Robert Wittman

Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia

Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pause and remember the late Representative Jo Ann Davis who passed away last October after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Jo Ann made history in 2000 when she was the first female Republican elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from the Commonwealth of Virginia. In Congress, she was a passionate advocate for better government, lower taxes, and a strong defense. Jo Ann was a tireless advocate for our brave service members. She constantly supported legislation that strengthened our armed services and improved benefits for our men and women in uniform. Jo Ann represented the people of the First District of Virginia with distinction. Through her service she set an example of courage in the face of adversity that we would all do well to emulate. Jo Ann believed that God called her to service, and in her years of service to this nation, Jo Ann's faith never wavered. She regularly attended the Member's weekly prayer breakfast, and she was also a co- chair of the 2007 National Prayer Breakfast. Jo Ann truly loved her family and our thoughts and prayers continue to be with her husband of 33 years, Chuck; her two sons Charles and Christopher; granddaughter Charlotte and the many family and friends who are still touched by her absence. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the late Representative Jo Ann Davis.

Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia

Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Col. Marcus Lundy Powell, Jr. who was born in Mecklenberg County, VA, and will turn 90 years old on October 9, 2008. Mr. Powell graduated from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute, which today is known as Virginia Tech, in 1939. Upon his graduation he was commissioned a 2nd lieutenant in the U.S. Army and was assigned to the 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, under Col. James Van Fleet. Just five years later at the age of 25 he was a company commander who lead troops in the first wave onto Utah Beach at Normandy, on D-Day; June 6, 1944. Mr. Powell would go onto to tirelessly serve on the front lines of many of the most hard-fought battles in the European Theater including the Battle of Huertgen Forest. He also served on the first day of the Battle of the Bulge. Following the close of the Second World War Mr. Powell would be stationed as an Aide-de-camp to Gen. James Van Fleet from 1946-48 in Athens, Greece, during the Greek War. From 1955-57 he served as Deputy Chief of the Military Assistance Advisory Group in Baghdad, Iraq. Mr. Powell would again bravely wear the uniform of the U.S. Army overseas as a troop Commander in Korea from 1962-63 and as the Deputy Director of Headquarters in Vietnam from 1966-67. Finally, Mr. Powell was transferred to the Continental Army Command at Ft. Monroe, VA, from 1967-72 as the Director of Reserve Components. Mr. Powell is the proud father of four children, three grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Col. Powell has retired to Oxford, NC, where, weather permitting, he plays golf once or twice a week, plays bridge, works in his garden, makes wonderful cherry preserves and remains an active member of the local Lions Club. Ever the optimist, in March of this year he married a wonderful woman. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Col. Marcus Lundy Powell, Jr. upon his 90th birthday and for his honorable accomplishments with the U.S. Army in defense and service to our Nation.

Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia

Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the King George Ruritan Club on the occasion of its 70th anniversary. This fine association has its origins in 1938 when a group of men banded together for the concerns of the well-being of King George County to form the King George Ruritan Club. The King George Ruritan Club was sponsored by the Richmond County Ruritan on October 31, 1938, and granted National Charter # 57 with 27 members on the roster with J. W. Bland elected President. The Club began its service to the community in support of PTAs, church groups, the Daughters of America and the Rebekah Lodge by serving Ruritan dinners to raise funds for their activities. King George Ruritan was reorganized in 1948 after WW II with their new major initiatives to focus on the construction of sidewalks through the village to protect school children, and the King George Volunteer Fire Department. Throughout the 1950's the Club was instrumental in the installation of a public telephone at the Court House, the collection clothes for the needy, and support of the Ground Observer Corps. The Club's philanthropic programs in the late 1950's were the installation of lights on the High School athletic field and organizing the Fall Festival with the profits going to the Fire Department and Rescue Squad. In the 1960's the Club turned its attention toward a community center which became a reality in 1979 with John Owens turning the first spade of soil representing the King George Ruritans. The Club's main fundraiser in the 1970's was hauling manure from Hopyard Farm with the primary benefactor being the first community service group supporting the establishment of the King George Rescue Squad telemetry system. The Club also donated flag poles to the American Legion and King George Fire House, followed by the creation of a memorial scholarship in honor of J. Grafton McGinniss. The Club's support for the Boy Scouts began with the Charter in 1938. In 1954 the Club chartered Boy Scout Troop 191, which by the 1980s had grown to include the Cubs, Webelos and Explorer Scouts, which the Club still charters. In the late 1980s, the Club relied on its Chicken Barbeque as its primary fundraiser in addition to other food service activities. In 1989 the Club started the Rudy Ruritan Bear Program with 10 bears given to the Sheriff's Department and 10 to the Rescue Squad and this program still continues. The King George Ruritan Club reached several significant milestones in the last decade. In 1999 the Club added its first female member who joined to carry on her husband's work and by 2000 there were a total of 6 women in the Club. The first female President was elected in 2003. In 2004, King George Ruritan Club had its first Tom Downing Fellow recipient, Aubrey Mitchell. In 2008, the Club had its first District Governor, Roy Maloy. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commemorating the King George Ruritan Club on the occasion of its 70th anniversary and its record of service to the community.

Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia

Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information for publication in the Congressional Record regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2638, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2009. Vehicle Paint Facility, Fort Eustis. Requesting Member: Congressman Robert J. Wittman. Bill Number: H.R. 2638. Account: U.S. Department of the Army, Military Construction. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Newport News. Address of Requesting Entity: 2400 Washington Avenue, Newport News, VA 23607. Description of Request: Provide $3.90 million to construct a Vehicle Paint Facility at Fort Eustis with paint booths to accommodate the preparation and painting of vehicles, equipment, components, helicopters, and modular causeway sections. This project is required to support the preparation for and painting of approximately 1600 pieces of vehicular equipment. Most of this equipment belongs to the 7th Sustainment Brigade, which is one of the Army's most frequently deployed units. If this project is not provided, Fort Eustis will incur negative mission impacts and will not meet Virginia Environmental Quality requirements. Current painting operations will have an elevated cost because existing facilities cannot accommodate oversized equipment. The facility is critical to rapidly prepare equipment for deploying units in conjunction with time phased deployment schedules. In addition, the Deputy Secretary of the Army (Installations and Housing) certifies that this project has been considered for joint use potential. This request is consistent with the intended and authorized purpose of the U.S. Department of the Army, Military Construction account. There is no matching requirement. High Power Free Electron Laser Development for Naval Applications. Requesting Member: Congressman Robert J. Wittman. Bill Number: H.R. 2638. Account: U.S. Department of the Navy, Research, Development, Test and Evaluation. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Jefferson Science Associates on behalf of the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility. Address of Requesting Entity: 12000 Jefferson Avenue, Newport News, VA 23606. Description of Request: Provide $2.40 million for the Jefferson Lab High Power FEL Development for Naval Application project, which continues to meet the Navy milestones for increased laser power and systems development for the application of a shipboard system for cruise missile defense. In October 2006, the JLab FEL broke its own record and exceeded the Navy milestone by delivering 14.2 kW of infrared light at a maritime critical wavelength. The FEL project has important directed energy applications. There is no matching requirement. This request is consistent with the intended and authorized purpose of the U.S. Department of the Navy RDTE account. Marine Corps Base Quantico OCS Headquarters Facility. Requesting Member: Congressman Robert J. Wittman. Bill Number: H.R. 2638. Account: U.S. Department of the Navy, Military Construction. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Member initiated request. Address of Requesting Entity: 1123 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515. Description of Request: Provide $5.98 million for construction of the Marine Corps Base Quantico Officer Candidate School Headquarters Facility located at Quantico, Virginia. The funding would be used to construct a single-story administrative headquarters building to consolidate Headquarters functions at Officer Candidate School (OCS). The facility will provide workspaces for 75 Marines responsible for coordinating the administrative, educational, operational and logistics support required to conduct Officer Candidate training at OCS. The existing facility was built in 1945 and will be demolished once new construction is complete. Preventive and corrective maintenance, both routine and emergency, take place on a daily basis at the existing facility, consuming material, money and manpower. This project is listed on the USMC FY09 Unfunded Programs List. The entity to receive funding for this project is the United States Navy. The funds will be used for the OCS headquarters construction, technical operating manuals, information systems, anti-terrorism force protection, and supporting facilities (construction features, electrical, mechanical, paving and site improvements, demolition and environmental mitigation). There is no matching requirement. This request is consistent with the intended and authorized purpose of the U.S. Department of the Navy Military Construction account. Over-the-Horizon Vessel Tracking for Homeland Security. Requesting Member: Congressman Robert J. Wittman. Bill Number: H.R. 2638. Account: U.S. Department of the Navy, Research and Development. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Center for Innovative Technology (CIT). Address of Requesting Entity: 2214 Rock Hill Road, Suite 600, Herndon, VA 20170-4228. Description of Request: Provide $800,000 for Over-the-Horizon Vessel Tracking. Over-the-Horizon Vessel Tracking has been a priority for DoD since the 1950s. The Coast Guard plays a key role in force protection and is responsible for protection of Naval assets while in port under a 1995 Memorandum of Understanding with DOD. This project leverages the previous federal investment in the NOAA Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS). Labor: $900,000, Equipment and Supplies: $80,000, Travel: $20,000. CIT will provide a 10% match, covering labor, fringe, and indirect costs. This request is consistent with the intended and authorized purpose of the U.S. Department of the Navy Research and Development account. Training Support Center, Ph 1. Requesting Member: Congressman Robert J. Wittman. Bill Number: H.R. 2638. Account: U.S. Department of the Army, Military Construction. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Newport News. Address of Requesting Entity: 2400 Washington Avenue, Newport News, VA 23607. Description of Request: Provide $13.60 million to construct Phase I of a multi-phase Advanced Training Technology Support Facility for the U.S. Army Training Support Center at Fort Eustis. Project includes administrative space, special work areas, office support areas, classrooms, conference rooms, storage areas, mailroom functions, and computer/communication space. Supporting facilities include utilities services, UMCS connection, emergency generator, paving, storm drainage, site improvement, communications and fencing. Heating (natural gas) and air conditioning will be by self contained systems. Antiterrorism/Force Protection (AT/FP) measures include laminated glass, traffic control barriers and standard security design features. Access for individuals with disabilities will be provided. Demolish includes limited asbestos abatement. If this project is not provided, fragmented elements of ATSC will continue to occupy structurally deficient temporary facilities and impact Army-wide ATSC Range and support missions. There is no matching requirement. This request is consistent with the intended and authorized purpose of the U.S. Department of the Army Military Construction account.

Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia

Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Gary ``Buck'' Barber Jr., a great young man from Nuttsville, VA who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 222 and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Buck has been active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Buck has been involved with scouting, he has earned 30 merit badges, served as a Patrol Leader, Chaplain's Aide, Senior Patrol Leader, and finally as a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster. Buck was also elected to be a member of the Order of the Arrow, scouting's national camping honor society. For his Eagle Scout project, Buck coordinated the assembly and distribution of care packages for local service members serving overseas. Buck is currently completing his associate's degree at Rappahannock Community College, and plans to attend the University of Virginia to study mechanical engineering, and later attend medical school to become a surgeon. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Gary ``Buck'' Barber Jr. for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia

Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay special tribute to a dedicated American and true patriot for whose service to this country, first as an Officer in the United States Army and followed by a distinguished career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, we owe our sincere gratitude, Mr. Walter Garcia. Walt Garcia was born in California to proud and loving parents; mother Tsuyako and father Alfred. He and his three brothers, Joseph, Frank, and Fred, grew up in a happy home, each serving the other, alternately as friend, protector, and part-time antagonist. After graduating high school and earning his degree in Business Administration from San Francisco State University, Walt joined the United States Army where he served for five years and rose to the rank of Captain. Walt joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 1986. His first assignment, as part of the Phoenix Field Division, was as a Special Agent in Foreign Counterintelligence, and member of the FBI Reactive Squad and FBI SWAT. Walt's further service to the Bureau was primarily in the area of International Terrorism and support to the Special Operations Group. In 1995, he was selected to the FBI's Hostage Rescue Team Tactical Helicopter Unit. The members of this elite team considered Walt to be one of the most able and talented pilots to have ever served Hostage Rescue. As a Supervisory Special Agent for Hostage Rescue, Walt was greatly respected and widely admired for his quiet but powerful presence. All who worked with him remember this friend and leader who avoided the spotlight and always put others first. His FBI family, agents and pilots alike, can share dozens of stories about Walt's bravery and determination in the field. They can also recount exhaustive examples of this man's extraordinary gift as a strong and focused, yet quiet and selfless leader. Whether sharing the events surrendering Walt's quick thinking, his courage under pressure and his talent as a pilot on the occasion in which he single-handedly pursued fleeing drug suspects and, using only his helicopter, blocked their escape and retained them for capture, or when remembering how he calmed a younger agents baby, providing much needed leadership to the new father in the art of cooing while changing a diaper, those around him always knew of the standard he set for himself and for others in all things pursued. He was a loving husband for 27 years to wife Yvonne and was a proud father to sons, Sean, Nicholas and Alex. Friends and neighbors from his community in Stafford County, Virginia, will always remember the active support he provided to his family in all their varied activities. While it may be difficult for Brook Point High School football fans to recall the game scores over the last eight seasons, few would forget Walt as the most active cheerleader consistently in attendance. The same can be said for all events in which Alex, Nicholas and Sean participated, whether as a soccer coach for Alex, football enthusiast for Nicholas, or proud father and passionate fan of Sean's many musical performances; Walt was their number one supporter. Walt Garcia's best friend, beloved wife Yvonne, and their remarkable three sons, Sean, Nicholas and Alex, will always cherish their memories of time spent together with this devoted husband and father. The community of friends and neighbors in Stafford County, Virginia, along with extended friends and close family across this great county, cherish the gift that was his friendship and love. And finally, while the Federal Bureau of Investigation was fortunate to have counted this talented and dedicated agent as one of their own, we Americans will forever be grateful for his brave and faithful service to this Nation.

Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia

Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia. Madam Speaker, we have a number of challenges in this country. We see the energy challenge we have before us. We've heard here in recent days of all of the challenges in our financial markets. I would suggest that we need to make sure that we use this opportunity to be inclusive when we make decisions. Just the other day when an energy bill passed this body, there was a great opportunity there to make sure that we had the best ideas coming forward, to make sure that we worked on things in a bipartisan manner, to make sure we did what was in the best interest of this country. Unfortunately, that didn't happen. Unfortunately, those best ideas didn't all make it to the table, and that's not what this country is built on. This country is built on making sure that this body makes decisions in an inclusive way, and I hope the Speaker will hold true to her words that she said earlier, that this was going to be the most inclusive body in the history of this body. You know, I'm concerned when that doesn't happen. It leaves out those great ideas. It leaves out segments of America who want their voices heard here to make sure that we do things in a fair and equitable way. Madam Speaker, I call on you to make sure that we do have an inclusive process in this body.

Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia

Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, yesterday we had a great opportunity to put forward a bipartisan approach to solve this Nation's energy problems. Unfortunately, we didn't do that. We had a bill that arrived at the last minute to us with very little time to look over and no attempt to make sure that it included the best ideas on how to solve this Nation's energy problems. That opportunity was bypassed, and what we ended up with was a very narrowly banded bill that will not address this Nation's energy problems. That is reprehensible. We need to make sure that we have that opportunity. We have a bill that passed out of here yesterday that has already been said by Democrats in the Senate that it's dead on arrival and that it's going to be vetoed by the President. Why didn't this body take the opportunity to make sure that we adopted an energy policy that was going to be in the best long-term interest to this Nation, that had a chance of passing and that had a chance of making a difference in the gas prices of our men and women out there that their families have to deal with each and every day? That is reprehensible. We had a great opportunity yesterday that we missed, that we did not take advantage of, Mr. Speaker, and I tell you this Nation will suffer for it.

Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia

Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, today we have before us an energy bill, an energy bill that was presented to us at 9:45 last night, 260 pages long, and very little time to digest what is probably one of the more important pieces of legislation that we will address in this century. I will tell you this is extraordinarily important. People in my district ask me all the time, ``Rob, we see this issue, it's an important issue for our Nation, why can't we come together and use some commonsense to solve it? Why can't Congress work together?'' Well, folks, this is not the way to work together. This is not an inclusive process. When we are given the opportunity to make sure that the best and brightest ideas come forward for a policy that's so important to the future of this country, we need to make sure the opportunity is there to bring forth the best solutions to this. We will not solve this energy problem with this bill. This will not happen. It doesn't provide for nuclear energy, it doesn't unlock the resources that we have here. We're the only nation in the world that refuses to use its own resources to solve its own problems. Folks, we have got to make sure that everybody's ideas make it into this bill. This bill does not provide for that. It's not acceptable to the American people. We should not have this going forward.

Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia

Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I submit the following: Vehicle Paint Facility, Fort Eustis. Requesting Member: Congressman Robert J. Wittman. Bill Number: H.R. 6599. Account: U.S. Department of the Army, Military Construction. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Newport News. Address of Requesting Entity: 2400 Washington Avenue, Newport News, VA 23607. Description of Request: $3.90 million to construct a Vehicle Paint Facility at Fort Eustis with paint booths to accommodate the preparation and painting of vehicles, equipment, components, helicopters, and modular causeway sections. This project is required to support the preparation for and painting of approximately 1600 pieces of vehicular equipment. Most of this equipment belongs to the 7th Sustainment Brigade, which is one of the Army's most frequently deployed units. If this project is not provided, Fort Eustis will incur negative mission impacts and will not meet Virginia Environmental Quality requirements. Current painting operations will have an elevated cost because existing facilities cannot accommodate oversized equipment. The facility is critical to rapidly prepare equipment for deploying units in conjunction with time phased deployment schedules. In addition, the Deputy Secretary of the Army (Installations and Housing) certifies that this project has been considered for joint use potential. The estimated contract cost is approximately $3.0 million with an estimated contingency percent of 5 percent, supervision, inspection and overhead costs at an estimated 5.7 percent, design/build design costs at an estimated 4 percent and additional expenses for installed equipment. This request is consistent with the intended and authorized purpose of the U.S. Department of the Army, Military Construction account and the Department of the Army is the recipient of these funds. There is no matching requirement. Marine Corps Base Quantico OCS Headquarters Facility. Requesting Member: Congressman Robert J. Wittman. Bill Number: H.R. 6599. Account: U.S. Department of the Navy, Military Construction. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Member initiated request. Description of Request: $5.98 million for construction of the Marine Corps Base Quantico OCS Headquarters Facility located at Quantico, Virginia. The funding would be used to construct a single-story administrative headquarters building to consolidate Headquarters functions at Officer Candidate School (OCS). The facility will provide workspaces for 75 Marines responsible for coordinating the administrative, educational, operational and logistics support required to conduct Officer Candidate training at OCS. The existing facility was built in 1945 and will be demolished once new construction is complete. Preventive and corrective maintenance, both routine and emergency, take place on a daily basis at the existing facility, consuming material, money and manpower. This project is listed on the USMC FY09 Unfunded Programs List. The entity to receive funding for this project is the United States Navy. The estimated contract cost for the 13,250 square foot facility is approximately $4 million with an estimated contingency percent of 5 percent, supervision, inspection and overhead costs at an estimated 5.7 percent, design/build design costs at an estimated 4 percent and additional expenses for installed equipment. The funds will be used for the OCS headquarters construction, technical operating manuals, information systems, anti-terrorism force protection, and supporting facilities (construction features, electrical, mechanical, paving and site improvements, demolition and environmental mitigation.) There is no matching requirement. This request is consistent with the intended and authorized purpose of the U.S. Department of the Navy Military Construction account.

Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia

Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume. Madam Speaker, today I rise in strong support of House Resolution 1139, recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The mission of this outstanding shipyard, ``We keep them fit to fight,'' demonstrates the pride and professionalism of the men and women who serve our Nation in Pearl Harbor. The unified shipyard team is committed to the on-time delivery of the high quality submarine and surface ship maintenance at or below expected costs. The Pearl Harbor shipyard's culture of continuous improvement and extremely high standards for safety, security, and environmental protection are paramount in maintaining the readiness of our fleet and our military's mission. Properly maintaining nuclear-powered submarines and conventionally powered warships is instrumental in enabling our fighting forces to conduct operations in the global war on terror. Our national defense demands that we have a strong and capable Naval Fleet, and the officers and crews of these fine warships, as well as the men and women of the shipyards, make this possible. Our Nation would not have the world's most technologically advanced combat ships without the talent and dedication of the military-industrial team and the public and private shipyards. In honoring the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, I note that now, just as 100 years ago, both quality and quantity matter with respect to our Naval Fleet. That is why I voted to increase the funding for the Virginia Class Submarine program to enable the construction of two nuclear-powered submarines per year by fiscal year 2010. It is, again, time for our Nation to have a strategic outlook on the future role of our naval forces, and our Navy should establish a 313-ship fleet, at a minimum, to maintain our maritime dominance and forward presence around the globe. Moreover, such a fleet is only sustainable if we continue to invest in the people, skills and infrastructure of our public shipyards. The 100th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor Shipyard is historically significant as the United States Navy continues to set the international standard of excellence. I urge your support in continuing to promote the role of shipbuilding and ship repair and defending our Nation in the 21st century. Maintaining the skills and strength of the industrial base and providing the necessary resources for future construction and repair will enable our country to benefit from the tremendous scientific and military achievements as the ships that have been repaired in Pearl Harbor have for over a century. So, Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize the 100th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and congratulate the men and women who provide exceptional service to our military, keeping our fleet ``fit to fight'' as they demonstrate honor, courage and commitment on a daily basis. I call upon all Americans to pause and honor the service and sacrifice of not only those brave Americans who have served in our shipyards, but also those who have served and continue to serve in the defense of our Nation and its values. I urge my colleagues to support this most worthy resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I just wanted to thank the gentleman from Hawaii for his kind words. And I know that this Nation looks forward to having our Virginia Class submarines being maintained ``fit to fight'' there at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. So I truly appreciate that.

Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia

Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, Americans are facing an energy crisis. High fuel costs are cutting short summer vacations, impacting family budgets, shuttering small businesses, increasing food costs and threatening the economic well-being of this country. Recently, I learned of a small business in the rural part of my district that can't even receive shipments because the delivery trucks can no longer afford to drive all the way down to his shop. This small shop owner, who operates on already tight margins, has to incur extra costs to meet the delivery truck closer into town. And this is just one of countless similar stories throughout America and throughout Virginia's First District. The majority's response to this crisis has been to repeatedly deny the American people relief from skyrocketing fuel prices. Defying basic economics, they refuse to increase supply and encourage production of American-made energy. The majority party decries the timeline of domestic drilling as too long, saying the American people won't see any relief for at least 5 to 10 years, as if it is somehow a bad thing for Congress to act with foresight in order to avert a deeper energy catastrophe in the near future. In the face of ``all of the above'' energy policy offered by Republicans, one that includes American-made energy, encourages aggressive conservation and invests in and incentivizes clean, renewable energy, Democrats offer misdirected solutions like ``use it or lose it'' and recycle failed ideas of the past, like the windfall profits tax. Today's consideration of H.R. 415 is another such mistake. Instead of restricting energy development in the name of political partisanship, we need to throw every option on the table. And I'm reminded of a story that a constituent told me about the Apollo 13 astronauts and how they solved problems where Mission Control took everything they had at their avail, every tool, every piece of equipment at their disposal, to survive and get those astronauts back to Earth. Today, Mr. Speaker, Congress is Mission Control, and we have an energy problem. This bill abuses the definition of Wild and Scenic Rivers by designating the urban and heavily developed lower section of the Taunton River as wild and scenic. Not coincidentally it's on this lower section of the Taunton River that a liquefied natural gas facility has been proposed. And thus this bill is yet another roadblock to increasing our energy supply. Not only could this legislation encourage budget-busting heating bills, but it will also bury local shipbuilders in an avalanche of bureaucratic red tape. Shipbuilding facilities often need to be modified to meet job specifications. By further complicating the permitting process, this bill stymies these business' ability to meet their customers' needs. Additionally, Mr. Speaker, the headline in the Fall River Herald News also reads about the impact on businesses where it says, ``scenic river designation could sink waterfront businesses,'' again, another negative impact on businesses. Congress cannot afford to remain tone deaf to the suffering of our country. This motion to recommit returns our focus on what is truly important to the American people: Relief of skyrocketing energy prices. It prohibits restrictions on the development or management of energy infrastructure. And more importantly, it expands on the language offered by Representative Boyda to include sources of energy like clean-burning natural gas, which will play a critical role in our development of an ``all of the above'' energy policy. I urge all Members to support this motion to recommit H.R. 415.

Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia. I am, in its current form.

Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia

Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 508, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia

Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4199 has been adequately explained by the majority, and I would like to thank Congressman Turner from Ohio for his diligent work to advance this legislation on behalf of his constituents and for the benefit of park visitors around the country. At this time, Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Turner), author of the bill.

Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia

Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I have no additional speakers and yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to the gentleman from the State of Georgia (Mr. Westmoreland).

Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia

Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Westmoreland).

Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Westmoreland).