Todd Tiahrt

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Madam Speaker, in accordance with the February 2008 New Republican Earmark Standards Guidance, I submit the following in regards to the Fiscal Year 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act found in H.R. 1105: Department of Agriculture--Preharvest Food Safety H.R. 1105, the FY 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act contains $142,000 for Preharvest Food Safety, Kansas, in the Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service's Research and Education Activities Account. The entity to receive funding for this project is the Kansas State University, located at 1 10 Anderson Hall, Manhattan, Kansas 66506. The funding would be used to expand its research in emerging threats of food-borne and zoonotic diseases associated with food-producing animals. No matching funds are required for this Department of Agriculture project. Department of Agriculture--Karnal Bunt H.R. 1105, the FY 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act contains $508,000 for Karnal Bunt, Manhattan, Kansas, in the Agriculture Research Service's Salaries and Expenses Account. The entity to receive funding for this project is the Kansas State University, located at 1 10 Anderson Hall, Manhattan, Kansas 66506. This funding will be used to develop breeding lines of wheat that are resistant to existing and emerging diseases, including Karnal Bunt, leaf rust, and UG99 stem rust. No matching funds are required for this Department of Agriculture project.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 110, I was necessarily detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Madam Speaker, in accordance with the February 2008 New Republican Earmark Standards Guidance, I submit the following in regards to the Fiscal Year 2009 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act found in H.R. 1105, the FY 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act: Department of Education (DOE)--Arkansas City Public Schools: H.R. 1105, the FY 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act contains $120,000 for Arkansas City Public Schools, Arkansas City, KS for the purchase of equipment in the Fund for the Improvement of Education (FIE) Account. The entity to receive funding for this project is Arkansas City Schools, Unified School District 470, at 2545 Greenway, Arkansas City, KS 67005. This funding will help the schools reach their Five-Year Strategic Plan objective of developing career technology. It will provide additional computers and support hardware, including printers and storage devices, and facilitate a workplace environment to help students develop technology-based job skills concurrent with classroom learning objectives. No matching funds are required for this Department of Education project. Department of Education (DOE)--Coffeyville Public Schools: H.R. 1105, the FY 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act contains $167,000 for Coffeyville School District, Coffeyville, KS for purchase of equipment in the Fund for the Improvement of Education (FIE) Account. The entity to receive funding for this project is Coffeyville School District at 615 Ellis, Coffeyville, KS 67337. Coffeyville, KS was hit by severe flooding in July 2007, which has significantly impacted the finances of the region. This funding would assist USD 445 in providing access to technology for students who would otherwise be financially unable to do so. No matching funds are required for this Department of Education project. Department of Education (DOE)--Independence Public Schools: H.R. 1105, the FY 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act contains $238,000 for Independence Public Schools, Independence, KS for purchase of equipment in the Fund for the Improvement of Education (FIE) Account. The entity to receive funding for this project is Independence Unified School District 446, at PO Drawer 487, 517 N 10th, Independence, KS 67301. This funding will assist USD 446 in providing additional technology for language arts and mathematics teachers to use in their classrooms, and to train the teachers in the use of new and existing technology. No matching funds are required for this Department of Education project. Department of Education (DOE)--Valley Center Public Schools: H.R. 1105, the FY 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act contains $442,000 for Valley Center Public Schools, Independence, KS for curriculum development, to include the purchase of technology and equipment in the Fund for the Improvement of Education (FIE) Account. The entity to receive funding for this project is Valley Center Public Schools at 132 S Park Ave., Valley Center, KS 67147. This funding will assist USD 262 in developing on the job training and staff development, purchasing technological tools and resources for classroom use, and curriculum to use the technology in the classroom. No matching funds are required for this Department of Education project. Department of Education (DOE)--Coffeyville Public Schools: H.R. 1105, the FY 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act contains $213,000 for Winfield Public Schools, Winfield, KS for curriculum development, to include the purchase of technology and equipment in the Fund for the Improvement of Education (FIE) Account. The entity to receive funding for this project is Winfield, Kansas, Public Schools, Unified School District 465 at 1407 Wheat Road, Winfield, KS 67156. This funding will help facilitate a greater understanding of technology through training for middle and high school teachers, and allow for greater integration of technology in the classroom through curriculum development. No matching funds are required for this Department of Education project. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)--Sedgwick County, KS: H.R. 1105, the FY 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act contains $428,000 for Sedgwick County Government, Wichita, KS for prenatal education and outreach programs, in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Account. The entity to receive funding for this project is Sedgwick County (KS) Government at 525 N. Main, Suite 243, Wichita, KS 67203. The Sedgwick County Healthy Babies program utilizes evidence-based practices and innovative community-driven interventions (outreach, health education, case management, utilization of prenatal/postnatal care) to improve the quality of and access to health care for women and infants at both service and system levels. This funding will allow Sedgwick County Healthy Babies to continue its critical outreach programs. No matching funds are required for this Department of Health and Human Services project. In accordance with the February 2008 New Republican Earmark Standards Guidance, I submit the following in regards to the Fiscal Year 2009 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act found in H.R. 1105, the FY 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act: Department of Agriculture--National Agriculture Biosecurity Center, Kansas: H.R. 1105, the FY 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act contains $259,000 for the National Agriculture Biosecurity Center, Kansas, in the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's Salaries and Expenses account. The entity to receive funding for this project is The Kansas State University, located at 110 Anderson Hall, Manhattan, Kansas 66506. The funding would be used to implement international linkages for food animal and food crop disease surveillance, to expand animal health diagnostic screening capabilities in Kansas and the region, and to further develop a GIs-tracking system for pathogen monitoring. No matching funds are required for this Department of Agriculture project. Department of Agriculture--Grain Sorghum, Kansas, Texas: H.R. 1105, the FY 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act contains $515,000 for Grain Sorghum, Kansas and