Michael Turner

Mr. TURNER

Mr. TURNER. Representative Akin, reclaiming my time, I appreciate your comments. I would like to yield to Representative Bishop, who is from Utah's First District. He was elected in 2003. He is the former speaker of the House of Utah, and is a great champion for national defense on the Armed Services Committee. I know you have thoughts about this, and I would like to yield to Representative Bishop.

Mr. TURNER. Before we move on, I would like to go to Representative Trent Franks who is the Chair of the Missile Defense Caucus of Arizona's Second District, elected in 2003. We were elected at the same time. Representative Franks was talking just today about the covert issue of Iran and what they have announced with their secondary site. You have been a leader on this, both in highlighting the issue, making sure that the technical discussion goes forward so people know what's at risk and what we have the capability of. But on the threat side, this administration has stepped forward and said that we have a threat that is not the same as we thought. They say it's lessened. Everybody else that I talked to believes that it's either increasing--but no one will say that it is actually diminishing. Representative Franks, I would love for you to talk about the threat issue to our families.

Mr. TURNER. The important point, I think, for the IAEA's, International Atomic Energy Agency, statement is that they are saying it's no longer theoretical. I mean, we are not standing on the House floor, the four of us, saying that we are ringing a bell of the threat to the United States. This independent International Atomic Energy Agency says that Iran has the capability now, today. It's not as if someone is saying in projecting the future, this independent agency, which is charged for overseeing this, being the agency that is supposed to know what capability that countries have, has made this announcement saying that they are today capable of making a bomb. When you couple that with what Iran has accomplished with their missiles, having already put a satellite into orbit, again, we are not talking theoretical again. This is not as if we are projecting that some day Iran is going to have a missile. Iran used a missile to place a satellite in orbit, the same technology that you would be utilizing in order to reach the continental United States. Those two technologies, the nuclear capability and the missile technology capability, are coming together to be a real threat to the United States. Now, here is the thing that just confuses me most about the administration's statements. We know that the plan that they just scrapped would have placed interceptors and radar in Europe that would have been available to protect the United States from intercontinental ballistic missiles projected by 2013, could be 2014; 2013 is when it was projected to be completed. The President comes forward with his plan and says Iran is going slower--no indication that anyone has or that we have that Iran is going slower--but all intelligence says that Iran could have this capability to reach the United States with their nuclear weapon by 2015. The President comes forward with a plan that says we are going to be ready and able to protect the continental United States by 2020? This is a gap of 5 years there, even if you use the President's numbers. You use their numbers, you go to their Web site and you see 2020. You see Iran's capability from all intelligence agencies is 2015, and they could be sooner. As Ranking Member McKeon said, they could buy it, or they could have advances. But this President, sitting here in 2009 says, I don't have to be prepared. The next generation isn't going to be prepared for the next 11 years; 2020 is 11 years away; and he says, I am not going to have the capability, I don't need the capability. I don't need the capability to protect ourselves from a country that the International Atomic Energy Agency says has the capability to produce a nuclear weapon and where our intelligence agencies say will have the capability of a missile. Representative Franks, I know you have some thoughts on that.

Mr. TURNER. Representative Bishop, you were talking about the issue of our industrial base. It has a huge impact when we defund programs because then we lose capabilities that we currently have. If we are not making these interceptors anymore, or if we are lessening the number of interceptors, then we are diminishing our capabilities to defend ourselves. But we pay a really great cost in the issue of innovation. When you defund a program, not only do you lose the intellectual capital that's there, but what we want to do next suffers. I know you have been a big advocate for ensuring that we invest in our industrial base and for ingenuity in the future. What are your thoughts on what actions that the administration has taken, its impact now?

Mr. TURNER. Representative Akin, I appreciate your work on this.

Mr. TURNER. Well, I want to thank you, Representative McKeon, our ranking member on the House Armed Services Committee. I want to thank you for your leadership on the committee, certainly for your leadership of ensuring that we have a quality defense for the United States and also for your highlighting this important issue. The issues that you've raised concerning Iran are very important. It should not be lost on anybody that, the very day the administration released its decision to drop the European site--to walk away from the Czech Republic and the Poles--the International Atomic Energy Agency released its statement that Iran was nuclear-capable, that they were capable of making a nuclear weapon. This was on the very same day, as you were saying, that the President said that there was a downgraded threat when, in fact, there is no evidence that the threat has been downgraded. I keep asking the administration to provide us any evidence that the threat is diminishing from long-range ICBM threats from Iran, and we have no information which would indicate that.

