Don Young

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

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 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.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, the week before last we passed the crap-and-trade bill, which is a terrible bill. It's a tax. Then we celebrated Independence Day. And the week before Independence Day, we became more dependent on foreign countries for our fossil fuels. We have fossil fuels in the United States, and we need them. Next year we're going to spend $552 billion buying oil from overseas. I think it's time that this Congress accepts the fact that we have to have fossil fuels for the bridge to the future in order to have the ability to provide power for this country. Let's do the right thing for this Nation.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 1275 authorizes a land exchange that enhances the State of Utah's ability to fund public education. In return for 36,000 acres, the Federal Government will receive 46,000 acres of land that is of a higher conservation value and is believed to be environmentally sensitive. This legislation passed the House in the 109th and 110th Congresses and is supported by local and State governments, as well as representatives of the outdoor recreational and environmental communities. I believe this is a good bill. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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. 2996, the fiscal year 2010 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill: Requesting Member: Congressman Don Young Bill Number: H.R. 2996, FY10 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill Account: Fish and Wildlife Services/Fisheries. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Alaska Sea Otter and Stellar Sea Lion Commission. Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 142, Old Harbor, Alaska 99643. Description of Request: $200,000 for the Alaska Sea Otter and Stellar Sea Lion Commission. The Alaska Sea Otter and Stellar Sea Lion Commission is an Alaska Native organization that works to ensure conservation, co-management, education, and artistic development of sea otters and sea lions. It is my understanding that this funding would facilitate the development of a co-management plan for sea otters and sea lions by local communities in the interest of sustainable populations and increasing involvement in subsistence management. Requesting Member: Congressman Don Young Bill Number: H.R. 2996, FY10 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill Account: Fish and Wildlife Service/Resource Management. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Alaska Sealife Center. Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 1329, Seward, Alaska 99664. Description of Request: $350,000 for the Sealife Center's Eider Research Program. It is my understanding that the funding for this project would be used to integrate the Sealife Center's marine research facilities with field research to help recover the Stellar and Spectacled Eider, and support the Recovery Team mandated by the Endangered Species Act.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. I rise in strong support of the Franks amendment. I am closer to Korea than anybody in this room, and they are launching a missile on July 4. We have a missile defense site in Alaska that has missiles there now that can shoot that down. We just want to finish it, and this money would finish it. It sends a wrong message to our enemies if we retreat from the missile defense we have today, and some people say, including Mr. Gates, it doesn't work. Well, I bet your dollar it does work, and it will work. But I don't like sitting in Alaska looking at that missile that can reach us and reach Hawaii, and we don't have the defense to shoot it down. Maybe today we might shoot one down, but we need to finish this Fort Greely missile defense site, and this money would do it. It's shovel ready. This is a good bill, this just makes it a little better. It's the right thing to do for America. It's the right thing to do for Alaska. It's the right thing to do for freedom of all of the world.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to and recognize the outstanding service of James S.W. Drewry upon his retirement from the practice of law. Jim Drewry is retiring after decades of outstanding service as a lawyer to his country, to the Congress of the United States, and a leading practitioner in the Washington, DC, community. As outstanding as his National service and later career have been, I would be especially remiss if I did not go to Jim's early work experience prior to graduating from college and attending law school. Jim began his work experience serving as a clerk for Senator E.L. Bartlett (D-Alaska) in the United States Senate during the summers of 1961 to 1963. He then got some real world labor experience as a gandy dancer while working as part of the labor gang on the Alaska Railroad during the summer of 1964. These experiences prepared him well for a life-long career as a legislative attorney that often touched on the important maritime, fishery, natural resource, and transportation issues of importance to my State of Alaska. I for one always appreciated the professionalism and knowledge that Jim brought to the issues, but also his early practical and hands on experience that he brought to any situation. Jim obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, VA, in 1966, with honors in political science. There he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He went on to earn not one but two law degrees. The first was from the University of Virginia School of Law (LL.B. 1969) and the second from the London School of Economics (LL.M. international law 1975). Contemporaneously, he held various positions during school breaks including working as a deckhand on a Great Lakes iron ore cargo ship (summer 1965), as a clerk for the Shipbuilders Council of America (summers 1966-67), and as an editorial assistant for the Stratton Commission on National Ocean Policy (summer 1968). Upon graduation from law school, he was admitted to the Virginia Bar and worked as a solicitor in the Corporate Law Department of the Southern Railway (July to October 1969) before joining the U.S. Navy (October 1969 to August 1974). In the Navy he served on active duty as a Navy Judge Advocate in Japan (2 years), Vietnam (1 year), and Florida (1 year). In the course of that he prosecuted, and defended, in over 200 courts-martial, and served as trial judge in others. For this service he was awarded Navy Achievement Medal twice, for performance in Japan and Vietnam. After his Naval service, he continued in public service from November 1975 to June 1980, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). While at NOAA, he served as Special Assistant to the NOAA Administrator and as well as in progressively senior positions in the NOAA General Counsel's Office. As Senior Counsel for International Law, he was the Commerce Department's legal representative on U.S. international delegations for the negotiation of major treaties involving fisheries, wildlife, and maritime boundaries. As Deputy Assistant General Counsel for Fisheries, he was one of the two main legal advisers to the Director of the National Marine Fisheries Service and carried out the overall supervision and office management of the attorneys and staff. As Staff Attorney, he worked closely with the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel on a wide range of legal issues and represented NOAA in Administrative Law Judge proceedings. In 1980 he began his illustrious and distinguished career with the United States Congress. While Jim worked his entire congressional career in the Senate, I say United States Congress because his contributions to legislation and legislative process benefited the entire institution, not just one body. For over 18 years he served as Counsel to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation in positions requiring senior-level policy and managerial experience in the fields of commerce, transportation, communications, science and technology, natural resources, and consumer affairs. Many of those years he worked for the distinguished Senator from South Carolina, Senator Fritz Hollings, who was always a gentleman to this Member and a great friend to my dear friend, Senator Ted Stevens. During this tenure at the Commerce Committee Jim was Senior Democratic Counsel for Oceans and Atmosphere (June 1980 to July 1987), nonpartisan Legislative Counsel (July 1987 to May 1994), and Democratic General Counsel/General Counsel (May 1994 to 1999). Throughout his service, and in addition to his considerable substantive contributions in the matters before Congress, Jim provided advice and guidance on parliamentary procedure, the Congressional Budget Act, ethics requirements, and other legal and policy matters. He had daily contact with Democratic floor staff regarding Senate floor action that affected Commerce Committee legislation, participated in the day-to-day management and supervision of the Democratic staff, ensured that documents relating to hearings, markups, and other meetings of Members and the Committee were comprehensive and legally and factually correct, and maintained regular and excellent relationships with Republican staff. Jim's hallmark was his dedicated, calm, and professional manner that provided all Members regardless of political party or philosophical establishment the best support and advice possible. After this illustrious career in public service, he struck out and went into private law practice. There he took with him and used all of the legislative and ethics skills he developed over the years. He served clients in both the public and private sector, in maritime, fisheries, and natural resources. His approach to client advocacy was one of impeccable integrity, professional skill, and thoroughness in advice. Jim's advice was rightly sought because of this approach. Jim really cared about helping people--everyday people including many in my own State. He tried his best to find compromise and a way to get things done, and a way to get to ``yes'' on difficult problems so that his fellow citizens could benefit. There is much said today to malign those in the law and lobbying business and those who go from positions in government to the private sector. For those who want to know how our system should work, and does work, they need only look to the career of James S.W. Drewry. Jim's pursuit of truth, excellence, and integrity were unparalleled in the Washington community. Now he moves on to a justly deserved retirement but one that we hope will keep him active in area of public policy development and implementation. He comes from a long line of public servants from Virginia having a grandfather, Patrick Henry Drewry, who served in the Congress as Member of this House and a father, John Metcalf Drewry, who served as a chief counsel for the Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee in the House of Representatives. Jim was not content to rest on the laurels of his family legacy, however, and as you can see from this account, distinguished himself in his own right. I join with throngs of his friends and colleagues in saying that the likes of Jim Drewry do not come along everyday and his service to and with us all will be truly missed. With that I send him my very best wishes and also to his wife, Maria, and two sons, for many years of a healthy and prosperous ``next chapter'' in his life.