Texas, in the Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service's Special Research Grants Account. The entity to receive funding for this project is the Kansas State University, located at 110 Anderson Hall, Manhattan, Kansas 66506. The funding would be used to expand existing research and education programs, particularly in genetic improvement and sorghum utilization. No matching funds are required for this Department of Agriculture project. Department of Agriculture--Water Conservation, Kansas: H.R. 1105, the FY 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act contains $69,000 for Water Conservation, Kansas in the Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service's Special Research Grants Account. The entity to receive funding for this project is the Kansas State University, located at 1 10 Anderson Hall, Manhattan, Kansas 66506. The funding would be used to study ways to stop and reverse the depletion of the Ogallala Aquifer in Kansas. No matching funds are required for this Department of Agriculture project. Department of Agriculture--Wheat Genetic Research, Kansas: H.R. 1105, the FY 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act contains $240,000 for Wheat Genetic Research, Kansas, in the Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service's Special Research Grants Account. The entity to receive funding for this project is the Kansas State University, located at 110 Anderson Hall, Manhattan, Kansas 66506. The funding would be used to collect, conserve, and distribute wheat genetic and genomic resources; develop improved germ plasm; develop genetic stocks; develop genomic resources; and support training and outreach. No matching funds are required for this Department of Agriculture project. In accordance with the February 2008 New Republican Earmark Standards Guidance, I submit the following in regards to the Fiscal Year 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act found in H.R. 1105. Water system improvements, City of Derby, Kansas: The Department of the Interior, Environment and Other Related Agencies Fiscal Year 2009 Appropriations Act found in H.R. 1105 contains $1,000,000 for the City of Derby, Water and Wastewater System Improvements. The entity to receive funding for this project is the City of Derby, 611 N. Mulberry, Derby, Kansas, 67037-3533. The funds will be used to upgrade its municipal wastewater treatment plant in 2009. The Derby Wastewater Treatment Plant presently treats about 1.8 to 2.0 million gallons of wastewater per day. The sludge- handling portion of the treatment process is near its designed capacity, and the treatment plant master plan calls for adding sludge handling capacity. Design goals are to reduce staff hours necessary for the sludge handling process, improve efficiency and reliability, increase flexibility in plant operation, and reduce odors, while maintaining compliance to all regulatory requirements. The City of Derby will also use the funds to help extend the municipal sewer system in the Spring Creek watershed area in 2009. The City of Derby will provide matching funds as required. Law Enforcement Technology, City of Wichita, Kansas: The Fiscal Year 2009 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Act found in H.R 1105 contains $1,675,000 for the Southern Kansas Multi-Jurisdictional SWAT. The entity to receive funding for this project is the City of Wellington, 110 East 10th Street, Wellington, KS 67152. The funds will be used to procure a Pictometry Visual Intelligence Tool. Pictometry allows federal, state and local agencies to have a common tool to jointly manage emergencies. It captures every square foot of an area from as many as twelve directions. This system captures images that consist of orthogonal (straight down) images like ordinary aerial imaging and images that are oblique (taken from angles) so that features can be easily seen in their entirety. These images reveal the front, back, and sides of objects of interest rather than just their tops. Within seconds, a law enforcement officer can literally view and analyze any house, building, intersection, fire hydrant, tree or any feature in the county from their laptop, workstation, or mobile device. Southern Kansas encompasses a large area of responsibility, and the police and sheriff's departments are low on manpower and equipment. Federal, state, and local agencies will have a common tool to jointly manage emergencies. The Southern Kansas Multi-Jurisdictional SWAT will administer the program for the four selected counties from the 4th Congressional District. The included counties are Cowley, Greenwood, Montgomery and Sumner. No matching funds are required for this Department of Justice project. In accordance with the February 2008 New Republican Earmark Standards Guidance, I submit the following in regards to the Fiscal Year 2009 Energy and Water Appropriations Act found in H.R. 1105, the FY 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act: Department of Interior--Wichita Project, Equus Beds Division: H.R. 1105, the FY 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act contains $1,500,000 for the Wichita Project--Equus Beds Division in the Bureau of Reclamation Water and Related Resources Account. The entity to receive funding for this project is the City of Wichita, located at City Hall, 455 North Main, Wichita, KS 67202. The funding would be used for funding the design on Phase II of the Equus Beds Aquifer Storage and Recovery project. The project involves taking excess flood water from the Little Arkansas River (called above base flow) and depositing that water into the underground aquifer through water supply wells. This project was authorized in 2006 (P.L. 109-299). This project is authorized for 25% federal matching and will be matched by the city. Department of Interior--El Dorado Lake, KS: H.R. 1105, the FY 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act contains $619,000 for El Dorado Lake, Kansas, in the Army Corps of Engineers' Operation and Maintenance Account. The entity to receive funding for this project is the United States Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District located at 1645 S. 101 East Ave., Tulsa, OK 74128. The additional funds will be used to replace tainter gate stems, dam gate trash racks, seal concrete surfaces, and paint bridge steel. The additional funds will also be used to undertake repairs to project recreation areas that were damaged during the record floods of 2007. No matching funds are required for this Army Corps of Engineers project. In accordance with the February 2008 New Republican Earmark Standards Guidance, I submit the following in regards to the Fiscal Year 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act found in H.R. 1105: I-235/US 54 and I-235/Central Ave Interchange, KS: The Department of Transportation Fiscal Year 2009 Appropriations Act found in H.R. 1105 contains $380,000 for funding for reconstruction of two interchanges on I-235, Wichita, Kansas. The entity to receive funding for this project is the City of Wichita, located at City Hall, 455 North Main, Wichita, KS 67202. This project will provide for preliminary engineering and right-of- way costs for the reconstruction of the Kellogg (US-54) and Central interchanges on I-235 in western Wichita. The project also involves PE for the reconstruction of the facility to expand it to 6 lanes between the interchanges, a distance of 1.5 miles. The project on I-235 is in the area of Wichita that is experiencing significant population and commercial growth. The City of Wichita will provide matching funds as required. Redesign and Reconstruction of I-235 and Kellogg Interchange, Wichita, KS: The Department of Transportation Fiscal Year 2009 Appropriations Act found in H.R. 1105 contains $950,000 for the redesign and reconstruction of the interchange at I-235 and Kellogg in Wichita, Kansas. The entity to receive funding for this project is the City of Wichita, located at City Hall, 