Mr. TURNER. Mr. Speaker, President Obama's decision to scrap a long- range, European-based missile defense shield was not only met with concern among our European allies, but more importantly has sounded alarms here at home where the President's action will leave the Nation vulnerable to Iranian long-range missile attack. Three years ago, in response to growing threats from Iran, the U.S. developed plans to install a missile defense system in Eastern Europe to protect Europe and the United States from potential long-range missile attack. Under the program, 10 interceptor missiles would be located in Poland and a radar station would be built in the Czech Republic by 2013. The European-based missile defense system would add an additional layer of defense to the continental United States, which already has a small network of interceptors on the west coast. The European-based missile defense shield was endorsed by our NATO allies, who called it a ``substantial contribution to their collective security.'' Now, the Obama administration has taken the unusual and highly questionable position of canceling the planned European-based missile defense system in favor of a scaled-back program that will not be ready until 2020. The threat represented by Iran is real and growing. Last February, Iran launched a satellite, demonstrating substantial progress toward achieving a reliable long-range missile program. A month later, the head of the U.S. European Command testified before the House Armed Services Committee that Iran would be able to deploy an intercontinental ballistic missile, an ICBM, capable of reaching all of Europe and parts of the United States by the year 2015. The President stated his decision was based upon reduced threats from Iran and greater cost efficiency of his alternative defense system--and anyone watching the news knows that there is no diminished threat from Iran. However, a July 2008 classified report produced by the Institute for Defense Analyses concluded that the European-based missile defense system that the administration now wants to cancel would, in fact, be the most cost effective. I have called on the administration to declassify this report so that all of the facts can be known and we can have a robust debate. Moscow has made no secret of its opposition to the European-based missile defense system and has repeatedly called for its elimination. Furthermore, European leaders have heard from Russian leaders. The Russians have continually shown that they have no intention of pressing Iran to drop its nuclear and missile programs. For its part, Iran also shows no willingness to be deterred by Russia. Yet, the administration, in courting Moscow assistance in halting Iran's nuclear missile ambitions, has effectively chosen to surrender America's bargaining position with its shelving of the proposed missile defense system. While the Obama administration's decision to reverse course on European missile defense is being met with smiles in Moscow, Americans have real reason to be concerned. By the administration's own admission, its alternative missile defense system will not be able to be fully capable until 2020, with intelligence indicating Iran will have ICBM capability by 2015. This means the United States could be vulnerable to Iranian missile attack 5 years before the administration gets its new missile defense system ready. Not only is Iran near its goal of launching ICBMs, reportedly, it has already the ability to construct a nuclear bomb. Last Thursday, a group of experts at the International Atomic Energy Agency stated, in a report obtained by the Associated Press, that Iran is already capable of building a nuclear bomb and is on the way to developing a missile system capable of carrying an atomic warhead. Remarkably, in the face of Iran's blatant actions to develop a nuclear weapons program, the administration continues to pursue a course of unilateral disarmament. Earlier this year, the President cut funding for missile interceptors to be based in Alaska as part of the ongoing construction of a homeland missile defense system, reducing the number of interceptors by one-third. I opposed that move and offered an amendment in the House to restore the funding. Unfortunately, the President's cuts were sustained by a Democrat majority of the House. The administration's record on missile defense at a time when both North Korea and Iran are seeking nuclear weapons capable of reaching the United States is troubling. This year, the administration has cut missile defense by $1.2 billion, reducing by one-third our intended west coast shield which would protect us from North Korea's advancements and has stopped a European-based system intended to protect the U.S. from Iranian missile threats. In the face of known threats, this administration needs to rededicate itself to defense of the United States' mainland. It is now my honor to recognize our ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, Buck McKeon, who represents California's 25th District, was elected in 1991, has been a leader in ensuring the United States has adequate defense, both that our troops have adequate equipment in their conflicts but also in ensuring that the United States has adequate defense systems. With that, I would like to recognize Representative McKeon.

Mr. TURNER. Mr. Akin, you raised a very good point. I'd like you to speak for a moment on this issue: The European missile defense shield that was intended for interceptors in Poland and for the radar in the Czech Republic was not just intended to protect the United States. Although, it would have provided protection to the United States by 2013, with the President's plan not providing protection to the United States, by their own Web site admission, until 2020. You make an important point that it wasn't just to protect us; it was also to protect our European allies. In addition to that, the Czechs and the Poles had gone out on a limb.

