Vacuum Sampling Pathogen Collection and Concentration; Microbial-Vac Systems, Inc. (9) $3,200,000 for the Ultra Low Power Electronics; American Semiconductor. (10) $800,000 for the Highly Corrosive-Resistant Alloy Joining for Nuclear Applications; Premier Technology. (11) $1,800,000 in the Air Force Military Construction Account for the Mountain Home AFB Logistics Readiness Center; Mountain Home Air Force Base.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the important research it is doing. The federal government's investment in NIH research regularly pays tremendous dividends to the American taxpayer. Federal funding supports NIH--to conduct biomedical research at its Maryland campus as well as research conducted at hundreds of medical centers, independent research laboratories, and colleges and universities across the country. Today, I would like to highlight research being done at NIH to alleviate the economic and personal suffering caused by Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease, one of the most frightening memory-robbing disorders, interferes with the lives of 2.5 to 5 million older Americans, including over 200,000 people under the age of 65. Individuals with Alzheimer's disease may have trouble recalling addresses, major events, and the names of their own family members. Making meals and managing finances can become difficult. Over time, problems with memory and thinking get even worse. Alzheimer's disease costs the United States almost $150 billion in medical care and lost productivity each year. With an aging population, this number will continue to grow larger and larger. By the year 2030, Alzheimer's disease is predicted to affect 7.7 million people in the United States over the age of 65. By 2015, Medicare costs for beneficiaries with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias are expected to more than double from $91 billion in 2005 to $189 billion. Fortunately, research funded by the NIH has helped generate new treatments that can aid memory loss. Studies determined that a brain afflicted with Alzheimer's disease contains decreased levels of acetylcholine, a chemical that aids in memory and thought. Based on this finding, researchers developed several medications now available, termed cholinesterase inhibitors, which attempt to maintain normal levels of acetylcholine and can aid memory, thinking, and functional abilities in some people with Alzheimer's disease. While the effects of these drugs tend to be fairly short-lived and they do not stop the progression of the disease, they can be very helpful to some patients with Alzheimer's disease. Moreover, great progress has been made in understanding the brain abnormalities that underlie Alzheimer's disease, thanks to research involving genetics, biochemistry, and cell biology. Researchers are on the threshold of developing new treatments that target these flaws in an effort to preserve brain circuits and help maintain memory function in patients with Alzheimer's disease. New drugs are being developed that target different biological pathways, which, following years of basic science research, have also been implicated in memory. With continued study, scientists believe a variety of improved treatments will be able to aid more people with memory impairments for longer periods of time and perhaps prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease or slow its progression. We have so much more to learn about the brain, and NIH-funded researchers nationwide, including in my own state of Idaho, are working to understand how it functions and to identify potential new therapies and treatments. That national research commitment gives the millions of people suffering from Alzheimer's disease, and the millions more who care for them, hope that treatments for this devastating disease are on the horizon.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Special Olympics on the occasion of its 40th Anniversary. Special Olympics is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition. Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for athletes. In addition, every two years, athletes from all over the world come together to compete in the Special Olympics World Games. The United States and the State of Idaho are proud and honored to host the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games. This event will attract more than 3,000 athletes from over 100 nations to compete in seven Winter Olympic-type sporting events. This will be the largest multi-sport event ever held in the State of Idaho. On July 23, 2007, my colleagues in the House of Representatives and I unanimously passed a resolution commending Idaho on winning the bid to host the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games. Among other things, this resolution expresses Congress's support for the 2009 Games, congratulates Idaho as the host of the Games, and applauds the goals of the Special Olympics to enrich the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through sports. Madam Speaker, I have been privileged to work closely with Special Olympics and its staff both in Idaho and Washington, DC. I would like to commend the organization for the great work that it is doing on behalf of the thousands of Special Olympians throughout the world. I would also like to thank the thousands of volunteers and coaches who donate their time and energy to support this great program. I am pleased to recognize Special Olympics International for 40 years of service and commitment to the many Special Olympians both in America and across the globe.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the National Institutes of Health, NIH, and call attention to one example of important NIH-supported research being conducted through the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIDCD. Of the five standard senses--sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch--hearing is the one that people are most likely to lose. Approximately 32 million American adults have some form of hearing loss, ranging from mild to profound. Loss of hearing can occur at any age. Between two to three out of every 1,000 infants in this country are born deaf or hard of hearing. This impairment can make it difficult for a child to learn and adversely affect his or her social and emotional development. Older adults can experience social isolation and depression. Needed supportive care and services can be very costly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the average lifetime costs for one individual with hearing loss is $417,000. These costs include direct medical costs such as doctor visits, direct nonmedical expenses such as special education, and indirect costs such as lost wages when a person cannot work due to hearing loss. With NIH funding, scientists have made tremendous strides during the past decade in understanding the basic biology that underlies hearing loss. Research has already led to the development of the cochlear implant which helps people with certain types of hearing loss understand speech