granule_id,date,congress,session,volume,issue,title,chamber,granule_class,sub_granule_class,page_start,page_end,speakers,bills,citation,full_text CREC-2010-12-29-pt1-PgD1248-2,2010-12-29,111,2,,,Daily Digest/House of Representatives,HOUSE,DAILYDIGEST,DDHCHAMBER,D1248,D1248,,,156 Cong. Rec. D1248,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 174 (Wednesday, December 29, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 174 (Wednesday, December 29, 2010)] [Daily Digest] [Page D1248] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] House of Representatives Chamber Action The House was not in session today. The House will meet at 12 noon on Wednesday, January 5, for the convening of the first session of the 112th Congress." CREC-2010-12-29-pt1-PgD1248,2010-12-29,111,2,,,Daily Digest/Highlights + Senate,SENATE,DAILYDIGEST,DDSCHAMBER,D1248,D1248,,,156 Cong. Rec. D1248,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 174 (Wednesday, December 29, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 174 (Wednesday, December 29, 2010)] [Daily Digest] [Page D1248] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] Wednesday, December 29, 2010 [[Page D1248]] Daily Digest HIGHLIGHTS See Resume of Congressional Activity. Senate Chamber Action The Senate stands in sine die adjournment until 12 noon, on Wednesday, January 5, 2011 for the convening of the first session of the 112th Congress." CREC-2010-12-29-pt1-PgD1249-2,2010-12-29,111,2,,,Daily Digest/Next Meeting of the SENATE + Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES + Other End Matter,HOUSE,DAILYDIGEST,DDENDMATTER,D1249,D1250,,,156 Cong. Rec. D1249,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 174 (Wednesday, December 29, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 174 (Wednesday, December 29, 2010)] [Daily Digest] [Pages D1249-D1250] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] CONGRESSIONAL RECORD (USPS 087-390). The Periodicals postage is paid at Washington, D.C. The public proceedings of each House of Congress, as reported by the Official Reporters thereof, are printed pursuant to directions of the Joint Committee on Printing as authorized by appropriate provisions of Title 44, United States Code, and published for each day that one or both Houses are in session, excepting very infrequent instances when two or more unusually small consecutive issues are printed one time. Public access to the Congressional Record is available online through the U.S. Government Printing Office, at www.fdsys.gov, free of charge to the user. 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[[Page D1250]] _______________________________________________________________________ Next Meeting of the SENATE 12 noon, Wednesday, January 5 Senate Chamber Program for Wednesday: Following the presentation of the certificates of election and the swearing in of elected members, there will be a required live quorum to convene the 112th Congress. All Senators are asked to report to the floor at that time. The Senate will then be in period of morning business. Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 12 noon, Wednesday, January 5 House Chamber Program for Wednesday: Convening of the first session of the 112th Congress. _______________________________________________________________________ Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue HOUSE Hodes, Paul W., N.H., E2257 Johnson, Eddie Bernice, Tex., E2257, E2258 McCollum, Betty, Minn., E2258 Ortiz, Solomon P., Tex., E2258" CREC-2010-12-29-pt1-PgD1249,2010-12-29,111,2,,,Daily Digest/Interim Resume of Congressional Activity,HOUSE,DAILYDIGEST,DDRESUMEONGOING,D1249,D1249,,,156 Cong. Rec. D1249,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 174 (Wednesday, December 29, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 174 (Wednesday, December 29, 2010)] [Daily Digest] [Page D1249] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] *These figures include all measures reported, even if there was no accompanying report. A total of 275 written reports have been filed in the Senate, 306 reports have been filed in the House. [[Page D1249]] Interim Resume of Congressional Activity SECOND SESSION OF THE ONE HUNDRED ELEVENTH CONGRESS The first table gives a comprehensive resume of all legislative business transacted by the Senate and House. The second table accounts for all nominations submitted to the Senate by the President for Senate confirmation. EXECUTIVE DATA ON LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITY January 5 through December 22, 2010 Senate House Total Days in session............... 158 127 . . Time in session............... 1074 hrs., 40 879 hrs., 20 . . Congressional Record: Pages of proceedings........... 11,075 8,990 . . Extensions of Remarks.......... . . 2,256 . . Public bills enacted into law. 67 150 217 Private bills enacted into law 2 . . 2 Bills in conference........... . . . . . . Measures passed, total........ 569 921 1,490 Senate bills................... 106 80 . . House bills.................... 163 334 . . Senate joint resolutions....... 4 4 . . House joint resolutions........ 5 6 . . Senate concurrent resolutions.. 14 7 . . House concurrent resolutions... 33 51 . . Simple resolutions............. 244 439 . . Measures reported, total...... *388 *295 683 Senate bills................... 275 1 . . House bills.................... 96 200 . . Senate joint resolutions....... 2 . . . . House joint resolutions........ . . . . . . Senate concurrent resolutions.. 2 . . . . House concurrent resolutions... . . 3 . . Simple resolutions............. 13 91 . . Special reports............... 6 9 . . Conference reports............ . . 2 . . Measures pending on calendar.. 454 115 . . Measures introduced, total.... 1,506 3,098 4,604 Bills.......................... 