455 North Main, Wichita, KS 67202. The funding used to redesign and make the necessary improvements to this interchange will improve the safety of those citizens traveling through the area and improve the traffic flow. The connection to highway I-235 from Kellogg or U.S. 54 is one of the most dangerous in the county. A shared entering and exiting merge lane onto Kellogg congests traffic as a result of its short length. The steep cover leaf curves to access and exit I-235 require a significant reduction in speed and prove to be especially treacherous when roads are wet, icy or snow-packed. The City of Wichita will provide matching funds as required. Advanced Materials Performance Research, National Institute for Aviation Research, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS: The Department of Transportation Fiscal Year 2009 Appropriations Act found in H.R. 1105 contains $2,375,000 for facilities and equipment at the National Institute for Aviation Research at Wichita State University. The entity to receive funding for this project is Wichita State University, located at 1845 Fairmount St, Wichita, Kansas 67260. The funding will be used to purchase new equipment, hire technical personnel, and conduct research in the areas of metallic and composite structures, crash worthiness, and aging aircraft effects. It will expand and enhance ongoing FAA research regarding flight safety at NIAR. No matching funds are required for this Federal Aviation Administration project. 21st Street North Railroad Overpass (Broadway to I-135), Wichita, KS: The Department of Transportation Fiscal Year 2009 Appropriations Act found in H.R. 1105 contains $380,000 for the 21st Street Railroad Overpass, Wichita, Kansas. The entity to receive funding for this project is the City of Wichita, located at City Hall, 455 North Main, Wichita, KS 67202. Funding to create an elevated roadway overpass along 21st Street North from Broadway to I-135 in order to eliminate the lengthy vehicular traffic delays and vehicle entrapment issues associated with multiple at-grade rail crossings located along this segment of a busy east-west arterial city street. This project also connects the 21st Street Redevelopment District to the freeway system in Wichita. The City of Wichita will provide matching funds as required. Noise Abatement Along K96, I-235 and Meridian Avenue, Wichita, KS: The Department of Transportation Fiscal Year 2009 Appropriations Act found in H.R. 1105 contains $237,500 for the Noise Abatement K96, on I- 235 project, in Wichita, Kansas. The entity to receive funding for this project is the City of Wichita, located at City Hall, 455 North Main, Wichita, KS 67202. The funding will be used to erect noise barriers that will lessen the adverse impact of excessive highway traffic noise in the Sherwood Glen and Meridian Gardens neighborhoods. This project has $1.6 million in local matching funds. National Institute for Aviation Research (NAIR) at Wichita State University, KS: The Department of Transportation Fiscal Year 2009 Appropriations Act found in H.R. 1105 contains $950,000 for research at the National Institute for Aviation Research at Wichita State University. The entity to receive funding for this project is Wichita State University, located at 1845 Fairmount St, Wichita, Kansas 67260. This funding will support research, technical personnel, facilities and equipment to investigate the implementation of child restraint systems for pre-school age children traveling in public transportation systems at Wichita State's National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) facility. No matching funds are required for this Federal Aviation Administration project.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 76, I was unavoidably delayed. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. I thank the gentleman from California. Today, another Kansan is going to get laid off, and they will struggle to pay their bills. Our economy needs help and our people need help. But this bill isn't help. This bill will only place a drag on our economy because it does nothing to solve the underlying problems that hamper our economy. The Federal Government has a role to help ensure American workers are free to prosper. But borrowing money for massive government spending is not the answer. The reality is, this bill, some nearly $800 billion in spending and tax cuts, consists entirely of money we do not have. So how are we going to get this money? There's only three ways to get it. We can ask the Treasury Department to print more money. But we know from the 1970s that causes inflation. The second is we can raise taxes. We'd have to raise taxes $2,600 per American. And we know that higher taxes create higher unemployment. I'm not interested in raising taxes. The third way is to borrow money from investors. But our investors here in America don't have the money. We'd have to go to other countries, like the United Arab Emirates or Saudi Arabia, because China and the United Kingdom have their own economic problems. They can't raise the money themselves. So, to attract this money, we're going to have to raise interest rates, and higher interest rates--some 4 percent, according to the Congressional Budget Office--causes higher credit card rates, higher car loan rates, and higher home mortgage rates. We are following the legacy of Paul Volcker from the 1970s. Back then, they called it the misery index. During the 1970s, the media added inflation, unemployment, and interest rates together to get the misery index. And it's coming back. Back then, it was 21.98. Today's, it's 7.92. There's a better plan than the misery index. We could give every American money by giving them a payroll tax holiday for several years. That would be a 10 to 20 percent pay increase for working Americans, and they would know best how to spend the money for their families. With the money they will buy goods or they will save their money or they will invest their money. All of that creates jobs. Because making more money available for new ideas in the marketplace does create jobs. Vote ``no'' on this legislation. Vote ``no'' to the misery index. This package will get more money to hardworking Americans by giving it directly to them with a payroll tax holiday, because that is the best plan. We can stop the return to the misery index by getting people back to work, by getting more money in their pocket. Let's go for a payroll tax holiday. Vote ``no.'' Let's go back to conference. Cut the government spending, add back a payroll tax holiday for working Americans, and return the economy to the strength it once had.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. I thank the gentleman from California. Mr. Chairman, there is no argument that our economy is on a downhill slide. Chairman Obey conveyed that very well in his opening remarks. But there is an argument on how we get out of this economic slide downwards. The bill before us is based on the philosophy that government spending will stir the economy. It will not. Historically, we know that bailouts and government spending simply don't work. During the Great Depression, high Federal spending did not save our economy. Instead, it remained stagnant. World War II built the industrial base. And it was in the 1950s, with the private sector, that drove us to a number one economy in the world. In the 1990s, Japan tried to stimulate their economy with the bailout of banks and with federal government spending. They borrowed the equivalent of $250 billion and spent it. What happened? Their economy remained stagnant, and their average per capita income went from second in the world to tenth in the world. This bill has the same idea that failed in the 1930s and failed in Japan: borrowed money, Federal spending. But there is a better plan. Let's get the money directly to working Americans. Let's cancel the unauthorized and new programs and new spending in this bill and return it in the form of waived payroll taxes for working Americans. Give them a vacation from payroll taxes. It will be like a 10 percent pay raise. We all know what they will do with it. They will do one of three things. They will either save it, which helps the banks recapitalize and creates mortgages and home sales; or they will spend it, which creates a demand for goods and a demand for more jobs; or they will invest it, which means companies can expand their businesses and hire more employees. All we have to do is exchange the unauthorized new government spending and transfer that money back to hardworking Americans who earn the money. A very simple concept that will have a direct stimulation to our economy. And it will happen this year. We will not be waiting until 2010 or 2011 or 2012 or 2013. It will happen this year. So let's cancel those new unauthorized programs and give back the taxes to working Americans and get the economy rolling.