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 receive as part of H.R. 2487--the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010. Project Name: Steller Sea Lion Comanagement, Biosampling and Outreach/Education Bill Number: H.R. 2487 Department of Commerce, NOAA-ORF Legal name and address of entity receiving earmark: Alaska Sea Otter and Steller Sea Lion Commission 6239 B Street, Suite 204 Anchorage, AK 99518 Description of how the money will be spent and why the use of federal taxpayer funding is justified: TASSC will take a two pronged approach to sea lion biosampling. First, TASSC will work with two high harvest communities to fund local monitors-local residents that will work with the hunters and facilitate sea lion biosampling and help to monitor and document the local environment. Secondly, TASSC will train approximately 25 coastal Alaska residents on proper sample collection techniques and protocols from those sea lions harvested for subsistence. Subsistence hunted Steller sea lion biosamples are very valuable to the research community. Collection and analysis of these samples can provide critical information that no other source can provide. It is recognized as a top priority activity in the 1992 and soon to be finalized Steller Sea Lion Recovery Plan. The importance of collecting samples from animals taken for subsistence is widely recognized by such groups as the National Marine Mammal Lab, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Alaska Sea Life Center and the University of Alaska. Appropriated Amount: $500,000 Detailed Finance Plan: Personnel & Fringe Costs: $312,300 Travel: $89,000 Supplies: $13,700 Contractual: $50,000 Biosamplers: $10,000 Printing: $21,000 Sample Shipping: $4,000 Project Name: Sexual Assault Response Team Center Bill Number: H.R. 2487 Department of Justice, OJP-Byrne Legal name and address of entity receiving earmark: The Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) Center Municipality of Anchorage P.O. Box 196650 Anchorage, AK 99519 Description of how the money will be spent and why the use of federal taxpayer funding is justified: Funding will be used for the continued development and operations of the Municipality of Anchorage Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) Center. This project will support victims through care while participating in investigation and prosecution and help in prosecution of sexual assault cases through professional evidence collection, documentation, preservation and processing. The SART Center is essential in the collection of evidence through the forensic medical exam by the sexual assault nurse examiner and its operations is essential in Anchorage's effort to reduce and eliminate sexual assault. The SART lso responds to cases from other Alaskan jurisdictions that do not have SART programs, covering a large area, as the nearest SART Center is 200 miles away. Appropriated Amount: $400,000 Detailed Finance Plan: Program Administration, Victim Advocacy, Forensic Investigation: $340,000 Indirect/Communications: $60,000 Project Name: The Yukon River Drainage Fisheries Association Bill Number: H.R. 2487 Department of Commerce, NOAA-ORF Legal name and address of entity receiving earmark: The Yukon River Drainage Fisheries Association 725 Christensen Drive, Suite 3-B Anchorage, AK 99508 Description of how the money will be spent and why the use of federal taxpayer funding is justified: The Yukon River Drainage Fisheries Association (YRDFA) promotes healthy wild salmon fisheries along the Yukon River in Alaska. It manages programs to aid in the management through the gathering of data from subsistence harvests, Native Elders' knowledge and tracking fisheries issues impacting Yukon River salmon. The Yukon River Drainage Fisheries Association also educates fishers and managers in responsible usage and ensures both are able to work to steward the salmon fisheries. The federal government is obligated to maintain sustainable salmon runs on the Yukon River through the Yukon River Salmon Agreement and to provide subsistence priority under the Alaska Native Interest Claims Act. YRDFA plays a key role in involving the users of the resources in maintaining the salmon runs for which the federal government is responsible for managing. Appropriated Amount: $100,000 Detailed Finance Plan: Policy Monitoring; Board of Fisheries, Federal Subsistence Board: $40,000 Yukon River subsistence and commercial fisheries revitalization: $15,000 Salmon By-catch monitoring and reduction: $10,000 Fisheries education and outreach: $10,000 Habitat monitoring; climate change impacts: $15,000 Project Name i-Safe e-Safety Education and Outreach Initiative Bill Number: H.R. 2487 Department of Justice, OJP-Juvenile Justice Legal name and address of entity receiving earmark: i-SAFE, Inc. 5900 Pasteur Court, Suite 100 Carlsbad, CA 92008 Description of how the money will be spent and why the use of federal taxpayer funding is justified: This funding will allow i-SAFE to expand services to a projected 6.2 million students nationally by the end of the 2009 school year. It will also help to fund the i-SAFE initiatives that provide data to FBI, local law enforcement, schools and industry leaders such as USPTO, RIAA and ASCAP. This data is provided through the i-SAFE National Assessment Center--a compilation of student surveys that serve as the world's largest data base of student online behavior and attitudes. Appropriated Amount: $630,000 Detailed Finance Plan: i-SAFE Inc. is the leading provider of e-Safety education and training in schools nationwide. i-SAFE also provides schools/districts behavioral statistical data regarding Internet behavior and usage by their students. i-SAFE programmatic assets address a broad range of e- Safety issues through a uniquely comprehensive and holistic framework that includes training of educators (i.e., Professional Development Program--i-SAFE has trained over 85,000 educators nationwide) both online and in-person, extensive community outreach programs towards parents, seniors, legal/law-enforcement officers and, most importantly, a world-class age-appropriate curriculum which features integrated teaching and learning activities for students in all grades from primary to secondary schools. i-SAFE has educated over 8.5 million students nationwide and has cooperative agreement with many of the State Dept. of Education(s) and Districts in all 50 states including schools in Washington DC to name a few: Sidwell Friends School; St. Patricks Episcopal Day School; Woodridge Elementary; Woodridge High School & St. Peters Interparish School. i-SAFE fulfills a vital role in the digital age and global information society, throughout the United States by empowering Internet users with the knowledge and awareness needed to garner the most benefit from Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) and the Internet via safe, responsible, ethical and legal use. Beginning in 2009 Congress mandated that elementary and secondary schools receiving E-Rate discounts must submit a certification to the Federal Communications Commission that as part of their Internet safety policy they are ``educating minors about appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms and cyber bullying awareness and response. i-SAFE can provide to every school, throughout the United States the ``E-Rate Certification Compliance Package''. This package includes all classroom curriculum that is mandated to be taught through the Legislation mandate of the Broadband Act. Funding will be used to expand the i-SAFE curriculum to more students and classrooms throughout the nation as well as implement the ``E-Rate Compliance Package'' into schools throughout the nation. This request will also allow i-SAFE to provide, on a quarterly basis, student assessment data (i.e., metrics) to the district/schools upon request allowing them to have metrics on students behavioral attitudes towards online safety. This Administration is focused on providing every student and school(s) the ability to communicate and learn through today's 21st century communication. Safety is a key component for schools that provide students with the means to access online information and services within their learning environment in the classroom. Education is the diadem to the success of students being empowered with the knowledge of learning safe and responsible tactics as a citizen in today's global economy. The only environment that is conducive for every student, regardless of age, race or socio-economic, to deploy such global education, is that of the classroom. To date, over 8.5 million students nationwide have acquired the critical thinking and decision-making skills to ensure safe online behavior. The efficacy of the i-SAFE program has proven invaluable to the tax payers nationwide.