Robert Wittman

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding an earmark I received as part of H.R. 3326, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010. Program Name: SSBN(X) Systems Development Amount: $2,500,000 Requested By: Robert J. Wittman (VA-01) Account: Research and Development, Navy (RDTE,N) Intended Recipient of Funds: Northrop Grumman Corporation, 1000 Wilson Blvd, Suite 2300, Arlington, VA 22209 Program description and explanation of the request: This funding is provided as an increase to the Advanced Submarine Systems Development Program, Line 41, Research and Development, Navy. SSBN-X is the designation for the submarine class that will serve as the replacement for the OHIO submarine class, which will begin going out of service in 2029. The OHIO Class is the nation's primary and most secure nuclear deterrent and this capability will be maintained. Detail design expected to start as early as FY12 (construction start is in FY19) and the concept design work must be performed in advance of detail design. $53M was requested for FY09 in order to conduct the SBSD concept study plan originally planned for FY08 and FY09 which has not been fully funded, and to support R&D technology development. Funding in FY10 will allow the Navy to proceed with SBSD development in a timely fashion. Furthermore, potential delay in SSBN-X Program start will threaten the submarine design industrial base. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, as I traveled throughout my district this past weekend, from Middlesex to Caroline to Fredericksburg, the one thing I heard from folks is they are deeply concerned about the health care reform package that we have before us. They said, Rob, we see that there is a problem and we need to do something, but we need to do the right thing. We need to take the time to make sure that we craft solutions that control costs, that maintain the relationship between patients and their doctors, to make sure that we keep what is good and what works about this system and we work on those things that are broken. I hear many ideas from both sides of the aisle that I think accomplish that, and I think it is high time for the majority to make sure that they incorporate ideas from the minority which I believe we have in common to make sure we come up with reasonable, practical, workable solutions for the American people to make sure that we have that access to quality health care reform here in the United States that I know we can achieve.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Tiahrt).

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, my amendment is simple. It would cut spending in the bill across the board by one-half of 1 percent. While this appropriations bill funds critical national priorities such as research at the National Institutes of Health, pandemic flu preparedness, and job training programs, the underlying bill provides $730.5 billion, making it the largest of 12 appropriations bills. The total is $59.4 billion, that is 9 percent, more than the regular fiscal year 2009 appropriations, and $1.9 billion more than that requested by the President. It also includes $163.4 billion in discretionary spending, which is $11.15 billion, or 7 percent, over last year's level. I do not question the value of many of the programs funded by this bill. This bill funds programs that are critical to my district, like Impact AID, community health centers, the TRIO program, and nurse training and career technical education, but I offer this amendment because our Nation cannot continue on this path of deficit spending without serious, negative, long-term consequences. Among the various appropriations bills, this bill is typically the largest single source of discretionary funds for domestic Federal programs. It represents a 12.8 percent increase in spending over the level we were operating under in fiscal year 2008 less than 1 year ago. And while I travel around my district and talk to constituents, their greatest concern is spending. It's hard to explain to a family that has had to make tough choices about their own spending that Washington can't make the same tough choices. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Chairman, this is a good amendment, and it puts us back on the path of fiscal discipline, and I urge my colleagues to support it. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Chairman, I recognize the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Broun) for 1 minute.

