Zach Wamp

Mr. WAMP

Mr. WAMP. Reclaiming my time, on this same front, the information technology account is a significant increase, $833 million above the 2009 enacted level, an increase of $559 million above the 2009 level when the reprogramming action that was approved is taken into consideration. It is a large, unchecked spending increase to one account, and the GAO and the OIG and others have documented the VA's inability to effectively manage these resources. I agree with Secretary Shinseki when he testified that he's going to need IT to be a key part of his plan to transform the VA. However, with the documented concerns about this account, it remains doubtful that this will occur. Not more than 3 hours after our subcommittee markup, the staff participated in a briefing at the request of VA's Assistant Secretary for IT. The purpose of this briefing was to provide the committee an update on a thorough analysis that the VA was undertaking to review their IT portfolio. The VA reported that there are a number of IT programs that are more than 13 months behind schedule and more than 50 percent over budget. We asked for the list of these projects along with the 2009 and 2010 costs for these programs. More than 3 weeks have now passed, and the VA has yet to provide the list to show the costs for these troubled IT projects. That is an example of how increasing the funding can be very helpful if the checks are in place to make sure that the money gets to where it's supposed to go. So it's not just increasing the funding; it's making sure that the veterans benefit from this increased funding, to make sure that the bureaucracy of the VA is held accountable, to make sure that we insist on efficiencies and that the money flows down in a timely manner. And then the National Cemetery Administration--I want to note the increased funding for this account, $20 million above the 2009 enacted level of $230 million, and that will go a long way to allow the VA to meet the current needs as well as giving the ability to look at cemetery expansion in areas where expansion is needed. That includes Chattanooga, where we have a very historic national cemetery. Without mentioning names, because the chairman already has, I can't say enough about this professional staff, those behind me, those behind him. It's an honor for all of us to be part of this team. I don't think there is a higher privilege that any of us could ask for than to serve the men and women in uniform of our Armed Forces past, present, and future. Madam Chairman, as I conclude, I want to thank Mr. Lewis and Mr. Obey, who serve as the distinguished ranking member and chairman of this committee. This is a good bill. It deserves our support. I look forward to continuing our work through the conference committee, and I want to encourage Chairman Edwards and Chairman Obey to insist that we have a conference committee, that we meet with the Senate, that we look eye to eye and we resolve any of our differences. I think that is the regular order that we desire to return to. Madam Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WAMP. I'm happy to yield to the ranking member.

Mr. WAMP. Madam Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. It is, indeed, a high privilege and a great honor to stand on the floor today with Chairman Edwards and present the 2010 Military Construction Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. Indeed, this bill is not about us, it's not about our individual districts. It's about them, those that volunteer to serve our country in the uniform of our Armed Forces, past, present, and future, their willingness to stand between a threat and our civilian population, extend freedom from this generation to the next, and join the thousands of others that have preserved our freedoms and protected our way of life. This is a very important bill; it is worthy of our support. It is a bipartisan product. As the chairman said earlier, this bill is not pushed by lobbyists or outside interests other than the veteran service organizations and the families of those that are serving and have served. It is our honor, and frankly our sacred duty, to make sure that we give these great Americans what they deserve and what they need. I think if you ask our men and women in harm's way today, what can we do for you, the first thing they would say is take care of our families while we're serving and, when we come home, support us. This bill does that, and I'm grateful for that. I can't thank Chairman Edwards enough. He is diligent, he is fair, he is honorable, and he is totally committed to these men and women in uniform. And we are working together to guarantee the efficiencies of these resources and the investments that we're making. This bill funds the needs for military construction and family housing for our troops, their families, the quality of life construction projects, and provides funding for all the programs that the Veterans Administration and related agencies have asked for in their budget request. This bill literally touches every soldier, sailor, aviator, marine, military spouse, child, every veteran who participates in VA programs; and it takes good care of our national cemeteries and monuments that are funded in this bill as well. We worked together through 18 hearings. We asked a lot of questions; we had very good witnesses. So a totally cooperative effort. I want to thank all of our subcommittees from both sides. Specifically today I want to thank Mr. Farr and Mr. Crenshaw, who really supported the chairman and myself through this process, Mr. Farr as vice chairman, Mr. Crenshaw when I could not be there on certain days; outstanding work by them. This bill reflects bipartisan input and cooperation, and that is the tradition of this bill, and we have honored that tradition and worked very well together, and it truly is a bipartisan bill. I want to just talk about a couple of initiatives in the bill without going into specific numbers because Chairman Edwards has already highlighted many of the numbers. The Guard and Reserve initiative is extremely important because we have been fighting terrorists since September the 11th, 2001. The op tempo of our National Guard and Reserve forces remains at a very high level. It's very likely to remain that way for the foreseeable future. The Guard and Reserve have had more than 719,000 activations since September the 11th, including the current level of 142,000. So I'm pleased to join Chairman Edwards in supporting the additional $200 million in this bill to address urgent unfunded requirements for the Army and Air National Guard and for the Reserve forces of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force. On BRAC, the BRAC 2005 account in the President's budget request is $7.5 billion. The department and the services have testified that it's going to be absolutely critical for them to have this funding on October 1 of this year in order to meet their September 15, 2011, statutory deadline to complete BRAC 2005. I will continue to work with Chairman Edwards to make sure that this gets done on time. However, the House-passed defense authorization bill cuts $350 million from this BRAC account for this year on the cost of the provision that requires prevailing wage equivalency with Hawaii for military construction on Guam related to the relocation of our Marines from Japan. The CBO has scored this provision as costing $10 billion over the next 10 years. That's twice the amount of the entire relocation from Japan to Guam, and this is the largest Milcon investment in a generation, and it's really important that we address this issue throughout this process. I spoke at the Rules Committee yesterday to raise this issue. We have spoken with the leadership of the House. We have spoken with the leadership of the Congress to say this is a problem and it has to be addressed as this bill moves forward and as the process moves forward because we simply can't afford to double the cost of the relocation from Japan to Guam based on a prevailing wage issue. It's too much. Too much. We've got to resolve it. On the advanced appropriations issue, the chairman spoke eloquently about this. We reached a bipartisan agreement. I am very pleased with the way they allowed Ranking Member Mr. Lewis and me to weigh in because none of us want to retreat from our constitutional prerogative or obligation we have to oversee all the funding on an annual basis. However, we share the goal of making sure that the VA has the money they need in a timely manner and can make decisions that maximize their effectiveness because it's a big bureaucracy, and when the money is in doubt, the changes and reforms necessary to improve efficiency can't be met. The bill contains $48.2 billion for advanced appropriations for medical services, medical support and compliance, and medical facilities, which is $3.7 billion above the amount recommended in the fiscal year 2010 bill on these accounts. On VA spending I continue to be concerned, as is Ranking Member Lewis, about the ability of the VA to absorb large funding increases provided in this bill. I'm very pleased to support the increases, but it is absolutely our job to make sure not just that we raise the funding levels but that the money is well spent, spent in a timely manner, that it's effectively spent, and that there is accountability through the entire process. So we continue to raise this issue. I think there is a bipartisan commitment to this, and I want to point that out as well.