1,139 2,158 . . Joint resolutions.............. 17 41 . . Concurrent resolutions......... 30 111 . . Simple resolutions............. 320 788 . . Quorum calls.................. 8 4 . . Yea-and-nay votes............. 299 450 . . Recorded votes................ . . 210 . . Bills vetoed.................. . . 2 . . Vetoes overridden............. . . . . . . DISPOSITION OF EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS January 5 through December 22, 2010 Civilian nominations, totaling 644 (including 209 nominations carried over from the First Session), disposed of as follows: Confirmed..........................................453... Withdrawn...........................................16... Returned to White House............................175... Other Civilian nominations, totaling 2,352 (including 112 nominations carried over from the First Session), disposed of as follows: Confirmed........................................2,347... Returned to White House..............................5... Air Force nominations, totaling 7,359 (including 759 nominations carried over from the First Session), disposed of as follows: Confirmed........................................7,318... Returned to White House.............................41... Army nominations, totaling 7,562 (including 76 nominations carried over from the First Session), disposed of as follows: Confirmed........................................7,553... Withdrawn............................................5... Returned to White House..............................4... Navy nominations, totaling 4,456 (including 8 nominations carried over from the First Session), disposed of as follows: Confirmed........................................4,454... Returned to White House..............................2... Marine Corps nominations, totaling 1,341 (including 714 nominations carried over from the First Session), disposed of as follows: Confirmed........................................1,202... Returned to White House............................139... Summary Total nominations carried over from the First Session1,878 Total nominations received this Session.............21,836 Total confirmed.....................................23,327 Total unconfirmed....................................... . Total withdrawn.........................................21 Total returned to the White House......................366" CREC-2010-12-29-pt1-PgE2257-2,2010-12-29,111,2,,,COMMENDING CHAIRMAN DAVE OBEY,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,COMMENDING,E2257,E2257,"[{""name"": ""Eddie Bernice Johnson"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2257,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 174 (Wednesday, December 29, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 174 (Wednesday, December 29, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2257] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] COMMENDING CHAIRMAN DAVE OBEY ______ HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of texas in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 29, 2010 Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend Chairman Dave Obey on a remarkable career and to congratulate him on his retirement from the U.S. Congress. Chairman Obey has honorably served the citizens of Wisconsin's 7th district since 1969. When Chairman Obey began his service in the Congress--succeeding Mel Laird, who was appointed Secretary of Defense--he was the youngest Member of Congress in the United States. He has an impressive record of legislative accomplishments. He is now the longest-serving member of either House of Congress in Wisconsin's history. His commitment to the integrity of the House has taught me a great deal about the legislative process. His respect for the minority, interest in listening to all voices and his common-sense leadership have been critical in ensuring civil debate and productive solutions to extremely difficult problems. Chairman Dave Obey is the only Democratic Member of the House to have served on the three major economic committees in the Congress: the Budget Committee, the Joint Economic Committee and the Committee on Appropriation. Chairman Obey has been a mentor and a friend and I will miss his leadership in the U.S. House. I thank him for his service to the 7th district of Wisconsin, the country and the world, and wish him the very best in his retirement. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-29-pt1-PgE2257-3,2010-12-29,111,2,,,PERSONAL EXPLANATION,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,PERSONALEXPLAIN,E2257,E2258,"[{""name"": ""Paul W. Hodes"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""SCONRES"", ""number"": ""67""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""81""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HJRES"", ""number"": ""105""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""118""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HCONRES"", ""number"": ""335""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""372""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""628""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""847""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""1107""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HRES"", ""number"": ""1377""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HRES"", ""number"": ""1461""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""1481""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HRES"", ""number"": ""1621""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HRES"", ""number"": ""1733""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""1746""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HRES"", ""number"": ""1757""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HRES"", ""number"": ""1767""