John Sullivan

Mr. SULLIVAN

Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 116, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' Amendment No. 333 Offered by Ms. Kaptur

Mr. SULLIVAN

Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. SULLIVAN

Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of legislation to repeal ObamaCare. This health care law is bad for patients, bad for doctors, bad for small businesses, and terrible for our troubled economy. I hear from small business owners across the First Congressional District every day. Many are being forced to cut back on health benefits. They can't afford to hire new employees, and they are scared to death that ObamaCare will put them out of business. Not only is this unconstitutional to force the American people to purchase government-approved health insurance, but this prescription for disaster has put our Nation on a path to bankruptcy by adding billions of dollars to our already record-setting deficit. In addition, ObamaCare actually reverses over 30 years of bipartisan efforts to keep tax dollars from funding abortions, which I find reprehensible. Mr. Speaker, repealing ObamaCare is not the end of the debate over reforming our health care system. It's the first step in implementing a health care system that works for all Americans without costly, unconstitutional government mandates that destroy jobs.

Mr. SULLIVAN

Mr. SULLIVAN. Madam Speaker, I rise to state for the record that I intended to vote ``nay'' on rollcall vote 584 taken on November 30, 2010. The Congressional Record currently lists me as an ``aye'' vote on this measure. As a fiscal conservative, I cannot support $4.6 billion in government spending in a period of record federal deficits and budget constraints facing American families.

Mr. SULLIVAN

Mr. SULLIVAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and achievements of Tadahisa Kuroda of Potomac Falls, Virginia, who passed away in August at the age of 69. Tad was born September 10, 1940, in New York City to the Honorable Otoshiro and Mei Kuroda. He spent his childhood in New York City and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut and later received his master's degree and doctorate from Columbia University in New York. Tad taught at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York for 36 years and held important positions of leadership at the College, including History Department Chair and Associate Dean of Faculty. A specialist in early American history, Tad received the Ralph Ciancio Award for Teaching Excellence prior to his retirement in 2005. As we celebrate Constitution week, September 17th through 23rd, it should be noted that Tad was an expert on the United States electoral college having written, ``The Origins of the Twelfth Amendment: The Electoral College in the Early Republic, 1787-1804'', published in 1994. During retirement Tad was active with the American Institute for History Education. He visited schools across the country helping them develop their history education programs. Tad also remained passionate about baseball and the Philadelphia Phillies. He will be missed by his wife, Akiko, his family and a host of friends, colleagues, and students. He was a remarkable teacher and a true gentleman. Madam Speaker, I commend Tad Kuroda for his commitment to teaching, scholarship and service, and I ask the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in remembering this outstanding American, Tad Kuroda.