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. I thank the gentleman for working with us. And this is requested by the TSA, and hopefully when this bill gets to conference, this will be included. I thank the gentleman for working with me.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Chairman, I rise to enter into a colloquy with the distinguished chairman of Homeland Security, Mr. Thompson. Mr. Thompson, as we prepare to authorize appropriations for the Transportation Security Administration, I'd like to thank you for your leadership in the committee and your efforts to bring this legislation to the floor. I would also like to bring to your attention an issue that needs to be corrected. In 2003, when I was chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, language was included in the Vision 100 Act, Public Law 108-176, which required deployment of TSA screeners in the Alaskan communities of Kenai, Homer, and Valdez. Since that time, the Ted Stevens International Airport has improved bag screening capabilities and can adequately screen bags for the three previously mentioned airports. Kenai, Homer, and Valdez are serviced by air carriers under a partial program. There are no regulatory requirements to screen bags for partial program carriers, so section 613 of the Vision 100 Act imposes a requirement not in effect for other similarly situated airports. The screeners are no longer needed, and TSA has asked that I repeal the language from Vision 100. This will not cost any money. Rather, this will save TSA money. TSA has informed me that by including this legislation in the TSA Authorization, it would save $1 million a year. I'd like to ask the gentleman to comment on this.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Hostelling International USA for 75 years of service to youth travel. Hostelling International USA was founded in 1934 to improve and promote international understanding of the world and its countless cultures through hostelling. Hostelling International operates and maintains almost 70 hostel accommodations throughout the United States, with over 4,000 locations worldwide. These inexpensive and safe facilities range from high-rise buildings with hundreds of beds to small remote hostels in rural setting found throughout Alaska. Hostel volunteers act as ambassadors for their communities and for our nation by administering travel education programs to young and old. Alaskan hostels have welcomed and housed guests since the early 1960's, in a diverse set of locations including: Central Juneau, Ketchikan, Nome, Anchorage, Delta Junction, Fairbanks, Haines, Homer, Sitka, Tok, Willow, Girdwood, Slana and Ninilchik. I commend Hostelling International USA for its 75 years of continued quality service.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Madam Speaker, in adherence to the Republican Earmark Standards for the FAA Reauthorization, H.R. 915, I submit the following: Requesting Member: Congressman Don Young. Bill Number: H.R. 915. Section: 814. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Municipality of Anchorage. Address of Requesting Entity: 632 W. 6th Ave., Anchorage, AK 99501. Description of Request: The legislation enables airport land at Merrill Field to revert to the Municipality of Anchorage rather than the Federal Government. The Muni would like to use the land to expand the highway that runs by Merrill Field. Requesting Member: Congressman Don Young. Bill Number: H.R. 915. Section: 103. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Alaska DOT&PF. Address of Requesting Entity: 4111 Aviation Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99519-6900. Description of Request: This provision would allow the continuation of the Alaska Aviation Safety Project to conduct 3-dimensional mapping of Alaska's aviation corridors.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the following Op-Ed piece from the May 16, 2009 edition of the Wall Street Journal. I believe this piece speaks to the reactive nature of Congress, and will help shed some light on this issue to those both inside and outside the Beltway. [From the Wall Street Journal, May 16, 2009] Critics Still Haven't Read the ``Torture'' Memos (By Victoria Toensing) Sen. Patrick Leahy wants an independent commission to investigate them. Rep. John Conyers wants the Obama Justice Department to prosecute them. Liberal lawyers want to disbar them, and the media maligns them. What did the Justice Department attorneys at George W. Bush's Office of Legal Counsel (OLC)--John Yoo and Jay Bybee--do to garner such scorn? They analyzed a 1994 criminal statute prohibiting torture when the CIA asked for legal guidance on interrogation techniques for a high-level al Qaeda detainee (Abu Zubaydah). In the mid-1980s, when I supervised the legality of apprehending terrorists to stand trial, I relied on a decades-old Supreme Court standard: Our capture and treatment could not ``shock the conscience'' of the court. The OLC lawyers, however, were not asked what treatment was legal to preserve a prosecution. They were asked what treatment was legal for a detainee who they were told had knowledge of future attacks on Americans. The 1994 law was passed pursuant to an international treaty, the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment. The law's definition of torture is circular. Torture under that law means ``severe physical or mental pain or suffering,'' which in turn means ``prolonged mental harm,'' which must be caused by one of four prohibited acts. The only relevant one to the CIA inquiry was threatening or inflicting ``severe physical pain or suffering.'' What is ``prolonged mental suffering''? The term appears nowhere else in the U.S. Code. Congress required, in order for there to be a violation of the law, that an interrogator specifically intend that the detainee suffer prolonged physical or mental suffering as a result of the prohibited conduct. Just knowing a person could be injured from the interrogation method is not a violation under Supreme Court rulings interpreting ``specific intent'' in other criminal statutes. In the summer of 2002, the CIA outlined 10 interrogation methods that would be used only on Abu Zubaydah, who it told the lawyers was ``one of the highest ranking members of'' al Qaeda, serving as ``Usama Bin Laden's senior lieutenant.'' According to the CIA, Zubaydah had ``been involved in every major'' al Qaeda terrorist operation including 9/11, and was ``planning future terrorist attacks'' against U.S. interests. Most importantly, the lawyers were told that Zubaydah--who was well-versed in American interrogation techniques, having written al Qaeda's manual on the subject--``displays no signs of willingness'' to provide information and ``has come to expect that no physical harm will be done to him.'' When the usual interrogation methods were used, he had maintained his ``unabated desire to kill Americans and Jews.'' The CIA and Department of Justice lawyers had two options: continue questioning Zubaydah by a process that had not worked or escalate the interrogation techniques in compliance with U.S. law. They chose the latter. The Justice Department lawyers wrote two opinions totaling 54 pages. One went to White House Counsel Alberto Gonzales, the other to the CIA general counsel. Both memos noted that the legislative history of the 1994 torture statute was ``scant.'' Neither house of Congress had hearings, debates or amendments, or provided clarification about terms such as ``severe'' or ``prolonged mental harm.'' There is no record of Rep. Jerrold Nadler--who now calls for impeachment and a criminal investigation of the lawyers-- trying to make any act (e.g., waterboarding) illegal, or attempting to lessen the specific intent standard. The Gonzales memo analyzed ``torture'' under American and international law. It noted that our courts, under a civil statute, have interpreted ``severe'' physical or mental pain or suffering to require extreme acts: The person had to be shot, beaten or raped, threatened with death or removal of extremities, or denied medical care. One federal court distinguished between torture and acts that were ``cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.'' So have international courts. The European Court of Human Rights in the case of Ireland v. United Kingdom (1978) specifically found that wall standing (to produce muscle fatigue), hooding, and sleep and food deprivation were not torture. The U.N. treaty defined torture as ``severe pain and suffering.'' The Justice Department witness for the Senate treaty hearings testified that ``[t]orture is understood to be barbaric cruelty . . . the mere mention of which sends chills down one's spine.'' He gave examples of ``the needle under the fingernail, the application of electrical shock to the genital area, the piercing of eyeballs. . . .'' Mental torture was an act ``designed to damage and destroy the human personality.'' The treaty had a specific provision stating that nothing, not even war, justifies torture. Congress removed that provision when drafting the 1994 law against torture, thereby permitting someone accused of violating the statute to invoke the long-established defense of necessity. The memo to the CIA discussed 10 requested interrogation techniques and how each should be limited so as not to violate the statute. The lawyers warned that no procedure could be used that ``interferes with the proper healing of Zubaydah's wound,'' which he incurred during capture. They observed that all the techniques, including waterboarding, were used on our military trainees, and that the CIA had conducted an ``extensive inquiry'' with experts and psychologists. But now, safe in ivory towers eight years removed from 9/ 11, critics demand criminalization of the techniques and the prosecution or disbarment of the lawyers who advised the CIA. Contrary to columnist Frank Rich's uninformed accusation in the New York Times that the lawyers ``proposed using'' the techniques, they did no such thing. They were asked to provide legal guidance on whether the CIA's proposed methods violated the law. Then there is Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson, who declared that ``waterboarding will almost certainly be deemed illegal if put under judicial scrutiny,'' depending on which ``of several possibly applicable legal standards'' apply. Does he know the Senate rejected a bill in 2006 to make waterboarding illegal? That fact alone negates criminalization of the act. So quick to condemn, Mr. Robinson later replied to a TV interview question that he did not know how long sleep deprivation could go before it was ``immoral.'' It is ``a nuance,'' he said. Yet the CIA asked those OLC lawyers to figure out exactly where that nuance stopped in the context of preventing another attack. There should be a rule that all persons proposing investigation, prosecution or disbarment must read the two memos and all underlying documents and then draft a dissenting analysis.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Madam Speaker, the Shining Lights Award is presented to individuals who demonstrate dedication to public service and the highest level of character, integrity and ethics. Anchorage Project Access, Drs. Kaltenborn and Schumacher have themselves by embodying the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam for their selfless work in bringing medical care to Anchorage's most impoverished residents and have been selected as the 2009 recipients of the Shining Lights Award. In today's economic climate, many people are forced to choose between food, rent, and their health. Anchorage Project Access (APA) is a volunteer network of 405 medical professionals designed to address the needs of over 15,000 people in our community who are uninsured and fall 200% below the poverty line. since 2005, APA has united health care providers, hospitals and ancillary organizations in an effort to provide basic medical care to those on a limited income. APA strives to reduce health care costs for all of us by promoting a model of health through ongoing care, reducing the unnecessary use of local emergency rooms. Husband and wife team Drs. Cathie Schumacher and K.C. Kaltenborn were deeply involved in founding APA and continue to dedicate their time and energy to making this worthwhile project successful. Their tireless efforts to establish and nurture APA have benefited the entire Anchorage community and the State of Alaska. I encourage everyone to reflect on their exemplary devotion to public service as an inspiration to use their own talents for the good of our community. Congratulations to Drs. Schumacher and Kaltenborn and thank you for all that you do!

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Madam Speaker, today I, along with my distinguished colleagues, Mr. Abercrombie, Mr. Faleomavaega, Mr. Boren and Mr. Shuler introduce the Southeast Alaska Native Land Entitlement Finalization Act. This legislation will redress the inequitable treatment of the Native Regional Corporation for Southeast Alaska, Sealaska Corporation, by allowing it to select its remaining land entitlement under Section 14 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, ANCSA, from designated Federal land in Southeast Alaska. In 1971, Congress enacted ANCSA to recognize and settle the aboriginal claims of Alaska Natives. ANCSA allocated 44 million acres and nearly $1 billion to Alaska's Native people, to be managed by the 12 Regional Corporations, including Sealaska, and more than 200 Village Corporations. While Sealaska is one of the Regional Corporations with the largest number of Native shareholders, with 21 percent of all original Native shareholders, Sealaska received the smallest Regional Corporation land settlement, which was less than 1 percent of the total of all ANCSA lands. Now, nearly four decades since ANCSA's passage, Sealaska is still without their full land entitlement. It remains critical that Sealaska complete its remaining land entitlement under ANCSA to continue to meet the economic, social and cultural needs of its Native shareholders, and of the Native community throughout Alaska. The Bureau of Land Management projects that Sealaska is entitled to receive between 355,000 and 375,000 acres pursuant to ANCSA. To date, over 35 years after ANCSA's enactment, Sealaska has secured conveyance of 290,000 acres. Accordingly, there are up to 85,000 acres remaining to be conveyed. However, ANCSA limits Sealaska land selections to withdrawal areas surrounding certain Native villages in Southeast Alaska. The problem is that there are no lands remaining in these withdrawal areas that meet Sealaska's traditional, cultural, historic, or socioeconomic needs, and certain portions of those lands should more appropriately remain in public ownership. The selection limitations preclude Sealaska from using any of its remaining ANCSA land settlement to select places of sacred, cultural, traditional, and historic significance located outside the withdrawal areas that are critical to facilitate the perpetuation and preservation of Alaska Native culture and history. Moreover, selection from the withdrawal areas would not allow Sealaska to meet the purposes of ANCSA, which is to create continued economic opportunities for the Native people of Southeast Alaska. Further, more than 40 percent of the original withdrawal areas are salt water and, therefore, not available for selection. Despite the small land base in comparison to all other Regional Corporations, Sealaska has provided significant economic benefits to not only Sealaska Native shareholders, but also to the other Native Corporations throughout Alaska. Pursuant to a revenue sharing provision in ANCSA, Sealaska distributes considerable revenues derived from its timber development--more than $315 million between 1971 and 2007--to the other Native Corporations. Unless it is allowed to select land outside of the designated withdrawal areas, Sealaska will not be able to select land that would allow it to maintain its existing resource development and management operations, or provide continued economic opportunities for the Native people of Southeast Alaska and economic benefits to the broader Alaska Native community through the revenue sharing requirements under ANCSA. The legislation presents a solution that would allow Sealaska to complete the conveyance of its land entitlement and enable the Federal Government to complete its statutory obligation to the Natives of Southeast Alaska, as promised under ANCSA. I thank my colleagues and urge your support for this important legislation for the Native people of Southeast Alaska.