Mr. TURNER

Mr. TURNER. Madam Speaker, Statement for the Congressional Record on Member Requests in the FY2010, Departments of Defense, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Labor, and Health and Human Services Appropriations Acts. 1. Project--Integrated Electrical Starter/Generator (IES/G) Requesting Member: Michael Turner Bill Number: H.R. 2647 Account: Air Force, RDT&E Legal Name of Requesting Entity: GE Aviation Systems, Electrical Power Address of Requesting Entity: 740 E. National Rd, Vandalia, OH 45377 Description of Request: Funding would be used to help develop a pre- prototype, sensor-less IES/G to demonstrate the feasibility of supplying both main engine start function and the electrical power necessary to operate all aircraft systems. 2. Project--Production of Nanocomposites for Aeorospace Applications Requesting Member: Michael Turner Bill Number: H.R. 2647 Account: Air Force, RDT&E Legal Name of Requesting Entity: NanoSperse, LLC Address of Requesting Entity: 2000 Composite Drive, Kettering, OH 45420 Description of Request: Funding being requested will transition nano- materials technology into Air Force applications. 3. Project--Open Source Research Centers Requesting Member: Michael Turner Bill Number: H.R. 2647 Account: Air Force, RDT&E Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Radiance Technologies Address of Requesting Entity: 3100 Presidential Dr, Suite 200, Fairborn, Ohio 45324 Description of Request: Funding being requested will provide support to government agencies that are already over-burdened with classified research requirements and do not have resources to meet the open source requirements. 4. Project--Tactical Metal Fabrication System (TacFab) Requesting Member: Michael Turner Bill Number: H.R. 2647 Account: Army, RDT&E Legal Name of Requesting Entity: BuyCASTINGS.com, Inc. Address of Requesting Entity: 2411 Crosspointe Drive, Miamisburg, OH 45342 Description of Request: Funding being requested will help Tactical Metal Fabrication (TacFab) System design, develop and build a mobile, containerized foundry, deployable overseas as a companion to RMS, the Army's Rapid Manufacturing System. 5. Project--Ohio Clean & Green Statewide Bus Replacement Program Requesting Member: Michael Turner Bill Number: H.R. 3288 Account: Buses & Bus Facilities Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Ohio Department of Transportation Address of Requesting Entity: 2208 Arlington Avenue, #3, Columbus, Ohio 43221 Description of Request: Funding will go toward a statewide bus replacement program. Specifically, funds will help replace 78 diesel buses in the Greater Dayton RTA's fleet that have exceeded their useful lives and will become economically inefficient to continue to operate. 6. Project--Renaissance Alliance Project--St. Mary Development Corporation building acquisition and demolition Requesting Member: Michael Turner Bill Number: H.R. 3288 Account: Economic Development Initiatives Legal Name of Requesting Entity: St. Mary Development Corporation Address of Requesting Entity: 713 West Grand Avenue, Dayton, OH 45406 Description of Request: Funding will go toward the acquisition and demolition of a total of three buildings on Salem Avenue, and five blighted residential buildings identified by the Five Oaks Neighborhood Improvement Association for redevelopment. 7. Project--The Murphy Theatre building renovation Requesting Member: Michael Turner Bill Number: H.R. 3288 Account: Economic Development Initiatives Legal Name of Requesting Entity: The Murphy Theatre Community Center, Inc Address of Requesting Entity: 50 West Main Street, Wilmington, OH 45177 Description of Request: Funding will go toward the complete renovation of The Murphy Theatre. The theater is the focal point of downtown Wilmington, Ohio. 8. Project--Wright-Dunbar Redevelopment Project building renovation Requesting Member: Michael Turner Bill Number: H.R. 3288 Account: Economic Development Initiatives Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Wright-Dunbar, Inc. Address of Requesting Entity: 1105 West Third Street, Dayton, OH 45402 Description of Request: Funding will go toward the build-out of approximately three historic buildings in this neighborhood to make them tenant-ready for business occupancy. 9. Project--Wilmington College, Wilmington, OH for facilities and equipment Requesting Member: Michael Turner Bill Number: H.R. 3293 Account: Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)--Health Facilities and Services Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Wilmington College Address of Requesting Entity: 1870 Quaker Way, Wilmington, Ohio 45177 Description of Request: Funding will go toward the renovation and modernization of the existing facility at Wilmington College in Clinton County, Ohio, as well as a new addition that will feature laboratory, classroom, and conference space. 10. Project--DaytonDefense, Beavercreek, OH for a job training initiative Requesting Member: Michael Turner Bill Number: H.R. 3293 Account: Employment and Training Administration (ETA)--Training & Employment Services (TES) Legal Name of Requesting Entity: DaytonDefense Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 341414, Beavercreek, OH 45343- 1414 Description of Request: Funds will go toward creation of a workforce center that will provide a unique capability for anticipatory response to workforce needs that are peculiar to the incoming new contracts generated by the BRAC; and subsequently in response to the accelerated workforce attrition within the defense sector. 11. Project--Workforce Services Unlimited, Inc., Circleville, OH for a job training initiative Requesting Member: Michael Turner Bill Number: H.R. 3293 Account: Employment and Training Administration (ETA)--Training & Employment Services (TES) Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Workforce Services Unlimited, Inc. d.b.a. 501(c)(3) Address of Requesting Entity: 200 East High Street, P.O. Box 220, Circleville, Ohio 43113 Description of Request: This project will supplement existing Department of Labor Emergency Grant services to Wilmington Air Park workers and primary and secondary employers, where more than 10,000 jobs are lost as a result of DHL leaving the U.S. market. The funds will also assist with retraining of workers displaced from G.M., Delphi, Ford, and numerous auto-related parts companies in the same area.