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HRES"", ""number"": ""1779""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HRES"", ""number"": ""1783""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""2142""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""2751""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""2925""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""3082""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3243""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3481""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3592""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3874""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3903""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""4036""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""4058""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4748""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5116""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5510""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5809""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5901""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6517""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6523""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6533""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6540""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6547""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6560""}]",156 Cong. Rec. E2257,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 174 (Wednesday, December 29, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 174 (Wednesday, December 29, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E2257-E2258] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. PAUL W. HODES of new hampshire in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 29, 2010 Mr. HODES. Madam Speaker, I missed the following votes from Friday, December 17 through Wednesday, December 22, 2010. I would have voted ``yes'' on the following votes: Friday: H.J. Res. 105--Making Further Continuing Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2011 (Representative Obey--Appropriations) (Voice vote) 1. H. Res. 1377--Honoring the accomplishments of Norman Yoshio Mineta (Representative Honda--House Administration) 2. Senate Amendment to H.R. 1107--To enact certain laws relating to public contracts as title 41, United States Code, ``Public Contracts'' (Representative Conyers--Judiciary) 3. Senate Amendment to H.R. 628--To establish a pilot program in certain United States district courts to encourage enhancement of expertise in patent cases among district judges (Representative Issa-- Judiciary) 4. H. Res. 1733--Recognizing Mark Twain as one of America's most famous literary icons on the 175th anniversary of his birth and the 100th anniversary of his death (Representative Snyder--Oversight and Government Reform) 5. H. Res. 1621--Recognizing the 100th anniversary of the historic founding of Catholic Charities USA (Representative Holt--Oversight and Government Reform) 6. H. Res. 1767--Commending the Wisconsin Badger football team for an outstanding season and 2011 Rose Bowl bid (Representative Baldwin-- Education and Labor) 7. H. Con. Res. 335--Honoring the exceptional achievements of Ambassador Richard Holbrooke and recognizing the monumental contributions he has made to United States national security, humanitarian causes, and peaceful resolutions of international conflict (Representative Lowey--Foreign Affairs) 8. S. 3874--Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act (Senator Boxer-- Energy and Commerce) 9. H.R. 6533--To implement the recommendations of the Federal Communications Commission report to the Congress regarding low-power FM service (Representative Doyle--Energy and Commerce) 10. H.R. 6523--Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 (Representative Skelton--Armed Services) 11. H.R. 2142--Government Efficiency, Effectiveness, and Performance Improvement Act of 2009 (Representative Cuellar--Oversight and Government Reform) 12. H.R. 5510--Aiding Those Facing Foreclosure Act of 2010 (Representative Kaptur--Financial Services) Tuesday: Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 5116--America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (Representative Gordon--Science and Technology)(228-130) Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2142--Government Efficiency, Effectiveness, and Performance Improvement Act (Representative Cuellar--Oversight and Government Reform) (216-139) Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2751--FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (Representatives Waxman/Dingell--Energy and Commerce) (215-144) Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 3082--Making Further Continuing Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2011 (Representative Obey-- Appropriations) (193-165) 1. S. 3592--A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 100 Commerce Drive in Tyrone, Georgia, as the ``First Lieutenant Robert Wilson Collins Post Office Building'' (Senator Chambliss--Oversight and Government Reform) 2. Senate Amendment to H.R. 81--Shark Conservation Act (Representative Bordallo--Natural Resources) 3. Senate Amendment to H.R. 5809--Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2010 (Representative Inslee--Energy and Commerce) 4. H.R. 6540--To require the Secretary of Defense, in awarding a contract for the KC-X Aerial Refueling Aircraft Program, to consider any unfair competitive advantage that an offeror may possess (Representative Inslee--Armed Services) 5. H.R. 6547--To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require criminal background checks for school employees (Representative George Miller--Education and Labor) 6. S. 118--Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Act (Senator Kohl--Financial Services) 7. S. 1481--Frank Melville Supportive Housing Investment Act (Senator Menendez--Financial Services) 8. S. 3243--Anti-Border Corruption Act of 2010 (Senator Pryor/ Representative Shuler--Homeland Security) 9. S. 2925--Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking Deterrence and Victims Support Act of 2010 (Senator Wyden--Judiciary) 10. Senate Amendment to H.R. 4748--Northern Border Counternarcotics Strategy Act of 2010 (Representative Owens--Judiciary) 11. Senate Amendment to H.R. 1746--Pre-Disaster Mitigation Act of 2009 (Representative Oberstar--Transportation and Infrastructure) Wednesday: Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 847--James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act (Representative Maloney--Energy and Commerce)(206-60) Bills Adopted By Unanimous Consent (13): 1. Senate Amendment to H.R. 6523--Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 (Representative Skelton--Armed Services) 2. S. 3481--Amending the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to clarify Federal responsibility for stormwater pollution (Senator Cardin--Transportation and Infrastructure) 3. House Amendment to S. 372--Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act (Senator Akaka--Oversight and Government Reform) 4. H. Res. 1461--Supporting Olympic Day on June 23, 2010, and congratulating Team USA and World Fit participants (Representative Langevin--Oversight and Government Reform) 5. S. 4036--A bill to clarify the National Credit Union Administration authority to make stabilization fund expenditures without borrowing from the Treasury (Senator Dodd--Financial Services) 6. S. Con. Res. 67--A concurrent resolution celebrating 130 years of United States-Romanian diplomatic relations, congratulating the Romanian people on their achievements as a great nation, and reaffirming the deep bonds of trust and values between the United States and Romania, a trusted and most valued ally (Senator Voinovich-- Foreign Affairs) 7. Senate Amendment to H.R. 6560--Removal Clarification Act of 2010 (Representative Hank Johnson--Judiciary) 8. H. Res. 1779--Honoring the 50th anniversary of the Freedom Riders (Representative John Lewis (GA)--Judiciary) [[Page E2258]] 9. Senate Amendment to H.R. 5901--Real Estate Jobs and Investment Act of 2010 (Representative Joe Crowley--Ways & Means) 10. H. Res. 1783--Technical Correction to H. Res. 1757 (Representative Brady (PA)--House Administration) 11. S. 4058--Helping Heroes Keep Their Homes Act of 2010 (Senator Kerry--Veterans' Affairs) 12. S. 3903--To authorize leases of up to 99 years for lands held in trust for Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo (Senator Udall--Natural Resources) 13. Senate Amendment to H.R. 6517--To extend trade adjustment assistance and certain trade preference programs, to amend the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to modify temporarily certain rates of duty, and for other purposes (Representative Levin-- Ways and Means) ____________________" CREC-2010-12-29-pt1-PgE2258-2,2010-12-29,111,2,,,CELEBRATING 130 YEARS OF UNITED STATES-ROMANIAN DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,CELEBRATING,E2258,E2258,"[{""name"": ""Solomon P. Ortiz"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""SCONRES"", ""number"": ""67""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HCONRES"", ""number"": ""291""}]",156 Cong. Rec. E2258,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 174 (Wednesday, December 29, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 174 (Wednesday, December 29, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2258] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] CELEBRATING 130 YEARS OF UNITED STATES-ROMANIAN DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS ______ speech of HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ of texas in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as Co-Chair of the Romanian Caucus in the House of Representatives, to support the unanimous consent to Senate Resolution S. Con. Res. 67, which Senator George Voinovich introduced on June 30 of this year, to celebrate 130 years of U.S.-Romanian diplomatic relations, to congratulate the Romanian people of their achievements as a great nation, and to reaffirm the deep bonds of trust and values between the United States and Romania. This Resolution is concurrent with House Resolution H. Con. Res. 291 that I introduced on June 29 of this year. In my five years of leadership of the Romanian Caucus I worked closely with Romanian officials and leaders, and witnessed their commitment to upholding and advancing the values of freedom, democracy and prosperity. Romania has been an extraordinary ally in NATO and a critical partner in the European Union, in addressing some of the most important challenges facing our transatlantic and global community-- from ensuring peace and stability in Afghanistan, to nuclear proliferation, to energy security. Romania is a trusted ally and a strategic partner of the United States, with whom we have developed great cooperation on issues of common interest, including security, economic and political conditions in Eastern Europe, the Balkans, the Black Sea and Caucasus regions. I am very proud of the Congress passing this Resolution, as it reflects and commends the many achievements of the U.S.-Romanian partnership and of the Romanian people. I thank all my colleagues who supported the Resolution and I urge Congress to continue to support cooperation between the United States and Romania, and to deepen the bonds of trust and friendship between our two countries. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-29-pt1-PgE2258-3,2010-12-29,111,2,,,CLARIFYING FEDERAL RESPONSIBILITY TO PAY FOR STORMWATER POLLUTION,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2258,E2259,"[{""name"": ""Eddie Bernice Johnson"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2258,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 174 (Wednesday, December 29, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 174 (Wednesday, December 29, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E2258-E2259] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] CLARIFYING FEDERAL RESPONSIBILITY TO PAY FOR STORMWATER POLLUTION ______ speech of HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of texas in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of S. 3481, a bill that would clarify Federal responsibility for stormwater runoff from buildings, facilities, and lands owned or operated by the Federal Government. This common sense bill ensures that the Federal Government maintains its equitable responsibility for stormwater pollution runoff originating or emanating from its property. I applaud the outstanding work of the sponsors of this legislation, the distinguished Senator from the State of Maryland (Mr. Cardin), as well as the sponsor of the House companion for this bill, the Delegate from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton), for their efforts to move this legislation so quickly to the President's desk. Madam Speaker, simply put, this legislation clarifies that Federal agencies and departments are financially responsible for any reasonable Federal, State, or locally-derived charges for treating or otherwise addressing stormwater pollution that emanates from Federal property. Existing section 313 of the Clean Water Act states that ``Each department, agency, or instrumentality . . . of the Federal Government . . . shall be subject to, and comply with, all Federal, State, interstate, and local requirements . . . including the payment of reasonable service charges.'' Unfortunately, over the past few months, Congress has learned of several Federal agencies, including some here in the Nation's Capital, that have made the determination that stormwater management fees are ``taxes'' for which the agencies have claimed sovereign immunity and have refused to pay. This has left several State and local municipalities with the financial responsibility of addressing ongoing sources of pollution to the nation's waters that any other private business, landowner, or homeowner would otherwise be responsible for paying. Polluted runoff from urban areas is the fastest growing source of water pollution in America. As urbanization increases, impervious surfaces such as highways, roads, parking lots, and buildings replace non-impervious surfaces that absorb stormwater. Runoff from impervious surfaces is a central cause of pollution for the nation's waters, and is estimated to be the primary source of impairment for 13 percent of rivers, 18 percent of lakes, and 32 percent of estuaries in the U.S. These are significant figures, especially given that urban areas cover only 3 percent of the land mass of the country. Even here, in the Nation's Capital, pollution from stormwater runoff poses a significant challenge to the quality of local receiving waters, and negatively impacts the overall environmental health of the Chesapeake Bay. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, stormwater runoff from urban and suburban areas is ``a significant source of impairment to the Chesapeake Bay.'' According to Agency statistics, 17 percent of phosphorus, 11 percent of nitrogen, and 9 percent of sediment loads to the Bay come from stormwater runoff. In addition, chemical contaminants from runoff can rival or exceed the amount reaching local waterways from industries, federal facilities, and wastewater treatment plants. Several states and municipalities, including the District of Columbia, have taken aggressive action to address these ongoing sources of pollution. Yet, when a significant percentage of property owners take the position that they cannot be held responsible for their pollution, it places a greater financial burden on our States, cities, communities, and local-ratepayers, and makes it less likely that significant reductions in stormwater pollution can be achieved. S. 3481 amends section 313 of the Clean Water Act to clarify that ``reasonable service charges'' for addressing pollution from Federal facilities includes reasonable nondiscriminatory fees, charges, or assessments that are based [[Page E2259]] on the proportion of stormwater emanating from the facility and used to pay (or reimburse) costs associated with any stormwater management program. This is a simple effort to clarify, again, that the Federal Government bears a proportional responsibility for addressing pollution originating from its facilities, and should remain an active participant in improving National water quality and the overall environment." CREC-2010-12-29-pt1-PgE2258,2010-12-29,111,2,,,"CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS AND SURFACE TRANSPORTATION EXTENSIONS ACT, 2011",HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2258,E2258,"[{""name"": ""Betty McCollum"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""3082""}]",156 Cong. Rec. E2258,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 174 (Wednesday, December 29, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 174 (Wednesday, December 29, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2258] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS AND SURFACE TRANSPORTATION EXTENSIONS ACT, 2011 ______ speech of HON. BETTY McCOLLUM of minnesota in the house of representatives Tuesday, December 21, 2010 Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 3082, a continuing resolution that would fund federal government operations on a temporary basis through March 4, 