Peter Visclosky

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and sincerity that I take this time to congratulate thirty individuals who will take their oaths of citizenship on Friday, September 15, 2017. This memorable occasion, presided over by Judge Philip P. Simon, will be held at the United States Courthouse and Federal Building in Hammond, Indiana. America is a country founded by immigrants. From its beginning, settlers have come from countries around the world to the United States in search of better lives for their families. Oath ceremonies are a shining example of what is so great about the United States of America--that people from all over the world can come together and unite as members of a free, democratic nation. These individuals realize that nowhere else in the world offers a better opportunity for success than here in America. On September 15, 2017, the following people, representing many nations throughout the world, will take their oaths of citizenship in Hammond, Indiana: Dominic Kwadwo Manu, Anas Hashem Mohammad Salameh, Mikhail Gennadiyevich Kapustin, Beata Joanna Nabrzyska, Jaroslaw Nabrzyski, Radoslaw Jan Nabrzyski, Daniel Joseph Perfilio Smith, Ramiro Malagon Ramirez, Ma Marina Diaz de Malagon, Martha Alicia Vargas Somosa, Raymundo Ibis Quintas Garcia, Sheri Ahmady, Monica Diaz Nevarez, Susana Jasna Diurych Diaz, Lola Li Fuller, Luz Maria Hernandez, Hana Kang, Biljana Loskoski, Leticia Noguez, Jose Angel Recio, Juan Carlos Rodriguez, Andres Saragoza, Farhat Naheed Shiekh, Swetha Vinjimoor, and Anna Sijie Xiong. Although each individual has sought to become a citizen of the United States for his or her own reasons, be it for education, occupation, or to offer their loved ones better lives, each is inspired by the fact that the United States of America is, as Abraham Lincoln described it, a country ``. . .of the people, by the people, and for the people.'' They realize that the United States is truly a free nation. By seeking American citizenship, they have made the decision that they want to live in a place where, as guaranteed by the First Amendment of the Constitution, they can practice religion as they choose, speak their minds without fear of punishment, and assemble in peaceful protest should they choose to do so. Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating these individuals who will become citizens of the United States of America on September 15, 2017. They, too, will be American citizens, guaranteed the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We, as a free and democratic nation, congratulate them and welcome them.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I take this time to honor Judge William E. Alexa, and to wish him well upon his retirement. Throughout his many years of public service, Judge Alexa has been dedicated and unwavering in his support of the local community. After more than thirty years of public service, Judge Alexa will be retiring in October of this year. To commemorate this special occasion and to pay tribute to Judge Alexa's extraordinary career, a celebratory event will take place on Tuesday, September 19, 2017, at the Old Towne Banquet Center in Valparaiso, Indiana. William Alexa is a veteran of the United States Army, having served between 1962 and 1964. Following his military service, he went on to graduate from the Valparaiso University School of Law in 1973. Not long after law school, from 1975 to 1978, Judge Alexa held the positions of Porter County Deputy and Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney. In 1988, he was elected to the Indiana State Senate, faithfully serving his constituents of the Fifth District for the next fourteen years. As a member of the Indiana General Assembly, Senator Alexa served on the Judiciary Committee, the State Budget Committee, the Commission on Courts, and the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs and the Military. As a legislator, he co-authored a bill that established the Indiana Commission on Military and Veterans Affairs. From 2000 to 2002, Judge Alexa also served as Chair of the Indiana Criminal Law Study Commission. In the private sector, Judge Alexa practiced law from 1978 to 2002, at which time he was appointed to serve the remainder of the term of Judge Thomas W. Webber Sr. He was reelected in 2006 and 2012 to continue serving as Porter County Superior Court Judge. For his admirable and devoted career in public service, Judge Alexa has received numerous accolades and awards, including the Sagamore of the Wabash, bestowed upon him by the late Governor Frank O'Bannon, and the Distinguished Public Service Award, presented to him by the American Legion of Indiana. Aside from his work, Judge Alexa gives much of his time to numerous charitable endeavors, and for that he is worthy of our respect and appreciation. Judge Alexa's commitment to the community and to public service is exceeded only by his devotion to his amazing family. He and his wife, Joyce, have two loving children and three beautiful granddaughters. I am honored to call Bill Alexa a friend and I cannot thank him enough for all that he has done for me over the years. I am even more grateful for what he has done for so many for so long, stranger and friend alike. His service has improved the future we will live in. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring Judge William Alexa for his outstanding service to the community of Northwest Indiana and beyond. His unwavering dedication to improving the quality of life for all Hoosiers is truly admirable, and we have been honored to have had his presence in the judiciary for so long. Please join me in thanking Judge Alexa and wishing him well upon his retirement.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I extend my gratitude to Chairman Frelinghuysen, Ranking Member Lowey, Chairman Diaz-Balart, Ranking Member Price, and all of our staff for their very hard work in crafting the transportation portion of the underlying bill. I am pleased that, in comparison to the President's budget, this bill includes a $500 million increase for the Capital Investment Grant program. This program provides critical funding to transit projects throughout our Nation. While this funding increase is encouraging, it is my hope that a higher number can be agreed to in conference. The Senate Appropriations Committee has approved a funding level of $2.1 billion, and I strongly believe that the chairs and ranking members have demonstrated a commitment to providing robust funding for transportation investments to grow jobs and our economy. I am particularly grateful for the inclusion of report language that protects those in the queue for CIG projects and that the Senate Appropriations Committee has also approved similar language. I was alarmed that the President's budget sought to eliminate funding for projects that had not yet received full funding grant agreements. I would emphasize that 23 States currently have CIG projects, and this language would undermine the millions of dollars and years' worth of human capital these communities have invested. These projects are an investment in our national economy. These projects connect people in our communities to educational and job opportunities and allow businesses to grow and thrive. It is absolutely critical that we prioritize these investments in transportation infrastructure.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chair, I would like to extend my gratitude to Chairman Frelinghuysen, Ranking Member Lowey, Chairman Diaz-Balart, Ranking Member Price, and all of the staff for their hard work in crafting the transportation portion of this bill. It is an extremely difficult year to be tasked with funding the federal government, and I understand that tough decisions had to be made. I am pleased that in comparison to the President's budget, this bill includes a $500 million increase for the Capital Investment Grant (CIG) program. This program provides critical funding to transit projects throughout the nation. While this funding increase is encouraging, it is my hope that a higher number can be agreed upon in conference. The Senate Appropriations Committee has approved a funding level of $2.1 billion, and I strongly believe that the Chairs and Ranking Members have demonstrated a commitment to providing robust funding for transportation investments to grow jobs and our economy. I also am particularly grateful for the inclusion of report language that protects the pipeline for CIG projects, and that the Senate Appropriations Committee has also approved similar language. I was alarmed that the President's budget sought to eliminate funding for projects that had not yet received Full Funding Grant Agreements. 23 states currently have CIG projects and this language would undermine the millions of dollars and years' worth of human capital they have invested. This language is a responsible step that provides much needed certainty to communities and shows the President that Congress is committed to keeping its word to localities that were promised matching federal funds. Funding CIG projects is an investment in national economic development. These projects connect people in our communities to educational and job opportunities and allow businesses to grow and thrive. It is absolutely critical that we prioritize these investments in transportation infrastructure.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chair, I appreciate the chairman yielding. I rise in strong opposition to the gentleman's amendment and would associate myself with the chairman's remarks. The gentleman indicated that there is deficit reduction involved in his amendment. I would emphasize to all of my colleagues in this Chamber that this account for fiscal year 2018 is already reduced by hundreds of millions of dollars. How much more are you going to cut? I happen to live in Gary, Indiana. I don't live in New Jersey. I don't live in New York. What I appreciate is that the chairman, the ranking member, the members of the subcommittee put together a national investment bill. This is an investment in our Nation, one of the largest Metropolitan regions and economic engine. If we fail to make these types of investments, we are making a fundamental mistake, particularly given the fact that during the last campaign, we heard a lot about investing in infrastructure, and the gentleman is here tonight wanting to further reduce that particular investment. This is an important account to every American citizen. I support the committee's position, and I am opposed to the gentleman's amendment.