Adrian Smith

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to Army Sergeant Justin Duffy, a proud son of Nebraska who lost his life earlier this week. Sgt. Duffy was killed when a roadside bomb exploded near his vehicle in eastern Baghdad. Sergeant Duffy was assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He had served in Iraq since November, where he provided escort security for a general, a colonel and other high-ranking Army officers. Sergeant Duffy graduated from Cozad High School and then the University of Nebraska at Kearney with a criminal justice degree. He rose to supervisor at a Kearney manufacturing plant before joining the Army in May 2008. My thoughts and prayers go out to Sgt. Duffy's family and friends. He was known as ``The Shepherd'' because of his concern for others. This trait drove him to protect even those he didn't know. We all owe Sgt. Duffy a debt of gratitude we can never repay. His courage, love of family, and strength should set the bench mark for us all.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, I have serious concerns about cap-and-trade legislation and its impact on the American people, especially rural communities. This, at its core, is a national energy tax which will be passed on to the American people. The stakes are even higher for our Nation's agriculture industry. Agriculture is an energy-intensive industry, relying on fuel for the pickup truck, fertilizer for the crops, and generators to keep heaters on during the winter. The Third District of Nebraska is one of the largest agricultural districts in the country, home to more than 30,000 farmers and ranchers. And everyone knows that even a small increase in the operating costs would have dire results. As higher energy prices hit other areas of our economy, farmers and ranchers will pay more for seed, equipment, steel and other supplies. As the cost of production increases, so will the price of food on the shelves in urban areas. This national energy tax is the wrong way to go, and certainly my colleagues know that.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. I rise today to celebrate a gem of western Nebraska, Lake Alice School. The school first opened its doors in 1915, and it will bid its farewell on Monday. A farewell will actually be held with an open house at the school, allowing anyone who is or has been associated with the school to reflect on its impact to our community and what it has meant to so many people through the years. Nearly 7,000 students from Scottsbluff and the surrounding area have passed through the school during its 93 years. I'm proud to have known Lake Alice students, teachers, graduates, and faculty throughout my life. The school provided a quality education and serves as a point of pride for the community. It will hold a special place in our hearts. I hate to see the doors close, but I know the memories will last forever.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a gem of western Nebraska, Lake Alice School. The school, which first opened its doors in 1915, will bid its final farewell on Monday. A Farewell to Lake Alice School will be held with an open house at the school, allowing anyone who is or has been associated with the school to reminisce on its impact to our community and what it has meant to so many people through the years. Nearly 7,000 students from Scottsbluff and the surrounding area have passed through the school during its 93 years. I'm proud to have known Lake Alice students, teachers, graduates, and faculty throughout my life. The school provided a quality education and served as a point of pride for the community. Lake Alice will hold a special place in our hearts. I hate to see the doors close, but I know the memories will last forever.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, nestled in a quiet corner of Washington D.C. a memorial stands in remembrance of some of our bravest citizens. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial was dedicated in 1991 to honor America's federal, state, and local law enforcement personnel. Its walls bear the names of more than 18,000 officers killed in the line of duty, dating back to the first known death in 1792. Every May, the nation honors the men and women who paid the ultimate price. It is a time to recognize the contributions of more than 900,000 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers who serve this nation and the thousands who have lost their lives. Earlier this week, hundreds of Nebraskans from across our state gathered to pay tribute to the 130 Nebraska law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty since 1866. On Monday, May 11, the Nebraska Law Enforcement Memorial was dedicated to our friends and neighbors who gave their lives to make our world a better place. Located in Grand Island, the names of these heroes are now etched in gold on three granite panels, a solemn reminder of the cost they--and their families--have paid. It is fitting the pathway to the Washington D.C. Law Enforcement Officers Memorial is guarded by a statue of a lion protecting its cubs. Thousands of Americans from all walks of life owe their lives to the actions of the brave men and women in uniform who protect us. Each day, law enforcement officers ensure our laws are enforced and our communities are safe.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, throughout the month of May, the city of Bridgeport has been celebrating the 75th anniversary of a family business which is more of an institution than a store. I want to thank Jack and Dee Berg for their commitment and their dedication to their community. They should serve as an inspiration for us all. This remarkable achievement has spanned two generations of Bergs and thirteen presidents. The family business--first a Gamble's Department Store before becoming Berg's True Value--served Bridgeport through two World Wars, good economic times and bad, and has strengthened western Nebraska for decades. The store remains in its original location, but has grown from 1,000 to 10,500 square feet. As it grew, it changed with the times--stocking everything from clothing to furniture. It is still the best place to get Husker gear. I want to congratulate the Bergs as they continue to their anniversary celebration. May they find continued success in the years to come.