Mr. TURNER

Mr. TURNER. Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 661, inadvertently voted ``aye'', intending to vote ``no.'' Parliamentary Inquiry

Mr. TURNER

Mr. TURNER. Mr. Speaker, my father retired from General Motors after over 40 years. When General Motors closed their assembly plant in Moraine, Ohio, thousands of lifelong GM employees lost their jobs. Now, due to the Obama administration's negotiated bankruptcy, the retirees are at risk of losing their health care benefits. Isn't it ironic that as this House tries to rush through a misguided health care bill, the Federal Government has denied IUE-CWA workers in my community their promised health care benefits? With the Federal Government now owning over 60 percent of General Motors, it's time to honor the promises that were given to these workers, including my father. I have joined my Ohio colleagues in asking President Obama to not discriminate between UAW and non-UAW retirees in protecting their health care benefits. I have also talked to the President of GM last week, asking for fair treatment of these employees. Now it's reported that GM will apply for more than $10 billion in additional government funding. If President Obama is serious about health care, he should start by protecting the GM workers who are losing their benefits in this administration's acquisition of General Motors.

Mr. TURNER

Mr. TURNER. Mr. Chairman, this amendment is a pro-veteran amendment that would prohibit HUD funds from going toward enforcing regulations against a veteran's preference in HUD financing or HUD-financed housing that is built on a VA campus or is using a VA-enhanced use lease. This issue came to light in the Third District of Ohio because of a conflict between HUD rules and regulations and VA rules and regulations. In Dayton, Ohio, the St. Mary's Neighborhood Development Corporation has been attempting for several years to construct senior housing on the campus of the Dayton VA Medical Center. St. Mary's was able to obtain an enhanced-use lease from the VA to construct the housing on the Dayton VA campus. They were also able to obtain HUD section 202 funding that would allow for the financing of the construction for low-income senior housing. So we have VA providing the land and HUD providing funding, both VA and HUD agreeing that this would be an excellent project to help us respond to homeless veterans, to provide low-income housing for veterans, and also to respond to the needs of seniors in the community. However, HUD has previously asserted that St. Mary's may not be able to use these critical dollars if the VA lease requires a specific preference for veterans to occupy the proposed facility on the VA grounds. HUD has prohibited a preference given to veterans housing in this facility on the Dayton VA campus. The VA rules and regulations require that the VA assert and request a preference for that housing to be built on their campus. This amendment seeks to solve this issue by prohibiting funds in the bill to allow HUD to enforce their restriction against a preference for veterans. This is good for seniors, and this is good for veterans. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TURNER. Thank you, Mr. LaTourette. I appreciate you yielding time to me. Wilmington, Ohio, is in my congressional district, and it has seen a number of challenges over recent years. Of course, all across the country we are all experiencing the economic downturn, but specifically, in Wilmington, Ohio, they are experiencing the closure of DHL's North American hub, which was located there. The closure of DHL's operations will result in the loss of approximately 8,000 jobs, mainly in Clinton and Highland Counties in my district. As a result, the Ohio delegation has sought increased Federal assistance to help the community as they recover from this economic emergency. The Ohio delegation has been successful in acquiring Federal dollars to help retrain former DHL employees and also help to create an economic development plan to move the community forward with possession of the Wilmington Airpark. Additionally, I have sought congressional earmarked funding for Wilmington projects which are needed, especially given their special economic circumstances. The 91-year-old Murphy Theatre in Wilmington, Ohio, is both a local landmark and a community center that still hosts a wide range of events. The Murphy Theatre, which opened in 1918, was placed on the National Register in 1982, and the Murphy Theatre soon became the actual, as well as symbolic, heart of the downtown. The Murphy even hosted a John Philip Sousa concert. Today the Murphy Theatre hosts an average of 35 events a year, serving approximately 6,000 adults and 4,000 children. Funding for this project will provide critical infrastructure assistance to ensure the viability of this local landmark. In addition to air conditioning and heating replacement, the Murphy Theatre needs roof repair, new auditorium seating, and interior plasterwork repairs from damage sustained from the leaky roof. Wilmington hasn't the funds to perform even basic repairs to stabilize the condition of this American landmark. This funding request is vital to protect a historic treasure and also to ensure that it continues to meet strong local demand as a community center for entertainment and town activities. Mr. Chair, I submit for the Record copies of letters in support of the project from David Raizk, the mayor of Wilmington; Randy Riley, a Clinton County commissioner; and Donny Mongold, the president of the Murphy board of trustees. The City of Wilmington, Wilmington, Ohio, July 22, 2009. Re Murphy Theatre Restoration Assistance--$250,000. Hon. Michael Turner, Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Congressman Turner: I am writing today in support of a federal appropriation for $250,000 for the Murphy Theatre in Wilmington, Ohio. For many years the historic Murphy Theatre has struggled with the need to replace the HVAC system and restore the building to modern standards. The Murphy Theatre Board has done an excellent job at maintaining the facility but are now at a point where major renovations must occur. In the heart of the downtown business district, the Murphy Theatre is one of our anchor businesses. This funding will make it possible for the Murphy to serve that key role for many generations to come and will help keep the heart of downtown Wilmington vibrant for our citizens, visitors, and other businesses. Sincerely yours, David L. Raizk, Mayor.

