Bruce Westerman

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Goldmon family of Jefferson County, Arkansas who have been selected as Arkansas Farm Bureau's 2019 Farm Family of the Year for the Southeast District. The Goldmon family owns and operates Dell-Cam Farms, which features 1,400 acres of corn, rice, and soybeans in the heart of Arkansas' Fourth District. Dewayne and Debra Goldmon, and their two children Camille and Dewayne Jr. have been actively engaged in production agriculture for over 22 years. After touring their farmland, I was impressed by the Goldmon family's dedication to agriculture, family values, and quality products. In addition to being recognized as the Farm Family of the Year for the Southeast District, Dell-Cam Farms has served as a model for agricultural innovation for producers throughout the United States. The title of Farm Family of the Year serves to illustrate the Goldmon family's pursuit of effective and efficient farming technologies and practices. I take this time to congratulate the Goldmons on this tremendous honor and thank them for their commitment to wise land stewardship.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 175th anniversary of Polk County, Arkansas. This county, set right on the border of Arkansas and Oklahoma, is named after former President James Polk and is currently home to more than 20,000 people. Almost half of Polk County lies in the Ouachita National Forest, and as a forester by trade, I've seen how important this forest is to our state's ecosystem and wildlife habitats. I'm grateful to the land managers that live in Polk County and steward our resources well. In addition to the beautiful landscapes and fertile valleys, Polk County is home to many incredible people that I am privileged to know. I'm honored to recognize Polk County and its history today, and I hope this legacy is passed down for generations to come.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Chair, in the face of increasing belligerence from Russia and China and an unstable Middle East, Members of this House have a choice. We can choose dirtier foreign energy over responsibly developing a tiny parcel of land already set aside for production. That inaction, Mr. Chair, is one that demands common sense. It is in the common interest to protect domestic energy. Realistically, 2,000 acres is a small price to pay for our security. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote for the greatest good for the greatest number and to vote for the long run. I urge my colleagues to vote for common sense and vote ``no'' on H.R. 1146.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Alaska for yielding. Mr. Chairman, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle proclaim that they are concerned about the environment, but that does not mean that I am not concerned about the environment or that my colleagues on this side of the aisle are not concerned about the environment. One of our earliest and most recognized conservationists, Gifford Pinchot, stated that when conflicting interests must be resolved that we should strive to do the greatest good for the greatest number for the long run. Pinchot also wrote that conservation is the application of common sense to the common problems for the common good. Mr. Chairman, this bill today lacks common sense. I have been to the North Slope of Alaska. We can develop clean, safe, low-cost energy in the world and conserve our public lands and the environment. I would argue that because of our technology and innovation and using clean fuels like natural gas that has allowed the United States to decrease our global greenhouse gas emissions more than any other country in the world. As we look at this bill today, and we look at the history of what has happened, in 1980 a Democratic-held Congress passed the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, and President Carter signed it into law. That act set aside more than 1.5 million acres for responsible oil and gas development in ANWR itself, nearly 20 million acres in total. Such a large commitment less than a decade after the Arab oil embargo made logical sense at the time. However, it took until 2018 for Congress to uphold its word, finally approving a limited exploration project on 2,000 acres in ANWR. This constitutes less than one ten-thousandth of the total acreage and one one-hundredth of the initial exploration.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I extend my deepest congratulations to Bradley County's 4-H Forestry Team on their exceptional representation of Arkansas at the 40th Annual National 4-H Forestry Invitational. Braden Harrod, Gregory Hilliard, David McGhee, and Madison McGhee from Hermitage, Arkansas were named National Champions at the 4-H Forestry Invitational, leading Coach Joe Don Greenwood and Bradley County to their third championship title since 2016. In addition to this honor, Braden Harrod won the high point individual award at the competition. The national event featured skills testing in various areas such as tree identification, tree measurement, compass and pacing, insect and disease identification, topographic map use, forest evaluation, the forestry bowl, and a written forestry exam. Coach Greenwood and these students exhibited exemplary work ethic and superior skill in preparation for the championship. As a fellow forester, it is encouraging to see young Fourth District Arkansans nurture a knowledge of good resource management and stewardship. I look forward to witnessing the further success of these students as they continue to represent our district and state on a national level.