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 2009 Omnibus. Requesting Member: Congressman Don Young Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Department of Justice, OJP--Juvenile Justice Legal Name of Requesting Entity: i-SAFE, Inc Address of Requesting Entity: 5900 Pasteur Court, Suite 100 Carlsbad, CA 92008 Description of Request: $300,000 will allow i-SAFE to expand services to a projected 6.2 million students nationally by the end of the 2009 school year. It will also help to fund the i-SAFE initiatives that provide data to FBI, local law enforcement, schools and industry leaders such as USPTO, RIAA and ASCAP. This data is provided through the i-SAFE National Assessment Center--a compilation of student surveys that serve as the world's largest data base of student online behavior and attitudes. The State of Alaska provides contract funds for the Village Public Safety Officer program. i-SAFE Inc. is the leading provider of e-Safety education and training in schools nationwide. i-SAFE also provides schools/districts behavioral statistical data regarding Internet behavior and usage by their students. i-SAFE programmatic assets address a broad range of e- Safety issues through a uniquely comprehensive and holistic framework that includes training of educators (i.e., Professional Development Program--i-SAFE has trained over 85,000 educators nationwide) both online and in-person, extensive community outreach programs towards parents, seniors, legal/law-enforcement officers and, most importantly, a world-class age-appropriate curriculum which features integrated teaching and learning activities for students in all grades from primary to secondary schools. i-SAFE has educated over 8.5 million students nationwide and has cooperative agreement with many of the State Dept of Education(s) and Districts in all 50 states including schools in Washington, DC to name a few: Sidwell Friends School; St. Patricks Episcopal Day School; Woodridge Elementary; Woodridge High School & St. Peters Interparish School. i-SAFE fulfills a vital role in the digital age and global information society, throughout the United States by empowering Internet users with the knowledge and awareness needed to garner the most benefit from Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) and the Internet via safe, responsible, ethical and legal use. Beginning in 2009 Congress mandated that elementary and secondary schools receiving E-Rate discounts must submit a certification to the Federal Communications Commission that as part of their Internet safety policy they are educating minors about appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms and cyber bullying awareness and response. i-SAFE can provide to every school, throughout the United States the ``E-Rate Certification Compliance Package.'' This package includes all classroom curriculum that is mandated to be taught through the Legislation mandate of the Broadband Act. Funding will be used to expand the i-SAFE curriculum to more students and classrooms throughout the nation as well as implement the ``E-Rate Compliance Package'' into schools throughout the nation. This request will also allow i-SAFE to provide, on a quarterly basis, student assessment data (i.e., metrics) to the district/schools upon request allowing them to have metrics on students behavioral attitudes towards online safety. This Administration is focused on providing every student and school(s) the ability to communicate and learn through today's 21st century communication. Safety is a key component for schools that provide students with the means to access online information and services within their learning environment in the classroom. Education is the diadem to the success of students being empowered with the knowledge of learning safe and responsible tactics as a citizen in today's global economy. The only environment that is conducive for every student, regardless of age, race or socio-economic, to deploy such global education, is that of the classroom. To date, over 8.5 million students nationwide have acquired the critical thinking and decision-making skills to ensure safe online behavior. The efficacy of the i-SAFE program has proven invaluable to the tax payers nationwide. Requesting Member: Congressman Don Young Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Dept of Education--National Projects--Innovation and Improvement Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Reading Is Fundamental Address of Requesting Entity: 1825 Connecticut Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20009 Description of Request: Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) (authorized under Title V, Part D, Subpart 5) prepares children to read by delivering free books and literacy resources to those children who need them most. The $24.8 million awarded to RIF will be used to advance their efforts with improving childhood literacy. Requesting Member: Congressman Don Young Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Dept of Education--National Projects--Safe Schools and Citizenship Education Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Center for Civic Education Address of Requesting Entity: 5145 Douglas Fir Road, Calabasas, California 91302 - Description of Request: $25,095,000 for the Center for Civic Education to be used to support programs that educate American students about our nation's fundamental ideals and democratic -values. Requesting Member: Congressman Don Young Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Dept of Education--National Projects--Safe Schools and Citizenship Education Legal Name of Requesting Entity: National Council of Economic Education Address of Requesting Entity: 1140 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 202, New York, New York 10036 Description of Request: $5,019,000 for the National Council of Economic Education to support programs that educate American students about our nation's fundamental ideals and democratic values. Requesting Member: Congressman Don Young Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Dept of Education--National Projects--Innovation and Improvement Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Reach Out and Read National Center Address of Requesting Entity: 56 Roland Street, Suite 100-D, Boston, MA 02129 Description of Request: Provide $4,965,000 for reading based federally-funded national educational program that makes literacy promotion a standard part of pediatric primary care, so that children grow up with books, language skills, and the ability to read.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Madam Speaker, recently, I introduced H.R. 1381, which would make permanent the provisions of Section 646 of the Internal Revenue Code. Currently, these provisions are slated to expire on December 31, 2010. In 1971 Congress passed, and President Nixon approved, landmark legislation known as the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). This legislation settled the aboriginal land claims of Native Alaskans in exchange for land selection rights and cash. The law was, and is, a bold and organic national experiment in Native land claims settlement. However, it has needed revision and refinement many times since 1971. I am proud to have worked with my Colleagues over the past several years to accomplish these improvements. In 1988, Congress enacted legislation to authorize Alaska Native corporations to establish ``settlement trusts.'' Their purpose was to provide benefits to Alaska Natives and permit a legal structure that would protect and preserve, for current and future Alaska Native generations, much of the value of the land claims settlement. The original ANCSA required Native groups to form Alaska state law corporations to receive, administer, and distribute the ANSCA settlement, and the 1988 legislation was recognition that the corporate form had not always been well-suited to this task. In part, this was due to the federal tax problems that attend the corporate form, although ironically in the years after 1988, it became apparent that the federal tax rules relative to trusts present their own complexities and problems that discouraged the use of settlement trusts. Congress enacted Section 646 of the Tax Code to address these problems. Section 646 provides for an elective regime for Alaska Native settlement trusts that (i) provides for a trust level tax at various rates ranging up to 10% in lieu of beneficiary level taxes; (ii) allows contributions to be made to these trusts on a tax favored basis; and (iii) streamlines administrative reporting for these trusts. When adopted, this elective treatment initially provided significant incentives to the use of settlement trusts to further the ANCSA settlement, and Alaska Native corporations utilized this provision to provide benefits through Alaska Native settlement trusts. As I mentioned earlier, Section 646 is scheduled to sunset on December 31, 2010, despite the positive effects it has had for the Alaska Native community. The principal aim of settlement trusts is to provide funds to the Alaska Native beneficiaries. These beneficiaries are among the most economically disadvantaged persons in our country. Section 646 has worked well to provide an incentive for the use of settlement trusts, and must be continued. However, the looming expiration of Section 646 has had a chilling effect in recent years upon the establishment of new Alaska Native settlement trusts. Alaska Native corporations have no desire to exchange the corporate tax problems they already face for the tax problems accompanying the trust form that they will face if Section 646 is allowed to sunset. In October 2008, the Alaska Federation of Natives formally endorsed the permanent extension of Section 646, and in December 2008 the Joint Committee on Taxation scored the permanent extension of Section 646 as costing approximately $33 million. I introduced H.R. 1381, because a permanent extension of Section 646 will immediately remove the disincentive for Alaska Native corporations to use settlement trusts to provide benefits to their Alaska Native shareholders otherwise presented by the sunset of Section 646.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. I thank the gentleman for yielding to me. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 844, the Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Amendments of 2009. This important piece of legislation continues to build upon the original legislation this body passed in 1972, the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Continuing to recognize the importance of marine mammals and the fragile state of some of their populations, Congress passed the Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Act in 2000 and created the John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Assistance Program. Keeping with the spirit of these achievements in marine mammal protection, I introduced this legislation which builds upon our earlier successes and expands the Prescott Grant Program. This bill will allow the Secretary of Commerce to provide grants to participants who assist in removing ropes and other materials from marine mammals while at sea. By providing grants to institutions such as the Alaskan Sealife Center, untold numbers of marine mammals have been positively impacted. Support for this bill will further invest in the health of our oceans and its numerous marine resources. Again, I urge my colleagues to support marine mammals and the passage of H.R. 844.

