Fred Upton

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Barton. I was one that several years ago helped write this legislation that we're amending today, and the reason that we did it was because we listened to the 9/11 Commission, and their number one recommendation was our first responders need the analog spectrum. They have got to have that so that they can communicate with each other. The fire fighters have got to get the same message that the police folks got on that fateful day back in September. In Katrina, the Coast Guard folks couldn't talk to the sheriffs as they tried to rescue people off the roofs, and we knew that it was because of the spectrum. They did not have the slice of the analog spectrum necessary so they could communicate. So the 9/11 Commission made their report, and then they did a follow- up report a couple of years later, and they said Congress still hasn't acted, and they took all of us on. They gave us a flunking grade, E, and we came back and said, well, there was a number of things that had to happen. We had to convert the television stations from analog to digital. We had to make sure that we stop selling analog TV sets. We had to be able to develop the technology and be able to get it out to these converter boxes, and we actually came up with a way that could help fund the consumer to pay for that box so that they could get the picture over the air. Our broadcasters have done a marvelous job. They have spent more than $1 billion across the country informing the Nation about the February 17 date, a date that we set, Chairman Barton and myself, more than 3 years ago. And our broadcasters, like my Channel 22 in South Bend, Indiana, which broadcasts in Indiana and Michigan wrote me almost a month ago and it says, ``Anticipating the February 17 analog shutoff, WSBT is in the process of converting our backup analog transmitter to digital. This means there is currently no backup for our analog signal in the event of any technical failure to the primary transmitter. We do not stock any backup analog transmitter parts. We have been told that the age of the parts means they are likely to fail soon and replacements are either not in stock or exceptionally difficult and expensive to find.'' The Fraternal Order of Police, understanding probably better than just about anyone else is relating to the need for access to analog spectrum, says this particularly with the arguments that were made by some previous speakers in support of this bill. ``While S. 328 would still allow broadcasters to voluntarily transition by 17 February, subject to current FCC regulations, and allow public safety to occupy this vacated spectrum, unless all the surrounding broadcast stations also voluntarily transition, it is unlikely anyone can move.'' That's the point. They're ready. So are our consumers. The NTIA told this body in November that they were going to have trouble with the coupons, and we should have acted then to do a number of different things in terms of figuring out how to appropriate the money.

Mr. UPTON. If we had acted then to figure out how we could send these coupons out, not use third-class mail but first-class mail, we could have easily fixed this without the costs so that our consumers, our broadcasters, and yes, our first responders would be able to have this spectrum available on February 17. But we didn't do that job. We didn't do it, and here we are today now looking, after spending more than $1 billion to inform the consuming public about February 17, we're just going to move it to June 12. Who knows if it moves again. Dates have meaning. Americans know about the date called April 15, the date that we pay our taxes; yet there are still a number of folks who don't file on time. We need to file on time. We need this analog transition date to stick so that if we do have another emergency, particularly in the next couple of months, whether it be our police, our fire fighters, our EMS folks, that they will begin to have that technology so they can communicate to save lives. That's what this is about. Please vote ``no.''