Mr. WAMP

Mr. WAMP. Madam Speaker, as a leader on earmark reform, I am committed to protecting taxpayers' money and providing greater transparency and a fully accountable process H.R. 3082, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill for 2010 contains the following funding that I requested: Requesting Member: Rep. Zach Wamp Bill Number: H.R. 3082 Account: Army Legal Name Requesting Entity: Fort Campbell, Kentucky Address: 39 Normandy Avenue, Fort Campbell, Kentucky Description of Request: There is inadequate chapel space at Ft. Campbell. The current facilities are scattered across the entire installation in several substandard World War II buildings that are in disrepair. The construction of a chapel complex will provide every Fort Campbell soldier, their family members and retirees a quality facility in which to worship and practice their religious faith. As overseas deployments remain high, an increasing number of soldiers and families will rely on the chapel to support their spiritual needs. The local Clarksville Chamber of Commerce has strongly advocated for a new chapel on Ft. Campbell. Distribution of funding: Chapel--72 percent Antiterrorism/Force Protection Measures--1 percent Infrastructure (electric, water)--11 percent Supervision, Inspection and Overhead--16 percent

Mr. WAMP

Mr. WAMP. I thank the leader, and on behalf of our side, we all rise to honor Sally's extraordinary life and service. I think there is nothing we can do more than to serve those men and women in the uniform of our armed services, and Sally thought there was nothing she could do greater than to serve us. And she did that for 57 years. She died at 92, and she didn't like to talk at all about how long she had worked here or how old she was. She was Irish to the core, and she loved her Irish blood. She was feisty, beautiful, always pleasant. Many of you remember John Corbin who was her senior partner. He had 2 years seniority on her, and he passed a couple of years ago. And no one really ever got out of him how long he had been here except he had been here 2 years longer than Sally, and now we know that he literally served 57 years and he passed 2 years ago. He would leave the Members' Dining Room and go work the post office all the way through his life, and lived almost as long as Sally, and she worked and wanted to work as long as she could breathe. She came here at 4:30 in the morning every day to beat the traffic. She was a creature of habit. She would sit there and wait for us to come in the morning. And I have to tell you, every one of you, the angels in Heaven are fascinated to be talking to Sally today. They are fascinated because she loved us and loved this House for 57 years. And we rise to honor her beautiful life. And her daughters today I hope will know that the full House appreciates Sally Crowe's life and service to us.

Mr. WAMP

Mr. WAMP. Madam Speaker, the Volunteer State has done it again! Today, I rise to honor Sgt. Mike Headrick, a Tennessee National Guard soldier from Dunlap, Tennessee, who will be among seven National Guardsmen from across the entire United States competing for the prestigious title of Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) of the Year. Sgt. Headrick has successfully competed against other highly talented National Guardsmen from our region for the opportunity to contend in the national finals. Competition begins in the hometown unit and becomes more difficult as the participant advances. In Sgt. Headrick's case, each unit in his Armored Cavalry Regiment squadron selected an NCO to compete at the Squadron level. Testing includes marksmanship, first aid, and warrior task training, along with proficiency on Army regulations and history. Squadron winners move up to regimental competition and face more difficult challenges including a physical fitness test, more warrior tasks, weapons qualification and a 10-mile road march. At the statewide competition, obstacles become even tougher with the addition of a land navigation course, another long road march and a mandatory appearance before a panel of Sergeant Majors. The national competition begins at Fort Benning, Georgia, on July 30, and is packed with a grueling physical fitness test, five-mile run, day and night land navigation course, 12-mile road march with a 30 lb. rucksack, water survival, day and night weapons marksmanship, obstacle course, and hand-to-hand combat with little or no sleep. The competition concludes here in Washington, DC., one week later. Sgt. Headrick is a member of the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment's Det. 1, Headquarters Troop, 2nd Squadron, in Gallatin, Tennessee, and has proudly served in our National Guard for six years. He volunteered for military service at the age 33, just before the age-limit cutoff, because he wanted future generations to have the ability to live in freedom without the fear of terrorists attacks. In civilian life, Sgt. Headrick is a Certified Master Auto Technician at Bavarian Auto in my hometown of Chattanooga. He has been married to his wife, Audrey, for 20 years and they have one son, Alex. Tennessee is very proud of the accomplishments and service of Sgt. Mike Headrick, and I am honored to recognize him today in the U.S. House of Representatives. This friendly competition sharpens the skills of our service men and women and better prepares them for the intensities of combat. We wish all seven soldiers the very best as they prepare to win the coveted title of Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year, but it's no secret that I hope Sgt. Headrick brings it home to the great State of Tennessee!

Mr. WAMP

Mr. WAMP. Madam Speaker, as a leader on earmark reform, I am committed to protecting taxpayers' money and providing greater transparency and a fully accountable process. H.R. 2996, The Fiscal Year 2010 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act contains the following funding that I requested: Requesting Member: Rep. Zach Wamp Account: National Park Service--Construction Legal Name Entity Receiving Funding: Moccasin Bend National Archeological District Address: Moccasin Bend Road, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37405 Description of Request: Moccasin Bend National Archeological District, a unit of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, has a rich and varied cultural history with evidence of occupation dating back to the earliest human cultures in North America. Moccasin Bend was designated as a unit of the National Park Service to preserve the area's rich heritage for future generations. There are no facilities for public enjoyment of these nationally significant resources. Moccasin Bend National Archeological District received $500,000 for design and construction of an Interpretive Center and educational exhibits to promote awareness of the archeological district. Distribution of funding: Design development and construction 100% Requesting Member: Rep. Zach Wamp Account: Environmental Protection Agency-State and Tribal Assistance Grant Legal Name Requesting Entity: City of Harrogate, Tennessee Address: 138 Harrogate Crossing, Harrogate, Tennessee 37752 Description of Request: The Mayor and City Council of Harrogate requested funding to extend a wastewater collection system to the Tri- State Health and Rehabilitation Center, residences and businesses. Upgraded sewer capabilities are critical to support the increasing residential and commercial development in Harrogate. The proposed expansion will allow residents in the area to have safe, adequate wastewater service. The City of Harrogate received $500,000 for the wastewater improvements. Distribution of funding: Construction--83% Survey/Fees--1% Engineering--6% Inspection--3% Project Contingency--4% Environment Review--1% Administration--2%

