Don Young

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding that President Carter is heavily involved in the land acquisition and park expansion authorized in this legislation. We have been made aware that one of the properties included in the expansion is a haunted house. This is no Halloween trick. The currently dilapidated structure will be rehabilitated by the National Park Service and eventually be made available to show the public where President Carter lived before his current estate was constructed. I am also aware that President Carter is an avid hunter. He likes to stalk deer, dove, quail, turkey, and even the occasional squirrel. Fortunately, with the passage of an important Republican gun rights amendment to the Credit Card Reform Act last spring, President Carter will be able to legally transport his firearms to and from his home and clean and load his firearms on his compound within the national park without fear of violating Federal law when this provision goes into effect in February 2010. Right now, other Americans and the other 391 National Park units would be subject to criminal penalties for these actions. President Carter has an excellent relationship with the National Park Service, which should be preserved. After all, the agency has the duty to preserve the legacy of his 4 years as President through the conservation of his high school, boyhood home and even his current residence within the park. The National Park Service dutifully handles many important tasks, including the day-to-day maintenance of his property and even of mowing his lawn. Finally, it has been said that these new acquisitions will complete the story of Mr. Carters life. This is a noble goal. I can only assume that is why the legislation also includes the Federal takeover of Billy Carter's gas station.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. YOUNG of Alaska asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume Since 1989, the North American Wetlands Conservation Act has required that each Federal dollar spent on the conservation project be matched by private, non-governmental money. However, due to the irreplaceable nature of the breeding waterfowl habitat in Canada, a decision was made not to require matching funds for Canadian projects from private Canadian sources. As a result of the economic downturn, however, it has become increasingly difficult to meet the 100 percent matching requirement here in the United States. According to the Fish and Wildlife Service, there will be some $70 million worth of projects in Canada during the current 5-year funding cycle which began in 2007. Under the current law, this means that $70 million in private matching money must be provided. Under H.R. 3433, the North American Wetlands Conservation Act would be amended to require at least 50 percent of non-Federal share of projects in Canada be paid for by Canadian non-governmental entities. There was unanimous support for this measure during our committee markup, and this is an appropriate change in our Federal law. I would also like to compliment the author of this bill, Congressman Wittman of Virginia, for his outstanding leadership and for his service on the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission. I urge an ``aye'' vote.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is the National Park Service's largest outdoor recreation area in the Northeastern United States. This recreation area includes 67,000 acres along 40 scenic miles of the Delaware River in the States of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. With 5 million recreational visits each year, it is our 10th most visited national park. Our colleague, Mr. Garrett, introduced H.R. 3476 to enhance citizen participation in the administration of the park by extending the recreation area's Citizen Advisory Commission for another 9 years to the year 2018. I am pleased to join Mr. Garrett in support of this legislation.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, at this time I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Garrett), the author of this fine piece of legislation.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. I have no further requests for time. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 1593 will designate segments of the Illabot Creek in Skagit County, Washington, as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The area being designated is located within the Baker- Snoqualmie National Forest. The total designated is 14.3 miles in two separate segments. Although I personally do not believe a wild and scenic designation is necessarily the best way to manage our river resources in every instance, I understand that this bill excludes a section of the river crossed by a needed road and now has local support. I do not object at this time to the passage of this legislation. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for recognizing Alaska, the greatest State in the Union, the largest State in the Union, with the one congressman that does the whole job of the State of the Union. Thank you. I yield myself such time as I may consume. This bill was introduced by Chairman Rahall and Ranking Member Hastings to allow additional time for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund to raise private funds for the construction of the underground visitors center on The Mall. I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this great piece of legislation. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. I have no other additional speakers. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The Junior Duck Stamp Program was developed 20 years ago and first authorized by Congress in 1994. Today, more than 28,000 students participate in the conservation curriculum and annual nationwide wildlife art contest. During hearings of this legislation, one of the witnesses was a teacher from an elementary school in Frederick, Maryland. In her statement, she noted: ``As a teacher, I believe that the Junior Duck Stamp Program is an excellent learning opportunity for students at all grade levels. What is difficult for me to put into words is the looks on the curious faces of my students as they research to learn about various waterfowl and their habitat; the looks of determination as they work hard to capture the likeness of the birds; and the smiles when their entries are finally completed.'' This is an excellent program, Mr. Speaker, and a sound investment of U.S. taxpayer dollars. The Junior Duck Stamp Program should be extended for an additional 5 years. I would also like to compliment the authors of this bill, Congressmen Solomon Ortiz and Henry E. Brown, Jr., for their leadership on behalf of wildlife conservation of this Nation. This is a good piece of legislation, Mr. Speaker, and I urge an ``aye'' vote on H.R. 3537.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize a program, which in the last year, has helped more than 40,000 Americans who are blind or who have severe disabilities gain skills and training that has ultimately led to gainful employment; The AbilityOne Program. The AbilityOne Program harnesses the purchasing power of the Federal Government to buy products and services from participating community- based nonprofit agencies that are dedicated to training and employing individuals with disabilities. This program affords Americans with disabilities the opportunity to acquire job skills and training, receive good wages and benefits, and gain greater independence and quality of life. This comes in a segment of the population that has suffered from significant unemployment. But programs such as AbilityOne have come a long way in helping to bring people with disabilities into a working society. I am proud to acknowledge that REACH Inc. has played an active role since 1977 in helping employ people with severe disabilities and is one of the community partners to the AbilityOne Program within my state. The history and mission of REACH Inc. stands as a true example of why this program is a winning proposition for all parties involved. REACH Inc. grew out of the dream of a group of local families who wanted to organize activities for their children with disabilities. Over 32 years ago, REACH Inc. opened its doors in the basement of the Resurrection Lutheran Church in Juneau. What started out as a small, family-run group meeting in a church basement has developed into an agency employing 200 people and serving over 400 individuals. The direct impact of these organizations on the lives of Americans with disabilities cannot be overstated. For an individual with a severe disability who has never had the opportunity to hold a job, be independent, participate in the community, or play an important role in society; the AbilityOne Program and organizations like REACH Inc. are invaluable. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I extend my support to the AbilityOne Program. I also want to commend the dedication and commitment to the REACH Inc. Executive Director, Mr. Richard Fagundes, and his staff for helping individuals who are blind or have a severe disability find employment. Their work helps people live fuller lives and become more active members of society. I also commend each AbilityOne employee who works every day to improve their lives, support our Government, and make our country a better place to live.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Madam Speaker, today I introduce a bill that would provide Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs) with parity for an important tax incentive that promotes the permanent protection of land through the charitable donation of a conservation easement. Primarily, conservation easements are administered under state laws while federal law offers tax benefits associated with them. Under present law, Internal Revenue Code, Section 170 allows taxpayers to take a deduction for charitable contributions of property through conservation easements. In 2006, Congress enhanced the charitable tax deduction for conservation easements in order to further protect important habitats and encourage such gifts. Congress temporarily increased the maximum deduction limit for individuals making donations of qualified conservation easements from 30 percent to 50 percent of the taxpayer's adjusted gross income. Contributions made by corporations are deductible for up to 10 percent of their income. In the case of a qualified farmer or rancher, the limitation was increased from 30 percent to 100 percent of taxable income. Many farmers and ranchers are owners of ecologically significant open spaces, but often have limited income. The purpose of the deduction was to create an incentive by providing these farmers and ranchers with some measure of value commensurate to that of the conservation easement donation. Qualified