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mrs. Josephine Arnold of Portage, Michigan, for her nearly 30 years of distinguished service to the Portage Senior Center and the greater Kalamazoo area. Jo began working with the Portage Senior Center in 1979 and was named its charter director in 1992 when the Portage City Council created the Department of Senior Services to give the senior center a direct link to the council. Since its inception 30 years ago, the Portage Senior Center has gained 2,000 members and currently has a regular daily attendance of 200 senior citizens. Under Jo's leadership in 2000, the Portage Senior Center became Michigan's first nationally accredited senior center and one of an elite group of 127 centers that have been nationally accredited. Throughout the years, Jo's overriding goal at the center has been to promote personal growth, health, friendship, and independence for area seniors and all generation participants. In addition to her career with the city of Portage, Jo has been an active community member as an instructor at Kalamazoo Valley Community College and as the activities director of Friendship Village. Jo has been an inspirational figure, exuding friendship, generosity, and leadership in her commitment to a population often neglected by society. Her dedication to community development will be remembered for years to come and her example followed to continue to aid senior citizens in Kalamazoo. Once again, I would like to personally congratulate and thank Jo Arnold for her many years of public service to the citizens of this great country. Southwest Michigan is truly a better place because of her contributions.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, 4 months ago, this Nation was not talking about a bailout. They weren't talking, say, about a bad economy, although it was certainly weak in Michigan, to say the least. We weren't talking about the loss of 525,000 jobs the month before. No, we were talking about energy and the need for an all-American energy plan. Part of that debate was to wean us off foreign oil and to develop the cars that, in fact, will do just that. As I sat down with Ford and with Chrysler and with GM and saw their Volt and the other vehicles, we were excited. We were going to make a lot of progress to wean us off foreign energy, but we could only do it if we got the money to retool. Four months ago, in August, we, in fact, got the tip that the lenders weren't lending. No. They were coming in at 20 percent interest rates. That's what they were going to charge. We went to the administration. We went to the leadership on both sides of this Congress, and we said, if that happens, they'll never get the money; we'll never build these cars, and these companies will go bankrupt before the end of the year. Sadly, we are here today on December 10, and that may exactly happen if we do not get a bill to the President's desk. It looks like our prediction from last August may be right on track, but if you thought 525,000 jobs lost last month was a problem, you wait until we get to 2 million to 3 million jobs when we lose those in a month or two if we don't get this bill done. This isn't new money that we're asking for. It has already been directed. It has already been appropriated. What we ask is just redirection to help a domestic industry so that we can make these vehicles in America--that's right--made in America, not someplace else. China, as my colleague Sandy Levin has indicated, has already approved $55 billion for the domestic auto manufacturing in China. Europe is doing the same thing.

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, we are in a recession now. We've been in one in Michigan for a long time. You can only imagine where we're going to go--into a deep recession for who knows how long if we don't get this money approved for the Big 3 so that we can build the cars that consumers want that will wean us off foreign oil.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Gary L. Cramer of Kalamazoo, Michigan for his years of outstanding service to Kalamazoo Charter Township and the State of Michigan. Gary began his work as a public official in 1980, when he was elected to serve as Kalamazoo Township trustee. Over the next 16 years, Gary distinguished himself as a clear-thinking and approachable leader, earning him the trust and respect of government, business, and community leaders alike. In his capacity as trustee, Gary also assumed an active role as a township fire commissioner and as a member of the city planning commission. From the role of trustee, Gary was elected to the position of township supervisor, where he admirably served the residents of Kalamazoo Township from 1996 to 2008. For those 12 years, Gary also worked as a member of the Kalamazoo Township Policy and Administration Committee, the Kalamazoo Area Transportation Study, the Coalition for Urban Redevelopment, the Kalamazoo Regional Water & Wastewater Commission, and the Community Action Board. In 1999, he was elected to the Michigan Township Association Board, where he retired as president in 2008. Gary has always risen above the fray of partisan politics to ensure that the interests of those he represents are met. As both an administrator and representative, he truly exemplifies the best of the public servant. Once again, I would like to congratulate and express my gratitude to Gary Cramer for his many years of distinguished service to the residents of Kalamazoo Township. Southwest Michigan is truly stronger because of his contributions.