Mr. TURNER. I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. TURNER. I appreciate their support. I'm happy to yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. TURNER

Mr. TURNER. Mr. Speaker, I support this resolution (H. Res. 607) honoring the tremendous achievement of the crew of Apollo 11 and the thousands who labored for nearly a decade to lay the groundwork for the first human landing on the surface of the Moon. Today marks the 40th anniversary of this historic flight that challenged and changed America. In Dayton, Ohio--the Birthplace of Aviation--the Wright Brothers set the process of human flight in motion. Today, Dayton is home to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the U.S. Air Force Museum, and the National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF). The National Aviation Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization founded in Dayton in 1962 and chartered by Congress in 1964 to honor America's outstanding air and space pioneers. I congratulate the Apollo 11 crew on their magnificent accomplishment of being the first to land successfully on the Moon. Dayton welcomed the Apollo astronauts this past weekend during two days of special events spotlighting their service. On July 17, all of the Apollo astronauts, including the Apollo 11 crew, were honored by the National Aviation Hall of Fame with the ``Spirit of Flight'' Award for their contributions to the advancement of flight. Thirteen of the original Apollo program astronauts attended the event held in the U.S. Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson AFB Friday night, including Ohio native Neil Armstrong. The former Apollo crewmen also participated in a panel discussion about their experiences in space. Dayton was also pleased to host on July 18 ``America's Oscar Night of Aviation'' as the National Aviation Hall of Fame enshrined four aviation legends. Those honored included astronaut Edward White, II, who made America's first spacewalk on the Gemini IV mission. White lost his life in a flash fire that occurred during an Apollo 1 launch pad test at the Kennedy Space Center. Also inducted into the 2009 Class of the National Aviation Hall of Fame was astronaut Eileen Collins, the Air Force's first female flight instructor and the first female Space Shuttle commander. From the Wright Brothers, to the Apollo program crews, to our Shuttle astronauts, America should pause to reflect upon the bravery, sacrifice and service of our aviation pioneers. They have inspired us not only to reach higher, but also to dream that anything is possible.

