John Salazar

Mr. SALAZAR

Mr. SALAZAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District. All of us have in our districts special places and special people. The Arkansas Valley is very near to me because of the grit of its people and its genuine effort to sustain its culture and rural economy. More than half a century ago, this region was optimistic about its future. The Valley knew that if it worked hard, it could prosper. But the people in the Valley also knew that they needed more water in order to do so. It was then that they envisioned a project which would bring them supplemental water for farms and ranches and small businesses and industry like the steel mill. The people came together to push such a project, which came to be known as the Fryingpan-Arkansas because it moved water from the Fryingpan River watershed to the Arkansas River basin. In fact, the people needed to lobby Washington on behalf of the project, and they sold small golden fryingpans to raise money to send citizen lobbyists to Washington to tell the story of their need and their dream. The Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District was eventually formed by these local activists, if you will. It was created under Colorado statute and designated by the Pueblo, Colorado district court. Its mission was to develop, in partnership with the Bureau of Reclamation, the multi-purpose project we now know. I want to congratulate the District on its 50 years of dedicated work. Not only does it manage this complex project with its many diversion, conveyance and storage features; it promotes conservation programs, administers a valuable winter water storage program, and manages return flows for augmentation purposes. The District and its many distinguished board members who have served the District and the Valley over 50 years are to be commended for their important efforts as they celebrate their golden anniversary today.

Mr. SALAZAR

Mr. SALAZAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the occasion of Mesa County's 125th birthday. I would like to express my appreciation of this unique, diverse and vibrant county and all its citizens. Since before the county was founded in the 1880's, the area's history has been remarkable. Dinosaurs that roamed this area left behind their tracks and bones to tantalize historians and geologists. The advent of the main line of the Denver and Rio Grande Railroads through this valley in 1887 brought the prospect of ``civilization.'' The foresight of the founding fathers to build a major irrigation system, still used today, has helped create some of the best fruit crops in the country. As a farmer, I appreciate the importance of agriculture and the tremendous value it imparts to a community. Mesa County is also a national leader in many industries and fields. Mesa County residents helped develop the New Deal, worked on the Manhattan Project and served in Congress. The area is also blessed with a variety of natural resources, including uranium, natural gas and oil shale. In the 1980's the shale- dependent economy crashed after the withdrawal of Exxon Mobile, but with its typical determination, Mesa County is now a thriving economic power. In 2008, Mesa County was named the 9th fastest growing area in the country, a tribute to the resiliency and strength of this county. On the 125th birthday of Mesa County, we pay tribute to a special area that embodies the best of Colorado. Its blend of rural and urban life has enhanced the life of its citizens. The past and traditions of this special place on the Western Slope are worth celebrating. It is an honor and a privilege to represent Mesa County as it commemorates its 125th birthday.

Mr. SALAZAR

Mr. SALAZAR. Madam Speaker, last night the House voted on a motion to instruct the House conferees on H.R. 2419, the Food and Energy Security Act of 2007. I was unavoidably detained and was unable to be here for the vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on the motion.

Mr. SALAZAR

Mr. SALAZAR. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I pay tribute to a respected leader from southwest Colorado, Police Chief Albert W. Bell of Durango, Colorado. Chief Bell has served the community of Durango with distinction for 14 years and has now announced his retirement, effective April 5, 2008. Chief Bell's career in law enforcement started 37 years ago as a patrolman for the Topeka Police Department. On July 1, 1999, then Colorado Governor Bill Owens appointed Chief Bell to the Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training, POST, Board. Chief Bell served that Board with distinction and in the highest traditions of the law enforcement profession. Chief Bell is a member of the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police and has served on numerous boards that serve the interests of the citizens of Colorado. In service to his local community, Chief Bell has served as Undersheriff in the La Plata County Sheriff's Department and also served on the Community Connections Board at Hilltop House. Chief Bell has demonstrated an outstanding level of professionalism and is recognized as a leader among law enforcement professionals in the Third Congressional District, fostering cooperative relationships amongst the Federal, State, and local law enforcement communities. Madam Speaker, I commend Durango Police Chief Al Bell for his outstanding leadership, service, and dedication to the residents of Durango, Colorado. While we will all miss Chief Bell's service and dedication, I ask that you join me in wishing him well upon his retirement.