Mr. WAMP

Mr. WAMP. Madam Speaker, as a leader on earmark reform, I am committed to protecting taxpayers' money and providing greater transparency and a fully accountable process. H.R. 2647, The National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2010 contains the following funding that I requested: Requesting Member: Rep. Zach Wamp Bill Number: H.R. 2647 Account: Military Construction, Army Legal Name Requesting Entity: Fort Campbell, Kentucky Address: 39 Normandy Avenue, Fort Campbell, Kentucky Description of Request: There is inadequate chapel space at Ft. Campbell. The current facilities are scattered across the entire installation in several substandard World War II buildings that are in disrepair. The construction of a chapel complex will provide every Fort Campbell soldier, their family members and retirees a quality facility in which to worship and practice their religious faith. As overseas deployments remain high, an increasing number of soldiers and families will rely on the chapel to support their spiritual needs. The local Clarksville Chamber of Commerce has strongly advocated for a new chapel on Ft. Campbell. Distribution of funding: Chapel, 72 percent; Antiterrorism/Force Protection Measures, 1 percent; Infrastructure (electric, water), 11 percent; Supervision, Inspection & Overhead, 16 percent. Requesting Member: Rep. Zach Wamp Bill Number: H.R. 2647 Account: Military Construction, Army Legal Name Requesting Entity: Fort Campbell, Kentucky Address: 39 Normandy Avenue, Fort Campbell, Kentucky Description of Request: A consolidated physical fitness facility is required to enable soldiers to maintain required fitness levels, provide facilities for recreational use and increase the quality of life for military dependents. The designated location for the fitness center is in a remote part of the installation where no facilities exist. The local Clarksville Chamber of Commerce has strongly advocated for an improved physical fitness center on Ft. Campbell. Distribution of funding: Planning and Design, 100 percent. Requesting Member: Rep. Zach Wamp Bill Number: H.R. 2647 Account: National Nuclear Security Administration Legal Name Requesting Entity: Y-12 National Security Complex Address: Y-12 National Security Complex, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 Description of Request: The Operations of Facilities Program contributes to the transformation of the Y-12 site into a smaller, less expensive and more responsive enterprise. The Operations of Facilities Program provides the facilities and infrastructure required to support dismantlement, weapons production and other national security missions. Distribution of funding: Service Contract, 100 percent.

Mr. WAMP

Mr. WAMP. Madam Speaker, as the House and the Senate continue to look for solutions to a problem of climate change and global warming, as the chairman of the Nuclear Energy Working Group here in the House, I just would remind everyone that we built our first 100 nuclear reactors in this country in less than 20 years; and we could build another 100 in the next 20 years if we really wanted to take a global leadership role on climate change, carbon reduction, pro-America, 5,000 jobs per plant. We can reprocess the spent fuel and turn it back into energy as they do in other countries, like Japan and France. All around the world they're looking back at us saying, Why does the United States not move towards nuclear power and nuclear energy? We need it from a competitiveness standpoint, from a jobs and economic standpoint, and to lead the world towards cleaner air. Nuclear is the way to go.

Mr. WAMP

Mr. WAMP. Just to add a note of thanks to you and the ranking member for extraordinary work protecting the interests of the legislative branch. You have been remarkable in your diligence both in finishing the CVC and properly managing the affairs of the House. And I'd also like to thank Representative John Lewis of Atlanta for chairing the Slave Labor Task Force and working with us all along the way to try to use both the CVC and Emancipation Hall to properly honor the slave labor that did contribute mightily to this great temple of freedom. Also, Chairman Brady of House Administration and Ranking Member Lungren have met with us and agreed to this in principle. We're just working with the Senate trying to dot the ``I's'' and cross the ``T's'' so that we can join up the authorization and the appropriation at the proper time and before it's too late.

Mr. WAMP. Will the gentlewoman yield?

Mr. WAMP. Madam Speaker, ``emancipation'' means free or equal. There's no greater duty bestowed upon the Congress than to advance the principle of freedom. The process of emancipation liberated all Americans from the bondage of slavery, and Emancipation Hall will tell freedom's story to millions of visitors each year. But there is a missing element in the hall to educate visitors about the process of emancipation that this great hall was named to honor. We would like to design and construct an educational display in the Capitol Visitor Center that recognizes the naming of Emancipation Hall and provides an historical narrative of President Lincoln's emancipation of the slaves. Madam Chair, can you work with us to make this happen?

Mr. WAMP

Mr. WAMP. Madam Speaker, as a leader on earmark reform, I am committed to protecting taxpayers' money and providing greater transparency and a fully accountable process. H.R. 2847, The Fiscal Year 2010 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act contains the following funding that I requested: Requesting Member: Rep. Zach Wamp Account: COPS-Methamphetamine Enforcement and Clean-up Grants Legal Name Requesting Entity: Tennessee Bureau of Investigation- Tennessee Methamphetamine Task Force Address: 901 R.S. Gass Blvd.--Nashville, TN 37216-2369, c/o 1110 Market Street, Suite 332, Chattanooga, TN 37402 Description of Request: The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Tennessee Methamphetamine Task Force requested funding to train and equip local law enforcement officers throughout the State of Tennessee in a cooperative effort to combat the manufacture, distribution and use of methamphetamine, both domestic and foreign, in Tennessee. Twenty- four hour response will be provided to state and local law enforcement agencies fighting the epidemic. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigations and the Tennessee Meth Task Force received $2 million to supplement the lack of funding for preventing illegal methamphetamine use. Distribution of funding: Personnel--8% Benefits--3% Travel--8% Equipment--16% Supplies--25% Contract law enforcement officers--31% Training--9% Requesting Member: Rep. Zach Wamp Account: Department of Justice Byrne Discretionary Grant Program Legal Name Requesting Entity: City of Chattanooga Address: 101 East 11th Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402 Description of Request: The Mayor and City Council of Chattanooga have requested funding to move and equip a law enforcement firing range. In 2003, President Bush signed legislation establishing the Moccasin Bend National Archeological District at the location where the current range has been used for police training for decades. The formation of the national park and the planned visitor center requires that the firing range be moved to another site. The Mayor and City of Chattanooga received $500,000 to offset part of the expense associated with the relocation. Distribution of funding: Facility renovation--30% Equipment--50% Technology--20%

Mr. WAMP

Mr. WAMP. Thank you.