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to extend my deepest congratulations to the Bradley County, Arkansas 4-H Forestry Team and to Braden Harrod on their exceptional representation of the Natural State on a national level. Braden Harrod, Gregory Hilliard, David McGhee, and Madison McGhee, of Hermitage, Arkansas were named National Champions at the 40th Annual National 4-H Forestry Invitational. Braden Harrod also won the high point individual award during the competition. The team was led by Coach Joe Don Greenwood. This is the third Bradley County 4-H national championship title since 2016. The national event featured skills testing in various areas such as tree identification, tree measurement, compass and pacing, insect and disease identification, topographic map use, forest evaluation, the forestry bowl, and a written forestry exam. Mr. Greenwood and these students exhibit exemplary work ethic and superior skill in preparation for this competition each year. As a fellow forester, it is a supreme encouragement to see young Fourth District Arkansans nurture a knowledge of good resource management and stewardship. I look forward to witnessing the further success of these students as they continue to represent our district and our state on a national level.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sergeant First Class Thomas F. Vaughns, a Tuskegee Airman and World War II and Korean War Veteran. On August 21, 2019, Sergeant First Class (SFC) Vaughns will be recognized for his service and commitment to the United States. SFC Vaughns, of White Hall and resident of the Fourth District of Arkansas, began his service during World War II at Camp Robinson, North Little Rock, Arkansas. After Basic Combat Training in California, he reported to several locations around the country where he worked as a mechanic on B-25 bombers. He eventually ended up at the air base in Tuskegee, Alabama, where he helped ensure B-25s were operational and safe for training. At the end of the war, he completed high school in St. Louis and then returned to Arkansas where he attended the Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical and Normal College (AM&N), now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB). He graduated in 1950, just in time to be called up again for service during the Korean War. In 1951, now SFC Vaughns, served as a supply sergeant at Fort Hood, Texas. The Army discharged him at his request one year later in 1952. After his military service, he worked several different jobs but ended his career as a horticulture specialist at UAPB. The Tuskegee Airmen were a highly trained and specialized group of America's first African American pilots and ground crews for the U.S. Army Air Corp and eventually the Army Air Forces. Their impressive performance during war-time earned them more than 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses. The unit obtained a distinguished reputation for their ability to safely escort American bombers into enemy territory, resulting in the fewest loses in the 15th Air Force during the war. I am honored to recognize Sergeant First Class Thomas F. Vaughns and the Tuskegee Airmen for their rich history of service and bravery. I thank each and every one of them for protecting the freedoms of this country and hope their legacy continues for generations to come.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 501.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Arkansas's Korean War veteran commemorations. This summer, the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs is honoring the men and women who served our country and defended South Korea during the Cold War. In an oft-forgotten chapter of history, Korean War soldiers from the United States provided vital assistance to the South Korean army. During a volatile time, their service prevented North Korean forces from taking over the entire Korean peninsula. Arkansas has a rich history of bravery and patriotism, and I'm honored to recognize our Korean War veterans at these commemoration events. I thank each one of them for their service, and hope their legacies continue for generations to come.