Mr. TURNER

Mr. TURNER. Madam Speaker, I submit the following statement regarding Member Requests Associated with the following bills: The FY2010 National Defense Authorization Act, the FY2010 Military Construction/VA Appropriations Act, the FY2010 Department of Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, and the FY2010 Department of Agriculture Appropriations Act 1. Project--Integrated Electrical Starter/Generator (IES/G) Requesting Member: Michael Turner Bill Number: H.R. 2647 Account: Air Force, RDT&E Legal Name of Requesting Entity: GE Aviation Systems, Electrical Power Address of Requesting Entity: 740 E. National Rd, Vandalia, OH 45377 Description of Request: The funding would be used to help develop a pre-prototype, sensor-less IES/G to demonstrate the feasibility of supplying both main engine start function and the electrical power necessary to operate all aircraft systems. 2. Project--Production of Nanocomposites for Aeorospace Applications Requesting Member: Michael Turner Bill Number: H.R. 2647 Account: Air Force, RDT&E Legal Name of Requesting Entity: NanoSperse, LLC Address of Requesting Entity: 2000 Composite Drive, Kettering, OH 45420 Description of Request: The funding being requested will transition nano-materials technology into Air Force applications. 3. Project--Open Source Research Centers Requesting Member: Michael Turner Bill Number: H.R. 2647 Account: Air Force, RDT&E Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Radiance Technologies Address of Requesting Entity: 3100 Presidential Dr, Suite 200, Fairborn, Ohio 45324 Description of Request: The funding being requested will provide support to government agencies that are already overburdened with classified research requirements and do not have resources to meet the open source requirements. 4. Project--Tactical Metal Fabrication System (TacFab) Requesting Member: Michael Turner Bill Number: H.R. 2647 Account: Army, RDT&E Legal Name of Requesting Entity: BuyCASTINGS.com, Inc. Address of Requesting Entity: 2411 Crosspointe Drive, Miamisburg, OH 45342 Description of Request: The funding being requested will help Tactical Metal Fabrication (TacFab) System design, develop and build a mobile, containerized foundry, deployable overseas as a companion to RMS, the Army's Rapid Manufacturing System. 5. Project--Replace West Ramp, Phase 2 Requesting Member: Michael Turner Bill Number: H.R. 2647 Account: Air Force, Mil Con Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Address of Requesting Entity: Dayton, OH Description of Request: The funding would be used to remove and replace existing concrete pavement, base, and adjacent paved shoulders at the West Ramp; also relocate underground utilities and warm-up pad. Provide taxiwedge lighting, blast deflector, drainage and markings, and all necessary support. 6. Project--Nano-Composite Structures Manufacturing Technology Development Requesting Member: Michael Turner Bill Number: H.R. 2647 Account: Air Force, RDT&E Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Vector Composites, Inc. Address of Requesting Entity: 3251 McCall Street Dayton, OH 45417 Description of Request: The funding being requested will enable the nano-composite materials and structures manufacturing technology development and demonstration from this R&D project to meet national defense needs by providing lighter weight and lower cost composite structures manufacturing processes for defense systems applications such as sensor and weapon platforms. 7. Project--Commercialization of High-Rate Polyimide Composites for Military and Commercial Aircraft Requesting Member: Michael Turner Bill Number: H.R. 2647 Account: Air Force, RDT&E Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Renegade Materials Corporation Address of Requesting Entity: 3363 South Tech Blvd. Springboro, Ohio 45342 Description of Request: The funding being requested will make it possible to complete the materials testing database which is essential to all aircraft qualifications that the new, high temperature, high- rate polyimide composite materials will have to successfully pass in order to see use on military and commercial aircraft. 8. Project--Rapid Automated Processing of Advanced Low Observables Requesting Member: Michael Turner Bill Number: H.R. 2647 Account: Air Force, RDT&E Legal Name of Requesting Entity: ATK Aerospace Structures Address of Requesting Entity: 1365 Technology Court, Dayton, Ohio 45430 Description of Request: The funding being requested will make it possible to develop an automated, cost savings Frequency Selective Surfaces (FSS) process that military combat aircraft and naval vessels rely extensively on to provide situational awareness and threat termination. 9. Project--Technical Sensors Integrated Ground Station Requesting Member: Michael Turner Bill Number: H.R. 2647 Account: Air Force, RDT&E Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. Address of Requesting Entity: 2875 Presidential Drive; Suite 180 Fairborn, OH 45324 Description of Request: The funding being requested will enable the Air Force, through NASIC, to satisfy ODNI guidance to transition Tech Sensors into an operational environment. 10. Project--Advanced Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) Requesting Member: Michael Turner Bill Number: H.R. 2647 Account: Air Force, RDT&E Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Advanced Technical Intelligence Center for Human Capital Development (ATIC) Address of Requesting Entity: 2685 Hibiscus Way, Suite 110, Beavercreek, OH 45431 Description of Request: The funding being requested will enable ATIC to continue and expand its mission to educate future technical intelligence experts while conducting basic research necessary to sustain technology advancements in support of the Intelligence Community and the warfighter. 11. Project--Advanced Meta Materials Requesting Member: Michael Turner Bill Number: H.R. 2647 Account: Air Force, RDT&E Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Mound Laser & Photonics Center, Inc. Address of Requesting Entity: 965 Capstone Drive, Suite 308, Miamisburg, OH 45342 Description of Request: The funding being requested will be used to design, model, and fabricate meta material systems that could be incorporated into aircraft antenna designs which could be used to significantly improve antenna technology and performance. 12. Project--The City of Vandalia for airport access road water and sewer extensions Requesting Member: Michael Turner Bill Number: H.R. 2996 Account: STAG Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Project Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Vandalia, Vandalia, OH Address of Requesting Entity: 333 James Bohanan Drive, Vandalia, OH 45377 Description of Request: Funding for this project will go toward the extension of water and sanitary sewer lines west from Peters Pike across the Airport Access Road. The installation of these utilities will increase the value of the property and pave the way for future economic development on the west side of Vandalia adjacent to the Dayton International Airport. 13. Project--Replace West Ramp, Phase 2 Requesting Member: Michael Turner Bill Number: H.R. 3082 Account: Air Force, Mil Con Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Address of Requesting Entity: Dayton, OH Description of Request: The funding would be used to remove and replace existing concrete pavement, base, and adjacent paved shoulders at the West Ramp; and also relocate underground utilities and warm-up pad. Provide taxiwedge lighting, blast deflectors, drainage and markings, and all necessary support. 14. Project--Dietary Intervention, OH Requesting Member: Michael Turner Bill Number: H.R. 2997 Account: RE/FA Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Ohio Agriculture Research and Development Center Address of Requesting Entity: 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster, OH 44691 Description of Request: This phase of the project is to initiate a trial to: (1) evaluate the ability of freeze-dried black raspberries (FBR) to prevent the recurrence of colorectal cancer; (2) initiate a trial to determine the ability of FBR to prevent gastric (stomach) cancer; and (3) investigate the metabolism of berry ellagitannins and anthocyanins and determine the bioactivity of the metabolites. 15. Project--Holes Creek, West Carrollton, OH Requesting Member: Michael Turner Bill Number: H.R. 3183 Account: Corps of Engineers Construction Legal Name of Requesting Entity: The Miami Conservancy District Address of Requesting Entity: 38 East Monument Avenue, Dayton, OH 45402 Description of Request: This project protects approximately 600 homes in West Carrollton, Moraine and Miami Township (Montgomery County) from flooding. Funds will go toward the construction of a levee and floodwall to also protect 13 commercial and industrial properties north of the creek, and purchase three flood-prone properties south of the creek and remove the structures, completing this flood protection project. 16. Project--Ohio Environmental Infrastructure, OH: City of Hillsboro, Highland County, OH Requesting Member: Michael Turner Bill Number: H.R. 3183 Account: Corps of Engineers, Construction Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Hillsboro, Ohio Address of Requesting Entity: 130 N. High Street, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133 Description of Request: Hillsboro, Ohio, located in rural Highland County is in need of updating its Wastewater Treatment Facility and wastewater infrastructure. Specifically, the funds requested would be used for the construction of needed improvements to their wastewater treatment plant and the installation of additional equalization basins. Funds will also be used to upgrade aging water infrastructure for the treatment of waste. 17. Project--Ohio Environmental Infrastructure, OH: Village of Blanchester, Clinton County, OH Requesting Member: Michael Turner Bill Number: H.R. 3183 Account: Corps of Engineers, Construction Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Village of Blanchester, Ohio Address of Requesting Entity: 318 E. Main Street, Suite 302, PO Box 158 Blanchester, Ohio 45107 Description of Request: Blanchester, Ohio located in rural Clinton County, Ohio has a wastewater treatment system which is over capacity. Funds for this project will be used to increase treatment system capacity to assist this community in their compliance with state EPA standards. 18. Project--Miamisburg Mound Energy Park Redevelopment Requesting Member: Michael Turner Bill Number: H.R. 3183 Account: Department of Energy, Other Defense Activities Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Miamisburg Mound Community Improvement Corporation Address of Requesting Entity: 965 Capstone Drive, P.O. Box 232 Miamisburg, Ohio 45342 Description of Request: Funds for this project will go toward the redevelopment of the Miamisburg Mound, a former Department of Energy facility which is currently undergoing extensive environmental remediation. The site will be redeveloped into a science and technology business park.

