Peter Visclosky

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the recognition, and I rise in opposition to the gentleman's amendment to strike funds in this bill for the meteorological equipment for Valparaiso University. I first want to thank the chairman of the subcommittee Mr. Mollohan, as well as the ranking member Mr. Frelinghuysen, for their consideration of this important project. Mr. Chairman, this earmark is relative to two issues. The first is the safety of people who live throughout the Upper Midwest. A key element to strengthening Valparaiso's meteorology program, as the gentleman from Arizona is correct that Valparaiso is an exceptional university, is the acquisition of Doppler radar. Doppler radar at VU will be very beneficial to the millions of people living along the southern shore of Lake Michigan because that area is currently underserved by pinpoint weather forecasting. In addition to Doppler radar, VU will begin daily weather balloon launches. As the only balloon site in Indiana, Valparaiso University will supply critical data to the meteorological community. The notoriously unpredictable weather conditions in this area, lake- effect snow in the winter and severe thunderstorms and tornados in the spring and summer months, make the presence of Doppler radar and data gathered from the balloon station critically important to the region. The amendment also deals with the issue of strengthening our future by investing in science and the young people in our Nation. The global economy is nothing if not competitive, and in order for the United States to remain at the forefront of scientific innovation, we must work with our universities to develop and maintain world-class scientific programs. Valparaiso is currently home to a nationally ranked meteorological program, and we must leverage this resource to advance our national scientific interests, and I believe the university is well positioned to use the funds to continue to be a national and global leader in this field. The procurement of the latest industry standard equipment by VU's meteorological program is also vital to helping students become familiar with the technology they will encounter after graduation as they go on to pursue careers that include the Air Force, NASA and the National Science Foundation. The purchase of new equipment will enable Valparaiso students to conduct more undergraduate research, as they will have access to a greater variety of data and the ability to archive it. I strongly oppose the gentleman's amendment, and again thank the Chair and ranking member. Mr. Chairman, I will yield back my time.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise in support of the resolution. Ever since the author Rachel Carson ushered in the advent of environmental awareness with her book ``The Silent Spring,'' Americans have understood that we owe it to future generations to be good stewards of the planet and the environment. As in the case with every problem, we should work toward a solution not by asking how little must be done, but rather by asking what is the right thing to do? As the chairman of the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee, I feel I have a unique perspective on the issues contained in this resolution. As chairman of the Energy Subcommittee on Appropriations, I respect BP's foresight. Their investment of a half billion dollars, in collaboration with the University of California-Berkeley and the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana to increase energy production through renewable biofuels is a worthwhile goal. These fuels have the potential to increase our domestic fuel capabilities and strengthen our national security by reducing our dependency on foreign oil. As chairman of the Water Subcommittee on Appropriations, I also fully appreciate the treasure that is the Great Lakes system, including the potable, clean fresh drinking water, and its venues for recreation and refreshment. I also appreciate that the Federal Government has made a commitment to the Great Lakes States over several generations to improve water quality and reduce pollution. It is my hope that, while it appears BP has the legal authority to potentially increase discharged materials into Lake Michigan, they will act responsibly, refrain from doing so, and reconsider their permit.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is my distinct honor to congratulate the Croatian Sons Lodge Number 170 of the Croatian Fraternal Union for reaching a momentous milestone, its 100th Anniversary. As is their annual tradition, the lodge will take this opportunity to celebrate with a Golden Member banquet, which will take place on Sunday, August 12, 2007. This year, the Croatian Fraternal Union will hold this gala event at the Croatian Center in Merrillville, Indiana. Traditionally, the anniversary celebration includes a ceremonial appreciation of the Union's Golden Members, those individuals who have achieved 50 years of membership. This year's Golden Members include: Judith Marie Brefeld, Geraldine Brklevich, Shirley Bronikowski, Esther M. Fadell, Antone J. Giorgi, Joseph L. Haralovich, Madelin Kazmier, Juliana H. King, George Kirincic, Michael Kuchaes, Jr., Judith Kathleen Lavery, Frank Joseph Mosca, Sr., William Pulford, Elizabeth J. Sedey, Stevan J. Trtan, Phyllis M. Vician, Dean J. Wantland, Joseph Winkler, and Angela A. Yelusich. These faithful and devoted individuals share this esteemed tribute with over 400 other Golden Members who have previously attained this prestigious designation. This memorable day will begin with a morning mass at the Croatian Center's gazebo with the Reverend Father Stephen Loncar officiating. The Saint George Tamburitzans from Cokeburg, Pennsylvania will perform at the mass, which will be followed by a gala event and formal dinner featuring the DUNAV Orchestra. Madam Speaker, I urge you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending Lodge President Betty Morgavan and all the other members of the Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge Number 170 for their loyalty and radiant display of passion for their ethnicity. The Cmatian community has played a key role in elevating the quality of life and culture of Northwest Indiana. It is my hope that this year will bring happiness, good health, and success for all members of the Croatian community and their families.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 2750, the NASA and JPL 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Eshoo).