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 34, a resolution recognizing Israel's right to defend itself against attacks from Gaza, reaffirming the United States' strong support for Israel, and supporting the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. I applaud Speaker Pelosi and Leader Boehner for bringing this resolution to the floor. We stand in solidarity with those praying for real and lasting peace and an end to the terrorism brought upon the people of Israel. I am confident the acts of aggression carried out by those seeking the destruction of the State of Israel will not end in success. Peace will come to the land of Israel once again. Born out of genocide and conflict, the modern State of Israel has developed into a free, democratic and prosperous country. I have been to Israel several times and I have seen how they make the desert bloom. I have witnessed their corporate compassion to take care of people in need. I have heard their pleas for peace. An unfailing ally of the United States, Israel is a beacon of freedom and religious tolerance in the Middle East. Israel understands the dangers of terrorism all too well. From suicide bombers to thousands of incoming rockets and mortar shells, the people of Israel have experienced mass casualties of enormous and unacceptable proportions. As Israel currently undertakes military efforts in Gaza, I stand with the Israeli Government and the Jewish community as they seek to establish peace and protect its citizens from terrorism. Hamas and radical Islam must be defeated. No nation can sit idly by while its people are killed, its children are traumatized, and the daily life of its people is severely disrupted by terrorism. Ask yourself, would America tolerate more that 3,000 rockets launched against our homeland in just 1 year? No, we would protect our people. Israel has the responsibility to protect its citizens, as well, and that is what it is doing in on-going operations in Gaza. Americans look forward to peace in Israel and the Middle East, but until Hamas and its terrorist allies relinquish its arms and renounce violence, the hope for peace can not be attained. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important resolution.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 11, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. Although I join my colleagues in steadfast opposition to pay discrimination, this ill-advised, over- reaching, and disingenuous overhaul of civil rights law is the wrong approach. Pay discrimination is not a partisan issue. Pay discrimination strikes at the heart of the American Dream. For more than 40 years, the 1963 Equal Pay Act and Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act has made it illegal for employers to determine an employee's pay scale based on his or her gender. I wholeheartedly agree and support these laws. Every American should be able to work hard, and make a living for his or her family. We can not tolerate gender discrimination in the workplace. This legislation, however, is about bad politics rather than good policy. H.R. 11 was supposedly written to remedy a sad situation for one person--Lilly Ledbetter. She was apparently paid significantly less than her counterparts at Goodyear Tire Company during her tenure there. Decades later Ms. Ledbetter filed a claim of discrimination. Taking her claim through the courts, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on May 29, 2007 that the statute of limitations had unfortunately run out. Instead of simply restoring prior law, by overturning a Supreme Court ruling against Ms. Ledbetter, in reality, Democrats will gut a decades- old statute of limitations that prevents the filing of ``stale'' claims and protects against abuse of the legal system. Current law rightly provides a statute of limitations to file a discrimination claim, up to 300 days after the alleged workplace discrimination occurred. Under this bill, however, employees or retirees could sue for pay discrimination years, even decades, after the alleged discrimination. How can a company defend itself when the accused offenders left the company decades before? The answer is--they can't. And that is exactly the answer desired by the trial lawyers who support this legislation. This legislation will not end pay discrimination, but it will certainly encourage frivolous claims and lawsuits. It is inevitable that under this legislation employees will sue companies for reasons that have little if anything to do with the accused discrimination. Madam Speaker, the issue of pay discrimination is too important to consider this poorly crafted, politically motivated piece of legislation. As much as we sympathize with Ms. Ledbetter, H.R. 11 is bad legislation. Let us instead join together, work in a bipartisan manner, to address pay discrimination while not destroying decades- worth of solid employment discrimination law. Until then, I ask my colleagues to join with me in opposing this legislation.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, today we debate a bill with a good title that fails to make one single step toward the purported goal. H.R. 12, the Paycheck Fairness Act, is being advanced as a bill to protect women from wage discrimination, but this bill is really about increasing lawsuits, not protecting women. I join my colleagues in rejecting wage discrimination. The American Dream is not possible without wage fairness. This debate, however, is not about wage fairness; it is about this Democrat majority rewarding one of their most loyal special interest groups--trail lawyers. For more than 40 years, the 1963 Equal Pay Act and Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act have made it illegal for employers to determine an employee's pay-scale based on his or her gender. I whole-heartedly agree with and support these laws. Every American should be able to work hard, and make a living for his or her family. We cannot tolerate gender discrimination in the workplace. Instead of strengthening these laws, H.R. 12 offers no additional protection from discrimination. It simply expands opportunities for trail lawyers to cash-in under existing nondiscrimination laws. By opening discrimination claims to unlimited compensatory and punitive damages, H.R. 12 will give great incentives to trial lawyers to bring frivolous claims. Such claims will inevitably lead to higher costs to businesses at a time when so many are struggling to remain open. High business costs often lead to job cuts. In this time of economic downturn, it is wrong to increase the burden on employers and risk additional job losses for the benefit of wealthy trial lawyers. Mr. Speaker, strong nondiscrimination laws are critical to the future of our nation; however, H.R. 12 has nothing to do with paycheck discrimination. Now is the time to find solutions to the challenges facing our economy, not endanger our businesses with frivolous lawsuits. I ask my colleagues to join me in opposing this bill.