Mr. SULLIVAN

Mr. SULLIVAN. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to honor the winners and participants of the 2010 CrossFit Games held in Carson, California from July 16 to July 18, 2010. CrossFit was created in the mid-80s by former gymnast Greg Glassman. When it was first introduced, it was a completely different form of physical training that was developed to enhance an individual's competency at all physical tasks and functional movements in everyday life. Greg Glassman moved to Santa Cruz, California, in 1995, and he and wife Lauren Glassman opened the first independent CrossFit gym there in 1999. Since then, CrossFit has expanded to about 1,900 affiliated gyms worldwide, with each operating as its own independent small business. While at first, the concepts and training associated with CrossFit seem to be aimed for the elite athlete, military special operations units, police academies and tactical operations teams, the fact that it has grown so much so quickly is a testament to CrossFit's ideology that the needs of the average person, like myself, and the Olympic athlete differ by degree not kind. This is especially important today, when my state of Oklahoma and our nation faces an obesity epidemic that is not only straining our health care system, but causing chronic health conditions like diabetes, heart disease and cancer. The medical benefits, increased self confidence, and stress reduction that can come from athletic activity help contribute to a healthier, more productive Oklahoma and nation. There is no better test of all around fitness, not focusing on one single type of event, than the CrossFit Games, where multiple and varied workouts are held each day over a three day competition. The workouts over the duration of each day are not announced until a few hours before each event which means that the athletes are training for a competition whose format is almost completely a mystery. One of the workouts in this year's Games was the following: Event 2a--For time (22 min cap): run 1,200 meters, 63 kettlebell swings (55/36 lbs.), 36 pull-ups, run 800 meters, 42 kettlebell swings (55/36 lbs.), 24 pull-ups, run 400 meters, 21 kettlebell swings (55/36 lbs.), and 12 pull-ups. Event 2b--Within 90 seconds of completing Event 2a: 1 rep max Shoulder-to-Overhead. Approximately 4000 men and women initially entered the preliminary events earlier this year to not only competing for a spot in the Games but to challenge oneself. The large number of contenders eventually narrowed down to 45 men and 41 women competing for the claim as the fittest in the world. Every single individual competitor, masters athlete and affiliate team earned the right to compete through old- fashioned hard work and dedication to physical fitness. I.want to congratulate the winners of the individual competition, who can now say they are among the fittest athletes in the world, Graham Holmberg from New Albany, Ohio and Kristan Clever from Sherman Oaks, California. Both athletes not only exhibited great skill, but gut- wrenching effort that ultimately put them on top. They are an inspiration to all that hard work pays off in the end. I would also like to congratulate the affiliate team winner of the Games, CrossFit Fort Vancouver, as well as the masters category individual competition winners Laurie Carver and Brian Curley. Finally, I would like to congratulate my hometown gym in Tulsa, Oklahoma, CrossFit Sky, that competed in the affiliate completion and finished 30th. I witnessed firsthand all the hard work and dedication that ultimately granted them a spot in the Games. The members of CrossFit Sky's affiliate team are Amy Quimby, Hollace Fugate, Mandy Malloy, Sean Malloy, Brian Head, Tom Sharp, Aaron Fugate and Mike Quimby. The CrossFit Games are only a small part of CrossFit as a whole which is ultimately spreading the desire to make oneself live a healthier and more productive lifestyle. It is available to everyone, not just elite athletes. The same concepts behind CrossFit used to train elite athletes can be used for people of all ages to help them reach their fitness goals. Tony Budding from CrossFit headquarters couldn't have said it any better, ``CrossFit is really about helping others achieve their goals. For even the top athletes, their achievements are temporary, whereas the impact we make on others is lasting.'' I rise today not only to honor these great athletes who have not only achieved the ultimate success of being named among the fittest in the world, but to celebrate the sport of fitness in general. In an era when we are faced with less time for physical activity and the temptation and convenience of unhealthy food, it is important for all Americans to take simple steps to live long and better lives, especially considering the obesity epidemic facing my state of Oklahoma and our Nation. I believe CrossFit is helping in this fight against obesity and I challenge all Americans to challenge themselves to live a healthier lifestyle.

Mr. SULLIVAN

Mr. SULLIVAN. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to honor Dr. Jeff Kimpel for his service as the Director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL), in Norman, Oklahoma, and for his thirteen years of Federal service. Dr. Jeff Kimpel has been a lifeline for the NSSL for the last thirteen years; he has led the program to further research opportunities and the results have showed nothing but excellence. Dr. Kimpel has allowed the NSSL to embark upon many programs and technological advancements, saving countless lives and property from the consequences that severe weather can cause. Under the watch of Dr. Kimpel, the NSSL performed the scientific and technological research that upgraded the Next Generation Weather Radar to an open systems operation. Along with this, super resolution capability and designed dual polarization upgrades were added. The NSSL has been able to upgrade and expand their programs, establishing strong programs and cloud resolving and numerical forecast models, all under the watch of Dr. Kimpel. He was also instrumental in gaining support for new facilities, which sprung the construction of the National Weather Center, which shares space with the National Weather Service and the University of Oklahoma Meteorology Program. Dr. Kimpel has a perseverance that goes far beyond the field of meteorology. He is dedicated to NSSL but has also achieved so much more, such as serving our nation in Vietnam and being awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his bravery and courage and being named as the Senior Vice President of the Norman Campus of the University of Oklahoma. Dr. Kimpel, I commend and congratulate you on your noteworthy contributions that you have made to our Nation, the state of Oklahoma, the University of Oklahoma and to the field of meteorology.