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the gentleman's amendment and claim the time in opposition.

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

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

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. At this point I would like to recognize my colleague from the State of Illinois, Mr. Davis.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I would like to claim the time in opposition to the gentleman's amendment.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. At this point I would yield time to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Capuano).

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I would simply make the observation that for collectively the decisions made for congressional changes in the administration's request represent about 1 percent of the total funding for the Department of Energy in this bill, and they were very thoughtfully made. And whether they be, in this instance, in Dubuque, Iowa, or any other community around the United States, it is certainly the committee's position and belief that those investments are urged for the greater good of everyone living in this country, and that is certainly to the advantage of every taxpayer in the United States of America.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I rise to claim the time in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. I would be happy to yield time to my colleague, the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Clyburn).

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. I would continue to reserve my time.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. At this time, I do not know, but if it does not exist, the moneys could not go to it.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. It is my understanding that it will go to the Center for Instrumented Critical Infrastructure.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. I'm sorry, I did not hear the gentleman's question.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Committee do now rise.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material during further consideration of H.R. 2641.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that during further consideration of H.R. 2641 in the Committee of the Whole pursuant to House Resolution 481, notwithstanding clause 11 of rule XVIII, no further amendment to the bill may be offered except: Pro forma amendments offered at any point in the reading by the chairman or ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations or their designees for the purpose of debate; An amendment by Mr. Rothman limiting funds for the Green Maintenance Building in North Bergen, New Jersey; An amendment by Mr. Flake limiting Army Corps of Engineers construction funding for the South Central Pennsylvania project; An amendment by Mr. Flake limiting funds for the Coastal Wind Ohio project; An amendment by Mr. Flake limiting funds for the Green Maintenance Building in North Bergen, New Jersey; An amendment by Mr. Flake limiting funds for the National Center for Manufacturing Science in Michigan; An amendment by Mr. Flake limiting funds for the University of North Alabama Green Campus Initiative; An amendment by Mr. Flake limiting funds for the Center for Instrumented Critical Infrastructure in Pennsylvania; An amendment by Mr. Flake limiting funds for the Alliance for NanoHealth in Texas; An amendment by Mr. Flake limiting funds for the Notre Dame Innovation Park in Indiana; An amendment by Mr. Flake limiting funds for the ACE Program at Maricopa Community Colleges in Arizona; An amendment by Mr. Hensarling limiting funds for the South Carolina HBCU Science and Technology initiative in South Carolina; An amendment by Mr. Hensarling limiting funds for the Environmental Science Center, University of Dubuque, Iowa; An amendment by Mr. Hensarling limiting funds for the Emmanuel College Center for Science Partnership in Massachusetts; An amendment by Mr. Hensarling limiting funds for Roosevelt University Biology Laboratory Equipment in Illinois; An amendment by Mr. Hensarling limiting funds for Nanosys, Inc.; An amendment by Mr. Campbell of California limiting funds for projects requested by Members of Congress and disclosed pursuant to the rules of the House, which shall be debatable for 30 minutes; and An amendment or amendments by Mr. Visclosky regarding funding levels. Each such amendment may be offered only by the Member named in this request or a designee, shall be considered as read, shall not be subject to amendment, except that the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations and its Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development each may offer one pro forma amendment for the purpose of debate; and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. Except as otherwise specified, each amendment shall be debatable for 10 minutes equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent. An amendment shall be considered to fit the description stated in this request if it addresses in whole or in part the object described.