farmers or ranchers are defined as non-publicly traded corporations or individuals whose gross income from the trade or business of farming is greater than 50 percent of the taxpayers gross income. The temporary rules were extended for two additional years by the recently enacted Farm Bill to contributions made before December 31, 2009. Although subsistence-based Alaskan Native communities are similarly situated to the small communal family farms that are eligible, they are ineligible for these important new tax incentives because they are Federally chartered as C corporations under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 (ANCSA). Moreover, Alaska Native Corporations have insufficient gross income from the trade or business of farming to be eligible for the enhanced deduction. Alaska Native communities continue to have a deeply symbiotic relationship with the land even today, relying on important food sources from Alaskan waters and lands. For many communities, with purchasing of food both costly and difficult, nearly 70 percent of food continues to come from the land. Because conservation easements are the result of decades of statutory, regulatory, and case law, this legislation is crafted to ensure it does not change the underlying state law or the underlying federal tax law pertaining to conservation easements. A summary of the legislation follows. The legislation modifies Internal Revenue Code, Section 170(b) (2) by inserting subparagraph (C), creating an exception that provides Alaska Native Corporations with a deduction for donations of certain qualified conservation easements. Under Section 170(b)(2)(i), the maximum deduction limit would be set at 100 percent of the taxpayer's adjusted gross income. If the taxpayer has deductions in excess of the applicable percentageof-income limitation, Section 170(b)(2) (ii) would allow the taxpayer to carry-forward the deduction for up to 15 years. In order to be eligible, a qualified charitable conservation contribution must: (1) otherwise qualify under Section 170(h)(1); (2) be made by a Native Corporation; and (3) be land that was conveyed by ANCSA. Section 170(b)(C)(IV) reiterates that this legislation is not meant to modify underlying state law or the underlying federal tax law in any way most notably regarding to existing property rights conveyed to ANC's through ANCSA. For example, while the easement would apply to the surface rights of the land, the Regional Corporation would continue to hold their subsurface rights and reserve their right to develop those resources through methods such as directional drilling. The increased maximum deduction limit would apply to all contributions made in taxable years beginning January 1, 2009. Under Alaskan law, all ANCs already have the ability to place conservation easements on their land, so communities that would like to ``tie up their land'' already posses the ability to do so. Additionally, current law affords eminent domain powers to governments for imposing corridors across easements. Moreover, courts have repeatedly held that lands subject to conservation easements are not protected from condemnation proceedings. Expanding eligibility for the tax deduction for charitable donations of qualified conservation easements would give parity to Alaska Native Corporations, providing them with an incentive to permanently protect properties. In addition, the tax incentive would help provide the resources necessary to offset the costs of permanent protection.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of the FY 2010 Department of Defense Appropriations Act. Bill Number: H.R. 3326--Research, Development Test & Evaluation, Air Force. Legal name and address of entity receiving earmark: Fairbanks North Star Borough, 809 Pioneer Road, Fairbanks, AK 99701. Description of how the money will be spent and why the use of federal taxpayer funding is justified: Funding will be used to undertake necessary follow-up engineering studies of a synthetic liquid fuels facility at/or near Eielson Air Force Base. These studies will address the environmental, technical and economic feasibility of a facility benefits, technical and economic feasibility of a synthetic liquid fuels facility and the environmental benefits and economic and technical feasibility of the transportation and sequestration of carbon dioxide to enhance crude oil recovery in northern Alaska. This project will supply the U.S. Air Force and other military branches a secure supply of synthetic fuels to operate fighters, bombers and other aircraft and military equipment. It will help the Air Force to achieve its stated goal of certifying its fleet of aircraft on a synthetic fuel blend and purchasing 50 percent of its fuels in the form of a synthetic fuel blend by 2016. Description of matching funds: Funding will go to supplement funds from P.L. 110-329. Appropriated Amount: $3,000,000. Project Name: Synthetic Liquid Fuels. Detailed Finance Plan: Of the $3 million, all will go to the Fairbanks North Star Borough to be expended to study the technical, economic and environmental feasibility of the transportation and sequestration of carbon dioxide to enhance crude oil recovery in northern Alaska produced by a synthetic fuel facility located in the vicinity of Fairbanks Alaska. Bill Number: H.R. 3326--Research, Development Test & Evaluation, Defense Wide. Legal name and address of entity receiving earmark: Kachemak