Mr. SALAZAR

Mr. SALAZAR. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support legislation honoring a great American on his 81st birthday, Cesar Chavez. Cesar Estrada Chavez is best known as a farm worker, labor leader and civil rights activist. Born in Yuma, Arizona, of Mexican descent, Chavez became a champion for his fellow farm workers. Among his many achievements, Cesar Chavez was cofounder of the United Farm Workers Association with fellow activist Dolores Huerta. This association provided farm workers with a voice that they so desperately needed. Mr. Speaker, as a lifetime farmer, I can appreciate the sacrifices made by Chavez and his supporters. My oldest brother, Leandro Salazar, the oldest of our family, marched with Cesar Chavez in California for nearly 2 years. We believe that forcing workers to endure this labor under dangerous working conditions and without fair pay is absurd. The most horrific sight that you can ever see is farm workers working out in the field and an aerial applicator coming down upon them and spraying pesticides on them. He worked to make sure that those things did not happen again. We cannot stand by when a laborer is forced to work even as pesticides are being sprayed on the field he or she is working in. His dedication to the cause of worker rights and equality addressed the needs of blue collar men and women across this Nation. Mr. Speaker, his example inspires us to work together to improve the quality of life for all Americans.

Mr. SALAZAR

Mr. SALAZAR. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3224) to amend the National Dam Safety Program Act to establish a program to provide grant assistance to States for the rehabilitation and repair of deficient dams, as amended.

Mr. SALAZAR. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 3224.

Mr. SALAZAR. I want to thank the gentleman from Arkansas for his leadership also on transportation issues. This is a very important piece of legislation. Mr. Speaker, this legislation has strong bipartisan support and outside groups, including the Association of State Dam Safety Officials, American Rivers, the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Associated General Contractors, who all have endorsed this important piece of legislation. I want to thank the gentleman from New York, Mr. Randy Kuhl, for working with us on this critical bill, as well as other committee members of the Transportation Committee who have supported this bill as well. I would urge my colleagues to swiftly pass H.R. 3224.

Mr. SALAZAR. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SALAZAR. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, many people are not aware that there are approximately 80,000 dams in the United States; and, of these, the Association of State Dam Safety Officials has identified 3,500 dams that are considered deficient or unsafe. In my State of Colorado, we have over 1,800 dams. Of those, 131 are high hazard public dams, and an additional 19 dams are deficient. The State has determined that they are in serious need of repair. Without proper maintenance, these dams are an obvious threat to public safety. It is critical that we help to ensure the safety and security of these dams. H.R. 3224, introduced by myself and the gentleman from New York, Mr. Randy Kuhl, is a bill that does help to ensure such safety and security by addressing rehabilitation and repair of safety-deficient State-owned dams. This bill is direct, quite simple, and will go a long way to mitigate significant hazards to our communities. First, the bill adds ``deficient dam'' and ``rehabilitation'' to the definition section of the Dam Safety Act and thus makes this category of dams eligible for funding for rehabilitation. Second, the bill directs the administrator of FEMA to establish within FEMA a program to provide grant assistance to States for use in rehabilitation of publicly owned deficient dams. The grants will be awarded so that each State will get an equal share of one-third of the total amount, while the remaining two-thirds will be awarded by risk. The Federal cost share is capped at 65 percent. The program's goal is to reduce the risks to life and property by establishing an effective national dam safety rehabilitation program that utilizes the resources and expertise of the Federal and non- Federal communities to achieve the reduction of dam safety hazards. In other words, one of the primary purposes of the Dam Rehabilitation and Repair Act of 2007 is to provide financial assistance to the States for strengthening their dam safety programs. Mr. Speaker, I support this bill and urge its passage. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SALAZAR