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank the gentleman from Kansas. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the balance of the time. Mr. Chairman, for the past couple of months, we have been passing spending bills with double-digit increases year over year, and these are unacceptable increases in spending. Already, there have been mentions of tax increases that will be necessary to maintain this level of spending. Imagine that for a moment, tax increases in the name of fiscal responsibility. The administration projects that the budget deficit will reach $1.8 trillion in 2009 compared to $455 billion in 2008. This represents 3.2 percent of our gross domestic product, up from $161 billion, or 1.2 percent of GDP, in fiscal year 2007. As a share of GDP, this will be the largest deficit since World War II. For fiscal year 2009, we have a $2 trillion deficit. Between fiscal year 2010 and fiscal year 2019, the Congressional Budget Office estimates cumulative deficits could reach as high as $10 trillion. A few other signs that we are in dangerous territory when it comes to the Nation's economic security are this Congress raised the statutory debt limit from $11.315 trillion to $12.04 trillion in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act earlier this year, and together China and Japan hold almost 41 percent of our foreign-held debt, which is 27.8 percent of the gross Federal debt. The question then becomes, how and when do we slow the growth? When do we make the tough decisions on spending? This amendment is an opportunity to show that this Congress wants to make responsible decisions on spending and to achieve fiscal discipline. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding the earmark I received as part of H.R. 3288, the Departments of Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010. Project Name/Amount: Hampton Roads Transit Bus Acquisition, $1,450,000 Intended Recipient of Funds: Transportation District Commission of Hampton Roads, 3400 Victoria Boulevard, Hampton, VA 23661 Project description and explanation of the request: This funding would be used for the purchase of four hybrid electric buses which will reduce harmful emissions and increase energy savings, while providing vital public transportation for the Hampton Roads area. These buses are needed to replace vehicles that have exceeded their useful lifespan as defined by the FTA. Project Name/Amount: Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission Western Maintenance Facility, $1,000,000 Intended Recipient of Funds: Prince William County, 1 County Complex, Prince William, VA 22192 Project description and explanation of the request: This funding would be used for a PRTC Western Bus Maintenance and Storage Facility on the western side of Prince William County. Buses maintained and stored in this facility will provide commuter bus service in the I-66 corridor to the West Falls Church Metro Station or Downtown DC and local neighborhood service in Western Prince William County.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding the earmark I received as part of H.R. 3293, the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010. Project Name/Amount: An Achievable Dream, $300,000 Intended Recipient: An Achievable Dream, 10858 Warwick Boulevard, Suite A, Newport News, VA 23601 Project Description: The 1,250 students in grades kindergarten through 12th benefit from An Achievable Dream's support of social, academic and moral curricula proven effective over 16 years of operating the public/private partnership with Newport News Public Schools. This multi-faceted approach has continued to provide the tools needed for under-privileged youth to close the achievement gap with their more affluent counterparts. It has been a major focus of the federal government to provide support to public education to raise standards and performance. This objective is embodied through major federal initiatives and legislation such as the No Child Left Behind Act. Funds would be used for personnel expenses and supplies such as uniforms, reading materials, extended day materials, and Saturday school supplies. Project Name/Amount: Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters Facilities and Equipment, $250,000 Intended Recipient: Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters, 601 Children's Lane, Norfolk, VA 23507 Project Description: Funding will be used to procure a mobile MRI unit to serve Oyster Point and other satellite medical office buildings in the CHKD health system. This equipment will help clear a backlog of critical MRI services, ensure that children receive the specialized treatment needed in pediatric services and provide access to this diagnostic tool to children in the Hampton Roads area, Virginia and North Carolina. Project Name/Amount: Germanna Community College Online LPN and Paramedic to RN Program, $100,000 Intended Recipient: Germanna Community College, 10000 Germanna Point Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22408 Project Description: Germanna Community College plays a major role in overcoming the region's nurse shortage, and it