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Gloria Cooper of Niles, Michigan for over two decades of broadcasting excellence. For nearly a quarter century, we in southwest Michigan welcomed Gloria into our homes as the hostess of the popular ``Here's Gloria'' and ``Gloria's Place'' radio programs on WNIL-AM 1290. Since she first hit the airwaves in 1966, Gloria's in-depth interviews and community focus through the years earned her the reputation as the ``Voice of Niles.'' In 2006, Gloria took her show to the Web where she has continued to educate and entertain her faithful listeners. On November 24, Gloria will record her final interview, marking the end of an era. We will all miss Gloria's voice over the airwaves and Internet. She is a treasure of our community, and I will miss being ``grilled'' by my friend on the pressing issues of the day. Once again, I would like to congratulate and express my gratitude to Gloria Cooper for her many years of distinguished service to the residents of Berrien County. I wish Gloria and her husband Richard all the best. May God continue to bless the entire Cooper family. Gloria's gift of communication has enriched us all.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to Mr. William Johnson of St. Joseph, Michigan. An accomplished businessman and community leader, Bill Johnson is retiring from the board of directors of Lakeland Health Care after more than 33 years of service. During that time he has led Lakeland through a period of phenomenal growth, with the construction of new facilities, the addition of state- of-the-art equipment, and many awards for quality health care. Beginning back in 1975, Bill Johnson has used his leadership and team building skills to implement hospital mergers, build model care programs, and develop world-class community health initiatives. Since 1993, Bill Johnson has served as the chairman of the Lakeland Health Care Board, and he leaves a legacy that will shape health care in southwest Michigan for years to come. Bill Johnson was born in Lincoln, Illinois, and graduated from the University of Illinois. He served his country as a first lieutenant and company commander in the United States Army. Following that service to his country, he became an innovative and respected business leader. He was president of Heath Company, vice president of strategic alliances for Zenith Data Systems, and even after his retirement, he came back as chief operating officer for Gast Manufacturing Corporation. He brought his business experience and entrepreneurial flair to Lakeland Health Care and to a number of other community organizations. And while Bill Johnson formally steps down as the chairman of the board, we all know he will continue to be involved in the community he loves. He and his wife Patt and family are true cornerstones of our corner of Michigan.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to honor Mrs. Bernice Metzger, Michigan's Outstanding Older Worker for 2008. Bernice is 74 years old, but has never let her age stop her from contributing to her community. Twenty years ago, at an age where most workers are eyeing retirement, Bernice embarked on a new career as a clerk at St. Joseph County Courthouse. As if that wasn't enough, she also works in the Treasurer's Office, the Register of Deeds, Probate Office, Circuit Court Judge's Office, Animal Control, Land Resource, and the Michigan State University Extension, and also serves as Deputy Clerk for Nottawa Township. In addition to her professional duties, Bernice also finds time to volunteer with the Lions Club and the VFW of Sturgis, and has been recognized as a member of the Eastern Star. A mother of four, with four grandchildren and three great grandchildren, Bernice is a devoted mother, grandmother, and family woman. Her dedication to her family and her exemplary and outstanding service to St. Joseph County has made her an example of inspiration to her coworkers and friends. I would like to extend my congratulations to Mrs. Bernice Metzger for all of her hard work and selflessness, which has made her Michigan's Outstanding Older Worker for 2008.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Madam Speaker, I submit the following: Pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information for publication in the Congressional Record regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2638, the Continuing Resolution for Fiscal Year 2009. 1. Advanced Drivetrains for Enhanced Mobility and Safety. Department: Defense. Account: Research, Development, Test and Evaluation--Army. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Eaton Corporation. Address of Requesting Entity: 19218 B Drive South, Marshall, MI 49068. Description of Request: This request is to provide funding for the final phase of an on-going three phase program between Eaton and the US Army. Eaton Corporation, which produces truck components in Galesburg, Michigan, has successfully worked with the Army over the past several years to develop specialized torque-modifying differentials for the HUMVEE to improve the vehicle safety. Phase I and II of the project was structured to first adapt commercial Eaton side- to-side torque modifying differentials to HUMVEES. These programs have proven very successful in quantitatively demonstrating improved vehicle safety by increasing mobility and stability on rough terrain and drastically reducing vehicle rollovers. Prototype systems will be delivered to the Army for additional testing in May 2008. Military- hardened systems will be subsequently designed. The third and final phase of the program is to develop a front-to- rear transfer case to modulate the driving torque between the front and rear axles. In conjunction with the side-to-side system developed in Phases I and II, this will provide the soldier with the ultimate system for HUMVEE stability and mobility through complete 4x4 active torque management. Amount: $1,600,000. Financial Breakdown: Allocation of Funds 15% = $240,000--Model hardware function and vehicle maneuvers. 25% = $400,000--Materials-modifications to transfer case and addition of differential. 10% = $160,000--Preliminary Bench test and vehicle functional tests. 50% = $800,000--Labor-Design/procure hardware, develop preliminary controls software. Justification for the use of taxpayer dollars: This program addresses a key military need for tactical wheeled vehicle stability and mobility. The technology will greatly improve soldier safety and survivability and mission effectiveness. Eaton Automotive is a commercial company serving non-military customers. Taxpayer dollars are requested for this program to adapt Eaton commercial technology to military vehicles. 2. Advanced Digital Hydraulic Hybrid Drive Systems. Department: Defense. Account: Research, Development, Test and Evaluation--Army. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Eaton Corporation. Address of Requesting Entity: 26201 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, MI. Description of Request: The objective of this project is to develop and demonstrate a hybrid hydraulic drive system on military 4x4 vehicles. This compact drive system will enable vehicles to be operated more safely and effectively on even the harshest terrains, and also save a substantial amount of fuel. Having seen firsthand the challenges vehicles currently face with respect to immobilization, roll-over or forced-slow speeds due to weight, the value of such a system is very apparent. The additional weight of important armor results in increased problems with maneuverability, so the reduced weight of the new hybrid system. In addition to reducing the weight of the drive system, this project will also increase fuel efficiency by roughly 60 percent. The increased fuel efficiency will provide clear logistical benefits by increasing vehicle range and decreasing vehicle re-fueling requirements. This is not at the expense of vehicle performance, however, as the reduced weight will actually add to vehicle traction and performance. Amount: $2,000,000. Financial Breakdown: Allocation of Funds 20% = $400,000--Advanced component testing--Full Authority Pump Motor demonstration. 20% = $400,000--System Testing--Lab scale test for insertion advanced technologies. 10% = $200,000--Materials--Full Authority Pump Motor & Next Generation Accumulators. 50% = $1,000,000--Labor--Design to develop a retrofit system, Next generation accumulators proof of concept, Develop detailed vehicle model, Develop supervisory control architecture, Develop preliminary controls software. Justification for the use of taxpayer dollars: This project will dramatically increase fuel efficiency in military vehicles, and hence, provide logistical benefits as well as preserve fuel. The new hybrid system will also reduce vehicle weight, which will add to vehicle performance and allow for vehicles to carry increased armor or supplies.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, last year the Congress, this Congress, authorized $25 billion to help the auto industry. But, as we know, an authorization is no good unless you appropriate the money. The auto industry has to have access to that capital. This is not a bailout. It is a loan. It will be paid back, just like what happened with the Chrysler issue a couple of decades ago. And it impacts tens of thousands of workers across this country, certainly in the Midwest and around the balance of the country as well. I appreciate the work of the leadership on both sides. They listened and they delivered. Our Michigan delegation, particularly with our leader, the Dean of the House, John Dingell, we worked together for weeks and weeks, many hours, and we used the strength of every Member, be it Republican or Democrat, to try and get the interests of the appropriators and the leadership to include it as part of this package, and they delivered. We thank the administration, all of the Cabinet members. They understood the impact that would happen without the money being appropriated. And we thank both candidates, Obama and McCain, for their support as well.