Mr. SALAZAR. Mr. Speaker, I first want to thank Chairman Grijalva for assistance in moving this important piece of legislation forward. I introduced H.R. 783, along with my friend and colleague Mark Udall from Colorado, to expand the boundary of Mesa Verde National Park. Mesa Verde National Park protects the most notable and best-preserved cliff dwellings in this country. The park is also vital to the economy of southwest Colorado. Established by Congress in June 1906, Mesa Verde National Park was the first cultural park to be set aside in the National Park System. Over 1,400 years ago, the Puebloans settled at Mesa Verde where they built elaborate stone communities in the protected alcoves of the canyon, calling it home for over 700 years. When President Teddy Roosevelt signed the law establishing Mesa Verde, he claimed that it was to ``preserve the works of man.'' The establishment of Mesa Verde set off intense public interest in preserving other such sites in the American southwest and nationwide. Today, the towns of Cortez and Mancos, in Montezuma County, Colorado, rely heavily on tourism from Mesa Verde National Park. H.R. 783 authorizes the National Park Service to acquire two critically important plots at the gateway to Mesa Verde National Park. One is a 324-acre tract of private land to be acquired from the Henneman family. I want to credit the Henneman family, as they remained steadfast in their termination to see the property included in this park, and I'd like to thank them for their dedication. The second plot of land is a 38-acre tract to be donated to the National Park Service by the Mesa Verde Foundation. With passage of H.R. 783, the National Park Service will have the authority to accept the generous donation of this parcel from the foundation. In keeping with the longstanding tradition of preserving the resources and cultural heritage at Mesa Verde National Park, H.R. 783 will greatly enhance the visitor experience at Mesa Verde for future generations of Americans. I urge the House to adopt this important piece of legislation, and I urge my colleagues to someday come out and visit Mesa Verde National Park.

Mr. SALAZAR

Mr. SALAZAR. I thank the gentleman from Minnesota, and I thank you for your leadership on this very important bill, and Chairwoman Brown, as well, for your exceptional leadership. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 2095, the Federal Railroad Safety Improvement Act of 2007, and urge swift passage of the measure. I believe that this bill addresses many important issues that have been ignored for far too long. I am grateful to the chairwoman, as well, for the inclusion of the language that authorizes funding for the tunnel to be built at the Transportation Technology Center, an internationally recognized train testing facility that she was able to tour last year. It is located in Pueblo, Colorado. TTC is used by the Federal Railroad Administration to conduct significant research and development on rail safety. TTC offers 48 miles of railroad track to test rolling stock, track components, signal and safety devices, track structure and vehicle performance. It also has several one-of-a-kind laboratory test facilities used for evaluating vehicle dynamics, structural characteristics and advanced braking systems. TTC already operates as a world-class research and test center offering a wide range of capabilities in railroad and transit research. For the past 2 years, we have been working to get funding for a facility for an underground rail station and tunnel at TTC. The tunnel will add to the center's capabilities and serve as an invaluable resource as we strive to ensure that our Nation's railroads are safe and secure against possible terror attacks. Recent events have sadly demonstrated the vulnerability of underground mass transit systems. Safety experts have identified a number of technology and training needs to prevent attacks on tunnels and lessen the consequences of such attacks. These needs include detection systems, dispersal control and decontamination techniques. The distinctive, remote environment of TTC allows such testing and training activities to be carried out at a secure location, without disruption to the flow of passenger and rail traffic in and around urban areas. I applaud Chairman Oberstar, Chairwoman Brown and Mr. Shuster for recognizing the important role that such a tunnel will play in rail safety. I believe H.R. 2095 ensures that we remain the world's safest rail system, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. SALAZAR

Mr. SALAZAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the courage and sacrifice of Army Specialist Alun R. Howells of Parlin, Colorado. On August 13, Specialist Howells died from wounds he suffered while on a combat mission in Baghdad. Specialist Howells was assigned to E Company, 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Driven by his passion for the outdoors, Alun Howells spent much of his life exploring Colorado's Rocky Mountain terrain. After joining the Army in 2006, he turned his passion toward a distinguished military career. Among his numerous honors, he was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for his service to our country. Alun Howells will be missed by those who knew and loved him, and our hearts go out to his family and friends. Thank you for this opportunity to recognize and honor one of Colorado's fallen heroes.

Mr. SALAZAR

Mr. SALAZAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the courage and sacrifice of CPL Jason K. LaFleur of Ignacio, Colorado. On August 4th, Corporal LaFleur was killed while on patrol during combat operations south of Baghdad. Corporal LaFleur was a member of the Army's 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Ft. Richardson, Alaska. Jason LaFleur was an accomplished scholar, athlete, and musician. His family and friends watched with pride as his list of accomplishments grew during his service in the United States Army. Corporal LaFleur earned many of the Army's distinguished honors, including the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. In doing so, he has earned the respect not only of his community, but of a proud State and a grateful Nation as well. Thank you for this opportunity to recognize and honor one of Colorado's fallen heroes.