Mr. WAMP. Madam Speaker, this afternoon at the Army Navy Golf Club in Washington, D.C., we had the Annual Members and Former Members Charity Golf Tournament, where we raised a significant amount of money for the Wounded Warriors Project of the Disabled Sports Foundation. We had nine of the wounded warriors, these patriotic Americans who are maimed or injured, playing with us today in the Annual Members and Former Members Golf Tournament. We raised a significant amount of money for the Wounded Warriors Disabled Foundation today. We want to thank the majority leader, Steny Hoyer, and the Republican leader, John Boehner, who played on the same team today. There was civility. There was comity and respect because we stood together to honor these great Americans, these wounded warriors, and raise money for them today. Our whip, Jim Clyburn, was on my team. We had a great day. Chet Edwards was the captain of the Democratic team. We do want to recognize a couple of scores from the golf tournament today. I know the trophy is over on the Republican side, and with the baseball game on Wednesday night, we thought we had better enjoy a trophy being over here while we can because the Democrats are favored in baseball this year. That is on Wednesday night. But, today, Republicans did win the trophy. The top 10 Republicans played the top 10 Democrats. I have to say that the low gross award went to Steve Buyer of Indiana. The low net award went to Chris Carney. Second for low net, I have to say, was Don Young. He got inched out by a stroke. Everybody was a winner. We had tremendous support from the PGA and all of our sponsors. Most importantly, we raised money for the Wounded Warrior Fund. These guys are unbelievable, these guys that come back without limbs, some of them with severe head trauma, and today they played golf with us. They are learning to live with their injuries, and we supported them today. I want to yield to the distinguished captain of the Democratic team, Mr. Edwards of Texas.

Mr. WAMP

Mr. WAMP. Madam Speaker, on June 1 the Librarian of Congress, Dr. James Billington, celebrated his 80th birthday. I want to take this opportunity to not only wish him Happy Birthday, but express my profound admiration and thanks for his service to America. I have been a long time supporter of the Library of Congress, which is the oldest Federal cultural institution and the greatest storehouse of knowledge and wisdom in the history of the world. I have personally brought friends and constituents up to the dome of the Jefferson Building and marvel at the art, architecture, and symbolism of the magnificent Great Hall every time I am there. The Library of Congress would not be where it is today--leading the world in acquiring, preserving, and making accessible some 140 million items of America's and the world's heritage--without Dr. Billington's vision, energy, and firm guiding hand. It was Dr. Billington who, shortly after being nominated by President Reagan and confirmed by the Senate in 1987, quickly set the Library on a path to harness new technologies as we moved into the digital age so that the Library of Congress would not recede into a position of being a passive warehouse of information but a world leader in making its collections more broadly available on the Internet for the benefit of all. Through programs such as American Memory, the National Digital Library, and the World Digital Library, just launched last month in Paris, Dr. Billington has changed the face of research and scholarship forever, making it easier for all to be enriched by the Library's treasures. Jim Billington created the Madison Council, the Library's first ever private sector philanthropic and advisory group, which has spearheaded countless collections and initiatives, including the Kluge Center, the National Audio Visual Conservation Center, and a variety of cultural and educational outreach programs such as the Library's magnificent series of exhibitions, attracting millions of visitors to the Library and its website over the years. I am particularly fond of the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress which has collected over 60,000 personal stories of America's war veterans and is now the largest oral history project in American history. In my own district we have set up a unique partnership with WRCB-TV, First Tennessee Bank, and the Erlanger Health System to interview local veterans and have collected hundreds of interviews for the Veterans History Project so far. At my request, Dr. Billington took time from his busy schedule to help kickoff this effort in Chattanooga on Veterans Day in 2002. As a member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee, which has jurisdiction over the Library of Congress, and currently as co-chair of the Library of Congress Congressional Caucus, I have become even better acquainted with the collections and services of the Library. At a Caucus dinner, Dr. Billington organized earlier this year in the magnificent Members Room we had a chance to get a special guided tour of the Lincoln bicentennial exhibit and participate with Library and outside scholars in a fascinating discussion about our 16th President. Additionally, I know how much we here in Congress rely on and appreciate the Congressional Research Service, the Law Library, and other parts of the Library of Congress to support our legislative and representational duties. I cannot say enough good things about how much I appreciate the leadership efforts of Jim Billington and his exemplary stewardship of that great institution--the Library of Congress. I am personally grateful for his friendship. We all owe him an immense debt of gratitude for his outstanding public service and I look forward to more years of his visionary leadership. I wish Dr. Billington all the best on his 80th birthday.

Mr. WAMP

Mr. WAMP. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the legendary singer, actor and author Pat Boone of Nashville, Tennessee, for his 75th birthday on June 1. I want to take a moment to recognize his tremendous accomplishments and thank him for all he has contributed to Tennessee, our country and across the world. Pat continues to give back to the community through charitable and educational organizations. For 32 years, he has played a significant role in the growth and success of Bethel Bible Village, a residential group home in my hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee, that provides a happy, healthy and godly environment for children of families in crisis. Through golf tournaments, banquets and auctions, Pat has helped raise more than $2.7 million for this ministry and the families it serves. Before graduating from Columbia University in 1958, Pat had already signed a multi-million dollar recording contract and had various television and movie deals, including hosting The Pat Boone Chevy Show. Through the course of his successful career, Pat started two record companies and released more than 30 Gold Record albums, including ``Ain't That a Shame,'' which climbed the charts to number one in 1955. He is the Billboard number ten all-time top record artist and a member of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Pat's writings are as well known as his entertainment and have been translated into multiple languages, allowing people across the world to read his works. His first book, Twixt Twelve and Twenty, was a number- one bestseller in the 1950s and can now be found in school and church libraries across the nation. Pat Boone has proven himself an inspiring and successful writer, authoring more than 15 books. Pat has served as the National Spokesman for the March of Dimes, the National Association of the Blind and other worthy charities. As the Entertainment Chairman of the National Easter Seal telethon, Pat helped raise over $600 million dollars to help handicapped children and adults. He currently is helping build a worldwide Internet ``blood bank'' to help solve the recurring blood shortages in certain parts of the world. Pat and his wife of 55 years, Shirley, initiated Mercy Corps, one of the most respected humanitarian relief organizations in the world. What started as a small relief effort in Cambodia, now operates in more than 22 countries and delivers millions of dollars in food and basic necessities to those in need. Pat Boone is an accomplished man of integrity, loyalty and outstanding leadership. He has positively shaped our community in Chattanooga, providing hope and encouragement to a generation of children at Bethel Bible Village and I am proud to recognize his accomplishments.