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman, my friend from South Carolina (Mr. Duncan), for yielding. Madam Speaker, I want us to take a moment to reflect tonight, reflect where our country has been and where our country is going. I think about my grandparents who grew up in a home that didn't even have electricity, didn't have running water. Even my parents were young when they got electricity in their home. Madam Speaker, it was just 150 years ago when the main source of energy in this country was wood fuel. We have come a long way in this country. We have seen a better way of life. We have seen nicer things because of the technology and innovation that we have had in this country. Our energy policy should be the same energy policy that got us to where we are today because we have a bright future ahead. That energy policy is simply to provide the cleanest energy possible for the lowest cost possible. We shouldn't discriminate against energy sources. Energy is energy. It is carbon atoms. It is hydrogen. It is the energy that we have that we convert to things like electrical energy. Just because one energy is viewed as dirtier than another energy doesn't mean that, someday, that energy can't be clean energy. If we look at recent developments, it wasn't long ago that natural gas was an expensive form of energy. It wasn't in abundant supply. Through technology, we have been able to release vast amounts of natural gas across our country. As a matter of fact, we are seeing a lot of coal plants converted to natural gas, not because of regulatory requirements but because of the economic benefits of burning natural gas, clean natural gas. We know the control technologies to get very high combustion rates and also the ability to capture the NOX, or nitrous oxides, that are released from burning natural gas. It wasn't that long ago that we didn't think we had enough natural gas. Because of great technology, we can experience an environment here in the United States where our carbon emissions are actually dropping. We shouldn't punish one energy source over another energy source. We should strive to use technology to make energy as low-cost and as clean as possible. We can do this, whether it is renewables, solar, wind, biomass. All of those are valid sources of energy that we can, hopefully, learn how to capture, to distribute in a manner that people can enjoy all across the country in a way that gives consumers reliable supplies at a low cost. With this, we will see our economy continue to grow. We will see our quality of life improve. It is really not something that should be partisan or that we should argue about, simply to provide energy at a low cost. Let's look at transportation fuel. Some are in favor of doing away with all fossil fuels in transportation. What would that do to our environment? If we look at global emissions across the world, the United States is responsible for 15 percent of carbon emissions throughout the world. If we look at that a little bit closer and break it down on transportation fuels, transportation fuels account for 27 percent of carbon emissions in the United States. Twenty-seven percent of 15 percent is only about 4 percent. If we did away with all gasoline, all diesel fuels, got rid of all combustion engines, if we did away with jet fuel, with ships, if we took fossil fuels out of every form of transportation in the United States, it would wreak havoc on our economy. It would wreak havoc on our way of life. But it would reduce global carbon emissions only by around 4 percent. There is a better, smarter way to do that. Let's take the abundant energy that we have. Let's apply our wonderful research facilities, the great minds and innovators that we have in America. We can figure out how to use all of our energy sources in a low-cost, clean way. We can all continue to experience a brighter future ahead. I thank my colleague for hosting this time tonight where we can, hopefully, get some of the facts and common sense about energy out on the table. Just remember, as low-cost and as clean as possible, that is a winning formula for American energy.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate our Nation's parks. This July marks the 34th annual Park and Recreation Month, a celebration highlighting the incredible opportunities and benefits that park and recreation agencies provide to their communities. I, like many Arkansans, grew up enjoying everything that the Natural State has to offer. From hiking and hunting in its forests, to swimming, fishing, and boating on its crystal-clear lakes and rivers, outdoor recreation is an essential part of life for the families of my State. Some of my favorite memories of life were made outside in the beautiful outdoors of Arkansas, and I am blessed to still be making similar memories today. Our park and recreation agencies are an important part of our history and offer much to the quality of our future. Theodore Roosevelt once said: ``It is an incalculable added pleasure to anyone's sum of happiness if he or she grows to know, even slightly and imperfectly, how to read and enjoy the wonder-book of nature.'' As a forester and lifelong lover of nature, the wonder-book of nature has always been fascinating to me, and I hope to motivate people to get out and enjoy the natural beauty around them. In the words of the fictional sitcom character Leslie Knope, ``America is awesome.'' I encourage everyone to go outside with friends and family to enjoy all the awesomeness our parks have to offer.