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 constituent projects of interest I received as part of the FY 2009 Omnibus. Requesting Member: Congressman Don Young Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Dept of Education, Elementary and Secondary Education Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Galena City School District Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 299, Galena, AK 99741 Description of Request: I have secured $485,000 for the Galena School District. Funding will be used for Galena's boarding school operations and provide a safe and educationally enriching environment for 120 students, many of whom are Native Alaskans from outlying villages where, in some cases, they may be exposed to a physically and emotionally challenging village environment. Due to a 2001 Department of Education formula change, Galena loses $1 million annually in Federal Impact Aid Funding. It is my understanding that these funds will be used along with state funding to provide educational services and operate the boarding school. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project. Requesting Member: Congressman Don Young Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Dept of Education, Elementary and Secondary Education Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Literacy Council of Alaska, Fairbanks Address of Requesting Entity: 517 Gaffney Road, Fairbanks, AK 99701 Description of Request: I have secured $81,000 for the Literacy Council of Alaska, Fairbanks. The funding will be used for a school-age tutoring program focusing on reading, writing and math. It is my understanding that the funds will be used for salaries, supplies and tutor trainings. There is an in-kind volunteer tutor contribution of $30,600 annually. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project. Requesting Member: Congressman Don Young Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Dept of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Health Facilities and Services Legal Name of Requesting Entity: AK Addictions Rehabilitation Services, Inc./Nugen's Ranch Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 871545, Wasilla, AK 99687 Description of Request: I have secured $490,000 for Addictions Rehabilitation Services, Inc./Nugen's Ranch. The funds will be used for the construction of a new residential substance abuse treatment facility. This will allow the recipient to increase the number of individuals treated which will decrease the number of people being sent out of state for treatment. It is my understanding that the funds will be spent for engineering and architecture fees, site preparation and actual construction of the facility. Other funds being used for this project are coming from the Denali Commission, Foundation Grants, AK Mental Health Trust Authority, the State of AK, and funds from the organization itself. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project. Requesting Member: Congressman Don Young Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Dept of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Health Facilities and Services Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Providence Health System Address of Requesting Entity: 3200 Providence Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508 Description of Request: I have secured $951,000 for Providence Health Services in Anchorage, AK. These funds will be used for the Alaska Family Medicine Residency Program which recruits and trains doctors to address the critical physician recruitment and retention problem in Alaska. It is my understanding that the funds will be used to pay for faculty salaries ($835,000) and resident recruitment ($116,000) and that Providence Health Services will provide supplemental funds to this program. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project. Requesting Member: Congressman Don Young Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Department of Education, School Improvement Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Department of Education Address of Requesting Entity: 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202 Description of Request: I have secured $33,315,000 for the AK Native Education Equity Program. It is my understanding that these funds will be used to meet the unique education needs and to support supplemental education programs to benefit Alaska Natives. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project. Requesting Member: Congressman Don Young Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Dept of Education, Elementary and Secondary Education Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Alaska PTA Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 210496, Anchorage, AK 99503 Description of Request: I have secured $238,000 for the Alaska PTA. These funds will be used to train parents in their roles and responsibilities under the No Child Left Behind Act. It is my understanding that the funds will be used in conjunction with Alaska PTA funds totaling $160,000. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project. Requesting Member: Congressman Don Young Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Dept of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Health Facilities and Services Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 528, Bethel, AK 99559 Description of Request: I have secured $1,475,000 for the Yukon- Kuskokwim Health Corporation. These funds will be used for capital equipment upgrades that will improve productivity, improve health care delivery and reduce the number of patients that are now required to be transferred out of the region. It is my understanding that no additional funds will be used for this project. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project. Requesting Member: Congressman Don Young Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Department of Commerce, NOAA--Operations, Research and Facilities Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Gulf of Alaska Coastal Communities Coalition Address of Requesting Entity: PO Box 201236, Anchorage, AK 99520 Description of Request: I have secured $150,000 for the Gulf of Alaska Coastal Communities Coalition (GOAC3) which is an incorporated 501(c)6 non-profit membership driven organization primarily serving as an advocate for small boat community based fisheries in the protection and creation of fair and sustainable fisheries related economic opportunities. The GOAC3 has representation from over 45 fisheries communities in the Gulf of Alaska. The GOAC3 allows these communities to participate and be effective in North Pacific Fishery Management Council meetings, allowing them to help mitigate negative impacts and increase opportunities to create economically viable and sustainable marine related communities. It is my understanding that these funds will be spent as on Personnel: $45,000, Travel: $22,000, Supplies: $12,000 and Support Contracts: $62,000. Requesting Member: Congressman Don Young Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Department of Commerce, NOAA--Operations, Research and Facilities Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Cook Inlet Beluga Whale Research/ Kenai Peninsula Borough Address of Requesting Entity: 144 N. Binkley St., Soldotna, AK 99669 Description of Request: I have secured $700,000 for the Kenai Peninsula Borough. This project will study the population of the Cook Inlet Beluga Whale so that it is fully understood and counted. The listing of the Cook Inlet Beluga Whale on the Endangered Species List affects over 70% of Alaska's population and knowledge of the Cook Inlet Beluga Whale's population size and migration habits is sorely lacking. This project fulfills the mandates of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act. It is my understanding that the funds will be used for tagging devices and equipment and to support tagging expeditions to place the tracking devices on the Cook Inlet Beluga Whale. Funds will also be used for data collecting and analyzing. Requesting Member: Congressman Don Young Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Department of Justice, OJP--Byrne Discretionary Grants Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Northwest Arctic Borough Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 1110, Kotzebue, AK 99752 Description of Request: I have secured $500,000 for the Northwest Arctic Borough's Public Safety Planning and Village Public Safety Officer Hiring and Training. This project provides for the creation of a comprehensive planning process for law enforcement in the Borough and to implement immediate improvements to the Village Public Safety Officer program by recruiting and training new officers. This will help to bring up the level of law enforcement and public safety in the Borough, which is currently completely inadequate and provide Borough citizens with the same protections afforded those Americans throughout the country. The State of Alaska provides contract funds for the Village Public Safety Officer program. It is my understanding that $250,000 will be used for public safety planning process and $250,000 for Village Public Safety Officer Hiring and Training. Requesting Member: Congressman Don Young Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Department of Commerce, NOAA--Operations, Research and Facilities Legal Name of Requesting Entity: The Alaska Sea Otter and Steller Sea Lion Commission Address of Requesting Entity: 6239 B Street, Suite 204, Anchorage, AK 99518 Description of Request: I have secured $300,000 for a Steller Sea Lion Comanagement, Biosampling and Outreach/Education program. This project will feature two approaches to bio-sampling. The first will be to work with two high harvest communities