Mr. SULLIVAN

Mr. SULLIVAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce H.R. 5582, the Private Property Rights Protection and Government Accountability Act of 2010. Previously, the U.S. Constitution specifically limited government taking of private property through a relatively narrow exception for ``public use.'' Public use has historically referred to roads, schools, firehouses, etc. You may remember the infamous 2005 Supreme Court decision, Kelo v. City of New London, where the court broadened the government's ability to take your home, farm, business or place of worship. The negative effects of this far-reaching Supreme Court decision place millions of private property owners nationwide at risk. Some states are trying to correct this injustice and have enacted restrictions on the use of eminent domain, in this case, when the government seizes private property, with varied effectiveness. However, Congress has not taken action to restore private property rights and the abusive use of eminent domain has continued. That is why I am introducing the Private Property Rights Protection and Government Accountability Act of 2010. This legislation will restrict certain federal economic development funds for 10 years to any state or locality in which eminent domain is used to take private property for a private purpose. It will also allow private property owners the legal recourse they deserve to fight baseless private property takings by state and local governments. Examples of eminent domain abuse can be seen across Oklahoma, from Oklahoma City to Muskogee, and throughout this country. No family, business operator or place of worship is safe if the government decides that their property does not measure up, and that ``public purpose'' would be better served if it were torn down and replaced by something bigger, glitzier and more taxable. I encourage all my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Mr. SULLIVAN

Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of one of the U.S.'s strongest and most steadfast allies, Israel. Since the tragic events of May 31, 2010, many have publicly questioned the right of Israel to defend herself by blockading terrorist-controlled Gaza. I believe that this blockade is a necessary measure to stop the shipment of weapons and prevent the loss of innocent lives in the region. After careful examination of the facts, I am confident Israel's right to defend herself will be sustained in the eyes of the international community. Israel plays an intricate role in United States foreign policy and provides the United States with a staunch ally in the region. As the only free market economy and viable democracy in the Middle East, it is essential that Israel and the United States continue this mutually beneficial partnership. We should continue to support this valuable ally in their fight against terrorism and extremism. I encourage the international community to recognize this basic right of Israel and encourage my colleagues to join me in making clear that the United States cares deeply about our friend and ally and we will not allow their right to their own defense compromised because of the actions of Hamqs extremists who seek to do them harm.

Mr. SULLIVAN

Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. Speaker, I am troubled by this administration's commitment, this lack of commitment of enforcing our national immigration laws. Just last week, John Morton, Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said that ``his agency will not necessarily process illegal immigrants referred to them by Arizona officials,'' in light of their new State law. My district contains two permanent ICE offices, and I am seriously concerned that one of the top officials in the Obama administration in charge of enforcing our Nation's immigration laws is refusing to do his job. Regardless of his personal feelings on the Arizona immigration law, Assistant Secretary Morton has an obligation to enforce the rule of law and protect U.S. citizens and legal residents. Arizona is under siege with both human and drug smuggling, and it is on the front lines dealing with Mexico's drug violence that is spilling over into the United States. On behalf of my constituents and millions of Americans, I urge President Obama and Immigration and Customs Enforcement Secretary Morton to enforce our immigration laws.

Mr. SULLIVAN

Mr. SULLIVAN. I'd like to thank Congressman Barton for yielding me time. Higher premiums, higher taxes, and cutting Medicare is not health care reform. Republicans care about health care, but we don't care for this bill. Unfortunately, the White House and congressional Democrats are still insisting on their massive 2,700-page bill that includes higher premiums, $500 billion in higher taxes, and $500 billion in cuts to senior Medicare. My son, who's here this week, Tommy Sullivan, even can consider that that's not reform.