Mr. WAMP

Mr. WAMP. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call your attention to H. Con. Res. 84, a bipartisan resolution I authored, supporting the goals and objectives of a National Military Appreciation Month. First, I would like to thank my colleague, Congressman Chet Edwards, for being the lead cosponsor of this resolution and for his efforts in helping move this resolution forward. Congressman Edwards is a strong advocate on Military Quality of Life issues in Congress and I am pleased to have the opportunity to work with him on the vital issue of raising awareness of National Military Appreciation Month. In addition, I would like to thank the National Military Appreciation Month organization for their grassroots efforts in building support for the resolution. It truly has been a collaborative effort for an important cause. It is one of the highest honors of my career to pay tribute and recognize these great patriots who serve and defend our Nation. National Military Appreciation Month provides a period encompassing both the history and recognition of our armed services with an in-depth look at the diversity of its individuals and achievements. It allows Americans to educate each generation on the historical impact of our military through the participation of the community with those who serve encouraging patriotism and love for America. This month gives the nation a time and place on which to focus and draw attention to our many expressions of appreciation and recognition of our armed services via numerous venues and also to recall and learn about our vast American history. It recognizes those on active duty in all branches of the services, the National Guard and Reserves plus retirees, veterans, and all of their families--well over 90 million Americans and more than 230 years of our nation's history. Congress and the American people continue to stand by our service men and women. These brave warriors are working nonstop to protect our freedom and to keep every American safe. We should be grateful for their sacrifices and that of their families. We must do everything we can for the men and women who are put in harm's way for the sake of our nation. Let us celebrate them just as we celebrate the other important entities that make up this wonderful country of ours. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the passage of this important resolution.

Mr. WAMP

Mr. WAMP. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor James ``Jim'' M. Henry of Kingston, Tennessee. The citizens of Roane County have chosen Jim for its Lifetime Achievement Award because of his demonstrated commitment to the county as a former City Councilman, Mayor and member of the State Legislature in addition to his dedication to children and adults with special needs. Jim was born on February 22, 1945, in Jefferson City, Tennessee, to Scobey and Lorene Henry. He and his wife Pat were married in December 1988 and have three children, John, Jimmy Jr., and Liesa. Jim is quick to credit his wife Pat as the driving force in his life and the real secret to his continued success. In 1971 at the age of 26, Jim was elected city councilman in Kingston, Tennessee, and served in that capacity until 1973 when he was elected Mayor of Kingston, an office which he held until 1978. He was elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives from the 32d Legislative District in 1978 where he served until 1990. In his first term, he served as the chairman of the Republican caucus (1978-1980), and he was elected as the House Minority Leader in 1980, a position he held until 1986. While in the Legislature, Jim Henry also served as the Chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party from 1984 to 1988. Jim was an early advocate and supporter of the Michael Dunn Center, a school and center in Roane County for special needs children. Jim Henry is currently the President and CEO of Omni Visions, Inc., a business that provides services to developmentally disabled and troubled children and adults. Omni Visions currently supports more than 1,000 children and adults in four states including Tennessee, North Carolina, Kentucky and Georgia. Jim Henry is a man of integrity, loyalty and outstanding leadership who has truly distinguished himself through his commitment and service. The citizens of Roane County are very fortunate to have a man of his caliber as a pillar of the community. So today I honor my friend, Jim Henry for this award.

Mr. WAMP

Mr. WAMP. Madam Speaker, as a leader on earmark reform among House Republicans, I am committed to honoring House Republican rules that provide for greater transparency. H.R. 1105 The Fiscal Year 2009 Omnibus Appropriations contains the following funding that I requested: Requesting Member: Rep. Zach Wamp Account: Army Corp of Engineers--Construction Legal Name of Requesting Entity: United States Army Corp of Engineers--Nashville District Address: 110 9th Avenue South Nashville, Tennessee 37203-3863 Description of Request: Funding in the amount of $42 million is required for the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers to replace the Chickamauga Lock. The lock is a major economic engine in the Tennessee Valley region. Commodities passing through the lock have origins and destinations in 17 states in the South, Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions, traveling an average 1,400 miles. Over the last several years, 2.5 million tons passed through the lock annually, and the forecasted traffic demand is expected to grow considerably. The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers indicates that replacement of the existing lock is far more economical than continuing costly maintenance and repair. Distribution of funding: Construction: 100%