to fund local monitors (residents that help facilitate sea lion bio-sampling and monitor and document the local environment). The second approach will consist of training approximately 25 coastal Alaskans on proper sample collection and technique and protocols from those sea lions harvested for subsistence. This will help fulfill the mandates created by the Marine Mammal Protection Act and help promote responsible and sustainable subsistence harvesting. It is my understanding that the money will be spent on: Personnel: $130,000, Travel: $64,000, Supplies: $15,000, Community Monitoring Contracts: $50,000, Biosamplers: $10,000 and Administrative Support: $31,000. Requesting Member: Congressman Don Young Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women Legal Name of Requesting Entity: State of Alaska / Victims for Justice Address of Requesting Entity: 1057 Fireweed Lane, Suite 101, Anchorage, AK 99503 Description of Request: I have secured $400,000 to be used for sexual assault/domestic violence education, victim assistance and prosecution. This project will support victims of violent crimes. It is my understanding that funding will be split between programs on Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Education, programs to provide Victim Assistance and prosecution of those who commit the violence. Requesting Member: Congressman Don Young Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: USDA, NRCS Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Alaska Association of Conservation Districts Address of Requesting Entity: 1700 E. Bogard Road, Suite 203A, Wasilla, AK, 99654 Description of Request: I have secured $864,000 to support the work of 12 Soil and Water Conservation Districts in Alaska. Specifically, this program would allow the Alaska Association of Conservation Districts to manage statewide natural resource concerns such as invasive plants, water quality and soil erosion due to global climate change. Assuming percentages remain the same, funding would include 53.5% for salaries and personnel, 9.3% for fringe funding, 6.7% for travel funding, 4.3% for equipment, 4% for supply funding, and 16.7% for contractual funding. The matching funds for this project, which will be augmented from local and private contributors, are unknown at this time. Additionally, this project will be enhanced by projects that are funded by USDA, State and Private Forestry, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other federal agencies. A funding request to the State of Alaska is pending. Requesting Member: Congressman Don Young Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: EPA, STAG Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Craig Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 725, Craig, AK 99921 Description of Request: I have secured $250,000 for Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Projects in the City of Craig. The City has previously received funds form the State of Alaska's Village Safe Water Program, but because of delays in funding distribution and escalating project costs the funding received has not been able to fulfill the requirements for the approved projects. All funds appropriated will be used for the construction or replacement of waterlines, wastewater lines, lift stations, and other utilities. The total project will cost $1.2 million. However, the grantee has received $973,000 from the State of Alaska's Village Safe Water Program. The $250,000 included in this appropriation will complete the project. Additionally, the City has provided additional in-kind contributions in the form of labor and equipment. Requesting Member: Congressman Don Young Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Federal Transit Administration, Bus and Bus Facilities Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Fairbanks North Star Borough Address of Requesting Entity: 809 Pioneer Road, Fairbanks, AK 99707- 1267 Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $798,000 for bus acquisition to add a route from Eielson AFB to Ft. Wainwright. The local share of the project will be provided by the Borough. Requesting Member: Congressman Don Young Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: FHWA, Federal Lands Highways Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Fairbanks North Star Borough Address of Requesting Entity: 809 Pioneer Road, Fairbanks, AK 99707- 1267 Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $950,000 for rural and road service area transportation upgrades. Funds will be used to upgrade roads to federal lands, military installations, university research farms, and evacuation. Funds will be matched 50 percent by the Borough. Requesting Member: Congressman Don Young Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Federal Transit Administration, Bus and Bus Facilities Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Mat Su Community Transit Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 8971590, Wasilla, AK 99687 Description of Request: Funding will be used for bus facility and property enhancements, 20 percent local match will be provided by Mat- Su Borough. Requesting Member: Congressman Don Young Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Army Corps of Engineers, Investigations Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Army Corps of Engineers, Address of Requesting Entity: Elmendorf Air Force Base, AK Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $263,000 for Alaska District to continue the feasibility study of the Alaska Regional Ports and Harbors Comprehensive Plan. Requesting Member: Congressman Don Young Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Army Corps of Engineers, General Construction Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Army Corps of Engineers, Address of Requesting Entity: Elmendorf Air Force Base, AK Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $3,328,000 to be used for Alaska coastal erosion. Native Villages on the coast of Alaska are eroding and this funding will help the Corps address the most pressing needs. Requesting Member: Congressman Don Young Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Army Corps of Engineers, General Construction Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City and Borough of Sitka Address of Requesting Entity: 100 Lincoln St., Sitka, AK 99835 Description of Request: Provide $478,000 for upgrades to the harbor breakwater due to design deficiency. Upgrades are needed to protect fishing boats within harbor of Sitka Channel. Local match will be met by the state or borough. Requesting Member: Congressman Don Young Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Army Corps of Engineers, Operations and Maintenance Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Port of Anchorage Address of Requesting Entity: 2000 Anchorage Port Rd, Anchorage, AK 99501 Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $16 million will be used for transitional dredging for the Port of Anchorage Expansion Project. Requesting Member: Congressman Don Young Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: EERE, Biomass and Biorefinery Systems R&D Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Municipality of Anchorage Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 19660, Anchorage, AK 99519 Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $713,625 to be used for converting methane gas to electrical power generation. Municipality will match all federal funds. Requesting Member: Congressman Don Young Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: EERE, Geothermal Technology Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Unalaska Address of Requesting Entity: 43 Ravens Way, Unalaska, AK 99685 Description of Request: Provide an earmark of $951,500 for the development of a potential geothermal well in Unalaska. This could be a crucial source of energy for people on the Aleutian Chain. Requesting Member: Congressman Don Young Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Corps of Engineers, Operations and Maintenance Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Corps of Engineers Address of Requesting Entity: Elmendorf AFB, AK Description of Request: Provide an earmark for $740,000 for City of Dillingham in support of President's Budget for dredging Dillingham Harbor. Requesting Member: Congressman Don Young Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Corps of Engineers, Operations and Maintenance Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Corps of Engineers Address of Requesting Entity: Elmendorf AFB, AK Description of Request: Provide an earmark for $575,000 for City of Homer in support of President's budget for dredging Homer Harbor. Requesting Member: Congressman Don Young Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Account: Corps of Engineers, Operations and Maintenance Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of Nome Address of Requesting Entity: P.O. Box 281, Nome, AK 99762 Description of Request: Provide an earmark for $724,000 for City of Nome in support of President's budget for dredging the Nome Port.