must ensure an adequate supply of qualified nurses. The need for the Online LPN and Paramedic- to-RN program is evidenced by the absence of programs for working healthcare professionals to readily access associate degree nursing education. The Online program will increase the pool of qualified Registered Nurses for the area workforce. The program will provide the region with a total of over 400 Registered Nurses over the next four years. In addition, the program will allow LPNs and Paramedics to advance their careers while working and contributing to the workforce. The Online program will deliver the nursing curriculum. Only the clinical instruction component requires the physical presence of students. The program will provide distance learning courses as well as clinics on campuses and in hospitals. Federal funding would be used for full program development, designated nursing faculty, and accreditation. Project Name/Amount: Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, $600,000 Intended Recipient: Virginia Commonwealth University, 910 W. Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23284 Project Description: These funds would be used to renovate a 7500 sq. ft research space that will be improved to accommodate the current and planned pre-clinical and translational cancer research (the rapid advancement of laboratory findings to clinical trials and patient care) activities in the Goodwin Research Laboratory at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Major Tom Cox, who is retiring from the United States Air Force after over 20 years of dedicated service. Major Cox began his career as an Airman at Offutt Air Force Base, Omaha where he became the youngest Airman ever selected as a Security Team Member on the National Emergency Airborne Command Post. Following this assignment he attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha and was commissioned in 1993 through the ROTC program. He has served his country through a variety of assignments in law enforcement and counterintelligence. Major Cox served as Chief of Counterintelligence and Chief of Offensive Counterintelligence at Tinker Air Force Base and Andrews Air Force Base identifying national vulnerabilities and identifying and defeating foreign governments targeting U.S. assets. He commanded the Air Force Office of Special Investigations at Misawa Air Base, Japan and directed the Command and Control Division at Kunsan Air Base, Korea. Major Cox finished his career by passing on his experience and insights to future agents through his work on the Air Staff and at Headquarters Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and while leading over 60 agents deployed to Iraq in counterintelligence efforts. His retirement allows for reflection on what can only be considered a sterling career. He has admirably served his country without question or reservation. His fellow Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines will attest that Major Cox sets the standard regarding attributes such as honor, respect, duty and country. On behalf of my colleagues, and myself, I extend to Major Tom Cox my gratitude, deep appreciation and well wishes for prosperous retirement years. Thank you for your service to our country.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I come before you today to highlight exactly how out of control government spending has become. As some in Congress charge towards a more than $1 trillion health care bill with little regard for our national debt, I think a reminder of how much we have already spent is in order. This year's budget increased spending to $4 trillion. That's 48 percent of GDP, the highest since World War II. For FY 2009 alone, we have a $2 trillion deficit. This summer, we've been busy passing bills with double-digit increases in spending. Already, there have been mentions of tax increases to cover our financial obligations. Where does all of this stop? Sadly, it would appear, not in this Congress. We only have to look towards the West Coast to see a cautionary tale of a government with no fiscal discipline. In California, they've laid off thousands of workers, withheld tax refunds, and started paying contractors with IOUs. Their finances are in shambles. We have a clear example of how reckless spending can paralyze a State. I hope all Members of this body learn from that important lesson.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I missed the following rollcall votes on July 20, 2009 because I was unavoidably detained while traveling in the district. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall vote 593 (motion to approve the Journal) and ``aye'' on rollcall votes 594 (a motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 607) and 595 (a motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.R. 2245).