Research Development, Inc., 59584 East End Road, Homer, AK 99603. Description of how the money will be spent and why the use of federal taxpayer funding is justified: Kachemak Research Development, Inc. is a woman owned, HUBZone, 8(a) entity. AutoScan, an under vehicle inspection system developed by KRD, is a stationary system that captures the entire undercarriage image of vehicles, ranging in size from passenger vehicles to semi-trucks. Because of the unique capabilities of AutoScan, vehicles do not need to maintain a constant speed as they travel across the system. Funding will be used for product enhancement and beta testing of AutoScan generation 2 and 3 architecture. As part of the inspection protocol at every military base, CONUS and OCONUS, the undercarriage of every delivery vehicle must be inspected. Standard inspection protocols have been comprised of a mirror-mounted stick or search pits. AutoScan makes it possible for inspection personnel to maintain a safe stand-off distance. Additionally, it stores images for later comparison and analysis if needed. And it provides one, complete, clear image of any vehicle's under-side in real-time and capabilities that no similar system is able to provide. Description of matching funds: KRD profit is reinvested back into the company to provide facilities that are needed to perform the work. KRD investment exceeds $750,000 to-date. Appropriated Amount: $3,000,000. Project Name: Under-Vehicle Inspection System. Detailed Finance Plan: Of the $3M, roughly 25% will go to administrative support within OSD and the contracting agency. The remaining 75% of the funding, $2.25M, will cover labor: $1,290,000; materials (including equipment and fabrication) $238,000; benefits $262,000; OH $214,000; technical consulting $112,000; $31,000 travel; $95,000 installation and beta testing of generation 2 and 3 AutoScan before fielding.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3293, the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010. Project Name: Alaska Native Heritage Center, Anchorage, AK for educational programming and outreach Bill Number: H.R. 3293 Legal Name and address of entity receiving earmark: Alaska Native Heritage Center, 8800 Heritage Center Drive, Anchorage, AK 99504 Description of how the money will be spent and why the use of federal taxpayer funding is justified: Educational programs to increase understanding of cultural diversity and multicultural communication. Their programs and message affect individuals nationally and internationally, reaching hundreds of thousands of students and visitors each year. Appropriated Amount: $150,000 Detailed Finance Plan: Personnel $150,000 Project Name: Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center, Anchorage, AK for facilities and equipment Bill Number: H.R. 3293 Legal Name and address of entity receiving earmark: Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center, P.O. Box 201849, Anchorage, AK 99520 Description of how the money will be spent and why the use of federal taxpayer funding is justified: Implementing digital radiography to better serve underserved patients. This is a federally qualified health center under section 330 of the Public Health Act. Appropriated Amount: $100,000 Detailed Finance Plan: Equipment $100,000 Project Name: Chickaloon Native Village, Chickaloon, AK for facilities and equipment Bill Number: H.R. 3293 Legal Name and address of entity receiving earmark: Chickaloon Health Center, P.O. Box 1105, Chickaloon, AK 99674 Description of how the money will be spent and why the use of federal taxpayer funding is justified: Improve the health status of medically underserved residents by establishing a community health center. This area has been declared underserved by HHS and there is a demonstrated need for a community health center in this region. Appropriated Amount: $250,000 Detailed Finance Plan: Personnel and equipment $250,000 Project Name: Providence Health and Services, Anchorage, AK for a physician recruitment and retention initiative Bill Number: H.R. 3293 Legal Name and address of entity receiving earmark: Providence Hospital Residency Program, 3200 Providence Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508 Description of how the money will be spent and why the use of federal taxpayer funding is justified: The funding would be used to address the critical physician recruitment and retention problem in Alaska. The state is facing a shortage of physicians who will accept Medicare patients and this program is one of only a handful in the state that will see new Medicare eligible patients. Appropriated Amount: $350,000 Detailed Finance Plan: Personnel and training $350,000 Project Name: Strengthening Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions Programs for activities authorized under the Higher Education Act Bill Number: H.R. 3293 Legal Name and address of entity receiving earmark: U.S. Department of Education, AK Native and Native Hawaiian Institutions, 1990 K Street, NW., 6th Floor Washington, DC 20806 Description of how the money will be spent and why the use of federal taxpayer funding is justified: The funding would be used to strengthen Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions Programs for activities authorized under the Higher Education Act. Appropriated Amount: $12,158,000 Detailed Finance Plan: Programming $12,158,000 Project Name: Reading is Fundamental authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act Bill Number: H.R. 3293 Legal Name and address of entity receiving earmark: Reading Is Fundamental, 1825 Connecticut Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20009 Description of how the money will be spent and why the use of federal taxpayer funding is justified: Funding will be used for purposes authorized in Section 5451 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Reading Is Fundamental enhances child literacy by providing millions of underserved children with free books for personal ownership and reading encouragement from the more than 18,000 locations throughout all fifty states, Washington, D.C., Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Appropriated Amount: $24,803,000 Detailed Finance Plan: Programming $24,803,000 Project Name: Alaska Native Educational Equity for activities authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act Bill Number: H.R. 3293 Legal Name and address of entity receiving earmark: U.S. Department of Education, AK Native Education Equity Act, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20202 Description of how the money will be spent and why the use of federal taxpayer funding is justified: The funding would be used to meet the unique education needs of AK Natives and to support supplemental education programs to benefit AK Natives. Appropriated Amount: $33,315,000 Detailed Finance Plan: Programming $33,315,000 Project Name: Close Up Fellowships Program for activities authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act Bill Number: H.R. 3293 Legal Name and address of entity receiving earmark: Close Up Foundation, 44 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 600, Alexandria, VA 22314 Description of how the money will be spent and why the use of federal taxpayer funding is justified: Fellowships to economically disadvantaged students and their teachers to participate in Close Up Washington civic education programs as authorized under No Child Left Behind Act. Program in Department of Education, Innovation and Improvement account 36460. All grant dollars pay for tuition for economically disadvantaged students and their teachers to participate in Close Up Washington civic education programs. Tuition is all inclusive including transportation, accommodations, food, instruction, administrative, etc. Appropriated Amount: $1,942,000 Detailed Finance Plan: Programming $1,942,000 Project Name: Reach Out and Read authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act Bill Number: H.R. 3293 Legal Name and address of entity receiving earmark: Reach Out and Read National Center, 56 Roland Street, Boston, MA 02129 Description of how the money will be spent and why the use of federal taxpayer funding is justified: Reach Out and Read (ROR) is a national program that promotes literacy and language development in infants and young children, targeting disadvantaged and poor children and families. ROR has proven to among the most effective strategies to promote early language and literacy development and school readiness: pediatricians and other healthcare providers guide and encourage parents to read aloud to their children from their earliest years of their life, and send them home from each doctor visit with books and a prescription to read together. Currently, nearly 50,000 doctors and nurses have been trained in ROR's proven strategies, and more than 3,500 clinics and hospitals nationwide are implementing the program, reaching more than 25% of America's at-risk-children. Funding provided by Congress through the U.S. Department of Education has been matched by tens of millions of dollars from the private sector and state governments. Appropriated Amount: $4,965,000 Detailed Finance Plan: Programming $4,965,000 Project Name: Center for Civic Education for two programs--We the People and Cooperative Education Exchange--that are authorized in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act as part of the Civic Education program Bill Number: H.R. 3293 Legal Name and address of entity receiving earmark: The Center for Civic Education, 5145 Douglas Fir Road, Calabasas, CA 91302 Description of how the money will be spent and why the use of federal taxpayer funding is justified: The Education for Democracy Act programs are among the most cost effective programs supported by the federal government. They effectively promote among students a profound understanding of and commitment to the fundamental values and principles of American constitutional democracy as expressed in such seminal documents as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and Bill of Rights, and the Gettysburg Address. They also promote students' capacities to participate competently and responsibility in the political life of their communities and the nation. Appropriated Amount: $35,000,000 Detailed Finance Plan: Programming $35,000,000