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I take this time to recognize and honor Reverend Pharis D. Evans and to wish him well upon his retirement as Pastor of Clark Road Missionary Baptist Church in Gary, Indiana. For his 56 years of service and devotion to his congregation and to the community in Gary and beyond, Reverend Evans is to be highly commended. In his honor, two special worship services are being held at the church on Sunday, October 8, 2017 and October 15, 2017. In addition, a celebratory retirement banquet will take place at the Gary Genesis Convention Center on Friday, October 13, 2017. Pharis Evans graduated from Haywood High School in Brownsville, Tennessee. As a young boy, his passion for theology grew from the church services he attended, and he knew early on that he was destined to be a preacher. He studied theology at Chicago Baptist Institute and continued his studies at Calumet College of Saint Joseph in Whiting. It was on the first Sunday in April 1961, when Pharis D. Evans was first selected to lead Clark Road Missionary Baptist Church. For the past 55 years, he has administered spiritual guidance to a congregation that presently serves more than 800 parishioners. Pastor Evans's impact through his spiritual teaching has been immeasurable, and those he has mentored can all attest to his generous nature. Throughout the years, he has been a tireless advocate for his church and the community. Since 1963, Pastor Evans has coordinated and maintained Radio Broadcast Outreach Ministry. From 2009 to the present, he has also served as ``Spiritual Advisor'' for the Baptist Ministers Conference of Gary and Vicinity, and in 2008, he was awarded the prestigious community service Drum Major Award by the Gary Frontiers Service Club. Additionally, Pastor Evans has served as President and Vice President of the Progressive National Baptist Convention for the state of Indiana and been a chaplain for the Gary Police Department. A passionate and proven leader, Pastor Evans has provided counsel for many young ministers in search of guidance and direction. For his selfless devotion to aiding those in need of spiritual guidance, Pastor Evans is to be commended. Reverend Evans's exceptional dedication to the church and to his community is exceeded only by his devotion to his wonderful family. He and his beloved late wife, Ann, raised five wonderful children (one deceased). Reverend Evans is also a devoted grandfather and great- grandfather. I am privileged to call Pastor Evans my friend. More importantly, Reverend Pharis D. Evans has been a friend to all, the epitome of what we consider a Man of God. He is a man of service who has led a life we should all seek to emulate. His vision, his work, and his spirit have provided all of us with a guide to an improved and gentler future. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating Pastor Evans on his retirement as Pastor of Clark Road Missionary Baptist Church. His fifty-six years of complete dedication, leadership, and selfless service to others is truly inspiring. I ask that you join me in congratulating him and wishing him well upon his retirement.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and admiration that I recognize the 100th anniversary of the historic neighborhood of Marktown in East Chicago, Indiana. In honor of this special occasion, the Marktown Centennial Celebration was held at the Marktown Community Center Park on August 19, 2017. Events included a remarkable exhibit, ``Marktown--The First 100 Years,'' as well as a walking tour of this noteworthy community. In 1917, Marktown was constructed by Clayton Mark and designed in the English Tudor Revival style by renowned architect Howard Van Doren Shaw. The neighborhood was built as a planned housing community for the people who worked at Mark Manufacturing, one of the first mills along Indiana's shoreline. Marktown is largely known for its distinctive design in which the cars are parked on the sidewalks and the streets are purposed for pedestrian walkways. While only part of the original design was built, the community met the needs of the American workforce and their families in the Indiana Harbor. The concept of Marktown is truly innovative and a shining example of American ingenuity in the early part of the 20th century. In 1975, the community was added to the National Register of Historic Places, capturing Marktown's historical and cultural significance from the industrial growth period in the Calumet Region. The importance of the Marktown neighborhood contributes to the history and culture of Northwest Indiana and our nation. Today, the residents of Marktown, as well as the members of the Marktown Preservation Society and its president, Paul Myers, focus their efforts upon the preservation of the historic homes in this community. The people who live in Marktown today are very proud and protective of their neighborhood. Many of the residents descend from generations of family members who grew up in Marktown, and they continue to fight for the restoration and preservation of this unique community. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in honoring and congratulating the historic neighborhood of Marktown on the occasion of its 100th anniversary. The Marktown historic community is a significant piece of the region's past and will always be remembered and admired. The commitment to preservation and the unwavering dedication of the Marktown residents and members of the Marktown Preservation Society, and Paul Myers are truly admirable, and they are worthy of the highest praise.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and sincerity that I take this time to congratulate thirty individuals who took their oaths of citizenship on Friday, August 11, 2017. This memorable occasion, presided over by Magistrate Judge John E. Martin, was held at the United States Courthouse and Federal Building in Hammond, Indiana. America is a country founded by immigrants. From its beginning, settlers have come from countries around the world to the United States in search of better lives for their families. Oath ceremonies are a shining example of what is so great about the United States of America--that people from all over the world can come together and unite as members of a free, democratic nation. These individuals realize that nowhere else in the world offers a better opportunity for success than here in America. On August 11, 2017, the following people, representing many nations throughout the world, took their oaths of citizenship in Hammond, Indiana: Feda Izzedin Aljobeh, Mahmoud Ibrahim Almakharza, Mosa Maher Awad, Roberto Barraza, Manuel de Jesus Castaneda, Maria Arminda de Leon, Jose Jorge Garcia, Lucio Chan Gudmalin, Wendy Lane Harris, Nora Ibrahim, Delia Ruiz, Ma Olivia Avila de Torres, Eduardo Torres, Victor Hugo Vargas Sanchez, Jose Jesus Vargas, Cayetano Ontiveros Rodriguez, Silvia Andrea Alvarez, Guijuan Niu, Shanqin Chen, Hamida Brkovic, Eric Kwadwo Ofori, Ling Zhou, Jose Luis Castro Vazquez, Julio Alvarez Gonzalez, Hong Tuyet Thi Nguyen, Juana Irma Diez de Sollano Garcia, Ruth Mwihaki Chege, Jose Martin Hernandez, Hannah Rose Babbini, and Prabhakar Himatram Jani. Although each individual has sought to become a citizen of the United States for his or her own reasons, be it for education, occupation, or to offer their loved ones better lives, each is inspired by the fact that the United States of America is, as Abraham Lincoln described it, a country ``. . . of the people, by the people, and for the people.'' They realize that the United States is truly a free nation. By seeking American citizenship, they have made the decision that they want to live in a place where, as guaranteed by the First Amendment of the Constitution, they can practice religion as they choose, speak their minds without fear of punishment, and assemble in peaceful protest should they choose to do so. Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating these individuals who became citizens of the United States of America on August 11, 2017. They, too, are American citizens, and they, too, are guaranteed the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We, as a free and democratic nation, congratulate them and welcome them.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with sincere admiration that I recognize the Indian Medical Association of Northwest Indiana, which will host its 36th Annual Gala on Saturday, September 9, 2017, at the Halls of Saint George in Schererville, Indiana. The Indian Medical Association of Northwest Indiana has always been an outstanding asset to Northwest Indiana. Its members have dedicated themselves to providing quality medical services to the residents of Northwest Indiana while focusing on compassion for others, improving patient care, and lighting the way for change. At this year's Annual Gala, the Indian Medical Association will present the Lifetime Achievement Award to one of Northwest Indiana's finest citizens, and my good friend, Dr. Vidya Kora. For his outstanding contributions to his community, he is to be commended. As a young boy in India, Vidya Kora's passion for his field emerged, leading him toward a lifetime of service in the medical community. It was after completing his studies at Gandhi Medical School in Hyderabad, India, in 1978, that Dr. Kora came to the United States. He completed his internship at Edgewater Hospital and Medical Center in Chicago, followed by his residency in internal medicine at Chicago's Cook County Hospital. Dr. Kora was selected to serve as chief resident from January to July of 1986. Upon completion, he joined the team at the Marion VA Medical Center in Marion, Illinois, where he served our nation's veterans. Dr. Kora's remarkable resume reflects not only his profession but also his devotion to public service. As a member of the Indiana Medical Association, he has served on its Commission on Legislation, as both Vice-Speaker and Speaker of its House of