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, just a few minutes ago, I finished a lunch with a gentleman who is a business owner in Virginia. And we had a discussion about what are the things that we need to be doing to help with this economy. As I travel across the First District, the thing I hear time and time again is where are the jobs? What are we doing to help this economy? What are we doing to help small businesses? Folks, that is where this economy is going to be picked up, from the efforts to make sure we help our small businesses. That is what this Congress needs to be focusing on each and every day. When we come here, our focus ought to be what are we doing to help small business? What we doing to create jobs? Obviously, what is happening right now isn't working. People out there are anxious. They are concerned. They are frustrated. They are telling me, as well as the rest of the Congress, get to work, start creating jobs and start turning this economy around. Let's get the job done.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Major Willard Palm, Captain Freeman B. Olmstead, Captain John McKone, and the crew of the RB-47H shot down over international waters by the Soviet Union on July 1, 1960. This recognition is well-deserved and highlights the unending service and integrity of our men and women in uniform. The plane was crewed by Major Willard Palm as Aircraft Commander; Captain Freeman B. Olmstead as pilot; Captain John McKone as navigator. Freeman B. Olmstead was born in Elmira, New York, and brought up in a devout Episcopal family. He earned a bachelor's degree in history from Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio. He entered active duty with the Air Force in 1957. McKone was a native of Tonganoxie, Kansas, and he graduated from Kansas State University with a bachelor's degree in history in 1954. He entered active duty on March 15, 1955. On July 1, 1960 a United States Air Force RB-47H based at Forbes Air Force Base, Kansas, departed from Brize-Norton Royal Air Force Base in England. The flight's planned route kept the plane over international waters. A MiG-19 fighter intercepted the American bomber over the Barents Sea. The MiG eventually opened fire on the RB-47H. Olmstead and McKone successfully ejected and survived only to be picked up by a Soviet fishing vessel. The aircraft commander, however, perished in the Barents Sea. Ten days after the shootdown, Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev announced that they had shot down the bomber and captured the two crewmen. The pair were imprisoned in Moscow's Lubyanka prison, and accused by the Soviets of espionage, punishable by death, for allegedly violating the Soviet sea frontier. Shortly after the inauguration of President John F. Kennedy, Premier Nikita Khrushchev extended an offer to free Olmstead and McKone quickly--but with three terms later agreed to. After 7 months of imprisonment and interrogation the guards drove Captain Freeman B. Olmstead and Captain John McKone to the American Embassy. They were handed over to U.S. officials to be reunited with their families without having disclosed any information to the Soviet government. As a member of the Committee on Armed Services, I am continuously struck by the integrity of our servicemembers. With examples like Captain Freeman B. Olmstead and Captain John McKone, it is clear where this integrity comes from.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Lieutenant Colonel Mark E. Stratton, United States Air Force, of Stafford, Virginia, for his service and supreme sacrifice for our nation. Lieutenant Colonel Stratton graduated from Foley High School in Foley, Alabama, and then went on to attend Texas A&M University. There, he served as a member of the Corps of Cadets and graduated with a degree in Political Science. Following graduation, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. Throughout his remarkable career, Lieutenant Colonel Stratton served with honor and distinction as a communications officer, pilot, senior navigator, and staff officer. Some of Lieutenant Colonel Stratton's duty assignments include executive assistant to the 55th Wing commander in Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, student at the Joint Advanced Warfighting School, Taiwan desk officer on the Joint Staff, and executive assistant to the deputy director for Asia. In addition to his professional military career, Lieutenant Colonel Stratton was an active member of Stafford Baptist Church in Stafford Virginia, where he served as a beloved Sunday school teacher. Tragically, on May 26, 2009, Lieutenant Colonel Stratton made the ultimate sacrifice for this great nation while serving as the Commanding Officer of the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team in Afghanistan. Just as many of America's heroes have taken up arms when the nation needed them, Lieutenant Colonel Stratton dedicated himself to the cause of our values, freedoms, and way of life. His valor and determination cost him his life, but his sacrifice will endure forever among the many dedicated heroes the United States has sent abroad to preserve liberty and freedom. Lieutenant Colonel Stratton is remembered by his friends and family as a man of unquestionable character and loyalty. He was excited about the initiative he was leading in Afghanistan. In an e-mail to a friend he described the work of building roads, schools, canals and clinics as the best job of his Air Force career. It is easy to see why his friends describe him as someone who loved God, his family, his friends, and his country fervently. This is the caliber of a man that truly leads our nation's men and women in uniform with passion and purpose. Lieutenant Colonel Stratton is survived by his wife, Jennifer Stratton and his children, Delaney, Jake and A.J. My condolences and prayers go out to Mark's family, and I offer them my deepest sympathies and most heartfelt thanks for the service, sacrifice, and example of their hero, Lieutenant Colonel Mark Stratton.