Mr. SALAZAR

Mr. SALAZAR. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Vermont for yielding and I would like to recognize Chairman Oberstar and Chairman Costello for their exceptional leadership on this critical issue. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 2881, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2007, and urge swift passage of the measure. There are many good and important issues addressed in this bill: funding for capital programs; air traffic control modernization and NextGen; financing that doesn't overburden general aviation; safety; the imposed work rules on our air traffic controllers; consumer protections; R&D; environment; and more. But I'd like to especially thank the bipartisan leadership on the committee for working with me on issues that are particularly important to me and my constituents. H.R. 2881 provides increased funding to local governments throughout the country to maintain and develop their airports, which serve as cornerstones for economic growth. The bill also provides increased radar surveillance coverage in mountainous areas--such as those in Colorado--which will increase the safety and capacity for many of our mountain airports. As many of us come from and represent small, rural communities, we appreciate the need to preserve and improve rural aviation programs, such as Essential Air Service. EAS serves rural communities across the country that otherwise would not receive any scheduled air service. Yet the Administration, once again, has proposed to cut funding by more than half. That would be devastating to more than 140 rural communities-- including Cortez, Alamosa and Pueblo, Colorado. I'm proud of the work that we did on the committee to correct this wrong and I'm pleased to see the improvements made to rural aviation in this bill. I believe H.R. 2881 ensures that we remain the world's safest aviation system, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. SALAZAR

Mr. SALAZAR. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Chairman, I rise today in opposition to the Kind amendment and in opposition to any amendment trying to destroy the farm bill. My family still farms the same land that my ancestors settled back 150 years ago. As one of only a few ranchers and farmers in Congress, I know a thing or two about agriculture. The farm bill provides a much- deserved safety net for our farmers, but it also provides a much-needed safety net for American citizens. On this bumper sticker it says ``Not everyone farms, but everyone eats.'' The Kind amendment will make it even more difficult for our Nation's farmers and ranchers to stay in business, forcing us to rely on foreign production to feed our growing Nation. Do you really want to rely on other countries to produce our food? Look at the trouble we have gotten into for relying on other countries for the oil that we need. I, for one, would not want to buy or feed my children food harvested in China. I ask my colleagues to vote against the Kind amendment. Please keep America safe and sound.

Mr. SALAZAR

Mr. SALAZAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a distinguished civic leader from my district. After 25 years of service, Robert F. Ledger Jr. will retire as the City Manager for Durango, Colorado. His long history as a public servant has been marked with dedication and integrity at every stop. Mr. Ledger has led Durango through both troubled and prosperous times, always with a passion for progress and in a way that preserved the historic and environmental ethic of the community. He championed numerous public works projects, encouraged community policing, opened city government to the citizens of the community and encouraged the public workforce to be the best that it could be. Durango has come a long way under Bob Ledger. During his time with the City of Durango he oversaw the construction of public recycling buildings, water and wastewater treatment facilities, police substations, parks, a world class recreation center and many trails including the renowned Animas River trail. Programs started by Mr. Ledger include publicly accessible geographic information systems, recycling collection and processing, historic preservation efforts, planning and community development operations, broad-based public safety reorganization, and award-winning financial management and reporting. Bob Ledger has led the City of Durango in its efforts to build or expand public library facilities, public transit, wastewater facilities, airport infrastructure, and numerous recreational opportunities. Mr. Ledger could not have accomplished all that was done in Durango over the last 25 years without the support of a strong staff, visionary city councils and the community of Durango as a whole. But without his drive, talents and skills many of the changes that have occurred in the Durango community would never have been realized. A man of passion and compassion, his legacy will live long. I salute Mr. Bob Ledger for his long and distinguished career of public service and wish him well in all his future endeavors.

Mr. SALAZAR

Mr. SALAZAR. Madam Speaker, next weekend Grand Junction is celebrating its 125th birthday. U.S. Rep. John Salazar (CO-3) made the following statement: ``On Grand Junction's 125th birthday, I would like to express my appreciation of this unique and vibrant city and all its citizens. ``Since `Governor' Crawford founded Grand Junction in the 1880's, the city's history has been remarkable. Though located in the arid Grand Valley, an innovative system of canals and water transfers were built in the late 19th century that allowed Grand Junction's farmers to begin growing fruit, and today Grand Junction is the `wine country' of the state. As a farmer, I appreciate the importance of teaching younger generations the significance of agriculture and the tremendous value it imparts to a community. ``Grand Junction is also a national leader in all industries and fields. The Preferential Voting System was developed and first used in Grand Junction. Grand Junction citizens helped develop the New Deal, worked on the Manhattan Project and served in Congress. ``The area is also blessed with a variety of natural resources, including uranium and oil shale. In the 1980's the shale-dependent economy crashed after the withdrawal of Exxon Mobile, but with its typical determination, Grand Junction is now a thriving economic power. In 2000 this city was named the 12th strongest economy in the country, a tribute to the resiliency and strength of the citizens of the Grand Valley. ``On the 125th birthday of this city, we pay tribute to a special community that embodies the best of Colorado. Its blend of rural and urban life has enhanced this community and the life of its citizens. The past and traditions of this special place on the Western Slope are worth celebrating. It is an honor and a privilege to represent Grand Junction as it commemorates its 125th birthday.''