Mr. WAMP

Mr. WAMP. I thank the Speaker, and most of all I thank the gentleman from New Jersey for his extraordinary leadership. He brings us to the floor today to talk about something that doesn't get enough attention. At a time of economic duress and hardship, all eyes are on the economy, and for many reasons that is absolutely right. But there are some real big issues that, frankly, are being overlooked under this new administration and across the country today and they are fundamental to what kind of people we are. Today, we're talking about the protection of life. We all know that abortion divides our country. And we're grateful for all those Americans who say that they want to reduce the number of abortions in our country, those that say that they oppose abortion, but then when it comes time, as the previous speaker said, to actually enact policies, that's the most important time that you can actually stand up for what you say you believe. With the stroke of a pen, we now have a new executive order that says that taxpayers, basically, in this country will fund abortions that Americans want to have anywhere in the world. That is something overwhelmingly opposed by the American people, that their taxpayer dollars would go to fund abortion. We teach our children the lesson of the boiled frogs, where if you throw a frog in a pot of boiling water it will jump right back out, but if you leave the frog in cold water and slowly turn the temperature up, that frog will die and never leave the water. So, over time, here we are just becoming more and more accustomed to this harsh treatment of innocent life by the people of the greatest Nation in the history of the world. This issue of abortion does divide us, but there are fundamental truths about the protection of innocent life from conception forward and our Constitution, which we all swear to uphold, protecting life. Today, Mr. Smith is going to go into detail about why it is so important for those of us who believe as we believe--many of us on religious convictions--that we should protect all innocent life, and how, frankly, that is under assault in this country today, sometimes by the stroke of a pen, sometimes on the floor of this great deliberative body, but it is constantly now something that is under attack. I have recently reintroduced a bill that is very related, H.R. 1050, reintroduced with an outstanding Member of Congress from the Democratic side, Representative Bart Stupak from Michigan, a devout Catholic. He and I have introduced H.R. 1050, which bans human cloning. Listen, most people would say, what, you have to pass a bill to ban human cloning? Human cloning is not banned under the laws of the United States of America? And the answer is no. Now, interestingly, seven of the other G8 countries, the industrialized nations, including Canada, France, Germany and Italy, have completely, unequivocally, banned human cloning, but not the United States of America, no. If anything, I would think it would be the other way around. We would have been the first to say ``no'' to human cloning, but with the G8 we are the last. This process that the proponents of cloning call therapeutic cloning is advancing to the degree that reproductive cloning, the cloning of human beings, is just the next step. Many have given testimony here at the Commerce Committee, the health subcommittee, that human cloning is just a matter of time. It's not if it will happen in this country, it's when it will happen in this country. The other industrialized countries, the sophisticated countries of the world have said, no, ban it, stop it. This is a Frankenstein-type outcome. This is fundamental. It's not gray, it's black and white. This does not ban embryonic stem cell research. It bans embryonic human cloning. This is a fundamental question of what we are all about and whether or not we will allow this. Even the United Nations, which is not exactly a conservative body in the world, passed a declaration to adopt all measures necessary to prohibit all forms of human cloning inasmuch as they are incompatible with human dignity and the protection of human life. This hour is dedicated to the protection of human life. Let's ban human cloning in this country, surely to goodness. We can do that in a bipartisan way on the floor of this House. I call on the House to support Bart Stupak and Zach Wamp in H.R. 1050.