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. During the height of last summer, gas prices hit an all-time high. Thirty years ago, in the midst of another energy crisis, our country began to explore turning algae into fuel. The microscopic, single-celled plant has the potential to be a tremendous resource. Algae grow very quickly, as anyone with a backyard garden or a watering tank in their pasture knows. It ingests carbon dioxide-- releasing oxygen in the process--and is laden with oils which can be used to produce biodiesel. My friends, we need to continue to explore any and all viable forms of research and development in this renewable energy. On Thursday, Members of Congress will have the chance to see what the future may hold for our Nation's energy resources at the Congressional Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Expo. There are still hurdles to overcome, but now is the time to begin working for a strong and diverse renewable energy portfolio.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 211 on the Family Self-Sufficiency Program, H.R. 46, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Robert Knisely, a friend to all of Nebraska and a man whose philanthropy over the years--many times anonymous in nature--will be missed. Born in Shubert, Nebraska, Bob served our country honorably during World War II, captaining B-17 and B-29 bombers in the U.S. Army Air Corps. After the war, Bob founded Midwest Construction Company which became a nationally recognized heavy construction contractor for more than 56 years. He did not rest on his laurels, instead earning a reputation for a man who loved and lived his work. He returned this success to the State of Nebraska not only through private philanthropy, but also by working to make our State a better place. Bob's strength was his ability to tap into the humor, empathy and charm which made him well-liked by everyone who knew him. A driven man, a passionate Husker fan, and a loving husband, father and grandfather, Bob will be missed. My thoughts and prayers remain with his family.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday, the Savings Recovery Act, legislation designed to help Americans rebuild their retirement, college and personal savings, was introduced. This legislation will make it easier for Americans to save more for their retirement by increasing the contribution and catch-up limits for individuals and families. It will restore college savings by extending the existing credit for contributions made to college savings accounts. The Savings Recovery Act will ensure workers retain control over their hard-earned 401(k)s, not the Federal Government. Mr. Speaker, the American people need more than just lip service when it comes to their futures. They need real solutions, solutions which come from empowering the public, not from racking up more debt. I urge my colleagues to support the Savings Recovery Act.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of a wonderful lady and a true Nebraska treasure. Today, Sally Gordon will be celebrating her 100th birthday in a place which has come to know and love her--The Nebraska State Capitol. Sally was the Nebraska Legislature's first female Sergeant-at-Arms when she was first hired in 1983--and she has been putting Nebraska lawmakers in their place ever since. In this day and age, such dedication to public service is rare and her amazing stamina has put many of her colleagues to shame over the years. She truly exemplifies the word ``elegant'' and I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to work with her during my time in the Nebraska Unicameral. Sally, may your force never diminish and your voice never fade. Happy Birthday.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. I rise today out of concern for the public lands bill that we are taking up. We will be taking up the Senate amendments to H.R. 146. I support the underlying goals of our Nation's conservation systems, but I am concerned about overreaching actions by the Federal Government negatively affecting the American public. The original bill, S. 22, combined 170 separate measures--most of which have never received a committee hearing. Last week, the Senate called up H.R. 146, an unrelated battlefield preservation bill, and substituted the text of S. 22. Because we have already passed an earlier version of H.R. 146, the measure can be shielded from further amendments. This is unfortunate. There will be no opportunity to amend this bill. By sidestepping a legislative process, we are not making this bill better. Last week, there was an amendment that protects hunting and fishing, but it certainly was silent because it didn't need to be vocal at the time on the right-to-carry provision. But, on March 19, U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly single-handedly decided to block the government's common sense policy. We can do better, Mr. Speaker, and we should do better.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, approximately 150,000 veterans live in Nebraska, many of whom live in my Third District. I am grateful for their sacrifice and certainly honored to represent them here in the United States House of Representatives. I rise today to expression extreme disappointment, but also some gratitude for a policy that was made and then rescinded. I am grateful it was rescinded because it would cause a great burden for our veterans who have served us so admirably with sacrifice when they would have to go through the private sector health insurance rather than the VA. Mr. Speaker, I rise again to express my gratitude because our veterans deserve better than that. They shouldn't be burdened with such a bureaucratic process. They need a streamlined process so they can experience their health care in a more effective manner.