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, no one wants to see the auto industry fail. I don't want to see this. This would result in millions of job lost. I don't, however, believe this is the right approach for the long-term viability of the American auto industry and the sustainability of millions of American workers. In October, the Treasury Secretary came to Congress asking for a $700 billion blank check for the financial industry. I said then and I repeat today, a quick bailout fix might work for a short time, but it may not be long before we are asked again for more tax dollars. In fact, some have said the $15 billion being given to the auto manufacturers will get them through to March 2009. Then what? A quick bailout fix might work for the short term, but without addressing the underlying problems, we will be asked again for more tax dollars. We cannot keep passing bailout after bailout without fundamental reforms to help American workers and businesses achieve long-term prosperity. The plan offered today offers more government involvement instead of incentives for private-sector solutions. We are placing risks on the American taxpayer that private investors are not willing to take. Furthermore, this bill does nothing to address economic competitiveness barriers faced by the American automotive industry. I also strongly oppose the job-killing provision contained in this bill that would ban these automakers from leasing or owning business jets. The use of business jets by company leaders is not why the U.S. auto industry is in financial trouble. This provision is a symbolic slap in the face to more than 1.2 million workers spread across every State whose jobs depend on general aviation. Banning our automakers from leasing or owning jets makes as much sense as asking them to stop using BlackBerrys and laptops--tools that have made us the most efficient and productive workforce in the world. I remain committed to working for a long-term solution with Democrats and Republicans who are willing to put the good of our country ahead of short-term fixes. It's the right thing to do.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Madam Speaker, at the end of the day, I was sent to Congress in November 1994 because the people of the 4th congressional district of Kansas believed in the message of less Government spending, personal and corporate responsibility and lower taxes. Therefore, I remain committed to those who sent me here and opposed to the unprecedented power that would be given to the Federal Government through this bill. Last week, the Treasury Secretary came to Congress with a message: he needed $700 billion and he needed it now. I understand the need to act and the need to act quickly. At that time, however, I stood with my Republican colleagues and opposed the hasty call for an unprecedented blank check to the Federal Government. Over the weekend, Congress negotiated with the Secretary to work out a better proposal through several non-government based approaches. Some of the provisions I could support but the fact remains that a $700 billion bailout of Wall Street is too much for our taxpayers to bear. On Monday, I joined with a majority of my Republican and Democrat colleagues to defeat this short-sighted fix that exposed Americans everywhere to long-term debt that could lead to an even greater financial crisis. Not wanting to be outdone, the Senate quietly inserted over a billion dollars worth of pork: $148 million for wool fabric producers, $2 million for the makers of wooden arrows for children, and a $100 million tax break to benefit NASCAR racetracks. Even Hollywood got a tax break gift worth nearly half a billion dollars. What was a three-page idea had grown in a week to more than 450 pages. What it comes down to is that a $700 or $800 billion bailout with voluntary reforms was not a plan I could support. Worse yet, Sec. 112 of the Senate bill, allows foreign financial institutions who hold troubled assets as a result of extending financing to financial institutions that have failed or defaulted on such financing to participate in this massive Government bail-out. What does this mean? Simply, the Federal Government has invited foreign financiers to participate in this bailout on behalf of every American. However, my decision today to oppose the Senate bill does not come easily. Many of us lost savings. Many employers expressed concerns about access to credit so they could make payroll for their workers. I heard from hard-working Kansans who were concerned about a downsized economy that could force them out of a job. A quick bailout fix might work for a short time, but it may not be long before we are asked again for more tax dollars. This is evidenced by recent Government bailouts of Bear Stearns, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, AIG, and the $25 billion tossed to the auto industry. A quick bailout fix might work for the short term, but without addressing the underlying problems, we will be asked again for more tax dollars. An economic rescue plan needs to include reforms that tie mortgage broker's commissions to borrowers' timely payments; a mandatory FDIC- type insurance program for entities with troubled mortgages; a suspension of ``mark to market'' accounting procedures; a temporarily suspension of capital gains taxes; and a permanent, not a temporary increase on FDIC coverage from $100,000 to $250,000 coupled with an increase in premiums so that the statutory obligation of 1.15 percent is met. The mandatory FDIC-type insurance program would require the Treasury Department to guarantee (losses up to 100%) resulting from the failure of timely payment and interest from mortgage backed securities originated prior to the date of the enactment. Such insurance, I believe, would provide immediate value to the securities and a foundation for which they could then be sold. I am disappointed this provision was not included as a mandatory program. Furthermore, instead of a Government-driven bailout, I support an alternative where the Government enables and coordinates a greater involvement of private investors. An alternative could be to allow companies to carry-back losses arising in tax years ending in 2007, 2008, or 2009 back 5 years, generating a tax refund and immediate capital. These are just a few alternative provisions that I believe would be better than merely throwing money at a problem we hope to fix. I want Kansans to go to bed tonight with peace of mind and not worry about their savings. I am ready for this financial turmoil to calm and for us to focus on other important things in our lives. But I could not support a $700 or $800 billion bailout plan that embraces temporary relief while shunning long-term reform that brings lasting stability. I remain committed to working for a long-term solution with Democrats and Republicans who are willing to put the good of our country ahead of short-term fixes. It's the right thing to do.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 669, unavoidable delays caused me to miss this vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Madam Speaker, fundamentally, there is something wrong with the way we are proceeding. The arguments use fear to build confidence. We are on an artificial deadline, rushing to judgment, fearful we can't get there in time. No one has addressed the fundamental reason that has brought us to this state of fear. No one has talked about it because this bill does not fix the underlying problems. Your fear drives you away from reasoning. So now the worm turns. Those of you who complained the rich are getting richer want to take money away from those who can't afford it and give it to those who live the life style of the rich and famous. Those of you who curse corporate welfare pursue the biggest corporate welfare bill in history. Why? Because of fear. Taxpayers don't want to throw good money--their money--after bad behavior. Vote against this. Fix the underlying problem. Don't let fear drive you to a bad decision. Vote ``no.''