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Major General Mark Berry, commander of the Arkansas National Guard. After a long career of dedicated service, Major General Berry is retiring on August 10, 2019. He first assumed duties as the adjutant general of the Arkansas National Guard on January 13, 2015. Prior to this post, Major General Berry was the A-4 assistant to the director of the Air National Guard in Arlington, Virginia. In addition to his highly decorated career, Major General Berry is a man who goes out of his way to protect and to serve his fellow countrymen. Most recently, Major Berry provided critical immediate assistance when flooding devastated many parts of Arkansas. I had the opportunity to work side by side with him during flood relief efforts and saw how he worked around the clock to save lives and to protect homes and businesses. He is a great leader, a great friend, and, above all, a great American. I thank Major General Berry for his service and wish him all the best in retirement.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th anniversary of the operations at the Albemarle Corporation's plant in Magnolia, Arkansas. Albemarle's Magnolia manufacturing plant is one the world's largest suppliers of bromine and bromine chemicals with forty percent of the world's bromine produced at this site. The chemical ingredients produced at the plant are used as additives for a wide range of products manufactured by pharmaceutical companies, cleaning product manufacturers, water treatment companies, agricultural companies, electronics goods manufacturers, refineries, and paper companies. The plant not only provides good paying jobs to hundreds of Arkansans throughout the Fourth District of Arkansas, but it is also a regional steward that sets an example of how a corporation should be a leader in the community. I take this time to thank Albemarle Corporation for fifty great years of operating safely, responsibly, and efficiently, and look forward to fifty more.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table H.R. 3401, with the Senate amendment thereto, and concur in the Senate amendment. This bipartisan bill passed the Senate with 84 votes and could be sent to the President's desk for his signature today.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I urge the Speaker to immediately schedule this important bill to protect innocent lives, and I urge my colleagues to join me in this.

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 962, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, on the evening of Tuesday, June 18th, I was leading a night tour for a group of students visiting from Arkansas and was not aware that the vote times had been moved up by one hour and therefore missed the first five votes in the series. Had I been present, I would have voted Yea on Roll Call No. 334, Yea on Roll Call No. 335, Yea on Roll Call No. 336, Yea on Roll Call No. 337, and Yea on Roll Call No. 338.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the flooding back in my home State of Arkansas and the need for prioritized spending and more Federal investment in waterway infrastructure. While national media attention is largely focused elsewhere, the Arkansas River has swollen to historic levels, flooding homes and businesses, breaching levees, and devastating farmland. President Trump issued an emergency declaration last week allowing FEMA to provide immediate relief to 16 counties most severely affected. This Federal aid is extremely valuable as communities work tirelessly to save businesses and homes. Arkansas is not alone in experiencing flooding. Our neighbors in Oklahoma, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Missouri, as well as South Dakota, Iowa, and Kansas have all been affected by flooding this year. These disasters beg the question: What can Congress do to prevent future flooding? More specifically, how can we improve infrastructure within our States to reduce the risk of dam and levee breaches? As ranking member on the Transportation and Infrastructure's Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, I hope to add insight into that very question. Waterways tend to be out of sight and out of mind, but widespread flooding has made navigable rivers impossible to ignore. In Arkansas alone we have seen an estimated $23 million in daily economic loss along the Arkansas River. When barges and boats can no longer navigate inland waterways, the entire State and surrounding areas suffer. Much of the infrastructure along these rivers was initially installed in the 1960s and 1970s and is now reaching the end of its shelf life. A backlog of maintenance projects compounds the issues, and we can't just keep putting temporary patches on systemic problems. For example, I recently cosponsored bipartisan legislation that would unlock billions of dollars in already collected fees to maintain our Nation's Federal ports and harbors. In many cases, we have the money for infrastructure projects, however, red tape and bureaucracy slow down the process and prevent necessary work from occurring. The irony of delaying projects on our navigable waterways is that these