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, it is essential that our Nation's ports have a reliable funding stream for vital projects that are ``ready to go'' in ports around the nation. The Maritime Administration has identified more than $1.5 billion in immediate opportunities to fund ready-to-go port landside projects. Ports are a key component of our national intermodal transportation system. MARAD has conservatively estimated that funding $1.5 billion in ready to go projects will add 80,000 direct and indirect jobs to the economy. These port projects are essential to our ports fulfilling their roles in our national defense, transportation, commerce, and homeland security systems. All other transportation modes, including highways, transit, rail, aviation, and ferries have dedicated funding in the Transportation Infrastructure sections of H.R. 1. Ports do not have such a dedicated source of funding. However, I want to state for the record that ports are eligible for funds in the $1.5 billion discretionary competitive grant funding made available by this bill to the Secretary of Transportation. In addition ports are eligible for funds under the Surface Transportation formula funds made available to States under this bill. Mr. Speaker, the Secretary of Transportation, working with MARAD, should ensure that ports, like rail, transit, highways and aviation also have a secure stream of funding for much needed ``ready to go'' intermodal infrastructure investments. Ports all over the country, including in my own State, are ready to put thousands of people to work immediately on vital port infrastructure projects. Mr. Speaker, I know that the entire House, indeed the entire Congress agrees that it won't do much good to have improved highways, rail, and air transportation if our ports are crumbling, overcrowded, and outdated.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to introduce legislation today to assist the Bering Straits Native Corporation, an Alaska Native Regional Corporation established under the authority of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), in fulfilling its land entitlement under ANCSA. This Alaska Native Regional Corporation has requested the bipartisan assistance of Congress to achieve the enactment of this legislation on behalf of the Inupiat people in the region. I look forward to working with Chairman Rahall and others on the Natural Resources Committee to obtain passage of this meritorious legislation. An equitable agreement has been worked out by the State of Alaska, the Bering Straits Native Corporation (BSNC) and the United States that would finalize BSNC's entitlement under the ANCSA and help fulfill the State's entitlement to certain lands under the Statehood Act. As an Alaska Native Regional Corporation, BSNC received entitlement under ANCSA to 145,728 acres of land under Section l4(h)(8) of that landmark Act. This Agreement will fulfill a critical component of that entitlement by conveying to BSNC 1,009 acres of land in the Salmon Lake area while Bering Straits relinquishes 3,084 acres of land from its original Salmon Lake selections which would be conveyed to the State. In addition, in furtherance of fulfilling its land entitlement under the Settlement Act, 6,132 acres of land at Windy Cove and 7,504 acres of land at Imuruk Basin that were either not prioritized or not selected by the State or that were low priority for the State will be conveyed to BSNC. The tracts at Windy Cove and Imuruk Basin are long- standing BSNC 14(h)(8) selections and had been submitted to BLM by BSNC as prioritized lands. Salmon Lake is located about 38 miles north of Nome, Alaska. This agreement avoids further administrative appeals or litigation and is a sensible, fair and amicable resolution to some thorny land issues that have faced the parties for many years, caused in part by the competing land selections of the State of Alaska and BSNC. BSNC's interest in the lands is primarily for subsistence and recreation purposes. With the harsh climate of the Bering Straits Region through many months of the year, the Salmon Lake area provides a place for families to engage in subsistence and recreation activities. It receives substantial use by local residents and this agreement preserves that ability for them to continue such uses. Under the Agreement, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) retains ownership and administration of a 9-acre campground located at the outlet of Salmon Lake, and within those lands to be conveyed to BSNC under this agreement. This BLM campsite provides road accessible public camping opportunities. An additional easement is granted to the public through lands to be conveyed to BSNC to access Salmon Lake. The agreement also preserves access to BLM managed lands in the Kigluaik Mountain Range. The agreement completes the previously submitted priorities for land BSNC is entitled to receive under ANCSA. The lands included in the agreement are lands that were validly selected by BSNC pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. It does not provide BSNC with any additional land beyond the amount of its entitlement. It will greatly assist the BSNC in its mission of assisting members of the regional corporation to be able to engage in subsistence activities in an area where recreation opportunities are also available. For people who live in such challenging weather and economic conditions, places such as Salmon Lake provide unique and important opportunities to participate in traditional subsistence and cultural activities that are crucial to a rural subsistence way of life. It is important to the people of the Bering Straits Region that this agreement be completed. There are many challenges that the people of the region face. Ratifying this agreement will certainly lessen some of those challenges in a positive and constructive way. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation that is so important for the Inupiat people of the Bering Straits Region.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Madam Speaker, I submit the following: Bill Number: H.R. 2638, Air Force, RDT&E, Line 221, PE# 0708611F (Support Systems Development). Legal name and address of entity receiving earmark: Biomass Energy Systems, Inc., 100 Overlook Center, 2nd Floor, Princeton, NJ 08540. Description of how the money will be spent and why the use of federal taxpayer funding is justified: This project is underway to introduce alternative energy sources based on locally available resources for the USDOD and in Alaska. The Air Force, APTO, Eielson AFB and BESI have forged an alliance to create an alternative energy source program to be implemented in Alaska. The program consists of three phases. First, an integrated waste to energy system consisting of waste gasification, gas cleanup, and a gas engine to convert waste-based fuel gas to electricity will be demonstrated using wood waste and other locally generated wastes will be located at Eielson AFB in Fairbanks, AK. After the testing is complete and any modifications are identified, the gasification system will be relocated to a local village, to demonstrate the system in a typical local setting as a backup source of power. After testing the system under local conditions is completed, the system will be integrated in parallel with the existing petroleum- based system. Initially the system will operate as backup for the existing system with a gradual change over to a primary role. This provides a practical model of sustainable renewable energy for the USDOD facilities, as well as the Alaskan villages. Description of matching funds: BESI is currently under contract to the U.S. Air Force, APTO to deliver a final design for a 1MW system for Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. This is a Congressionally funded project from FY 07 and the contract is worth $848,040.00. Appropriated Amount: $2,400,000. Project Name: Eielson Air Force Base Alternative Energy Source Program. Detailed Finance Plan: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Item Cost ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Equipment Gasifier and Genset.............................. $1,430,000 Instrumentation and Controls............................... 330,000 Construction & Installation................................ 200,000 Shakedown.................................................. 200,000 Project Management......................................... 240,000

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would like to commend Congressman Rob Bishop and his staff for their hard work and diligence on this land conveyance. I would also like to thank Chairman Rahall for allowing this bill to go forward. This legislation will help the community of Box Elder, Utah, gain much needed land and help the Forest Service better meet its management needs. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I want to thank Congressman Lamborn for initiating this National Park Service study of Camp Hale so Americans can appreciate the events that occurred during World War II and the Cold War because people forget about the Cold War. A lot of activity went on. The Tennessee Pass and Camp Hale served as the training site for the 10th Mountain Division, a specialized skiing unit whose heroism during World War II inspired our Nation. Later the site was used for covert training operations furthering the cause of freedom during the Cold War. Colorado today benefits from the ski area and the educational opportunities presented by this unique landmark. Listing Tennessee Pass and Camp Hale as a unit of the National Park Service will allow us to learn about and experience this unique piece of history. Madam Speaker, I urge passage of this legislation and yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska

Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I wish to congratulate Congresswoman Musgrave on this bill. H.R. 3299 provides a legislative solution for a number of homeowners in Larimer County, Colorado, who own real property adjacent to the Roosevelt National Forest and have occupied or improved their property in good faith and in reliance on 1975 land surveys. A recent forest resurvey now claims that a small portion of the Roosevelt National Forest is occupied by these adjacent land owners. This bill conveys approximately seven acres occupied by the affected landowners to those landowners and is long overdue. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.