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Madam Speaker, I do hail from the great State of Michigan, and I'm glad to say that my district borders one of the five Great Lakes, and I know the gentlelady from Wisconsin is equally as proud of our five Great Lakes as well. Madam Speaker, one of my favorite guys here in the House is certainly former chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Joe Barton. And he has a statement that he says, ``Don't mess with Texas.'' Well, in the Midwest we have a statement as well: ``Don't mess with the Great Lakes.'' It doesn't matter if you're a Republican or a Democrat, a Member from Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, it doesn't matter. You do not mess with the Great Lakes. We have seen, over the years, some great improvement in terms of the quality of the water in Lake Michigan and all of the Great Lakes. It is not by accident. It is because of the actions of this Congress, Republicans and Democrats working together, to make sure that we have adequate resources not only to have identified the problem, but then to come back with the clean-up. Sadly, the Great Lakes Legacy Act, and I want to give great credit to my colleague, Dr. Ehlers from Grand Rapids, for pushing this along, it expires this year. So the work that we have done over the last number of years would have been for naught had it not been for the committee moving together, important legislation that otherwise would see this expire, literally within just a couple of weeks. My colleagues have talked about the tens of millions of Americans that live and rely on the Great Lakes for so many different needs. This bill authorizes the appropriation of $150 million each and every year to make sure that, in fact, we can continue to clean up the identified contaminated areas. Now let me just relate an area that we had big time on this House floor last year. We were going to see the expansion of a refinery in Indiana, and we made sure, as a delegation----

Mr. UPTON. Madam Speaker, we saw last year a major refinery that was going to be expanded in the Great Lakes, and it was going to add to the discharge into Lake Michigan. And every single member of the Great Lakes Caucus, Republican and Democrat, all around that circle, stepped in, and we passed a resolution on this House stopping that from happening. We are proud to say that that did not happen. And that means we're going to actually save money because we're not going to have to clean it up. But this is a bill that needs to happen. It has strong bipartisan support. I'm proud to say that we've had great progress over the last couple of years, but we're not done yet. This bill needs to happen. I commend the leadership on both sides of the aisle to make sure that it happens. And now we have to make sure that we work on the appropriators to make sure that the money continues to be there, to make sure, that, in fact, this remains a national treasure, because it is.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. There are no amendments in here for coal. There are no amendments for nuclear. There are no amendments to provide for drilling offshore, no incentives, no amendments for oil shale, no amendments to bring in Canadian tar sand where they are producing 1 million barrels a day. Mr. Speaker, there is no beef in this legislation. Many would say, ``Where is the beef?'' There is none. The rule needs to be rejected.

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, there is a reason why Congress is in the 9 percent favorable rating. We have not done the Nation's business. I look at former Chairman Barton sitting in the second row here. When we did the 2005 EPACT bill, we had lots of amendments here on the House floor, in fact, 23 different Democratic amendments, some amendments to amendments. And some of them would say at the end of the day that it was, in fact, a bipartisan bill because Congress worked its will. And I would say some of them were pro-energy. Frankly, some of them were anti-energy. One offered by Ms. Solis was described as an amendment that sought to delete refinery revitalization provisions in the bill. Thank goodness it was defeated. The bill moved forward, and it was signed into law. But today we have a new bill that is hundreds of pages long. We haven't had a single hearing in subcommittee or full committee. We haven't had a single markup in subcommittee or full committee. And we have a rule that means when it comes to the House floor, there are no amendments allowed at all. The Volt is an exciting new GM vehicle that is going to be in the showroom by 2010. It needs to be plugged in. We need to have electricity to make it move.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Madam Speaker, I rise to today to pay tribute to Dr. John Carter, a physician and community leader in Southwest Michigan who is retiring from the Board of Directors of Lakeland Health Care in St. Joseph, Michigan. Dr. John Carter's contributions and innovative spirit are legendary. Across the region he was known as a caring, compassionate man who put his patients first. He created the first Intensive Care Unit at Mercy Hospital in Benton Harbor. Later that same year, he partnered with two other local physicians for the area's first multi-specialty medical center that became the Cedarwood Center in St. Joseph. Dr. Carter also brought the computer-analyzed EKG system to the state of Michigan. Dr. John Carter not only took care of his patients, but also became a leader in the community. He was appointed to the Board of Directors of both Cedarwood and Lakeland Health Care. He was part of a group of local investors who built the area's first health and racquet club, and he found time to volunteer in a good number of community organizations. Dr. John Carter was born in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, and moved to Michigan where he graduated from Kalamazoo High School and went on to Western Michigan University. He attended medical school at the University of Michigan and also served in the United States Air Force. Southwest Michigan is fortunate that Dr. John Carter decided to look for a place along Lake Michigan. Thousands of people have been touched by his ability to create a healing and caring community, and we are all better off for it. He and his wife Barb and their family have always made a real difference for so many.