Mr. TURNER

Mr. TURNER. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 594, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. TURNER

Mr. TURNER. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 595, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. TURNER

Mr. TURNER. Mr. Speaker, I am a cosponsor of H. Con. Res. 131 which directs the Architect of the Capitol to engrave the National Motto, ``In God We Trust,'' and the Pledge of Allegiance in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. Over one million visitors have passed through the new U.S. Capitol Visitor Center since it was opened in December 2008. The new Visitor Center is more than just a pathway to the 200-year-old Capitol. It is also a museum and classroom. In it you will find historic documents, including the patent drawing for the Wright Brothers' Flying Machine. The Visitor Center is a magnificent addition to the Capitol, but it is incomplete without our National Motto, ``In God We Trust,'' as well as the Pledge of Allegiance. This resolution will ensure that these important words are given appropriate recognition. Our national reverence to God is fundamental in our history. Our National Motto and the Pledge of Allegiance both mention God. Yet, there have been attempts, including a 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decision in 2002, to remove references to ``God'' from government. In 2007, I joined in a successful effort to reverse one such prohibition. When a 17-year-old Eagle Scout from Dayton, Ohio, wanted to honor his grandfather's ``dedication and love of God, Country, and family'' with a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol, the Architect of the Capitol censored the word ``God'' from the flag certificate. I strongly objected and introduced legislation to permanently allow religious references on Capitol flag certificates. The Architect of the Capitol later reversed his position and restored the reference to God on the flag certificate. It's important that America's traditions, religious freedom and freedom of expression be promoted and protected. I support this resolution and urge its adoption.

Mr. TURNER

Mr. TURNER. Mr. Speaker, a growing number of Americans are concerned about the future of capitalism in this country. The current economic recession has opened the door to government intervention in private enterprise on a scale many have never seen. A majority of Americans oppose the government takeover of the auto manufacturers and want the government out as soon as possible. Just as troubling as the government's rapid control over private industry is the failure to present an exit strategy. With no apparent limit on the government's ability to expand its ownership of business, the only solution is a constitutional amendment. Yesterday I introduced H.J. Res. 57, the Preserving Capitalism in America Amendment. The constitutional amendment would prohibit the acquisition of any stock or equity interest in private corporations by the Federal Government. This amendment was introduced with 102 cosponsors, nearly a quarter of the membership of the House. Eight States currently have constitutional prohibitions against government investment in private corporations, and I believe similar action is necessary on the Federal level to limit government intrusion. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.J. Res. 57, the Preserving Capitalism in America amendment.

Mr. TURNER

Mr. TURNER. Mr. Chairman, I rise to speak in favor of the Franks amendment. I was very disappointed with the administration's decision to cut $1.2 billion out of missile defense funding below the fiscal year 2009 funding. Make no mistake, this is a cut. We are going to spend $1.2 billion less than we spent in 2009. We are going to do this while we have increasing threats, not decreasing threats, to the United States. And make no mistake, the Department of Defense has not provided one data point. They have not provided one study. They have not provided any information, no intelligence that indicates we have a reduced threat, all the while we know with this reduced threat, there is no justification for a reduction. I am concerned with the top-line missile defense cut, I am deeply concerned about the specific cuts that include a 35 percent cut to the Ground-based Midcourse Defense system in Alaska and California, and the administration decision to decrease the planned number of field interceptors, which is our response to North Korea's ICBMs, terminate construction of a missile field in Alaska that is partially complete, and curtail additional GMD development. I support the Franks amendment. While we have an increased threat, we should not be decreasing our commitment to missile defense.