Delegates, and as the President of the Indiana State Medical Association from 2006 to 2007. He is also a current delegate to the American Medical Association. A tireless advocate for the improvement of his community, Dr. Kora is also a board member for Unity Foundation of LaPorte County and chairs the Northern Indiana Regional Board of the Franciscan Alliance. He has further served the residents of Michigan City and LaPorte County in numerous capacities. He has been a board member for the Michigan City Area Schools and served two terms as LaPorte County Coroner, while also completing two terms as LaPorte County Democratic Chairman. Dr. Kora has continued to seek an improved quality of life for his community while in his second term as LaPorte County Commissioner. As a public servant, Dr. Kora has always sought the betterment of our nation's health care system, so it is no surprise that he is also very active in the American Medical Association and Board of Indiana Medicine's political action committees. Dr. Kora's passion for medicine and commitment to the people he serves is exceeded only by his devotion to his wonderful family. Dr. Kora and his loving wife, Sudha, have one daughter, Shilpa, and one son, Rishi, both of whom are physicians specializing in internal medicine and have made their parents very proud as they follow in their father's footsteps. Dr. Kora is committed to his family, to improving the lives of the patients he treats, and serving selflessly to enhance the quality of life of all those who live in Northwest Indiana. His is a life we should all seek to emulate. It is an honor to call Dr. Vidya Kora my friend. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending the members of the Indian Medical Association of Northwest Indiana, as well as this year's Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Dr. Vidya Kora, for their outstanding contributions to the medical field, as well as to their communities and beyond. Their unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for the people of Northwest Indiana and throughout the United States is truly inspirational, and I am proud to serve as their representative in Washington, D.C

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I take this time to recognize Mr. Marcus W. Malczewski, Sr. and to wish him well upon his retirement from his position as Lake County Highway Superintendent. Mr. Malczewski's fifty-five years of service to the people of Lake County are to be commended. In honor of Marcus's lifetime of service, a surprise retirement celebration was held on Thursday, August 31, 2017, at Gamba Ristorante in Merrillville, Indiana. Marcus W. Malczewski was born in 1937 and raised in Gary, Indiana. After graduating from high school, he worked in construction in Alaska, which had not yet obtained its statehood. Marc went on to attend Indiana University before beginning his career as a driver for the Lake County Highway Department in 1962. Two years later, he transferred to the engineering department. In 1982, Marc was appointed assistant superintendent, a position he held until 1993, before being named superintendent of the Lake County Highway Department. Throughout his remarkable fifty-five-year career, Marc has been an outstanding leader and helped build an economy in Northwest Indiana. Among his many accomplishments, Marc directed the repair and improvement of more than 1,000 miles of roads and over 100 bridges. Throughout the years, Mr. Malczewski worked to ensure a safe work environment, providing a plethora of assistance for all highway employees. Given his concerns for employee safety and to maximize their efficiency, Marc developed and implemented a program designed to test the skills of drivers and operators. Also, he oversaw the installation of GPS systems in all department automobiles, trucks, and powered equipment. He continued to implement new products and techniques for maintenance and construction and developed a positive relationship between the highway department and other county agencies. For his unwavering dedication to public service, Marcus Malczewski is worthy of the highest praise. Marc's excellence in his field is exceeded only by his devotion to his amazing family. He and his beloved late wife, Marilyn, have three wonderful children, seven grandchildren, and three adoring great- grandchildren, with three more on the way. I am honored to call Marc Malczewski my friend. We should all be blessed with such wonderful friendships. More importantly, Marc has been a friend to all, a gentleman in the truest sense of that word, and the epitome of a public servant. His is a life we should all seek to emulate. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other colleagues to join me in honoring Marcus W. Malczewski, Sr. for his lifetime of leadership and service to the community. His fifty-five years of exceptional devotion and continuous efforts to improve the quality of life for the residents of Lake County is truly admirable. I ask that you join me in congratulating him and wishing him well upon his retirement.