Mr. SALAZAR

Mr. SALAZAR. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. And I would also like to thank the chairman of the committee for expressing his support for this amendment. At the end of the 109th Congress, the Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and Information Technology Act of 2006 was signed into law. This legislation created the Office of Rural Health within the VA and tasked the office with conducting research into issues affecting rural veterans, as well as developing and refining policies and programs to improve care and services for rural veterans. Unfortunately, as the chairman has clearly stated, since this legislation has been signed into law establishing the Office of Rural Health, no action has been taken. Just yesterday in the Veterans' Affairs Health Subcommittee, I asked the VA Under Secretary to give me an update, and he confirmed that as of this date a director has not even been hired yet. This amendment would simply allocate $5 million from the same account within Medical Services to establish this office. The care our Nation provides rural veterans in return for protecting our country should not suffer because some have chosen to live in rural America. We owe them no less for their sacrifice. For the 25 percent of all veterans who live in rural areas, and the nearly 45 percent of all recruits coming from rural America, I urge you to strongly support this amendment, and I commend the chairman for supporting this amendment.

Mr. SALAZAR. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlelady from Colorado. Mr. Chairman, today I rise as a proud veteran, as a son of a veteran and the father of a veteran. I am honored to be the only veteran of the Colorado delegation. As an Army man, today I am saddened to rise in opposition to the Army's plan to condemn nearly half a million acres of privately owned ranches and farms in my district. Pinon Canyon currently has a 235,000-acre training facility which Fort Carson utilizes in southeastern Colorado. Now the Army is seeking to expand the Pinon Canyon site by an additional 418,000 acres, utilizing condemnation as a power to do so. The Army's plans include taking this land by condemnation. If the Army succeeds, Fort Carson and Pinon Canyon combined will be larger than the State of Rhode Island. Opposition to the expansion is unified, as the gentlewoman from Colorado stated. But when the Army acquired the original Pinon Canyon land in 1982, they promised local landowners that it would never be expanded. Now they are planning to take even more. The loss of 400,000 acres of ranch land, Mr. Chairman, would devastate the economy of southeast Colorado. The BRAC decision of 2005 stated that the Army did not need additional space. In 1970, the Army first looked at condemning land in El Paso County, which is now in Mr. Lamborn's district for the original Pinon Canyon. Many residents from El Paso County fought against the possible land grab in their own backyard, and the site was eventually moved to southeast Colorado. I would ask my fellow Members, if you can't support this in your backyard, please don't support it in my district.

Mr. SALAZAR. I agree there is no money for actual land acquisition, but there is money for the planning process. Do you agree with me that in the 2005 BRAC decision that the Army clearly stated they did not need any additional land in Colorado when they moved the troops from Fort Hood to Colorado to Fort Carson? Is that correct?