Mr. SULLIVAN

Mr. SULLIVAN. Madam Speaker, higher premiums, higher taxes, and cutting Medicare is not health care reform. Republicans care about health care, but we don't care for this bill. Unfortunately, the White House and congressional Democrats are still insisting on their massive, 2,700-plus page bill that includes higher premiums, $500 billion in higher taxes, and $500 billion in cuts to seniors' Medicare. That is not reform. There is a reason why Congress has been debating this for a year. The reason the majority is having such trouble securing passage is because Americans have made it abundantly clear that they don't like this bill either. I want to make something clear: killing the Democrat plan for a government health care takeover does not kill the health care debate. It simply allows us to start from scratch and focus on real solutions that will lower the cost of health care for small businesses and families across this Nation. Stop this bill.

Mr. SULLIVAN

Mr. SULLIVAN. Madam Speaker, consistent with House Republican Earmark Standards, I am submitting the following earmark disclosure and certification information for one additional project funding request that I made and was included within the text of H.R. 3326, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010. Project: Ground Warfare Acoustical Combat Systems of Netted Sensors Project Amount: $5,000,000 Account: RDTE--Navy Legal Name of Requesting Entity: GWACS Defense, Inc. Address of Requesting Entity: Suite 191, 4500 South, 129th East Ave., Tulsa, OK 74134 Description of Request: Combat systems are required that can detect, locate, discriminate and give precision targeting data of hostile fire to blue forces in a netcentric environment. Additionally, multi sensor systems are required that can help IFF, create total battlespace situational awareness both in open and urban terrain, and provide precision targeting data for combined and integrated fire support. Funds will be used to accelerate the completion of a new technology that is critical and urgently needed for small arms detection and location for future procurement for force protection and situational awareness at all command levels in open and urban terrain operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Mr. SULLIVAN

Mr. SULLIVAN. Madam Speaker, I rise to state for the record that today I introduced H. Res. 1023, challenging the constitutionality of the House and Senate passed health care bills with respect to the individual mandate requiring American citizens to purchase government approved health insurance. My resolution also demands the removal of the individual health insurance mandate from any final healthcare reform bill that Congress considers. H. Res. 1023 builds off the efforts of at least 36 state legislatures, including Oklahoma, that are looking to limit or oppose health mandates in the House and Senate passed health care reform bills that would require purchase of government approved health insurance. These state actions are in direct opposition to the draconian national health care reform measures that are currently under consideration by the House and Senate. Throughout the healthcare debate, the Administration and this Congress have largely ignored the most fundamental question of all-- whether or not the Federal Government is overstepping its constitutional bounds by taking over our healthcare system. Even back in 1994, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, CBO, wrote that it would be an unprecedented form of Federal action for Congress to mandate that all individuals are required to purchase health insurance. I introduced this resolution to send a strong message that the personal mandates in both the House and Senate passed healthcare bills are unprecedented and unconstitutional--nowhere in the Constitution is Congress given the power to force Americans to purchase a good or service or enter into a contract--which these bills would do. By forcing Americans to purchase government approved health insurance, the Administration and the Democrat majority are essentially saying that you don't have a right to choose what health insurance plan is best for you, your family or your business--I strongly disagree. There are better ways to bring health insurance to the uninsured. There are incentives that Congress could pass right now with bipartisan support--such as allowing individuals to purchase insurance across state lines to reduce cost, and offering tax deductions for individuals and families who are uninsured--that would make purchasing insurance easier and cheaper for all Americans. Unfortunately, the House and Senate passed healthcare bills coerce and compel individuals to purchase insurance with tax penalties and possible prison terms.

Mr. SULLIVAN

Mr. SULLIVAN. Madam Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the City of Owasso, Oklahoma, in the First Congressional District for receiving an A+ rating in government transparency by the online citizen's watchdog group, Sunshine Review. I congratulate the City of Owasso for receiving this prestigious award and becoming the first city in Oklahoma to receive a perfect grade. The Sunshine Review is an online resource that monitors government transparency at the local, county, and state levels throughout the country. According to the organization, they seek to make government accountability and records accessible for all citizens and taxpayers to read. In order to assess a city's rating, the Sunshine Review compiles a ``transparency checklist'', consisting of ten basic sections of accountability. Each section must have proper online access for its constituents to review governmental work, including budgets and contractual information for elected and administrative officials. I am proud that Owasso became the first city in Oklahoma to receive this distinguished honor. As we work towards accountability and transparency in Congress, Owasso remains a shining example to local and state governments and to what our nation must accomplish as a whole. By receiving a perfect grade, the City of Owasso remains a shining example of a local government taking responsibility to its citizens and taxpayers they represent. All citizens deserve an open forum to see how their government spends their hard-earned, taxpayer dollars. I firmly believe that an open and honest government is the most effective way to give Americans the transparency they deserve. Owasso's focus on this important issue illustrates their steadfast leadership to promote accountable governance at all levels. I am proud of the city for this great accomplishment.