projects often have tremendous economic returns--as high as 10 to 1 and 16 to 1. It makes economic sense and it is common sense to invest in waterways and infrastructure. Unprecedented flooding such as we are observing should serve as a chance for us to reexamine infrastructure to ensure it is updated and capable of protecting life and property. No doubt, as flood waters recede in the coming days, Congress' attention will turn elsewhere. But I urge my colleagues in both the House and the Senate to come together, address long-term projects that have been on the back burner for years, and keep WRDA on its 2-year schedule. We can't control the weather, but we can and should do better than accepting as the norm to have outdated and failing infrastructure, flooded homes, and washed out farmlands. The American people deserve better than this. Before I close, I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge and thank the countless first responders and volunteers who have worked around the clock to fill sandbags, move livestock to higher ground, transport possessions from homes at risk of flooding, and rescue people trapped in moving floodwaters. Governor Hutchinson, the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management, the Arkansas National Guard, the Corps of Engineers, and many other State and local officials have led an efficient and organized response, and their swift action has certainly saved lives and property. Arkansas doesn't back down when challenged, and we persevere through the storms of life. I have heard so many stories of Arkansans rallying around one another in their time of need, and this gives me hope for the days ahead.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I extend my sincere congratulations to a new crop of emerging leaders from the Natural State. Leadership Arkansas is a unique program grounded in the belief that real progress is achieved by bringing a diverse set of interests and backgrounds together. First introduced in 2005 by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas, Leadership Arkansas recruits highly-motivated individuals to experience first-hand the dynamic interactions between cities, industries, governmental units and the people they serve. The fifty-eight members of Leadership Arkansas' XIII graduating class are all respected and committed leaders within their communities and professions. This year's graduating class includes: Ashten Adamston, Dina Bates, Dan Beranek, Len Blaylock III, Darrell Boggs, Jordan Burgess, Col. Thomas Crimmins, Chip Culpepper, Hollie Cummings, Kerrie Diaz, Chase Dugger, Bailey Faulkner, Rebekah Fincher, William Fletcher, Kristin Kirk, Pody Gay, Lisa Gazaway, Katherine Gentry, Anna Beth Gorman, Chris Gosnell, Michael Goswami, Adrienne Griffis, Jordan Hale, Burt Hicks, Michael Hoggard, Kendra Jones, David Kelley, Kelsey Kelton, Chris Knollmeyer, Victoria Lamb, Laura Landreaux, Sarah Lane, Margot Lemaster, Gregg Long, Jason McGehee, Jim McGill, Vanessa Moody, Jaime G. Moss, Bob Mouser, Keegan Nichols, Jason Orlicek, Meredith Pettigrew, Mindy Pipkin, Dawn Prasifka, Gregg Ratliff, Matt Rickford, Jeanne Roepcke, Reggie Rose, Payton Smith, Bill Solleder, Luke Story, Nacole Sweeney, Hilary Trudell, Kevin Weldon, Lawren Wilcox, Temeka Williams, Emily Wood, and Amiee York. These individuals have worked diligently over the past nine months to enhance the economic outlook of our great state. They join the dynamic group of Leadership Arkansas' alumni, more than 600 strong, who have gone on to accept roles of great responsibility in the private and public sectors. I congratulate them on their achievement and am excited to see how they shape the future of the state of Arkansas and our great country.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment and the efforts of the women's suffrage movement in the United States. Susan B. Anthony once said: ``Oh, if I could but live another century and see the fruition of all the work for the women. There is so much yet to be done.'' Now that we stand on the other side of that century, it is only fitting that we honor the suffragettes who paved the way for millions of women to vote and hold public office. By a vote of 74-15, my home State of Arkansas became the 12th State to ratify the 19th Amendment. I would like to specifically recognize Ms. Hattie Wyatt Caraway from Jonesboro, Arkansas, the first woman to ever be elected to the United States Senate and whose portrait is prominently displayed outside the Senate Chamber. A truly representative democracy necessitates that all voices be heard, and the 19th Amendment signified a turning point in government. America's legacy of strong women continues on today in the lives of each woman who casts a ballot and runs for office. I am honored to serve alongside many of these women.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, due to my only daughter, Amie Westerman, having her wedding rehearsal dinner on Friday, May 17, 2019, I will not be present for the vote on H.R. 5, The Equality Act. Had I been present for the vote, I would have recorded a Nay vote. personal explanation