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Madam Speaker, over the past week, our Nation's financial flame has begun to smolder under the reckless decisions of several large investment banking firms whose assets were tied into mortgaged- back securities. The result--there is a credit squeeze and depending upon what this Congress decides to do in the coming weeks, credit could become scarce and thousands of Americans who rely on credit as a bridge over life's troubled waters could be left out in the cold. I am concerned about unfair and deceptive credit card practices and support efforts to protect consumers. I don't think a bill that will result in higher interest rates for consumers is a good idea, however. In 2005, I voted for, and Congress passed, the ``Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention Act'' to help consumers get control of their debt. This bill also stipulated that open-end credit plans, such as credit cards, are required to include a minimum payment warning on the billing statement, indicating the length of time it can take to pay off a given balance. The warning includes a toll-free number the account holder can call to receive an estimate of the time it would take to repay his/her balance if only minimum payments were to be made. These common sense reforms, which President Bush signed into law, are already helping consumers improve their financial standing. Furthermore, the Federal Reserve, Office of Thrift Supervision, and National Credit Union Administration are currently finalizing regulations to prohibit unfair and deceptive credit card practices and make disclosures more transparent. The proposed regulations, which are expected to be finalized in December, address a number of goals of this current bill. Those proposed regulations eliminate universal default, prohibit double-cycle billing, require advance notice of rate increases, and rein in over-the-limit fees. Regulations are better suited to addressing these problems than legislation because they can be adapted more readily to changes in market conditions. The proposed regulations are the result of extensive research and consumer input, have received extensive public comment, and should be finalized without legislation. As drafted, the bill will increase costs and reduce access to credit for millions of Americans while eliminating low-rate credit options that will hurt individuals and small businesses alike. It does so by, among other things, limiting the ability of card companies to manage risk, as well as by dictating the terms under which credit card loans must be repaid. These requirements will force card companies to increase the cost of credit to all consumers to compensate for the added risk, and to eliminate attractive low-cost offers because they will no longer be able to generate a reasonable rate of return. The result, Americans will be paying more for their credit cards and have less access to low-cost alternatives, such as zero percent balance transfer offers. Millions of small businesses that rely on personal credit cards to assist in their operations will likewise be hurt. For these reasons, I cannot support this bill and instead vote in favor of our Nation's consumers.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, this continuing resolution spending bill contained needed funding provisions, many of which I support. In fact, three separate Appropriations bills--Defense, Homeland Security, and Military Construction--Veterans Affairs are included in the Continuing Resolution (CR) package. The insertion of these individual bills within the CR will ensure the safety and security of our Nation, maintain the commitment of Congress to our men and women in uniform, and provide for the needs of our veterans through the next fiscal year. Despite the needed funding to our troops and veterans, the Democrat leadership decided to take political advantage of this spending bill and slipped in several inappropriate spending measures. This legislation includes unjustified spending measures that should have had the opportunity to be considered through the normal legislative process, and not tacked onto a massive, catch-all Appropriations bill. One of these unjustified spending measures includes a $25 billion bailout of the auto industry of which $7.5 billion is appropriated in the bill. First in line were Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac then Bear Stearns, and now a bailout to the auto manufacturing industry--Mr. Speaker, where does it end? We must address the core economic problems that hold back workers from better paying jobs and that stifle businesses from being successful. The best and most responsible approach Congress can take is to continue to pursue policies designed to get our economy growing again. After September 11, 2001, our Nation's general aviation and airline manufacturing industry greatly suffered. Congress had a choice, to throw millions of dollars at the aviation industry or take a market based approach and allow accelerated depreciation of its products. The Republican majority chose to pass a jobs and economic growth bill that included depreciation and expensing provisions, which according to manufacturers, have resulted in back orders until 2012-2013. This is just one example of a market based solution to an economic crisis. This is the type of policy that should guide this Congress in dealing with the failings of the auto industry, the housing industry, and so on. I cannot support a bill that attempts to undercut the integrity of our Nation's free market infrastructure through a $25 billion bailout of the auto industry.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 645, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Madam Speaker, in accordance with the February 2008 New Republican Earmark Standards Guidance, I submit the following in regards to the Fiscal Year 2009 Department of Defense Appropriations Act found in H.R. 2638: Life Support Radio Test Sets for the Air National Guard The Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2009, H.R. 2638, contains $1,000,000 for Life Support Radio Test Sets for the Air National Guard in the Air Force, Other Procurement Account. The entity to receive funding for this project is Aeroflex at 10200 West York Road, Wichita, KS 67215-8999. The funds will ensure the functionality of the survival radio equipment used by Air National Guard aircrew. The money will be used to allow each squadron to purchase enough test systems so that they can fulfill their requirement to be available for use in multiple locations at one time. Unfortunately, insufficient numbers of test sets have been fielded to address these issues, leading to maintenance backlogs and also to unfamiliarity with the test set equipment and its procedures on the part of field maintenance personnel. The cost of each Life Support Radio Test Set is $52,936. The anticipated source of funding for the duration of the project is funding from the government, since the customer is the Air Force. No matching funds are required for this Department of Defense project. Radio Personality Modules for SINCGARS Test Sets The Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2009, H.R. 2638, contains $2,400,000 for Radio Personality Modules for SINCGARS Test Sets in the Army, Other Procurement Account. The entity to receive funding for this project is Aeroflex at 10200 West York Road, Wichita, KS 67215-8999. The funds will fund Radio Personality Modules for SINCGARS Test Sets which capitalize upon existing radio test sets by making them up to 10 times more capable than they were before. Presently, the GRM-122 test set diagnoses only one type of radio--the SINCGARS. After the proposed upgrade, the very same tester will be able to test multiple radios in common use, including: UHF radios, VHF radios, high frequency radios, intercoms, survival vest radios, and four different types of navigation radios installed in aircraft on the flight line. This efficient program saves both time and money. Time, because the technician performing the test will have the entire test suite he requires at his immediate disposal on the flight line; and money because the Aviation Intermediate Maintenance locations equipped with Radio Personality Modules for SINCGARS Test Sets will not need to acquire nor carry entire test suites of disparate equipments. The total cost of this program is $6,670,000; $2,000,000 was marked in FY 2008. If it is not fully funded, there will be an additional request for the remaining amount to fund this requirement from the Army in FY 2010. This program is funded by plus ups from Congress, the Army and the POM (Program Objective Memorandum) from DoD. The cost of each test suite is $157,946--there is a need for about 80 test sets in all. In FY '08, $2 million was appropriated, allowing the Army to purchase about 12 units. The anticipated source of funding for the duration of the project is funding from the government; the customer is the U.S. Army. No matching funds are required for this Department of Defense project. Directed Energy Systems for UAV Payloads The Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2009, H.R. 2638, contains $800,000 for Directed Energy Systems for UAV Payloads in the Defense-wide, RDT&E Account. The entity to receive funding for this project is ARC Technology at 13076 NW 120th St., Whitewater, KS 67154. ARC anticipates that federal funds will complete the research and development of this technology. This technology enables both offensive and defensive capabilities from UAV platforms that are either controlled or autonomous. Targets of interest include improvised explosive devices (IEDs), communications systems, computers, electronics, radar systems, infrared and acoustic sensors, and GPS jammers. The FY09 funding addresses additional integration issues, range extension, packaging issues, and customer performance verification for incorporation into specific delivery platforms. Budget for UAV Payload Directed Energy Systems Percent Materials.............................................................5 Labor................................................................60 Testing..............................................................20 Performance verification*............................................15