Mr. SULLIVAN

Mr. SULLIVAN. Madam Speaker, I rise to bring to the attention of my colleagues the significant strides that the Principality of Liechtenstein has made through its comprehensive reforms in the regulation of its financial sector over the last nine years. These reforms are impressive. It is clear that Liechtenstein has demonstrated itself to be a trusted and effective partner in combating a wide range of financial crimes, including money laundering, terrorist financing, and tax fraud. As the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) removed Liechtenstein from its grey list of non-cooperating states in tax matters on November 11, 2009, I would like to use this benchmark to recognize the Principality for its record of achievements in increasing not only the transparency of its financial center internationally, but its increased partnership with the United States. Recent reforms guarantee that Liechtenstein will provide the United States and others with an increasing range of cooperation on international tax matters. Its initial reforms concentrated on anti-money laundering efforts. More recently, the government of Liechtenstein signed an important Tax Information Exchange Agreement with the United States and has concluded negotiations of an Anti-Fraud Agreement with the European Union. Liechtenstein's reform efforts began in 2000 when it committed itself to reform the regulation of its financial sector to better ensure that its banks and other service providers could not provide financial services to terrorists, drug lords, or other criminals. In 2001, Liechtenstein was taken off the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) list of non-cooperating countries. Since that time, Liechtenstein has improved its cooperation with the United States and the rest of the international community in the fight against all forms of crime. Liechtenstein has worked closely with the U.S. government--including the Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN)--to combat terrorist financing networks. In addition, since 2002, Liechtenstein's Financial Intelligence Unit has been engaged in an ongoing multilateral effort to disclose the financial network of Abdul Qadeer Khan, the founder of Pakistan's nuclear weapons program. Liechtenstein also successfully worked to secure the return to the Iraqi government of a Falcon 50 airplane that had belonged to Saddam Hussein and has worked with the Volcker Commission in investigations of the UN's ``Oil for Food'' program. Another step in Liechtenstein's international cooperation on financial crimes was the conclusion of a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) with the United States in 2002. Additionally, the Tax Information Exchange Agreement (TIEA) between Liechtenstein and the United States was signed in 2008. Once fully implemented in 2010, Liechtenstein and the United States will work closely together on the full range of tax issues, including tax fraud and tax evasion. Liechtenstein's actions are to be commended. The continued productivity of the U.S.-Liechtenstein partnership is essential to fighting financial crimes and terrorist financing and I thank Liechtenstein for their commitment to these reforms.