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a very impressive group of individuals visiting the Capitol this week. Delegates of the National Center for Learning Disabilities have traveled from all over the country to advocate for themselves and their peers. When it comes to learning, each of us must deal with our own unique challenges. These young people face some particularly difficult obstacles, including dyslexia and dysgraphia, which interfere with the brain's ability to interpret information. But they have not let these obstacles prevent them from doing great things. They have persevered, working hard, not just for their own success but for the future success of others. By traveling to Washington to share their stories and discuss opportunities for governmental and societal change, these young adults have demonstrated deep commitment to the community of those who have learning disabilities. I admire their dedication and hope to use my role as co-chair of the Congressional Dyslexia Caucus to help them in these efforts. May they be encouraged to keep up their great work.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, at the age of 93, on February 5, America lost another hero from our Greatest Generation. I rise today to honor the life of Robert Martin of Spring Hill, Arkansas, for his heroic actions in World War II and his life of service. Mr. Martin enrolled in the Army on June 6, 1944, a day we know as D- day. We think of it as the beginning of the end of the war; although, it was just the beginning of his service. But he had a lot of service to give. During his time overseas in the war, he served in England, France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany. Mr. Martin fought in the Battle of the Bulge, was wounded in December of 1944 and January and February of 1945, and spent several months in the hospital recovering from serious injuries. Upon his return to the U.S., he was awarded three Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Prisoner of War Medal, a World War II Victory Medal, and several others. Mr. Martin was a proud resident of Arkansas and became known as the community historian to everyone who lived in Spring Hill, sharing his stories with anyone who would listen. Mr. Martin was a true American hero. He spent his life serving his fellow man, and, for this, we remember his legacy. It is with great pride that I honor Mr. Robert Martin.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 59.

Mr. WESTERMAN

Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Chair, I would like to first thank my colleague from California, Representative Panetta, for his cosponsorship of this bipartisan amendment. I also would like to thank Representative McCollum from Minnesota for her support of this amendment. Madam Chair, this amendment simply adds $10 million to the State and private forestry fund. The purpose of this is to prevent some of these catastrophic wildfires that we have been seeing over the past few years. What we have here is a map that shows what the Forest Service has delineated as a wildland-urban interface. This is where forestry and urban areas intersect, and this is where we have potential for significant loss of property and lives. There are already programs in place to manage these wildland-urban interfaces, and what we hope to do with this additional appropriation is just to help the State forestry units manage these areas better. We talk a lot in Congress about Federal lands and how we need to manage those, but across the country, over half of all forestland is owned by private forest landowners. There are literally millions of these private forest landowners, many of them on very small parcels of forestland, and they have no incentive to manage them to help stop the spread of catastrophic wildfire. What the State and private forestry program does is allows State foresters to go in and help these private landowners to understand how to manage their forests and give them the assistance they need so that we can make these wildland-urban interfaces safer places. Madam Chair, if we managed everything perfectly on the Federal lands and these wildland-urban interfaces, you still have the issue of all the private lands. The map shows wildland-urban interfaces in places you would expect out in California and other Western States, but because of the population density, we see a lot of these wildland-urban interfaces are in the East where there is more dense populations. So these funds, although rather small in relation to this huge bill-- as a matter of fact, they make up only eight one-hundredths of 1 percent of the total funds in this bill--would have a huge impact all across the country in making our communities more resilient to catastrophic wildfire, would really help to save property and lives in the future, and would also save a lot of future disaster supplemental funding that the Federal Government would have to dish out. So, again, I am just asking for this amendment to help State and private forests with a $10 million plus-up to their funds. Madam Chair, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Panetta).