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 638, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, the American people have been speaking for months about the need to increase our domestic energy production. Never has the political will been so strong for the opening up of our domestic resources both on- and offshore. But, this Democrat-controlled Congress is not heeding the voice of its constituents and has failed them by bringing H.R. 6899 to the floor today. Our Nation is currently facing one of the most significant energy challenges in its history. We are not producing enough energy to provide for our growing economy. This bill inadequately addresses this challenge because it keeps 88 percent of our known resources in the Outer Continental Shelf, OCS, off limits to new domestic energy exploration. If Congress is serious about energy independence and lowering the cost of fuel, this isn't the bill. America deserves a comprehensive, bipartisan energy bill that opens up our domestic resources, incentivizes the discovery of renewable technologies and encourages conservation. This is the policy that will lead America into energy independence in the long-term and bring down the price of gas in the short-term. Before I get into why this bill fails our constituents, I want to point out a provision I do support. I was pleased the provision that makes it a Federal crime for oil companies with Federal leases to provide gifts to Government employees was inserted in this bill. I am deeply disappointed in recent revelations about improper activities between Federal employees and oil company representatives. And I support actions that would help prevent such improper activities from happening again. However, this bill fails miserably to incentivize the discovery of new technologies and domestic energy sources. Why does this bill fail our constituents? The Democrat-controlled Congress hastily put together this 290-page bill in the dark of night and brought it to the floor the very next morning. At 9:45 p.m. on September 15, 2008, H.R. 6899 was introduced. At 10 a.m., H.R. 6899 was brought to the House floor without any amendments and no committee input. This is not the process envisioned by our founders. Actually, when the Republicans held the majority in 2005, they allowed 23 Democrat amendments to be offered to the energy bill, H.R. 6. This bill fails our constituents because this leadership has shut out the voice of 48 percent of our constituents by not allowing any Republican amendments. The bill opens with the words, ``Prohibition on Leasing.'' The Democrat's energy solution for the American people is a prohibition on leasing and limited new energy production that will help us achieve energy freedom. This bill will produce little if any new oil and gas since it locks up, by law, the first 50 miles of our coasts--on the Pacific coast that is over 97 percent of our known resources. Overall, 88 percent of all known resources offshore remain permanently locked under this bill. Instead of producing more American energy with American workers, the Democrats would rather rely on foreign nations to produce our oil and natural gas. This is economically and environmentally irresponsible. In the 50-100 miles beyond the Atlantic and Pacific shores, the adjacent state must approve any lease. But what makes this provision even more unlikely to produce any new energy offshore is the fact that the bill does not share any of the royalties with adjacent states. Thus, it effectively removes any incentive for states to ``opt in'' while changing current policy on state revenue sharing. Why is this bill failing our constituents? Our country holds the largest supply of clean coal in the world. But this bill does nothing to promote clean coal and coal to liquid technologies. Why does this bill fail our constituents? Americans face a significant increase in our electricity rates in the coming months. This bill does nothing to increase our capacity; in fact, this bill imposes a new 15 percent renewable energy requirement on utilities. This bill fails our constituents because these new renewable energy requirements will be passed along to them in the form of higher monthly utility bills. The American people deserve a rational, transparent debate about developing domestic energy resources. Congress should pass a bipartisan energy plan that includes conservation, production, and innovation to help America become energy independent. We desperately need energy freedom in America. Why does this bill fail our constituents? This bill fails our constituents because it doesn't bring us any closer to energy independence. Instead of introducing a bill in the dark of night, this Democrat majority should bring up a bipartisan bill that has been vetted by both sides of the aisle. The Speaker has an abundance of legislative options that address our short-term and long-term energy needs. But she refuses to allow a full debate and vote on a comprehensive plan. For instance, a bipartisan bill, H.R. 6709, the National Conservation, Environment and Energy Independence Act, has been introduced by Representative Abercrombie (D-HI) and John Peterson (R- PA). I am a cosponsor of this bill. One of the principal areas of this legislation is production--the exploration for and extraction of oil and natural gas in places such as the Outer Continental Shelf. There's also a call to establish conservation and environmental reserve funds that will help to preserve and to maintain wildlife refuges and public parks and to develop alternative energy, including solar, wind, and biofuels. The production of oil and natural gas from within U.S. borders will serve as a bridge to the Nation's ``alternative energy future'' and will see to it that the royalties from the leasing and sale of that oil and natural gas go to alternative energy, environmental, and conservation projects. A second option is H.R. 6566, the American Energy Act, of which I am also a cosponsor. The American Energy Act is an ``all of the above'' energy strategy that will increase the supply of American-made energy in environmentally sound ways. It will accomplish this by opening energy-rich deep ocean resources, Arctic coastal plain, and Inter- Mountain West oil shale resources for more environmentally safe oil and gas exploration. This bill will also improve energy conservation and efficiency by providing tax incentives for businesses and families that improve their energy efficiency. This legislation focuses heavily on the promotion of alternative and renewable energy technologies through spurring the development of alternative fuels by permanently extending the tax credit for alternative energy production, including wind, solar and hydrogen and promoting coal-to-liquids technology. These are the policies that will lead America into energy independence. While I cannot support this bill today, if H.R. 6709, the bipartisan energy bill were to be brought to the House floor, I would vote ``yes.'' If H.R. 6566, an ``all of the above'' energy bill were brought to the House floor, I would vote ``yes.'' It is my hope that these bills will be brought to the floor of the House of Representatives before the 110th Congress adjourns. These are the bills that actually address and allow America to explore our own domestic resources and build a bridge to our future energy sources.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my support for adoption. Specifically, I rise to express my support for two bills we are considering on the floor today--the Fostering Connections to Success and Increased Adoptions Act, and the resolution Recognizing National Adoption Day and National Adoption Month. It is no secret that I am pro-life. Life begins at conception, and I believe that we should do everything within our power to encourage and facilitate mothers to carry their child to term. It is my hope and prayer that every child will be wanted and loved by his or her parent. But I am not so naive as to think that this is always the case. Tragically, there are situations where the mother and/or father cannot care for their baby. Perhaps the mother is still in school, and too young to responsibly raise the child. Perhaps she is unmarried, and does not have the means to provide for her baby. There are a myriad of reasons. But while there are some in this great nation who would suggest these, and other extenuating circumstances are exactly why abortion needs to remain legal, I instead believe that they are exactly the reason adoption needs greater national attention. Over the years that I have had the privilege of serving the people of the 4th District of Kansas here in Washington, I have worked with many of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass legislation that protects the sanctity of life, for those born, and those still in the womb. An important aspect of that effort, however, is caring for the child after it is born. Unfortunately, this is an area that is often overlooked. It is my hope that legislation before us today, H.R. 6893 and H. Res. 1432, will help remedy this problem. The Fostering Connections to Success and Increased Adoptions Act takes great steps to assist both children and adoptive parents. It provides financial assistance for relatives of children in foster care that agree to become permanent guardians. And it includes educational stability as a factor when establishing a child's case plans. Provisions like these help to establish a sense of consistency in the life of a child that is all too often lacking that. It also reauthorizes the Adoption Incentives Program, which can make the possibility of adopting more feasible for some families. Madam Speaker, the choice to adopt a child is not one to be made without great consideration. There are risks and challenges involved with such a decision. We in Congress should show them our support and encouragement for them when they do decide to adopt. One way for us to do that is through H. Res. 1432. I encourage my colleagues to join me in voting for these bills, and let's show our support for adoption, and the children and families involved in it.