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3288, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill. Project Name: Airport Apron Expansion, Wasilla, AK Bill Number: H.R. 3288 Department of Transportation Legal name and address of entity receiving earmark: City of Wasilla, 290 E. Herning Ave, Wasilla, AK 99654 Description of how the money will be spent and why the use of federal taxpayer funding is justified: This project will add apron space for 20 aircraft tie-down spaces and 2 lease lots for hangar space. This project has been designed and is ready to bid. This project follows a series of apron extensions over the last 4 years to improve general aviation service to the area, in accordance with the City's Airport Master Plan that has been approved by the FAA. Appropriated Amount: $500,000 Detailed Finance Plan: Construction: $500,000 Project Name: Anchorage People Mover Bill Number: H.R. 3288 Department of Transportation Legal name and address of entity receiving earmark: Municipality of Anchorage 3650A E. Tudor Road Anchorage, AK 99507 Description of how the money will be spent and why the use of federal taxpayer funding is justified: This project will provide renovation, construction and improvement capital needed to improve reliability and efficiency of public transit within the Municipality of Anchorage. People Mover provides more than 4,000,000 annual passenger trips, transporting people to work, medical appts, school, and recreation. Appropriated Amount: $750,000 Detailed Finance Plan: Capital Renovation, Construction and Improvements: $750,000

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Today, it is my great privilege to welcome Rev. Mark Campbell to the House of Representatives. Rev. Campbell and his wife, Shelley, are active duty in the United States Air Force, ministering to our brave men and women in uniform. Rev. Campbell is currently the chaplain for the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Office of Military Community and Family Policy. He works as a consultant on religious affairs, reviews policy guidance, and facilitates support for chaplain and family support assistance programs at the State level. Prior to serving as a chaplain in the Air Force, Rev. Campbell pastored the College Gate Baptist Church in Anchorage, Alaska. Since entering the active duty Air Force, Rev. Campbell has served at bases around the world. He is a shining example for those of us instructed to ``go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.'' I thank Rev. Campbell for his prayers today and being here today to lead the invocation.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate a great Alaskan, Mr. John (Jack) G. Fuller, an outstanding soldier, legislator and Alaskan. Mr. Fuller served our country in the Marine Corps, the Michigan National Guard, the Alaskan National Guard and as a Representative to the Alaskan Legislature. His abilities and dedication have been recognized by all who have served with him, and earned him the opinion of others as irreplaceable. Jack Fuller began his military career with the 21st Regiment of the Third Marine Division in the Pacific Theatre of World War II, in Guam and at Iwo Jima. It was at Iwo Jima that he was awarded the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity. Whilst serving as a Sergeant on February 23, 1945, Mr. Fuller took command of his unit when all its officers were dead or wounded and enabled his platoon to continue the attack. Following this he was promoted to Second Lieutenant. Following World War II, Mr. Fuller returned to Michigan and joined the Michigan National Guard. During this period he excelled and successfully graduated from the Armor Officer Basic and Advanced courses and the Command and General Staff College. He was eventually granted a permanent commission. In 1964, Jack Fuller moved to Alaska, with the intention of teaching at the Bureau of Indian Affairs schools on St. Lawrence Island. He also enlisted in the First Scout Battalion, an Eskimo division of the Alaskan National Guard, based in Nome. Jack worked his way up, reaching the rank of Battalion Commander. While under his command, the unit was evaluated as excellent during JACK FROST 1977. Mr. Fuller was further awarded the Legion of Merit, the third highest award of the Army for the outstanding skill, initiative and professionalism he displayed as a Commander. He was the first officer of the Alaskan National Guard to achieve this honor and his dedication to the battalion earned him the admiration of those he served with. Upon retirement from the Alaskan National Guard in 1978, Mr. Fuller turned to a new challenge and was elected to the Alaskan Legislature as a Representative for District 22, where he served for eight years. In 1986, Mr. Fuller was one of the first to be recruited for the Alaska Defense Force upon its creation, where he used his many skills to aid the State in times of emergency. He also contributed to the State through his work as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Norton. Sound Health Corporation. In recent times Mr. Fuller has also served as President of the Wasilla Senior Center. Regardless of the task at hand, Jack Fuller has committed himself fully to serving others. On behalf of The United States of America, I extend my thanks and appreciation to Jack Fuller, for his dedication and service to the Great State of Alaska and the entire country. His achievements in both military and civilian life are remarkable and deserve our recognition here, today.