Mr. TURNER. Thank you, Ranking Member McKeon. I want to thank our chairman for his support for an amendment that's in the en bloc. Two weeks ago, Jim Marshall and I introduced the NATO First bill. With the chairman's support, six out of eight of the provisions of that bill are included in some form of the National Defense Authorization Act that recognized support for our allies in Europe. As the U.S. and Russia begin our START negotiations of the previous START Treaty expiring at the end of 2009, it's important for us to set some framework. This amendment would limit the use of FY 2010 defense funds to implement reductions for U.S. strategic nuclear forces pursuant to a treaty with Russia, for example, START, unless the President certifies that the treaty: one, provides sufficient verification mechanisms; two, does not limit U.S. ballistic missile defense systems capabilities or advanced conventional weapons capabilities; and that the National Nuclear Security Administration is sufficiently funded. The amendment also requires a report on U.S. and Russian nonstrategic nuclear weapons. I want to thank Roger Zakheim from our staff, who worked diligently for the drafting of the NATO First bill and also for the accomplishment of these amendments. I want to thank the chairman who has continued to work in a bipartisan way to accomplish a number of provisions in this bill that are important to our national security, and I believe this is certainly one of them.

Mr. TURNER

Mr. TURNER. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the House Republican standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2847. (1) Project--Wilmington Police Department--Equipment Replacement and Modernization Requesting Member: Michael R. Turner Bill Number: H.R. 2847 Account: OJP--Byrne Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Wilmington Police Department Address of Requesting Entity: 69 N South St., Wilmington, Ohio 45177 Description of Project: Located in rural Clinton County, Ohio, the Wilmington Police and Fire Department are in need of equipment modernization in order to more effectively serve the first responder needs of the community. Funds for this request will be used to replace computer equipment for the Department in order to increase public safety. (2) Project--Improved Solutions for Urban Systems--21st Century Jobs for Disengaged Youth Requesting Member: Michael R. Turner Bill Number: H.R. 2847 Account: OJP--JJ Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Improved Solutions for Urban Systems (ISUS) Address of Requesting Entity: 140 N. Keowee St., Dayton, OH 45402 Description of Project: Improved Solutions for Urban Systems is looking to expand upon their already successful model of providing education and job training for at-risk youth. Funds for this project will be used to support and train disengaged youth for 21st Century jobs, such as ``green collar'' jobs.

Mr. TURNER

Mr. TURNER. I would like to thank and congratulate Chairman Skelton, Ranking Member McKeon and his predecessor John McHugh, who has been nominated for Secretary of the Army, and lend my support for H.R. 2647, the fiscal year 2010 National Defense Authorization Act. I would also like to thank Mrs. Tauscher, Chairwoman of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee. She has provided a strong and thoughtful voice on national security issues. I wish her the very best in her new position as Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security. This bill contains sound bipartisan provisions that provide key capabilities to our warfighters, strengthens our Nation's strategic forces and sustains the intellectual capital supporting our national security infrastructure. The National Nuclear Security Administration is provided with the flexibility necessary to increase the long-term reliability, safety and security of our nuclear weapons stockpile. I was disappointed, however, that the bill implements the administration's missile defense cut of $1.2 billion. Given North Korea's widely publicized nuclear missile tests and missile launches, not to mention Iran's recent missile tests, cuts in missile defense challenge common sense. I cannot reconcile why the administration has decided to decrease missile defense funding while daily news reports, substantiated by our own intelligence agencies, articulate an increasing missile threat. Despite the current threat posed by North Korea, including reports of a potential ICBM launch, the committee rejected amendments, many that were offered by myself and my colleagues, to restore missile defense funds. This included providing a modest amount of funds to complete a partially constructed missile interceptor field in Alaska designed to protect the U.S. homeland. Ironically, the bill includes $80 million for dismantling North Korea's missile program. I don't think anyone actually believes that Kim Jong Il is going to allow the Obama administration to enter North Korea and dismantle its nuclear weapons program. Unfortunately, the administration's $1.2 billion cut has set up false choices between protection of the United States homeland and protection of our forward-deployed troops and allies. Both are necessary, and both could have been adequately funded without such deep cuts. I am, however, pleased this bill included key provisions of the bipartisan NATO First bill that my colleague Mr. Marshall and I introduced to fortify America's transatlantic security links with our European allies. I want to thank the chairman for his efforts, including these provisions in this bill. Lastly I would like to thank Jane Harman, Joe Wilson and Susan Davis for their support and assistance as this bill includes strong provisions to enhance sexual assault protections for women in uniform. Also with the chairman's support, this bill includes provisions that would protect the custody rights of our men and women who are serving. Unbelievably, courts across this country have denied our men and women their custody rights as a result of their absence in serving their country. Secretary Gates has committed to work with this committee, and I look forward to his work on this. I would like to encourage support for the 2010 National Defense Authorization Act.