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today in honor of Residential Opportunities Incorporated of Kalamazoo, Michigan, to commemorate their 30th anniversary. Residential Opportunities was incorporated in December of 1977 to address growing concerns regarding the lack of a standard of care for developmentally disabled adults. Based on the principle of normalization, Residential Opportunities began establishing group homes in an effort to combine an independent living experience with a high standard of care. Since that time, ROI has expanded their programs, and this year alone has improved the quality of life for 648 people. Today, Residential Opportunities operates Homestead Housing Service, which helps find safe, affordable housing; Stone Cottage, a 24-hour residential and support center for military veterans; and Home Health Aide, which provides in-home support to developmentally disabled children. In addition to these endeavors, ROI operates 21 group homes that currently serve 148 of Southwest Michigan's most vulnerable adults. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the staff and caregivers of Residential Opportunities Incorporated, whose compassion, dedication, and strength has brightened the lives of so many. I am confident that the 30 years of good works provided by ROI is just the tip of the iceberg, and we can expect many more years of exceptional care and service to come.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Madam Speaker, I do rise this afternoon as a Michigan Wolverine, but in all seriousness, I want to praise Mr. Tebow. He's a great individual, a terrific athlete. The Wolverines enjoyed playing him. It was certainly the best bowl game of the year earlier this year. We wish him well in the future. I might just also add as a footnote, again as a Michigan Wolverine, we enjoyed Rex Grossman too. We beat him at least once or twice in bowl games in the past. The only thing that I don't like is that he now plays for the team that I do like, the Chicago Bears.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, we need to send the signal across America that we are, indeed, going to get serious about this issue. And I was glad that a few moments ago, Speaker Pelosi referenced Mr. Pickens' plan, and I sure would like to vote on that. I sure would like to talk about all the things that he wants to do, because it is more than just one. We cannot afford to not have a plan to increase supply. In 2007, production fell from 125,000 barrels a day worldwide, while demand grew by a million barrels a day. I voted a couple of weeks ago to halt oil from going into SPR. But I believe seriously that it would be terribly unwise to now remove oil from that reserve. This bill is going to hurt us if it is enacted, long-term, particularly if there is a disruption. It is a Band-Aid, at best. It will remove our insurance policy in case something even worse happens. Last week, in my district, gasoline fell from $4.21 a gallon to, a week later, earlier this week, to under $4. It was reflective of the price of oil at the barrel, where that fell from $140 a barrel to $125 today. Why is that? One of the reasons I am convinced that the world price of oil fell was because President Bush took the very first step by saying that he would lift the moratorium on offshore drilling. But of course we know it is a two-step process. The executive branch and the legislative branch have to act. But what happened was, it got the attention of those speculators on Wall Street. They might have said, I am convinced that they did, maybe Congress is going to do something. The President has taken the first step. Maybe the Congress will follow suit. So it was no accident that the price at the barrel head fell dramatically from $140 to under $125 today. Let's send a signal to the American public that we are going to get serious about this. Let's defeat this bill.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today in honor of the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission of Kalamazoo, Michigan, to commemorate its 75th anniversary. What began in 1933 with Jacob and Anna Hildebrand serving soup and sandwiches at tent meetings has evolved into the largest mission for the homeless in southwest Michigan. In 2007, the mission served over 180,000 meals to those who were hungry, and provided a warm bed to over 90,000 more in need of shelter, all while imparting that true healing comes through the power of Christ. I stand here today honored that such a caring and compassionate organization serves the needs of the less fortunate in southwest Michigan, and continues to selflessly struggle to make a difference in the lives of ``the least, the last, and the lost.'' Believing all people to be brothers and sisters in Christ, the love and respect that the mission provides both to the homeless and to the community is truly remarkable. I would like to sincerely thank the staff and volunteers whose spiritual strength, commitment, and dedication have made the work of the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission possible for the past 75 years.