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Madam Speaker, today is the 7th anniversary of one of the most horrific days in our Nation's history. On September 11, 2001 terrorists attacked the United States and slaughtered our fellow citizens in New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Fox News is calling this the ``day that changed America'' but I disagree. America didn't change, instead the evil attacks brought out the best in America. As terrible events have a tendency to do, the terrorist attacks brought this Nation together. We have mourned together, been angry together, prayed together, indeed come together as Americans not as Southerners or Northerners, Midwesterners or East Coasters. It's an outlook that extends beyond national pride; we acknowledge that we as Americans are all in this together. None of us who were here on that terrible day will forget the spontaneous gathering of Congress on the steps of this great building that survived thanks to the brave men and women of Flight 93. Politics was truly brushed aside as we joined hand in hand, mourning the dead, celebrating the spirit of this great Nation, and vowing to do all we can to protect this Nation and her citizens. The events of September 11, 2001 did have had a drastic effect on our Nation and the world at large. The focus of the country changed. Today, our Nation's ideas and her people still face a continuing threat from terrorists. Nearly every single day, the intelligence community records another threat or two against America or our interests. Hardly a week goes by that some terrorists somewhere don't reiterate their interest in attacking this great Nation. But our military, first responders and intelligence officers as well as alert citizens have remained vigilant and prevented further attacks. Today as we remember those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 and their loved ones, we also take time to honor and thank the thousands of first responders, the myriad aviation personnel from air traffic controllers to pilots and flight attendants who safely grounded planes across the country, and of course the men and women in our military and intelligence communities who have been engaged in a global war on the terrorists for the past seven years. God bless them all and may God continue to bless America.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Madam Speaker, owning a home is an essential component of the American dream, and an accomplishment that millions of Americans aspire to and take pride in. In recent months, however, the housing market has entered a slump. The effort to provide a way for all Americans to own their own homes brought a sharp increase in the usage of subprime and exotic mortgages, which proved to be more than the market could handle. We now find ourselves grappling with decisions on how best to ``fix'' the problems that have arisen in the housing market and in our economy. However, a potential $300 billion Government handout, such as what has been proposed in this legislation, is not the answer. Congress has been given a real opportunity to reform Government Sponsored Enterprises, GSEs, and eliminate the threat to the housing market. Unfortunately, however, the authors of this legislation have chosen to reject real reforms and instead only include ridiculous amounts of bailout spending. By extending an unlimited line of credit to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac until 2009, we are placing American taxpayers at risk by absorbing the losses of these for-profit institutions. The bill further institutes a tax on the very GSEs that we are being asked to prop up, and allows that money--an estimated $9 billion over 10 years-- to be given to supposed ``housing and development'' groups that have been shown to participate in illegal and unethical activities, such as widespread voter fraud. The Congressional Budget Office, CBO, has estimated that the expected value of the Federal budgetary cost from enacting this proposal would be $25 billion over fiscal years 2009 and 2010, but that this figure could rise into the hundreds of billions of dollars. I believe this legislation will further exacerbate our nation's rising deficit and further weaken our already ``weak dollar.'' While there is no doubt the housing slump must be addressed, I am concerned by the precedent of using taxpayer dollars to bail out fraudulent lenders and, in some cases, irresponsible borrowers. Congress can enact responsible, market-based legislation to address our housing needs. I fully support FHA and GSE reform measures, yet I cannot support a massive bailout to irresponsible lending practices and market speculators. For these reasons, I voted against H.R. 3221. I remain committed to supporting measures that provide the necessary relief to families who have been victimized without burdening taxpayers for the irresponsibility of others. Therefore, I have given my support to two alternative bills introduced before the House of Representatives that precisely address the needs of homeowners in a responsible and fair way. First, H.R. 5974, the Housing Opportunity for All Americans Act of 2008, addresses the housing slump in a responsible way. For instance, this bill does not include $300 billion in funding to the Federal Housing Authority. Instead of providing a massive bailout to irresponsible lenders and borrowers, this legislation creates a market incentive approach to the housing slump. The market approach includes a one-time tax credit for homebuyers of 10 percent of the home's purchase price, up to $10,000, for 1 year after the enactment of the bill. Also, under this legislation, taxpayers who are nonresident aliens, those who flip a home within the 1 year period, or people who sell a house to a relative simply for the credit, would not be eligible. Furthermore, mortgages which exceed the maximum original principal obligation of a mortgage Freddie Mac will purchase would not qualify. Second, the Homeownership Protection and Housing Market Stabilization Act of 2008, H.R. 5857, is a more responsible approach to addressing the current issues facing the housing market and the underlying causes of the problem. The bill includes provisions to directly protect homebuyers and owners, such as housing counseling, improved disclosure practices, fraud combating and prevention measures, and encouragement to rework loans instead of foreclosing. It also aims to help prevent lenders from falling into the same habits that have recently developed in the industry by providing liability protection for helping troubled borrowers, requiring escrow accounts for subprime borrowers, and reforming appraisal practices for prospective homebuyers. In addition, this legislation contains provisions similar to those that have passed this House with my support: FHA modernization and improved regulation of GSEs, including Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banks. These alternative bills provide the integrity of the appraisal process and strengthen mortgage fraud prevention efforts that will help bring stability to the current housing market. These bills together represent a viable alternative, offering an appropriate response to a serious problem without burdening taxpayers for the irresponsibility of others. I hope this body has the chance to consider these important provisions in the immediate future.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Madam Speaker, I submit the following: H.R. 6599, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act; 2009, contains $6,800,000 for MXG Consolidation and Forward Logistic Center, Phase 2 in the Air Force, Military Construction account. This project is for McConnell Air Force Base located at 57837 Coffeyville St., Kansas, 67221. The funds will help complete phase two of the Maintenance Group (MXG) Consolidation and Forward Logistics Center that will streamline many different facilities into one maintenance facility, resulting in improved military operations and saving taxpayer dollars by reducing operations and maintenance spending. No matching funds are required for this military construction project.

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 535, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. TIAHRT

Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 525, I was inadvertently detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''