Mr. WAMP

Mr. WAMP. Madam Speaker, as a leader on earmark reform among House Republicans, I am committed to honoring House Republican rules that provide for greater transparency. H.R. 1105 The Fiscal Year 2009 Omnibus Appropriations contains the following funding that I requested: Requesting Member: Rep. Zach Wamp Account: COPS--Methamphetamine Enforcement and Clean-up Grants Legal Name Requesting Entity: Tennessee Bureau of Investigation-- Tennessee Methamphetamine Task Force Address: 901 R.S. Gass Blvd., Nashville, TN 37216-2369 c/o: 1110 Market Street, Suite 332, Chattanooga, TN 37402 Description of Request: The Tennessee Bureau of Investigations and the Tennessee Methamphetamine Task Force requested funding for the comprehensive effort to operate a state-wide methamphetamine task force system in Tennessee and received $2.4 million. The Tennessee Methamphetamine Task Force will train and equip local law enforcement officers throughout the State of Tennessee as a cooperative effort to combat this growing problem. Over the past several years, the use, production, and distribution of methamphetamine has proliferated throughout the State of Tennessee. Due to lack of funding, law enforcement has been frustrated in its efforts to adequately address this problem. The program is designed to reduce the manufacture, distribution and use of methamphetamine both domestic and foreign in Tennessee. The intelligence programs provided by the Meth Task Force allow the limited resources of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to strategically identify and dismantle or destroy the most significant offenders and their organizations. The emphasis will remain on providing 24 hour response to state and local law enforcement agencies fighting the methamphetamine epidemic. The Tennessee Meth Task Force has earned a reputation as one of the most active and innovative task forces operating in the country. Distribution of funding: Supplies--21% Personnel--15% Travel--20% Equipment--12% Training/Communications/Staffing--32% Requesting Member: Rep. Zach Wamp Account: Department of Justice Byrne Discretionary Grant Program Legal Name Requesting Entity: City of Chattanooga Address: 101 East 11th Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402 Description of Request: The City Council of Chattanooga and the Mayor of Chattanooga requested funding to assist in offsetting the expense associated with relocating the local law enforcement firing range and received $550,000. In 2003, President Bush signed legislation establishing Moccasin Bend National Archeological District on Moccasin Bend. The formation of the national park on Moccasin Bend and the planned interpretive visitor's center requires that the local law enforcement's firing range be moved to another site. The firing range has been in use by local law enforcement agencies for decades for training. The cost of such a move will be born by local governments. Distribution of funding: Target systems and portable steel armory--50% Modular rifle and sniper training platform with protection package-- 22% Specialty weapons and ammunition--20% Training supplies--8% Requesting Member: Rep. Zach Wamp Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: FAA, Airport Improvement Program Legal Name Requesting Entity: Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority Address: 1001 Airport Rd., Suite 14, Chattanooga, TN Description of Request: The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority and Board of Directors requested funds that will be used to relocate and reconstruct Taxiways Alpha, Bravo and Charlie to meet current safety requirements and will receive $1,187,500 for this project. The Chattanooga Airport runway pavement is more than 30 years old, exceeding the 20-25 year life span for which it was intended. As a result, Taxiway Alpha does not meet Federal Aviation Administration design requirements. These funds will significantly improve the safety of the Chattanooga Airport so that it can remain an asset to regional economic development. Distribution of funding: Engineering--13% Lighting--10% Site Work--23% Horizontal Work--52% Paint Marking--2% Requesting Member: Rep. Zach Wamp Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: FTA, 5309 Federal Bus and Bus Facilities Legal Name Requesting Entity: East Tennessee Human Resource Agency Address: 9111 Cross Park Drive, Suite D-100, Knoxville, TN Description of Request: The East Tennessee Human Resource Agency (ETHRA) Policy Council requested funds to purchase new wheelchair accessible vehicles to replace an aging fleet. ETHRA will receive $1,425,000 with a $170,000 match in state and local funds for this project. Currently, the East Tennessee Human Resource Agency has a fleet of 125 vehicles, of which 40 have over 300,000 miles and are in need of replacement. ETHRA manages a rural transportation program for 16 East Tennessee counties which transports disabled citizens to life sustaining services such as medical appointments and procedures. These new vehicles will serve as a lifeline for disabled citizens to live independently, meeting a critical need in East Tennessee communities. Distribution of funding: Purchase of wheelchair accessible vehicles--100% Requesting Member: Rep. Zach Wamp Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: FHWA: Surface Transportation Legal Name Requesting Entity: The Enterprise Center Address: 1250 Market Street, Suite 3020, Chattanooga, TN Description of Request: The City of Chattanooga's center for economic development initiatives, The Enterprise Center, requested funds for completion of the High-Speed Ground Transportation/Maglev Feasibility Study in the Chattanooga-Nashville Corridor that has already been approved by Congress and will receive $570,000 for this project. These funds will be used to coordinate with the U.S. Federal Railroad Administration and Volpe National Transportation Research Center to complete all elements of the study which include further engineering in relation to high speed rail ascending the Cumberland Plateau, development of more detailed ridership and revenue information that will provide a basis for development of a financial plan for the project, and supplemental outreach to the state and in the corridor for public/private partnerships potential. Funds will also be used to begin work on an Environmental Impact Statement for the corridor. The Chattanooga-Nashville Corridor will be an extension of the Atlanta- Chattanooga corridor creating a seamless corridor between Atlanta and Nashville to address airport capacity issues in the region. Chattanooga's Lovell Field currently has unused capacity for additional enplanements, while Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Airport is overcrowded as the nation's busiest air hub. High-speed connections between the Atlanta, Chattanooga and Nashville airports are necessary, as recommended by the State of Georgia's Joint Study Committee on Transportation Funding. Distribution Funding: Salaries, wages, benefits and taxes--23.51% Professional Fee/Contractors--57.33% Office Supplies and maintenance--3.29% Travel/Conferences and Meetings--9.53% Indirect Costs--6.34% Requesting Member: Rep. Zach Wamp Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: HUD, Economic Development Initiatives Legal Name Requesting Entity: City of Oak Ridge Address: 200 South Tulane, Oak Ridge, TN Description of Request: The Oak Ridge City Council and Oak Ridge Mayor Torn Beehan requested funds to support the Oak Ridge Community Development Initiative in bringing economic development to the Highland View neighborhood and will receive $237,500 for this project. This neighborhood is one of the most economically depressed areas in the city. The housing was built over 50 years ago and was originally intended to be temporary housing. Funds will be used to construct new housing, assess structural integrity of housing units and provide a city-run grant program for neighborhood residents to renovate their WWII-era homes. Distribution of funding: Land Acquisition--21% Relocation--18% Demolition--2% Construction--51% Administration and Overhead--8% Requesting Member: Rep. Zach Wamp Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: HUD, Economic Development Initiatives Legal Name Requesting Entity: Hamilton County Address: Hamilton County Government Room 208 Courthouse, Chattanooga, TN Description of Request: Hamilton County Mayor Claude Ramsey and the County Commission requested funding to construct a workforce training center that will support industries locating at the Enterprise South Industrial Park. Hamilton County will receive $380,000 for this project. The Center for Advanced Manufacturing Technology will deliver hands on training in industry specific, high technology manufacturing skills to area residents that are critical to the 21st century workforce. Distribution of Funds: Site preparation--20% Architectural and engineering--15% Construction management--10% Materials and labor--35% Utilities--10% Fixtures, furnishings, and equipment--10% Requesting Member: Rep. Zach Wamp Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Small Business Administration, Salaries and Expenses Legal Name of Requesting Entity: The Enterprise Center Address of Requesting Entity: 1250 Market Street, Suite 3020, Chattanooga, TN 37402 Description of Request: The City of Chattanooga's center for economic development initiatives, The Enterprise Center, requested funds to promote the Enterprise Center's Technology Development and Transfer initiatives focusing on advanced transportation and alternative energy. The Enterprise Center will receive $700,000 to allow the Center to continue to strengthen efforts to connect advanced technology developed within the Department of Energy National Laboratory system with public and private sector organizations, as well as other innovative technology transfer initiatives to promote additional jobs and economic growth in the Tennessee Valley Corridor. The Enterprise Center Technology Development and Transfer Office serves an important role in the local, state, regional, and national economy in mining technologies, innovations, and patents at resource institutions and transferring these innovations to the public. Distribution of funding: Direct Program Expenses--85% Indirect Costs--15% Requesting Member: Rep. Zach Wamp Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Department of Education, FIPSE Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Cleveland State Community College Address of Requesting Entity: 3535 Adkisson Drive, Cleveland, TN 37320 Description of Request: Cleveland State Community College, a public college, requested funds to support workforce development for the energy efficiency construction industry and to promote economic growth in the region. Cleveland State Community College will receive $328,000 for curriculum development and purchase of equipment to expand energy efficiency concepts and training by including other forms of alternative energy, such as biofuels. In 2005 Cleveland State Community College developed an Energy Efficient Residential Construction program, which trains students in the proper uses of materials and technologies, including installing and operating photovoltaic (PV) solar panel systems. Distribution of funding: Program Management and Curriculum--62.5% Demonstrations and Equipment--18.36% Outreach--19.13% Requesting Member: Rep. Zach Wamp Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Research and Demonstration Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Medical Foundation of Chattanooga Address of Requesting Entity: 1917 East Third Street, Chattanooga, TN 37404 Description of Request: The Medical Foundation of Chattanooga, a non- profit foundation, requested funds for the Project Access initiative to provide health care services to uninsured residents of Hamilton County, Tennessee. The Medical Foundation of Chattanooga will receive $190,000 and matching funds of 5% will be dedicated to the project. Project Access staff and volunteer physicians provide essential health care services, including both primary and specialty care to these uninsured individuals to allow them to continue working and supporting their families. Distribution of funding: Personnel--75% MIS Systems Expansion/Upgrade--6.25% Other Operational Costs--18.75% Requesting Member: Rep. Zach Wamp Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration Legal Name of Requesting Entity: St. Mary's Jefferson Memorial Hospital Address of Requesting Entity: 120 Hospital Drive, Jefferson City, TN 37760 Description of Request: Jefferson County Mayor Alan Palmieri and the Board of St. Mary's Jefferson Memorial Hospital, a non-profit hospital, requested funds to upgrade the hospital's emergency facilities and to purchase equipment. St. Mary's Jefferson Memorial Hospital will receive $523,000 and matching funds of 5% will be dedicated to the project. St. Mary's Jefferson Memorial Hospital is the sole community hospital for Jefferson County, Tennessee. Expanded emergency and other critical equipment are greatly needed to provide essential health care services in the county. Distribution of funding: Emergency Department Equipment--52% Intensive Care Unit Equipment--48% Requesting Member: Rep. Zach Wamp Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Department of Health and Human Services--Health Resources and Services Administration Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Lincoln Memorial University Address of Requesting Entity: 6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway, Harrogate, TN 37752 Description of Request: The Board of Lincoln Memorial University, a private, non-profit university, requested funds to support the acquisition of medical simulation technology and for the training of faculty members in the use of that simulation technology. Lincoln Memorial University will receive $433,000 and matching funds of 5% will be dedicated to the project. The Lincoln Memorial University nurse anesthesia program will play a critical role in strengthening the competencies of community hospitals and healthcare providers in our region. Distribution of funding: Human Patient Simulators--56% Technology and hardware to support simulation capabilities--17% Other equipment and technology costs--27% Requesting Member: Rep. Zach Wamp Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: National Park Service, Construction Legal Name of Entity Receiving Funds: Moccasin Bend National Archeological District (a unit of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park) Address of Entity Receiving Funds: Moccasin Bend Road, Chattanooga, TN 37405 Description of Request: Moccasin Bend National Archeological District, a unit of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, will receive $500,000 to support design and development of visitor facilities to promote education and awareness of the archeological district. With evidence of human occupation dating back to the earliest human cultures in North America, Moccasin Bend has a rich and varied cultural history. Moccasin Bend was designated as a unit of the National Park Service to preserve the area's rich heritage for future generations. Currently no major facilities are in place on Moccasin Bend to support public enjoyment of these nationally significant resources. Distribution of funding: Design Development--100% Requesting Member: Rep. Zach Wamp Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Environmental Protection Agency, STAG Legal Name of Requesting Entity: East Tennessee Development District Address of Requesting Entity: 216 Corporate Place, Alcoa, TN 37701 Description of Request: Mayor of Anderson County Rex Lynch, Mayor of Union County Larry Lay, and the East Tennessee Development District have requested funds to improve the water system in Anderson and Union counties to address problems with bacteriological contamination in the current drinking water supply in the area and to promote economic development in the East Tennessee region. East Tennessee Development District will receive $500,000 and matching funds of 45% will be dedicated to the project. Distribution of funding: Anderson County water system improvements--$275,000 (55%) Union County water system improvements--$225,000 (45%) Requesting Member: Rep. Zach Wamp Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: USDA, Agricultural Research Service Legal Name of Requesting Entity: University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture Address of Requesting Entity: 101 Morgan Hall, 2621 Morgan Circle, Knoxville, TN 37996 Description of Request: University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture requested funds for molecular genetics technologies used to develop better crop varieties to improve cropping systems in the region and will receive $254,000 for this project. Crops such as soybeans produced in West Tennessee and the North Delta Region are subjected to diseases and environmental conditions that are different from other cropping regions of the United States. Thus, there is a need for regional research on developing new varieties and cropping systems that will improve disease resistance, enhance value of the crop and protect the regional soil and water resources. Distribution of funding: Salaries--43.5% Supplies--10% Travel--1% Research Support Agreement--5% Equipment--17% Extramural Research--13.5% Indirect Research Costs--10% Requesting Member: Rep. Zach Wamp Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: USDA, CSREES, Special Research Grants Legal Name of Requesting Entity: University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture Address of Requesting Entity: 101 Morgan Hall, 2621 Morgan Circle, Knoxville, TN 37996 Description of Request: University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture requested funds to provide research and development within biotechnology and photonics to produce crop plants that can be used directly as early-warning sentinels for the detection of plant diseases. University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture will receive $700,000 for this project. This research will greatly enhance farmers' ability to detect and treat crop diseases, at minimal costs, before the diseases can destroy entire harvests. In addition to the early detection of plant diseases, the research will develop precision agriculture phytosensors for the monitoring of field fertility and water stress. The ability to monitor field fertility and water stress aids in environmental stewardship of natural resources, and benefits growers in economic farm management. Distribution of funding: Salaries, Wages and Fringe--54% Grad Student Fees--2% Equipment--23% Materials and Supplics--8% Travel--1% Subcontracts--13%