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor Corporal Ryan C. McGhee of Fredericksburg, Virginia for his service and selfless sacrifice to his country. Ryan McGhee's interest in the military dated back to his days playing soldier as a child. By the time he was ready to graduate from high school, football had become his passion. Pat Tillman, a famous football player turned soldier was among those that Ryan held in high regard. Like Pat Tillman, Ryan was killed in service to his country, like Pat Tillman, Ryan was a fine football player with a bright future. The parallels between these two men are unmistakable. Two athletes, two patriots, two men who chose to forego a life of relative comfort for a life of service to a cause greater than themselves. Nothing captures the spirit of our nation's warriors better than the illustration of selfless service provided by Ryan C. McGhee. Ryan was born in Pittsburg and lived in Springfield, Vermont before moving to Fredericksburg, Virginia just prior to his sophomore year of high school. He and his brother Zachary grew up as active youths, enjoying snowboarding, skateboarding, and trick bike riding. Ryan and Zachary loved playing soldier. These two brothers progressed from playing soldier as boys to wearing the uniform as men. An exceptional athlete, Ryan was the captain of the football team at Massaponax High School in Fredericksburg. This captain of the football team met his future fiance not long after arriving in Virginia. Ashleigh Mitchell and Ryan McGhee were engaged to be married in the spring of 2010. The picture perfect love story of the captain of the football team and the cheerleader had jumped from the pages of the story book into reality. Ryan's dedication to the service of his nation had called him to service in the United States Army. His competitive nature led him to the 3rd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment at Ft. Benning, Georgia where he served as a rifleman and grenadier before serving as a weapons squad team leader with Company D. Prior to his deployment to Iraq, he had already distinguished himself as a seasoned combat veteran, serving three tours in Afghanistan. Ryan C. McGhee was called home on May 13, 2009 after being wounded when his unit came in contact with enemy forces while conducting combat operations in Central Iraq. He brightened the lives of his Fiance: Ashleigh Mitchell of Fredericksburg, Virginia; Father: Steven M. McGhee, and stepmother Kristie J. McGhee of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Mother: Sherrie Battle-McGhee, of Knoxville, Tennessee; Brothers: Sgt. Zachary McGhee, Noah, and Gabriel; Sisters: Jasmine and Elsie McGhee; Paternal Grandparents: Mike and Roberta McGhee of Newport News, Virginia; Maternal Grandparents: Dr. and Mrs. William C. Battle of Knoxville, Tennessee; and countless others. Ryan was truly an exceptional man, athlete, and soldier. His short but impactful life will forever highlight the virtue of those service men and women with whom Ryan now shares a common bond. He leaves behind a family proud of all that he had accomplished throughout his life and service in the military. His valor and service cost him his life, but his sacrifice will live on forever among the many dedicated heroes this nation has sent abroad to defend freedom. We can only thank his loved ones for sharing the company of this remarkable young man. My condolences and prayers go out to Ryan's family, and I offer them my deepest sympathies and most heartfelt thanks for the service, sacrifice, and example of their soldier, Corporal Ryan C. McGhee. He was respected and admired by those around him, and continually performed above and beyond all expectations while serving his country. Because of his efforts, the liberty of this country is made more secure.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Thank you, Mr. Scott. I rise in support and to echo the remarks of my colleague from Virginia (Mr. Scott). The Thomas Jefferson Lab is a world leader in nuclear physics research and education. The lab is currently in the midst of a major upgrade to their accelerator facility. Fully funding the accelerator upgrade will significantly expand the facility's research potential and will lead to a greater understanding of atomic particles, the building blocks of all matter. Research at Jefferson Lab will continue to expand our knowledge of nuclear physics that lead to many exciting scientific advances. I respectfully request that the gentleman from Arizona would work to fully fund this important project at Jefferson Lab.