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3183, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010. Project Name: Fairbanks Geothermal Energy Project Bill Number: H.R. 3183--Department of Energy Legal name and address of entity receiving earmark: Fairbanks North Star Borough, 809 Pioneer Road, Fairbanks, AK 99707 Description of how the money will be spent and why the use of federal taxpayer funding is justified: Fairbanks North Star Borough in cooperation with the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) Center for Energy and Power will use funds to perform research and development work on an enhanced geothermal system designed to replace the 9 megawatt combined heat and power unit located on the campus of UAF. Appropriated Amount: $1,000,000 Detailed Finance Plan: Program Coordination: $300,000, geothermal resource assessment: $500,000, test well: $4,200,000 Project Name: St. Hermann Harbor Dredging in Kodiak Bill Number: H.R. 3183--Army Corps of Engineers Legal name and address of entity receiving earmark: City of Kodiak, 710 Mill Bay Road, Kodiak, AK 99615 Description of how the money will be spent and why the use of federal taxpayer funding is justified: In 1997, the Army Corps completed a breakwater to protect Kodiak's St. Herman Harbor. The south channel of this new harbor has residual rubble from the construction period that needs to be dredged and cleaned out in order to allow the channel entrance to be the width and depth intended by the original project design. Appropriated Amount: $500,000 Detailed Finance Plan: Army Corps of Engineers Operations and Maintenance: $500,000 Project Name: High Penetration Wind Power in Tatitlek Bill Number: H.R. 3183--Department of Energy Legal name and address of entity receiving earmark: Native Village of Tatitlek, P.O. Box 171, Tatitlek, AK 99677 Description of how the money will be spent and why the use of federal taxpayer funding is justified: Funding will provide for a high penetration hybrid wind turbine/diesel power station in the Village of Tatitlek. Because it is expensive to ship home heating fuel into Tatitlek, Tatitlek conducted studies on cost effective alternatives. Energy generation from wind is expected to save the community 32 percent over energy generation from diesel. Appropriated Amount: $900,000 Detailed Finance Plan: Machines: $612,495; Shipping: $34,028; Concrete pads for generators: $156,257; Crane: $122,499; Electrical lines: $24,500; Controls and Equipment: $340,275; Site prep: $88,472; C.E. freight: $68,055; Wind prospecting: $20,417; Engineering: $102,083 Project Name: Port of Anchorage Bill Number: H.R. 3183--Army Corps of Engineers Legal name and address of entity receiving earmark: Port of Anchorage, 2000 Anchorage Port Rd, Anchorage, AK 99501 Description of how the money will be spent and why the use of federal taxpayer funding is justified: Provide an earmark of $18 million will be used for operations and maintenance for the Port of Anchorage expansion project. Appropriated Amount: $18,000,000 Detailed Finance Plan: Army Corps of Engineers Operations and Maintenance: $18,000,000

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to reintroduce today the Wildlife Without Borders Authorization Act The Wildlife Without Borders Program was administratively created by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1983. For the past 25 years, the International Affairs Office has done a superb job of developing wildlife management and conservation efforts to maintain global species diversity. While the Congress has already created Multinational Species Conservation Funds to assist highly imperiled African and Asian elephants, Rhinoceros and Tigers, Great Apes and Marine Turtles, the Wildlife Without Borders program has provided a funding lifeline to a number of endangered species that for whatever reason have not merited their own Multinational Species Conservation Fund. The first conservation grants issued under this program were awarded to the Wildlife Without Borders Program for Latin America and the Caribbean Initiative. Since that time, additional grants have been allocated for projects in Africa, Mexico, India, China and the Russian Federation. In fact, in the past two decades, the International Affairs Office within the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, has approved 955 conservation projects at a cost of $20.5 million in taxpayer money. These funds have been matched by more than $60 million in private non- federal money, which is a remarkable 3 to 1 matching ratio. Among the conservation projects that have been approved are funds for the Winged Ambassadors Program to stop the killing of Swainson's hawks in Argentina, a project to conserve the forest habitat for monarch butterflies, jaguar conservation in the Yucatan region, the restoration of the California condor in Baja California, Mexico and the purchase of equipment for law enforcement personnel to protect imperiled Far Eastern leopards, Amur tigers and snow leopards. A fundamental goal of this program has been to build conservation capacity and establish ecosystem management regimes by allocating a small amount of U.S. taxpayer money. It is no exaggeration to state that these are the only funds available to assist these highly endangered international species and without this investment these species may become extinct in the wild. During the last Congress, witnesses representing the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, the Wildlife Conservation Society, and the World Wildlife Fund testified before the House Natural Resources Committee on H.R. 4455. Each of these organizations spoke in strong support of my bill to establish the Wildlife Without Borders Program into law. For instance, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums said that: ``AZA wholeheartedly supports this