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mr. Jack Hopkins of Kalamazoo, Michigan, for his 25 years of distinguished service to the Kalamazoo Community Foundation and the greater Kalamazoo area. Jack began working with the Kalamazoo Community Foundation in 1983 and was named its president/CEO in 1994. Under his esteemed leadership, the foundation's assets have grown exponentially, allowing millions to be invested in the local community. At the same time, Jack has volunteered with more than 30 local nonprofit organizations dedicated to enhancing the economic vitality and cultural richness of the Kalamazoo region. Further accomplishments include his work to help create the Arts Fund of Kalamazoo County, establish an active Youth United Way program, and initiate the Community Foundation's BetterTogether/Kalamazoo social capital initiative. Apart from his work in Kalamazoo, Jack has also been a leader at the regional and national levels. He was the first chair of the Council on Foundations' Community Foundation Leadership Team and board vice chair of the Council of Michigan Foundations. He has also served on the board of the Community Foundations of America and was former chair of Michigan Community Foundations Ventures. The Kalamazoo Community Foundation was established for the betterment of the greater Kalamazoo community. Jack's personal and professional legacy is one that exemplifies this mission. Jack Hopkins has been a truly exceptional asset to the Kalamazoo community. Once again, I would like to personally congratulate and thank Jack for his many years of service. Southwest Michigan is and will forever be a better place to live and work because of his contributions.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, would the gentleman yield?

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, nobody likes these high prices, and I think most folks understand the law of supply and demand. Worldwide, this last year, we pumped 126,000 fewer barrels of oil and we used a million barrels more each day. We have said no to ANWR, we have said no to tar sands, we've said no to oil shale, we've said no to nuclear. Sierra Club, I'm told, has opposed solar in California. This Congress has not extended R&D for renewables. Yet, 85 percent of our offshore sites are off-limits. I would like to put a letter that I received a copy of from the American Association of Petroleum Geologists into the Record that was sent to the Speaker. They conclude that policies that increase exploration costs, decrease the available time to properly evaluate leases and restrict access to Federal lands in the OCS do not provide the American people with short-term relief from high prices and undermine the goal of increasing stable long-term surpluses. We can't waive a magic wand and say here it is. If you say 5 years, but you still require some 27 different environmentally-mandated permits that are required, with no shortening of the time that it takes to get those permits approved, you are not succeeding. In effect, what you are doing is telling the companies to go look someplace else. They are not going to look in America. They are going to look someplace else, because they may not have to comply with these same 25 different regulations that you have to comply with in this country. You can't just say 5 years, without shortening that process. Now, I am sorry that I didn't talk to Mr. DeFazio before I used that chart, but he cited I think a Shell development in Alaska that doesn't have access yet to the pipeline that takes that oil down through to the bottom of Alaska. Without the pipeline permits, they have to cap the wells. American Association of Petroleum Geologists, June 23, 2008. Hon. Nancy Pelosi, Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Steny Hoyer, Majority Leader, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. John Boehner, Minority Leader, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer, and Minority Leader Boehner: Given the on-going debate about access and leasing activity on federal onshore lands and the Outer Continental Shelf, I would like to offer some perspective, on behalf of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), on the science and process of finding oil and natural gas. AAPG, an international geoscience organization, is the world's largest professional geological society representing over 33,000 members. The purpose of AAPG is to advance the science of geology, foster scientific research, promote technology and advance the well-being of its members. With members in 116 countries, more than two-thirds of whom work and reside in the United States, AAPG serves as a voice for the shared interests of energy geologists and geophysicists in our profession worldwide. AAPG strives to increase public awareness of the crucial role that the geosciences, and particularly petroleum and energy-related geology, play in our society. Finding and developing oil and natural gas blends science, engineering, and economics. It has distinct phases: exploration, development, and production. And it is risky, because finding oil and natural gas traps, places where oil and natural gas migrate and concentrate, buried under thousands of feet of rock is like finding the proverbial needle in a haystack. Talent