Mr. WITTMAN. I rise in support of the gentleman's amendment, and I want to commend the gentleman from Virginia for his efforts to restore oyster populations in the Chesapeake Bay. Just as he pointed out, they're extraordinarily important both economically and culturally to the State of Virginia. Historically, the Chesapeake Bay has been one of the most productive fisheries in the world. However, native oyster populations are currently at less than 1 percent of historic levels. Pollution and diseases have taken a substantial toll on oyster populations. Oysters play a critical role in the Bay. And we all know that oysters are a commercially important resource. The Virginia seafood industry is one of the largest in the Nation and provides a positive economic impact to Virginia of over a half a billion dollars a year. Oysters also filter and clean the Bay's waters. The oyster is a natural filter. Oysters filter water by removing algae and nutrients, thereby improving water clarity and quality. Oyster reefs provide habitat for fish, crabs, and many other forms of marine life. We'll probably never be able to restore the Bay to how it was when Captain John Smith landed in Jamestown in 1607. However, by improving water quality and increasing oyster populations, we will go a long way to restoring the Bay's health. The challenges to oyster restoration are daunting and complex. The Army Corps of Engineers, along with Federal, State, and private partners, have been working to restore oyster populations. And while relatively limited in scope, the Army Corps oyster restoration efforts have shown oyster restoration successes on several watersheds. The Army Corps is nearing completion of a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement to identify an oyster restoration strategy. This major undertaking will guide bay-wide oyster restoration for years to come. It is clear that the oyster is a critical species to the Chesapeake Bay, and this amendment is an important step to support oyster restoration activities in the Bay. I urge my colleagues' support.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding the earmark I received as part of H.R. 3183, Energy and Water Appropriations bill for FY 2010. Project Name/Amount: Sustainable Algal Energy Production and Environmental Remediation, $500,000 Requested by: Robert J. Wittman Intended Recipient of Funds/Grantee: College of William and Mary P.O. Box 8795 Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795 Project description and explanation of the request: Algae yields substantial advantages over other bio-fuel crops toward the combined goals of renewability, sustainability, affordability, and environmental compatibility in an energy sustainable economy. A multi-disciplinary program plan and partnership are in development for a system to grow, harvest, and process wild algae into feedstock, to chemically convert the feedstock into fuels, and then to distribute the native algae- derived fuels to consumers. This program will be developed under leadership of the College of William and Mary (CWM), acting through its Virginia Institute for Marine Science (VIMS), the nation's third largest marine science organization, and the premier institute for coastal and estuary studies, working with the College's William and Mary Research Institute (WMRI), which provides access to 570 faculty members across the schools of the main campus. The envisioned commercial process has the potential to produce significantly higher efficiencies than other bio-fuel systems in development, based on mature, proven algae cultivation capabilities, while avoiding many land use issues of alternative algal methods. The target consumers of these fuels include all air and ground transportation and power production systems. This project will secure a number of new jobs for the district in the execution of the work, but the major benefits of bringing algal biofuels to the coast of Virginia will have an enormous impact on the state's economy while remediating long-standing environmental problems caused by nutrients in the watershed, rivers and estuarial run-off into the Chesapeake Bay. Funding will support production of 40 kg of Algal Oil and 200 kg of Algal Carbohydrate. Funding will also support design, development, and operation of a portable, water based, self contained harvesting system. Additionally, funding would develop a site screening and production forecasting computer model Project Name/Amount: Regional Sediment Management Demonstration Program: Mathews County, VA, $238,000 Requested by: Robert J. Wittman Intended Recipient of Funds/Grantee: Norfolk District, Army Corps of Engineers 803 Front Street Norfolk, VA 23510 Project description and explanation of the request: Continue construction a sediment budget for the Mathews County, VA area and investigate utilization of dredge material from several local/adjacent federal navigation channels to address shoreline conditions along the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. The project is authorized by PL 110-114 Sec. 2037. Project Name/Amount: Winter Harbor, Mathews County, VA, $1,190,000 Requested by: Robert J. Wittman Intended Recipient of Funds/Grantee: Norfolk District, Army Corps of Engineers 803 Front Street Norfolk, VA 23510 Project description and explanation of the request: Completion of authorized maintenance dredging activities authorized under the River and Harbor Act of 17 May 1950.