Mr. SULLIVAN

Mr. SULLIVAN. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to honor Judge H. Dale Cook. Judge Cook was a World War II veteran who spent nearly 50 years in public service and more than 33 years as a United States district judge in Oklahoma. Judge Cook began his career in public service in 1951 when he was elected county attorney for Logan County and Guthrie. He would hold several other positions in public service in Oklahoma, including first assistant U.S. attorney, chief trial attorney and legal counsel and adviser to Governor Henry Bellmon. In the early 1970s, Judge Cook worked in Washington, D.C., for the Social Security Administration until beginning his career as a Federal judge in 1974 when he was sworn in as U.S. district judge in the Northern, Eastern and Western Districts of Oklahoma. Five years later in 1979, Judge Cook became chief judge of the Northern District of Oklahoma and served in that capacity for 13 years. In 1992, Judge Cook took senior status to enable the appointment of an additional judge to the Northern District. As a senior judge, he continued to be active and carried a full court docket for the next 12 years until a few months before his death on September 22, 2008. Judge Cook was adamantly committed to his belief that politics should play no role in the dispensing of justice and demonstrated that belief in his judicial rulings and the administration of his responsibilities as chief judge. He was a man of fairness and integrity who opened each court session with ``God bless the United States and save this honorable court.'' Judge Cook's greatest legacy may be the restoration and the reopening of the original Federal courthouse in Tulsa, Oklahoma. When the Federal courts were moved to another building about 45 years ago, the old Federal building sat largely unused. Judge Cook saw this building as a solution when there became a need for additional court space. He spearheaded the effort to restore it to its original splendor. Judge Cook used his powers of persuasion and his influence as chief judge of the Northern District to insist on conforming the courthouse to its original design and decorum. Without his involvement, the building would have never been used for its current purpose, and the beauty of a lost era would not be visible as it is today in Tulsa, Oklahoma. By his direct efforts, the building is now included in the National Register of Historic Places and is currently used for the courtrooms, judicial chambers, the bankruptcy court and affiliated Federal offices of the Northern District of Oklahoma. Due to the vision and hard work of Judge Cook, the building is now being used for its original purpose, as a Federal judicial courthouse. Preserving the beauty of a lost era as a Federal judge, he conducted his duties in a nonpartisan manner. It is my hope that the naming of this Federal building will be an equally bipartisan effort to honor this exceptional man for his exemplary career in public service and bringing the Federal courthouse back to its original grandeur. I urge the adoption of H.R. 3305.

Mr. SULLIVAN

Mr. SULLIVAN. Last week, my colleagues on the other side unveiled the latest version of their plan for government-controlled health care that, according to CBO, will cost $1.2 trillion. Simply put, that's $2.2 million of taxpayer money for every single word in this bill. This 2,000-page bill creates 111 new government programs and is full of tax increases and government mandates. This bill is bad for patients, bad for doctors, bad for seniors, bad for small businesses, and terrible for our economy. This bill will raise taxes on the American people, cut Medicare for seniors by half a trillion dollars, add to the already out-of-control Federal deficit, and will leave personal medical decisions to bureaucrats in Washington instead of families. Mr. Speaker, there's another way. We believe health care reform begins by bringing all stakeholders--patients, doctors, citizens and hospitals--to the table where everyone has equal input. Our plan will lower cost, increase access, and improve the quality of care your family will receive.

Mr. SULLIVAN

Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. Speaker, a $1.5 trillion government takeover of our health care system is not the answer. People were not even consulted about this. When I was home in August, physicians, patients, doctors, providers were not informed. The stakeholders were not even told about the Obama health care plan before it came out. This is not the answer. And people are suffering right now. Our economy is not doing too well. People are losing jobs. And an $818 billion tax increase on small business is not the way to reform our health care system. It is the wrong approach. Republicans have a better way. We want people to have choice. One thing the Republicans want, we want people with preexisting conditions to get coverage and we want health insurance to go down, but we want to make sure that the bureaucrats don't get in the way of the doctor- patient relationship. That is what this plan does. There are 31 bureaucracies in place, bureaucracies and czars between you, the patient, and the doctor. That is the wrong approach. We don't need an Obama health care plan. We need one that gives choice. We need one where people have an option to have a relationship with their doctor, and we need one that doesn't tax small business, especially right now when people are suffering and the economy is not doing that well.

Mr. SULLIVAN

Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary individual from my district, Mr. Brian Grimm. On Thursday, September 17, Brian Grimm was named Oklahoma's Teacher of the Year. After 13 years in education and with 6 years teaching at Will Rogers High School in my hometown of Tulsa, he was selected for this highly respected, much-deserved honor by a collection of education, business, and civic leaders. Following his graduation from Sapulpa High School in a suburb of Tulsa, he went on to the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a teacher. Brian currently teaches English and advanced placement English while pursuing his master's degree from the University of Oklahoma. Mr. Grimm is the first teacher from Tulsa Public Schools to win this honor in over 45 years and is a true hero for the work he does for Tulsa's youth. The role teachers play in preparing our children for a successful future cannot be understated, and thanks to the highly dedicated educators like Brian Grimm, that future has never looked brighter. I'm proud to honor him today and congratulate him on his achievement.