and technology increase our chances of a discovery, but there are no guarantees. What is exploration? Well, the grid pattern on a block map makes it tempting to think of exploration as a process of simply drilling a well in each grid block to determine whether it contains oil. But because of the natural variation in regional geology, one cannot assume oil and natural gas are evenly distributed across a given lease or region. Rather, exploration is about unraveling the geologic history of the rock underneath that grid block, trying to understand where oil or natural gas may have formed and where it migrated. If the geology isn't right, you won't find oil or natural gas. Legendary geologist Wallace Pratt once observed, ``Where oil is first found is in the minds of men.'' When preparing a lease bid, geologists use their knowledge to identify the specific areas in a region that they believe have the highest likelihood of containing oil and natural gas traps. Successful exploration begins with an idea--a hypothesis of where oil may be found. Since exploration is about developing and testing ideas, some acreage available for leasing is never leased. That is because no one develops a compelling idea of why oil or natural gas should be there. Similarly, some acreage is leased and drilled repeatedly with no success. Then, one day, a geologist develops an idea that works, resulting in new oil or natural gas production from the same land that others dismissed as barren. Once a lease is awarded, geologists begin an intensive assessment. They collect new geological, geophysical, and geochemical data to better understand the geology in their lease area. They use this data to construct a geological model that best explains where they think oil and natural gas were generated, where it may have been trapped, and whether the trap is big enough to warrant drilling. If there is no evidence of a suitable trap, the explorer will relinquish the lease and walk away. If they see a trap that looks interesting, they schedule a drill rig to find out if they are right. Drilling is the true test of the geologists' model, and it isn't a decision to be made lightly. Drilling costs for a single well can range from $0.5 million for shallow onshore wells to over $25 million for tests in deep water offshore. As the well is drilling, geologists continually collect and evaluate data to see whether it conforms to their expectations based on the geological model. Eventually, they reach the rock layer where they think the trap is located. If there is no oil or natural gas when the drill reaches the trap they were targeting, they've drilled a dry hole. At this point the explorers will evaluate why the hole is dry: was there never oil and gas here; how was the geological model wrong; and can it be improved based on what they know from the drilled well? Depending on the results of this analysis, they may tweak the exploration idea and drill another well or decide the idea failed and relinquish the lease. If there is oil and/or natural gas, they've drilled a discovery. Typically, they will test the well to see what volumes of oil and/or natural gas flow from it. Sometimes the flow rates do not justify further expenditures and the well is abandoned. If the results are promising, they will usually drill several additional wells to better define the size and shape of the trap. All of this data improves the geological model. Based on this revised geological model, engineers plan how to develop the new field (e.g., number of production wells to drill, construction of oil field facilities and pipelines). Using complex economic tools, they must decide whether the revenue from the oil and natural gas sales will exceed the past and continuing expenses to decide whether it is a commercial discovery. The process of leasing, evaluating, drilling, and developing an oil or natural gas field typically takes five to ten years. Some fields come online sooner. Others are delayed by permitting or regulatory delays or constraints in the availability of data acquisition and drilling equipment and crews. Large projects and those in deep water may require a decade or more to ramp up to full production. As you can see, oil and natural gas exploration is not simple and it is not easy. It requires geological ingenuity, advanced technologies, and the time to do the job right. It also requires access to areas where exploration ideas can be tested--the greater the number of areas available for exploration, the higher the chance of finding oil and natural gas traps. U.S. consumers are burdened by high crude oil prices. Conservation and efficiency improvements are necessary responses, but equally important is increasing long-term supply from stable parts of the world, such as our very own federal lands and Outer Continental Shelf. As Congress considers measures to deal with high crude oil prices, I urge caution. Policies that increase exploration costs, decrease the available time to properly evaluate leases, and restrict access to federal lands and the Outer Continental Shelf do not provide the American people with short-term relief from high prices and undermine the goal of increasing stable long-term supplies. I am happy to further discuss these ideas. Please contact me through our Geoscience & Energy Office in Washington, D.C. at 202-684-8225 or 202-355-3415. Sincerely, Willard R. (Will) Green, President.