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I come here today to ask that you include all of our voices in crafting responsible health care reform legislation. This issue is too large and impacts too many people to write a bill from only one side of the aisle. In my home State of Virginia, more than 1.1 million individuals are uninsured, and health care premiums grow another 10 percent annually. Back in the First District, I formed and work with a Health Care Advisory Council comprised of local patient advocates, physicians, nurses, students, insurance providers, hospitals, community health centers, and other stakeholders in the health care reform debate. These folks have great ideas that deserve an opportunity to be heard. They are clear-cut ideas on which both sides can agree. We must let Americans who like their health care coverage keep it and give all Americans the freedom to choose the health plan that best meets their needs. We must also focus on prevention, disease management, and wellness programs, as well as the development of new treatments and cures for life-threatening diseases. We must also allow the Federal Government to partner with States to improve programs that guarantee access to affordable coverage for those with preexisting conditions. Finally, we must increase transparency to improve patient access to the best health care information available. These are things upon which Republicans and Democrats can agree in order to provide relief to the American people.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 489, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding an earmark I received as part of H.R. 3082, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2010. Project Name: Electromagnetic Research and Engineering Facility Amount: $3,660,000 Requested By: Robert J. Wittman (VA-01) Account: Military Construction (MCN) Intended Recipient of Funds: Naval Activity South Potomac, Dahlgren, Virginia. Dahlgren, VA 22448 Project description and explanation of the request: This project will provide an addition to the Electromagnetic Research and Engineering Facility (EMREF). This addition is required to facilitate the Directed Energy Technology Office at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) to meet its mission in Directed Energy research, development of prototypes and engineering development model systems and in fielding these prototypes to the warfighter. This project will provide laboratories and analysis spaces for wideband RF, High Powered Microwave, Pulsed Power and high energy laser systems engineering and development. This project provides necessary access to a maritime boundary layer environment and therefore is sited along the Potomac River Test Range. This project will house 25-30 engineers and scientists some of whom will be new hires. This project was developed because it represents the lost scope of another military construction project, P295, that was approved in Fiscal Year 2006. Due to high bids, only about 75% of the original facility could be built. This project provides the remaining 25% (6,500 SF). Funding will be used for electrical facilities ($120,000), mechanical facilities ($110,000), paving and site improvements ($30,000), site preparations ($110,000), demolition of previous buildings ($230,000), anti-terrorism/force protection measures ($180,000), information systems ($60,000), built-in equipment ($60,000), and technical operating manuals ($40,000). I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Major Willard Palm, Captain Freeman B. Olmstead, Captain John McKone, and the crew of the RB-47H shot down over international waters by the Soviet Union on July 1, 1960. This recognition is well-deserved and highlights the unending service and integrity of our men and women in uniform. The plane was crewed by Major Willard Palm as aircraft commander; Captain Freeman B. Olmstead as pilot; Captain John McKone as navigator. Freeman B. Olmstead was born in Elmira, New York, and brought up in a devout Episcopal family. He earned a bachelor's degree in history from Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio. He entered active duty with the Air Force in 1957. McKone was a native of Tonganoxie, Kansas, and he graduated from Kansas State University with a bachelor's degree in history in 1954. He entered active duty on March 15, 1955. On July 1, 1960, a United States Air Force RB-47H based at Forbes Air Force Base, Kansas, departed from Brize-Norton Royal Air Force Base in England. The flight's planned route kept the plane over international waters. A MiG-19 fighter intercepted the American bomber in the Barents Sea. The MiG eventually opened fire on the RB-47H. Olmstead and McKone successfully ejected and survived only to be picked up by a Soviet fishing vessel. The aircraft commander, however, perished in the Barents Sea. Ten days after the shootdown, Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev announced that they had shot down the bomber and captured the two crewmen. The pair were imprisoned in Moscow's Lubyanka prison, and accused by the Soviets of espionage, punishable by death, for allegedly violating the Soviet Sea frontier. Shortly after the inauguration of President John F. Kennedy, Premier Nikita Khrushchev extended an offer to free Olmstead and McKone quickly--but with three terms later agreed to. After seven months of imprisonment and interrogation the guards drove Captain Freeman B. Olmstead and Captain John McKone to the American embassy. They were handed over to U.S. officials to be reunited with their families without having disclosed any information to the Soviet government. Madam Speaker, as a member of the Committee on Armed Services, I am continuously struck by the integrity of our servicemembers. With examples like Captain Freeman B. Olmstead and Captain John McKone it is clear where this integrity comes from and I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring them.