Mr. SULLIVAN

Mr. SULLIVAN. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to honor my friend and former colleague, Wesley ``Wes'' Watkins. H.R. 1713 would name the United States Department of Agriculture's South Central Research Laboratory in Lane, Oklahoma, and the facility of the U.S. Postal Service in Bennington, Oklahoma, in honor of the former Congressman Wes Watkins, who represented Oklahoma for 20 years. Throughout Congressman Watkins's career, he devoted his life to the people of Oklahoma. He began his career of public service in 1974 when he was elected to serve in the Oklahoma State Senate. After U.S. House Speaker Carl Albert announced his retirement after 30 years in office, Congressman Watkins was elected to Congress in 1976. During his time in office, Wes would become the only Oklahoma Congressman to serve on all three major House financial committees, including Appropriations, Budget, and Ways and Means, where he used his influence to increase funding for rural economic development and education programs in the Third District of Oklahoma. Wes is a man of principal. I am honored to know him and to have worked with him in Congress. He served the great state of Oklahoma and America proudly. I ask that you all join me in supporting H.R. 1713 which recognizes and honors a great public servant to Oklahoma and our Nation.

Mr. SULLIVAN

Mr. SULLIVAN. Madam Speaker, consistent with House Republican Earmark Standards, I am submitting the following earmark disclosure and certification information for three project funding requests that I made and were included within the text of H.R. 3326, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010. Project: Fire Suppression System Project Amount: $1,425,000 Account: RDT&E Army Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Global Safety Labs Address of Requesting Entity: 4129 South 72nd E. Ave., Tulsa, OK 74146 Description of Request: This initiative will provide financial resources for testing and evaluating military applications of Arctic Fire Freeze. Arctic Fire Freeze is a fire suppressant product that has been used by the steel industry for approximately 10 years. Funding provided by this request will be used to conduct rigorous military testing and evaluation. The use of Arctic Fire Freeze in military vehicles and equipment and by ground troops could significantly reduce burn-related injuries and fatalities. Project: High Density Power Conversion and Distribution Equipment Project Amount: $1,500,000 Account: RDT&E Navy Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Westwood Corporation, L-3 Communications Address of Requesting Entity: 12402 East 60th Street, Tulsa, OK 74146 Description of Request: Navy power switchboard technology has remained essentially the same for nearly 50 years. This technology is passed largely on past Navy applications (with lower power needs) and commercial practices (which are less volume and weight sensitive). The Navy's power needs (e.g., sensors, weapons, house loads) have escalated and the newest power architecture designs have added additional concerns (e.g., higher frequencies), but the size and weight of the power distribution equipment are still limited. The inline switchboard technology simplifies the switchboard arrangement to greatly decrease size, weight, and lifecycle cost. In summary, this will provide the Navy with technology that will result in $0.25 M/per year per destroyer/cruiser in maintenance savings plus an additional $1 million per ship in overhaul savings. Additional savings are estimated in size and weight at 50 tons per ship and a space savings of 1000 sq.ft . Fuel savings due to the decreased weight are anticipated to be significant given the cost of fuel. Project: Lightweight Composite Structure Development for Aerospace Vehicles Project Amount: $3,000,000 Account: RDT&E Navy Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Advanced Composites Group Address of Requesting Entity: 5350 South 129th Street, Tulsa, OK 74134. Description of Request: Funding would improve, qualify, and test advanced composite materials. The military has a demonstrated need for a domestic source of new advanced carbon fibers and testing protocols. Second-source qualification of composite materials only currently available from foreign suppliers will allow military suppliers to have access to lower cost domestic sources of composite materials.