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

Mr. SALAZAR

Mr. SALAZAR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I thank the chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee for his strong support of veterans, not only now, but during his tenure in the U.S. Congress. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to bring forward this legislation directing the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a national cemetery for veterans and their families in the Southern Colorado region. I would like to thank Mr. Lamborn from Colorado who, together, we have worked in a bipartisan effort and the bipartisan spirit of the Veterans' Affairs Committee trying to make sure that the issue is resolved. As you know, Fort Logan is the only cemetery that we have in Colorado that will accept veterans, and it is due to be filled. It is strange to say, but it has got a life expectancy of 10 years. I think it is important that we begin working on this issue right now. I would like to especially thank Chairman Filner for allowing us to bring this forward. The National Cemeteries of the United States offer testimony to the desire of a grateful Nation to commemorate the Americans who have served our Nation in the Armed Forces. Since 1862, more than 3 million burials have been made in VA national cemeteries. Of the 120 cemeteries, 58 of them are no longer accepting burials, and many are out of reach and geographically inconvenient for our veterans and their families. Southern Colorado, including El Paso County and the city of Colorado Springs, has one of the highest concentrations of veterans living in the United States. For that reason, Mr. Speaker, Congressman Lamborn and myself worked together in this bipartisan spirit to try to make sure that for the veterans coming back from this war, for the veterans that have served in Colorado, and for veterans that want to be buried in Colorado in 10 years, that there will be adequate space for them to be buried in Colorado. Currently, those veterans, their aging widows, and their families must sometimes travel hours into the highly congested area of Denver to Fort Logan National Cemetery, which is quickly running out of room. The Colorado congressional delegation has worked in a bipartisan manner to create legislation that will benefit all veterans of this great State, and I would like to thank my good friends, Mr. Udall and Mr. Perlmutter of Colorado, for taking time to speak on this important bill. I think a national cemetery in Southern Colorado will serve as a fitting tribute and a final resting place to those who have served our Nation with honor. I certainly urge a ``yes'' vote on H.R. 1660. But before I yield back, I want to remind the ranking member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee that on his question on Jerry Murphy, Jerry Murphy died on Good Friday. Jerry Murphy was born in Pueblo, Colorado. He attended college at Adams State College in Durango and Western State College, and it was a week after we came back that we gave a fitting tribute to Jerry Murphy on this House floor. So he is remembered, Mr. Ranking Member, and I believe that the process takes a little bit of time before we can get things moving on the floor, but certainly he is not forgotten.

Mr. SALAZAR

Mr. SALAZAR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I am very proud of the gentleman from Arkansas and his work with my Blue Dog colleagues in demanding more fiscal responsibility in Iraq. I believe that Congress has now approved nearly $510 billion for military operations since 2001, with nearly no oversight on spending. Operation Iraqi Freedom alone has cost American taxpayers $51 billion in 2003, $77.3 billion in 2004, $87.3 billion in 2005, $104 billion in 2006, and in 2007 we are in the process of funding Operation Iraqi Freedom once again with a supplemental. Now we are spending over $10 billion a month in Iraq and Afghanistan just on government contractors working on reconstruction. All of this is unchecked, and that is why I am so proud to join my Blue Dog colleagues as a supporter of H. Res. 97. H. Res. 97 was introduced by the Blue Dog Coalition to call for transparency on how Iraq funds are spent. We have a plan for accountability in Iraq. Our plan calls for, first, transparency on how war funds are spent. Second of all, it creates a commission to investigate awarded contracts. Third of all, it stops the use of emergency supplementals to fund the war. Everything that I have read over the past several years indicates that this is the first administration that has used supplementals to fund a war after the first year, after initiation. In January we passed what was called the PAYGO rule. It is my understanding that with supplementals, you don't have to follow PAYGO rules. I think it is critical that we as Blue Dogs continue to move forward and push for an honest budget. Number four, it uses American resources to improve Iraq's ability to police itself. I believe that this is of critical importance. Mr. Speaker, you cannot push democracy on someone who does not want it. Over 65 percent of the Iraqi population now says it is okay to shoot at American soldiers. The Iraqi Parliament a couple of weeks ago voted 144 out of 275 members to tell Americans that it is time for us to come home. We cannot force democracy on someone who does not want it. I believe, Mr. Speaker, that today what is important is that we turn this over to the Iraqi Government. Our soldiers can become the advisors. They should not be on the front lines. The gentleman talks about the Social Security Trust Fund. Two years ago I introduced the Social Security Protection Act, which would not allow any politician in Washington to touch that trust fund. I think the gentleman raises a critical point there. He also talks about the veterans. I am the only veteran in the Colorado delegation. I am proud to be a Blue Dog, and I am proud that this legislation addresses the lack of oversight and accountability in Iraq. But I am also very proud that this resolution stands for veterans' issues. Government reports have documented waste, fraud and abuse in Iraq. Contractors are being paid billions of dollars by the United States for their services in Iraq. Most of these, Mr. Speaker, are no-bid contracts. Where is the accountability in that? I believe that if their work is resulting in unsanitary conditions, potential health hazards, poor construction methods or significant cost overruns, then Congress has the right to know about it. I believe, Mr. Speaker, that it is time to stop this waste. Congressional oversight is desperately needed. This administration should be held accountable for how reconstruction funds are being used. This Blue Dog bill is a commonsense proposal that ensures transparency and accountability. We bring oversight back to Congress. We start showing improvement in Iraq, and accountability leads directly to success. Iraqis must begin progress towards full responsibility for policing their own country. Without progress, it is a waste to continue U.S. investment in troops and financial services. Mr. Speaker, I visited Iraq twice. While I have seen some improvements in some areas, I have also seen the increase in insurgent attacks not only on American troops, but on other Iraqis. We all support our troops, and we will do everything within our power to make sure that they have the equipment and the funding that they need. However, Mr. Speaker, we cannot continue to write blank checks to the administration. I firmly believe that until our last troop is returned home, the American people deserve to know how their money is being spent. Accountability is not only patriotic, it often determines success from failure. The Blue Dog bill gives an opportunity to regain oversight responsibility. This is the responsibility that we have to all of our men and women in uniform, to their parents and to the American taxpayer who is footing the bill. The gentleman brings up another valid point. He talks about how the budget is a moral document. I, frankly, sir, could not run my household and put my farm into debt and pass the debt on to my children. That is exactly what has happened over the last 5 years. We had a surplus in the budget. The economy was doing great. Democrats have a plan that by 2011 we will balance this budget. It is with the help of the Blue Dog Coalition, with the help of gentlemen like the gentleman from Arkansas, who is so committed to make sure there is accountability, that we will figure out a way to truly be honest with the American people in our budgets. We want to put the Iraqi war supplemental back into the regular budget process so that we have a true, accurate picture of what our national debt is, what our deficit is. The gentleman was showing that we have $8.8 trillion in debt right now. Well, I can assure the gentleman from Arkansas when I came into Congress in the last Congress, our national debt was $78.045 trillion. Your share of that debt, your children's share of that debt, was back then $26,000. I believe the figure you show now, Mr. Ross, is some $29,000, I believe $29,174 and some cents. I believe, Mr. Ross, that this is morally wrong, and I believe that it is time for Congress to start being honest and report to the American people what troubles the last 5 years Congress has moved the American people toward. I have heard that by the year 2040, every single penny that comes in in Federal revenues will go to pay just the interest on the national debt. That is without running government. I believe that is morally wrong. With that, Mr. Speaker, I would ask this Congress, I would ask this Democratic Congress and the Blue Dog Coalition, to continue fighting for balanced budgets, to continue fighting for accountability, because that is what the American people want.