Mr. WAMP

Mr. WAMP. Mr. Speaker, we know there's a problem. Republicans have great empathy with the people that are hurting. Our constituents are your constituents. But there's little faith that the Federal Government is going to make things better. The financial rescue didn't work, the TARP was mismanaged grossly, the auto bailout didn't work. They're looking and seeing home budgets being cut to get through hard times. Local government is being cut, State governments' budgets being cut. But only in Washington can we spend our way into prosperity. It's an ill-conceived thought. Confidence is lost. It's a wrong approach. If ever there was a massive bill where the devil is in the details, it is this bill. And there are many devils in the details of this bill. The government is ill-equipped to ramp up and do these things. We're going to be disappointed over time. There's going to be waste, fraud, and abuse everywhere you look. Just because Republicans spent too much money after September 11th and lost our way on financial matters doesn't mean the Democratic Party should be allowed to wreck our ship of State. This has taken us very quickly down the wrong road. Vote ``no.''

Mr. WAMP

Mr. WAMP. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 50, I was unavoidably detained and missed the rollcall vote. However, had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. WAMP

Mr. WAMP. I thank the gentleman. Madam Speaker, it is indeed a privilege to rise on behalf of all Republicans in the House to honor Jack Kelliher. Jack, if you would please, while I'm speaking, I would ask for you to stand so that everyone in the House can see you. I just want to say, Madam Speaker, briefly, when we honor you today, Jack, we honor all of the extraordinary support staff and professionals that serve the United States House of Representatives because you represent the finest of them through your 30 years of service. Most of us don't know, he is not just Jack Kelliher, he could be our Jack Bauer. He pulled, at one point as a Capitol police officer, a bomber from the gallery. He has a distinguished history of valor and patriotic service at the highest level. And he is the Keeper of the Mace and Assistant Sergeant at Arms. Sitting next to him is Joyce Hamlett, who will take his place full time. She is my best friend here in the House. We love Joyce. We are grateful for Jack. As was said, I have had more laughs in the last 15 years with Jack out on the balcony than just about anybody in the House. He is a good-natured man and a man of extraordinary commitment to our country. We will sorely miss him. In St. Augustine a number of years ago they bought a little place not on the beach but just off the beach. And it is where he goes to get away from us. And we won't follow you there, Jack. We want you and Nancy to enjoy those days and come back to see us. But know every minute how grateful every man and woman in the U.S. House of Representatives is for your service to our country, Jack. Thank you and we honor you.