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and admiration that I recognize the Sojourner Truth House as the organization celebrates its 20th anniversary. In honor of this special occasion, the Sojourner Truth House will host an open house followed by a celebration mass at the Cathedral of the Holy Angels on September 16, 2017. The organization will then conclude its day of celebration with a reception at Avalon Manor in Merrillville, Indiana. The Sojourner Truth House, a not-for-profit organization located in Gary, Indiana, serves an average of 2,092 homeless and at-risk women and children per month. The outstanding and compassionate employees and volunteers at the Sojourner Truth House assist and encourage their clients to regain their dignity and sense of purpose for themselves, their children, and their communities. The organization's dedication to its four core values--Openness to the Spirit, Community, Simplicity, and Dignity and Respect for all--fosters a safe environment for their clients to identify and overcome the barriers in their lives. Clients are provided with access to resources, classes, counseling, and various activities aimed at healing the mind, body, and spirit. Among the organization's numerous and important contributions, the Sojourner Truth House has clothed over 2,000 clients and has provided meals for nearly 15,000 people in need. Clients of the Sojourner Truth House share their appreciation for the warm, welcoming assistance they receive at the Sojourner Truth House, which only further reinforces the positive and lasting impact the organization has on the community of Gary and the entirety of Northwest Indiana. Recently, they have become a special limited partner in the Village of Hope, a 40-unit apartment building for homeless individuals and families with mental illness and/ or addiction. I would like to take time to mention some of the inspiring leaders in Northwest Indiana who have worked with the Sojourner Truth House to bring about positive, impactful change and to inspire the community. They include Executive Director Sister Peg Spindler, Chairwoman Judith Stanton, and the rest of the current Board of Directors: Leo Barron, Regina Biddings-Muro, Susan Cohen, Denise Dillard, James Donovan, Sister Michele Dvorak, Mike Gluszewski, Jason Griffin, Roxanne Morton, Sister Cathy Schwemer, Vickey Sultzman, Michelle Taylor, Scott Yahne and Pamela Yttri. I am also grateful for the sponsorship of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, who work tirelessly to spread the goodwill and hope the Sojourner Truth House exudes. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring and congratulating the Sojourner Truth House on its 20th anniversary. For the past 20 years, the staff and leadership have touched the lives of countless individuals through their unwavering commitment to those in need. The ministry is both a beacon of hope and a network of support for so many and serves as an inspiration to us all.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my request for a recorded vote on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Florida to the end that the Chair puts the question de novo.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Correa).

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the amendment. I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Rosen).

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Vermont (Mr. Welch).

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Maine (Ms. Pingree), who is a member of the full committee.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, first of all, I want to commend the gentleman from Vermont for his amendment and for his thoughtful approach to this problem. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Lowenthal).

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. Dingell).

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I simply, again, reiterate my support for the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I would point out that the gentlewoman is absolutely correct. The committee worked hard to increase funding for these accounts. Also, I would point out, representing the First Congressional District of Indiana, I am intimately familiar with the problems these environmental sites have. There is much to do, many resources we need to look for, and I would support the gentleman's amendment.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chair, I am pleased to accept the gentleman's amendment.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me time. Mr. Chairman, I reluctantly join with the chair in opposition to the gentlewoman's amendment and share the chair's concern over the issue raised. However, I don't think the approach is an appropriate one in that we would carve out another budget line. Given my anticipation that we will not have a full 12-month fiscal year for this money to be spent, I am very concerned that we will find enough projects for this money to be spent on. In the meantime, they would then be eliminated from the existing line for other possible research. Mr. Chairman, I would look to work with the gentlewoman to address this issue in a fulsome fashion, but not in this manner.