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember a young Nebraskan who left this world too soon. Justin Balfany, 15 years old, will be laid to rest tomorrow afternoon. My heart goes out to his parents Greg and Susan, his sister Kaci and the rest of his family, and I pray they find comfort in the coming days. Justin had a strong faith in God and in his fellow students. He has been described as a ``tremendous young man'' who competed in tennis, baseball, and basketball. He was active in his church and in other groups in his hometown of Kearney. Last year, he was invited to attend President Barack Obama's nomination acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, where he served as a correspondent for his hometown newspaper, the Kearney Hub, as well as the Sidney Sun Telegraph. I was fortunate to have met Justin last year. I was impressed with his intelligence, his spirit, and his dedication. Justin's spirit and his enthusiasm with his church, his friends, and his community reminds us what it means to be a Nebraskan. He will be missed by many.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. I rise today to remember Paul Harvey, one of our nation's great storytellers and a fixture for anyone who spent time listening to radio while traveling Nebraska's highways. Unfortunately, we lost one of our most distinctive voices on Saturday when Harvey passed away at the age of 90. Since 1951, his signature ``Stand by . . . for news'' alerted listeners to both stories which would strike a chord for the common man, and for commentary which would bring smiles to faces and nods across our country. Paul Harvey's strength was his ability to tap into the humor, empathy and charm which made him unique. In a day of constantly streaming news and information, Harvey made each of us feel like we were listening to a local radio commentator, not a national program. America's air waves are a little quieter today. So I end today with the immortal words of Mr. Harvey, ``Good day, America.''

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the House Republican standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks the Third Congressional District will receive as part of the Consolidated Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2009. Requesting Member: Congressman Adrian Smith Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Small Business Administration, Salaries and Expenses Legal Name of Requesting Entity: University of Nebraska Kearney Address of Requesting Entity: 905 West 25th Street, Kearney, Nebraska, USA Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $100,000 for the University of Nebraska World Trade Center. The funding would be used to provide market research to businesses, facilitate participation in trade shows, organize trade missions, conduct international trade education for businesses, and offer business services that directly support trade for clients. This program will be a one-stop resource for businesses at various stages, from exploring opportunities to forming export and import agreements with trade partners. The Small Business Administration has recognized that support for entrepreneurship is critical to economic growth, as reflected in SBA's guiding principles of supporting entrepreneurs through a network of local resource partners and empowering the spirit of entrepreneurship in every community. This project will provide specific support for growth- oriented small businesses that need access to larger markets, a particular challenge faced in non-metropolitan areas. Because impact is closely tied to the geographic distribution of resources, this project will achieve federal interests by locating a resource partner in a critical region. Requesting Member: Congressman Adrian Smith Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Transportation and Community and Safety Preservation Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Nebraska Department of Roads Address of Requesting Entity: 1500 Highway 2, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $570,000 for a new interchange located on Interstate 80 at Cherry Avenue, which is located approximately three miles east of Kearney's only interstate exit. This project will provide efficient access from Interstate 80 to the large industrial and commercial area on the northeaster part of the city and relieve traffic congestion along 2nd Avenue. Currently, regional and national truck traffic serving these businesses must pass through the center of Kearney, causing delays and safety concerns. A new interchange and connecting roadway will encourage economic development and investment in this part of the country at a time when rural areas are experiencing difficult economic times. Requesting Member: Congressman Adrian Smith Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Transportation and Community and Safety Preservation Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Panhandle Area Development District Address of Requesting Entity: 1432 10th Street, Gering, Nebraska, USA Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $475,000 for the Heartland Expressway Corridor Management Study. The funding would be used to prepare a corridor development and management plan for the Heartland Expressway High Priority Corridor which will update project cost estimates, schedule segment priorities, and quantify economic development benefits. The plan will include, at a minimum, a coordinated corridor development plan and schedule, including a timetable for completion of all planning and development activities, environmental reviews and permits, and construction of all segments; the results of any environmental reviews and mitigation plans; a gap analysis identifying areas that need environmental reviews; a complete and comprehensive analysis of corridor costs and benefits; a finance plan, including any innovative financing methods and a State-by-State breakdown of corridor finances; and, the identification of any impediments to the development and construction of the corridor, including any environmental, social, political and economic objections.