effort''. The Wildlife Conservation Society stated that: ``Congressional authorization for the Wildlife Without Borders program affirms the leadership of the U.S. Government within the international community, underscoring our commitment to our international wildlife treaty obligations, and encouraging coordinated international efforts to save wildlife species.'' Finally, the World Wildlife Fund testified that: ``There is much to be gained in authorizing the international conservation programs of FWS, and creating one umbrella to promote synergies, efficiencies and coordination.'' By establishing a Congressional authorization for the Wildlife Without Borders Program, we will send a positive message to the international community that the United States is committed to its international wildlife treaty obligations and we recognize the long- term importance of this program by enacting it into law. It will also ensure that this Congress has an opportunity to carefully examine this program, to evaluate its effectiveness and to decide whether its merits further expenditures of taxpayer money in the future. I urge my colleagues to support this important conservation legislation.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Madam Speaker, today I wish to honor Michael G. Anderson--a great American. Mike has devoted his life to the service of our country for the past 38 years. For the first 32 years, Mike served in our United States Air Force. Most recently, Mike was the Chief of Staff of my congressional office, where he dedicated himself to working for the people of Alaska. After 6 years as my Chief, Mike retired and moved into the private sector where he serves Alaska Natives in his new capacity as President of Wolf Creek Fabrication Services, a subsidiary of Chugach Alaska Corporation. Born in Maui, Hawaii, Mike was appointed in July 1971 to the United States Air Force Academy by Senator Hiram L. Fong. After graduating from the Academy in June 1975, he launched a distinguished military career that began as a combat aircrew member and included operational and staff assignments in the B-52 and B-1B bombers. Additionally, Mike served as an acquisition program manager and commanded two aircraft maintenance squadrons as well as a logistics group. Mike concluded his military service at the Pentagon, where he was assigned to the Secretary of the Air Force's Legislative Liaison Office. Notably, Mike set benchmarks and was recognized for high standards of performance and achievement at each of his assignments. He retired from the Air Force in January 2003 finishing his military career at the rank of Colonel. I handpicked Mike as my Chief of Staff after meeting and working with him on several congressional delegation (CODEL) trips to international locations and to Alaska. Mike began serving Alaska and Alaskans with the broad perspective he gained on those CODELs, and immediately gained knowledge and expertise that I would depend on throughout his 6 years on Capitol Hill. As Chief, Mike would serve when the largest transportation bill in our nation's history--SAFETEA-LU--was being formulated and passed. He would travel on my behalf throughout Alaska to ensure constituent issues were heard, investigated, and resolved quickly. He managed a staff that was assigned tough, Alaska-unique legislation, and coordinated congressional policy to make sure it served Alaska and national interests. As a result, my congressional office cemented and grew its reputation for timely and effective constituent services, and for authoring and coordinating relevant and meaningful legislation serving the interests of the people of Alaska. Mike also received the distinction of being selected and graduating as a Congressional Stennis Fellow for the 110th Congress. He was one of only 72 picked for this distinguished fellowship. He used relationships from the fellowships he nurtured to help secure my legislative priorities for Alaska and our great Nation. While Mike is moving on to a new career in the private sector, his impact and contribution to our work in Congress will continue. His expertise in Alaska Native issues garnered great respect for him, and will allow him to continue to serve that vital heart of Alaska's culture and heritage. We are grateful for his service to his Nation, to Congress, and to Alaska. More importantly, my wife Lu and I are most appreciative of his loyalty and friendship. Mike and his wife Rene have become dear friends, and we wish them Godspeed and the very best as they start their next career together.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. This important legislation, introduced by our California colleagues, Devin Nunes and Jim Costa, is the first step towards improving the water supply situation on the Tule River Indian Reservation. This bill authorizes the Bureau of Reclamation to conduct a feasibility study to capture more surface water on the reservation. Many areas throughout the West, including California, need new water storage to help meet water supply needs for humans, fish and wildlife. This legislation will help the tribe move one step closer to utilizing its water rights. This legislation enjoys universal support from the tribe and nearby communities and is an excellent example of where neighbors have come together for the common good. I urge my colleagues to support this very bipartisan piece of legislation. I yield back the balance of my time.