Mr. SULLIVAN

Mr. SULLIVAN. Madam Speaker, consistent with House Republican Earmark Standards, I am submitting the following earmark disclosure and certification information for three project funding requests that I made and were included within the text of H.R. 3298--Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010. Project 1 Project: Tulsa Academic Center Project Amount: $350,000 Account: Elementary & Secondary Education Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Tulsa Public Schools Address of Requesting Entity: 3027 South New Haven Ave., Tulsa, OK 74114. Description of Request: Tulsa Public Schools are twelfth in the nation in the highest percentage of students dropping out of high school. The Tulsa Public Schools Academic Center, an alternative education school for secondary students, serves students' academic needs in an environment stressing self discipline and respect. The Tulsa Learning Academy serves as a drop-out recovery program for students who need a minimum number of credits to obtain their diploma and who may need to work while they attend school. Project 2 Project: University of Oklahoma--College of Medicine, Tulsa, OK, for Facilities and Equipment Project Amount: $300,000 Account: Health Resources and Services Administration--Health Facilities and Services Legal Name of Requesting Entity: University of Oklahoma College of Medicine Address of Requesting Entity: 4502 E 41st Street, Tulsa, OK 74135 Description of Request: Funding this project will help deliver healthcare services to a woefully underserved area. The lack of access to healthcare has resulted in significantly higher rates of chronic illness and disease and drastically lower life expectancy ranges. Investing in this clinic will help improve the lives and livelihoods of the residents and in turn promote a healthier workforce and economy in the region. Project 3 Project: Oklahoma State University--Center for Health Systems, Tulsa, OK, for purchase of equipment, including a mobile clinic Project Amount: $300,000 Account: Health Resources and Services Administration--Health Facilities and Services Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences Address of Requesting Entity: 1111 West 17th Street, Tulsa, OK 74107. Description of Request: This project will achieve two goals: (1) expand and enhance the OSU Center for Health Science's health information technology system, including its telemedicine and distance learning as well as electronic medical records network, and (2) bring diagnostic and medical services to geographic regions in Oklahoma where even telemedicine is not yet feasible or reasonably located by use of a mobile clinic. The mobile clinics will be available to provide medical services in response to natural or manmade disasters.

Mr. SULLIVAN

Mr. SULLIVAN. Madam Speaker, consistent with House Republican Earmark Standards, I am submitting the following earmark disclosure and certification information for three project funding requests that I made and were included within the text of H.R. 3288--the FY 2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. Project 1 Project: Tulsa International Airport, Memorial Drive and Waterline Project Project Amount: $500,000 Account: Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement Program Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Tulsa Airport and Improvement Trust/ City of Tulsa Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 581838, Tulsa, OK 74103 Description of Request: Funding will upgrade approximately 1,000 feet of 8" waterline to 12" and extend the line an additional 1,800 feet. It will also reconstruct and re-align Memorial Drive south of Port Road, including repairs to about 1,000 feet of existing road and re-alignment of approximately 1,000 feet of road. This work is needed to support re- development of this area from its old, original residential use into an area being prepared for construction of large aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities planned for the North Development Area at Tulsa International Airport. Project 2 Project: US 60, widen between Bartlesville and Pawhuska, Osage County, OK Project Amount: $400,000 Account: Federal Highway Administration Transportation & Community & System Preservation Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Oklahoma Department of Transportation Address of Requesting Entity: 200 NE 21st Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73105 Description of Request: Funding will be used to provide needed transportation improvements to a heavily traveled narrow two lane highway containing both poor vertical and horizontal curves resulting in a high rate of accidents. This road is a key National Highway System route in northeastern Oklahoma, more specifically connecting Bartlesville and Vinita. This critical project is important for widening US 60 from approximately 2 miles east of the US 60/US 75 interchange east approximately 5.5 miles. Project 3 Project: Metropolitan Tulsa Transit Authority, bus purchase, Tulsa, OK Project Amount: $750,000 Account: Federal Transit Administration Buses & Bus Facilities Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Metropolitan Tulsa Transit Authority Address of Requesting Entity: 510 S. Rockford, Tulsa, OK 74120 Description of Request: Continued funding will be used to help Tulsa Transit's aging paratransit vehicle fleet--In the next three years, 26 of Tulsa Transit's full-sized transit buses will be eligible for replacement and all of the 40 paratransit vehicles are now ready to be replaced. Without the flow of capital funding to replace obsolete equipment, it is extremely difficult to maintain levels of service and existing route structure. Ridership has been increasing over the last year due to high fuel prices and the demand for transit service is expected to continue to increase.