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. During hearings on this bill in the 110th Congress, the Committee on Natural Resources heard testimony from historian David Hackett Fischer. Mr. Fischer's writings on the Revolutionary War point out General Washington's support for property rights and the strong actions he took to ensure that his soldiers respected the property of civilians, even when the property belonged to a Tory sympathizer. Washington personally gave strict orders to forbid looting even though plunder was the norm at the time and even though many of his men were hungry, dressed in rags and marched barefoot in the snow. It is remarkable that in so desperate a situation and with so noble a cause, he imposed on the Patriot side such a high standard of conduct. Washington's honorable policy stood in stark contrast to the routine seizures by the British and Hessian troops. It is no accident that over the course of the early years of the war, 1776 and 1777, in the battleground State of New Jersey, a population that was once evenly divided in its loyalty threw its support to the American cause. There are lessons we can learn from Washington's example. In earlier battlefield protection efforts, the National Park Service used its eminent domain powers to seize lands from unwilling sellers. The justified resentment this caused hurt subsequent efforts. I hope that as we set out to preserve historic sites, we emulate George Washington and not George III. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, the majority has adequately explained the purpose of H.R. 326. This legislation is the same as H.R. 673 that passed by unanimous consent in the House in 2007 but did not move in the Senate. At present, the tribe benefiting from this legislation has a reservation that consists of several noncontiguous trust lands. H.R. 326 places tribal fee lands in trust to fill in some of the gaps in these reservation properties, and thereby, improves travel management and governance of the reservation. The text of H.R. 326 reflects changes that had been recommended by the Bush administration in the last Congress. To the best of our knowledge, the bill is noncontroversial; and, therefore, we have no objections to it. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. No, we haven't.

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

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 81, the Shark Conservation Act of 2009. Due to an unfortunate court ruling, a loophole was opened in the Shark Finning Prohibition Act of 2000 which allows fishermen to transfer shark fins from fishing vessels to transshipment vessels at sea. This type of at-sea transfer was clearly a violation of the Act, but the court ruled otherwise. Another provision in the Shark Finning Prohibition Act of 2000 required fishermen to land the carcasses of the sharks they had caught so that fishery managers could determine the number and type of shark species being harvested. H.R. 81 takes that one step further and requires U.S. fishermen to land sharks with the fins still attached. While the change in shark management included in this legislation is consistent with the regulations developed by the Secretary of Commerce for Atlantic shark fisheries, management measures for sharks in the Pacific are normally developed through the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The American Civil War captures the imagination of people like no other event in our history. In bookstores, most shelves in the history section are devoted to events of the 1860s. On weekends, battles are re-enacted by serious hobbyists who strive for authenticity in costume, weaponry, and skirmish details. Pictures of Lincoln are found in countless homes and classrooms, Confederate flags adorn pick-up trucks, and the words of the Gettysburg Address are as familiar as the 23rd Psalm. As a Nation, we clearly recognize the continuing importance of the War Between the States, so it is natural that we should try to find appropriate ways to keep safe the places where our great grandfathers witnessed events so noble and so horrific. But since our country is about liberty rather than glorification of the State, we have to safeguard not just the hills and the mud on which they fought, but also the freedoms for which they fought. Therefore, it would be tragic if we would allow our well-meaning enthusiasm for protecting historic sites to result in programs that diminish the property rights of our fellow citizens. This bill has two important safeguards. First, a ``willing seller'' provision--and we need to make sure the seller's willingness is uncoerced. Second, a sunset provision so that Congress will have an opportunity to see if this program merits continued Federal support. The bill's author, Congressman Gary Miller, is to be commended for including these good government provisions. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. I rise in support of H.R. 844, the Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Amendments of 2009. This legislation, introduced by Congressman Don Young, will extend the John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program. The program was first authorized in 2000 to address the funding needs of facilities assisting in the recovery and rehabilitation of stranded marine mammals. The Prescott Grant Program has been very successful in supporting facilities around the Nation, volunteering facility space and staff time to rehabilitate stranded marine mammals and return many of them to the wild. While the Prescott Grant Program has been successful in many areas, some areas of the country do not have appropriate coverage. The Alaska region and the southeast region are two examples. This legislation will provide funding for the Department of Commerce to help address the lack of coverage in certain areas, and will also increase the number of grants that can be issued each year. I urge an ``aye'' vote on H.R. 844. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young).