and other sounds. Researchers are also exploring the possibility of regenerating cochlear hair cells in humans; the destruction of these hair cells is the primary factor in most cases of hearing loss. Before, it was assumed that damaged cochlear hair cells could not regenerate in people and other mammals. However, in 2005, NIH-funded research has enabled scientists to identify a gene that may one day enable hair cells to regenerate in mammals. These findings indicate exciting new possibilities for hearing loss treatments by regenerating the hair cells that transform and send sound waves as electrical signals to the brain, thus making it possible to hear better. In addition, there are new technologies on the horizon for diagnosing hearing loss in infants, thus enabling hearing-impaired children to receive early intervention that can help them develop language skills similar to that of their peers. For example, scientists and clinicians working collaboratively at the Boys Town National Research Hospital with the support of NIDCD developed an approach for testing the hearing mechanism of infants in a matter of minutes in the first days of life. This technology is now in widespread use in many birthing hospitals in the U.S. as part of their universal newborn hearing screening programs. This is but a few examples of how the research funded with taxpayer dollars at the NIH is improving the health and well-being of all Americans.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to KTVB-TV in Boise, Idaho. KTVB-TV was recently recognized by the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation as the 2008 Friend in Need Television Award recipient for its efforts to end methamphetamine abuse in Idaho. In March 2007, the KTVB News Group dedicated 100 percent of its public services resources to the ``March Against Meth'' campaign. This month-long, statewide campaign aimed to stop meth use by educating adults and children about the dangers of methamphetamines. As part of the campaign, KTVB-TV produced an award-winning primetime documentary called ``Life or Meth,'' which played in the homes of families throughout southern Idaho. Within 60 days, 90 percent of the households in southwestern Idaho heard the anti-meth awareness message at least seven times. Meth is one of the most dangerous substances available on the illegal drug market and has a devastating impact on individuals, families, the environment, and society. My home State of Idaho has the dubious distinction of ranking fifth on the list of States with the highest rates of meth use in the country. Combating the growth of meth use in Idaho has become a top priority for me, but it is clear that winning the war against this epidemic will require a partnership between public and private organizations, individuals, and families in our State and across the country. I am so pleased that KTVB-TV has taken up this fight. Education about the destructive effects of meth use on individuals and communities is key to ending meth use in Idaho and across the Nation, and I am proud that KTVB-TV's efforts to communicate these dangers to Idaho families have been recognized. It is my honor to work with this company and the dedicated employees at KTVB-TV to make our community a better place to live.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to call attention to a potentially serious liver disease that affects a growing number of young people in our society and to commend an outstanding research program that the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), a unit of the National Institutes of Health, is conducting to address it before it creates a major crisis for our population. I am referring to Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, NAFLD. While the name is unwieldy, the concerns are real. We are all aware of the growing epidemic of obesity in young people and the impact that this can have on increased incidence of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. However, few of us realize that obese children often have fat buildup in their livers. This can lead to cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver, and cause serious complications in adolescence or young adulthood. The Liver Disease Research Branch at NIDDK has built a national network of researchers focusing on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, and they have assembled a database that includes information on more than 1,500 adults and children. In addition, this network is doing a study in children that is expected to determine by next year whether sustained treatment with either metformin or vitamin E improves the liver when compared to a placebo. The results will help determine treatment options for children with Fatty Liver Disease. This is an important disease for which NIH is doing exactly what we would hope--addressing a major health issue before it becomes a national crisis. This is yet another example of how our investment in this important agency today saves billions of dollars in future health care spending and prevents untold human suffering. Madam Speaker, this research is one of many examples underscoring the value of our investment in biomedical research at the National Institutes of Health, and I trust that, like me, my colleagues will recognize the positive impact these advancements will have on the health of our Nation.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Speaker, in recognition of National Teacher Appreciation week, I rise today to pay tribute to teachers across the country. It is always appropriate to thank those who devote their lives to the education of our Nation's children, but Teacher Appreciation Week gives us a special opportunity to remind educators that we support what they do and want to partner with them in the important work of preparing today's children to be tomorrow's leaders. Every day, educators inspire, teach, and make a difference in our lives. Teaching is a challenging and rewarding job, and those who choose to undertake it deserve our respect and gratitude. It should be a priority for Congress to ensure that teachers have the tools they need to make a difference in the lives of their students, and I am pleased that my colleagues recently joined me in expressing their full support for America's educators by unanimously passing resolutions in recognition of National Teacher Appreciation week. I am grateful for the positive impact that my teachers have had on my life, and I appreciate the work and dedication of our Nation's educators in teaching the future business leaders, farmers, and citizens of our country.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I move to reconsider the vote. Motion to Table Offered by Mr. Welch of Vermont

Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Speaker, I move to reconsider the vote by which the previous question was ordered on the resolution. Motion to Table Offered by Mr. Hastings of Florida

Mr. SIMPSON

Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Chairman, I move that the Committee do now rise.