Mr. SALAZAR

Mr. SALAZAR. Mr. Speaker, this morning as we stand here in our Nation's Capitol, family and friends in Colorado are gathered together to celebrate the life of a truly great American, a wonderful human being. The child of Mexican immigrants, Eva Baca was born on January 1, 1929 in Pueblo, Colorado. She graduated from Pueblo Central High School and attended Colorado State College. Ms. Baca, as a member of the first graduating class in 1965. As a widowed mother of two, she balanced motherhood and her studies while attending Adams State College, receiving her master's in education in 1968. Upon graduation, Ms. Baca taught at Lakeview and Hellbeck Elementary Schools. She went on to get her principal's certificate, and in 1972 she took her first administrative position at the new Eastwood Heights Elementary School. There she instituted new reading programs for children from low-income families. Eva Baca was a strong advocate for the community in which she lived and worked to provide opportunities and increased accessibility to Pueblo's isolated, east side neighborhood. In 1983, Eva Baca was named director of Title I programs for Pueblo School District No. 60, a position she held for a decade until her retirement. Eva Baca has been recognized throughout Colorado and across the country with various honors and awards. Everyone who had the privilege of knowing her has a wonderful story to tell. Most recently, she received the lifetime achievement award by the Pueblo Latino Chamber of Commerce for her outstanding educational leadership and contributions to the lives of countless children in her community. On Thursday, Eva Baca passed away in Pueblo. She was a loving mother to Joyce and Robert Anderson, and Gilbert Baca; a cherished grandmother to Karl, Megan, Lindsey and Nick. She was a fearless educator and dear friend. In 1993, Eastwood Heights Elementary School, the school that she gave so many years of her life, was renamed in her honor. Today, 250 children attend Eva R. Baca Elementary School, a living tribute to a woman who spent her life focused on those around her. John Lubbock wrote, ``The important thing is not so much that every child should be taught, as that every child should be given the wish to learn.'' For the countless children that Eva Baca has given the wish to learn, we thank her.