2011. Regrettably, one of the last votes of the 111th Congress has become the first vote of the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I take seriously my annual responsibility to assess funding priorities, perform oversight, and allocate federal dollars where they are most needed and will make the greatest impact. Unfortunately, my Republican colleagues in the House and Senate are choosing to abandon this important work. They are blocking action on a fiscal year 2011 funding package that would respond to the current needs of the American people and make critical investments in our communities. Due to Republican obstruction, the House is forced to consider this appropriations measure, which places the Federal Government on auto- pilot for two months. All difficult decisions are being delayed until another day. Critical federal agencies including the Federal Aviation Administration and Department of Defense are being subjected to enormous--and avoidable--uncertainty. And the uncertainty created by this short-term continuing resolution goes far beyond Washington. Every state and community across the country will be debating whether they are able to move forward with critical investments, such as the Central Corridor Light Rail in Minnesota. This temporary appropriations measure underfunds critical priorities in every area of American life from education and agriculture, to transportation and energy. It is inexcusable to withhold necessary investments in the American economy while adding to the deficit with tax cuts for the wealthiest in our society. But that is exactly what Congress is doing this month as a result of the reckless game of brinkmanship my Republican colleagues are playing with the American people. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-29-pt1-PgH-FrontMatter,2010-12-29,111,2,,,House of Representatives,HOUSE,HOUSE,FRONTMATTER,H8991,H8991,,,156 Cong. Rec. H8991,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 174 (Wednesday, December 29, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 174 (Wednesday, December 29, 2010)] [House] [Page H8991] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S Vol. 156 WASHINGTON, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2010 No. 174" CREC-2010-12-29-pt1-PgH8991-2,2010-12-29,111,2,,,APPOINTMENT AFTER SINE DIE OF MEMBER TO NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR THE REVIEW OF THE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS OF THE UNITED STATES INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H8991,H8991,,,156 Cong. Rec. H8991,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 174 (Wednesday, December 29, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 174 (Wednesday, December 29, 2010)] [House] [Page H8991] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] APPOINTMENT AFTER SINE DIE OF MEMBER TO NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR THE REVIEW OF THE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS OF THE UNITED STATES INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY Pursuant to Section 1002 of the Intelligence Authorization Act for fiscal year 2003 (P.L. 107-306) as amended by Section 701(a)(3) of the Intelligence Authorization Act for fiscal year 2010 (P.L. 111-259), and the order of the House of January 6, 2009, the Speaker on Tuesday, December 28, 2010, appointed the following Member of the House to the National Commission for the Review of the Research and Development Programs of the United States Intelligence Community: Ms. Harman, California ____________________" CREC-2010-12-29-pt1-PgH8991-3,2010-12-29,111,2,,,COMMUNICATION FROM THE CLERK OF THE HOUSE AFTER SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H8991,H8991,,"[{""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""SCONRES"", ""number"": ""71""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""SCONRES"", ""number"": ""78""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HCONRES"", ""number"": ""275""}]",156 Cong. Rec. H8991,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 174 (Wednesday, December 29, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 174 (Wednesday, December 29, 2010)] [House] [Page H8991] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] COMMUNICATION FROM THE CLERK OF THE HOUSE AFTER SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT Office of the Clerk, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, December 23, 2010. Hon. Nancy Pelosi, The Speaker, U.S. Capitol, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Madam Speaker: Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on December 23, 2010 at 10:10 a.m.: That the Senate agreed to S. Con. Res. 78. That the Senate agreed to S. Con. Res. 71. That the Senate agreed to without amendment H. Con. Res. 275. Appointment: National Commission for the Review of the Research and Development Programs of the United States Intelligence Community. Indian Law and Order Commission. With best wishes, I am, Sincerely, Lorraine C. Miller. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-29-pt1-PgH8991-4,2010-12-29,111,2,,,ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED AFTER SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT,HOUSE,HOUSE,ENROLLEDSIGNED,H8991,H8991,,"[{""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""847""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""2142""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""2751""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5809""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5901""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6517""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6523""}]",156 Cong. Rec. H8991,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 174 (Wednesday, December 29, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 174 (Wednesday, December 29, 2010)] [House] [Page H8991] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED AFTER SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT Lorraine C. Miller, Clerk of the House, after sine die adjournment of the 2d Session, 111th Congress, reported and found truly enrolled bills of the House of the following titles, which were thereupon signed by the Speaker pro tempore, Mr. Hoyer, on Thursday, December 23, 2011: H.R. 847. An act to amend the Public Health Service Act to extend and improve protections and services to individuals directly impacted by the terrorist attack in New York City on September 11, 2001, and for other purposes. H.R. 6517. An act to extend trade adjustment assistance and certain trade preference programs, to amend the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to modify temporarily certain rates of duty, and for other purposes. Lorraine C. Miller, Clerk of the House, after sine die adjournment of the 2d Session, 111th Congress, also reported and found truly enrolled bills of the House of the following titles, which were thereupon signed by the Speaker pro tempore, Mr. Hoyer, on Tuesday, December 28, 2011: H.R. 2142. An act to require quarterly performance assessments of Government programs for purposes of assessing agency performance and improvement, and to establish agency performance improvement officers and the Performance Improvement Council. H.R. 2751. An act to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the safety of the food supply. H.R. 5809. An act to amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to reauthorize and modify provisions relating to the diesel emissions reduction program. H.R. 5901. An act to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to authorize the tax court to appoint employees. H.R. 6523. An act to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2011 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-29-pt1-PgH8991-5,2010-12-29,111,2,,,SENATE ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED AFTER SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT,HOUSE,HOUSE,ENROLLEDSIGNED,H8991,H8992,,"[{""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3481""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3903""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""4036""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""4058""}]",156 Cong. Rec. H8991,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 174 (Wednesday, December 29, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 174 (Wednesday, December 29, 2010)] [House] [Pages H8991-H8992] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] SENATE ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED AFTER SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT The Speaker pro tempore, Mr. Hoyer, after sine die adjournment of the 2d Session, 111th Congress, announced his signature to enrolled bills of the Senate of the following titles on Thursday, December 23, 2010: S. 3481. An act to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to clarify Federal responsibility for stormwater pollution. S. 3903. An act to authorize leases of up to 99 years for lands held in trust for Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo. S. 4036. An act to clarify the National Credit Union Administration authority to make stabilization fund expenditures without borrowing from the Treasury. S. 4058. An act to extend certain expiring provisions providing enhanced protections for servicemembers relating to mortgages and mortgage foreclosure. [[Page H8992]] ____________________" CREC-2010-12-29-pt1-PgH8991,2010-12-29,111,2,,,House of Representatives,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H8991,H8991,,,156 Cong. Rec. H8991,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 174 (Wednesday, December 29, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 174 (Wednesday, December 29, 2010)] [House] [Page H8991] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [[Page H8991]] House of Representatives PROCEEDINGS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AFTER SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT OF THE 111TH CONGRESS 2D SESSION ____________________" CREC-2010-12-29-pt1-PgH8992-2,2010-12-29,111,2,,,HOUSE BILLS APPROVED BY THE PRESIDENT AFTER SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H8992,H8992,,"[{""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""1061""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""2941""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""2965""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""3082""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4337""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5591""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6198""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6278""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6473""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6516""}]",156 Cong. Rec. H8992,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 174 (Wednesday, December 29, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 174 (Wednesday, December 29, 2010)] [House] [Page H8992] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HOUSE BILLS APPROVED BY THE PRESIDENT AFTER SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT The President, after sine die adjournment of the 2d Session, 111th Congress, notified the Clerk of the House that on the following date, he had approved and signed bills of the following titles: December 22, 2010: H.R. 1061. An act to transfer certain land to the United States to be held in trust for the Hoh Indian Tribe, to place land into trust for the Hoh Indian Tribe, and for other purposes. H.R. 2941. An act to reauthorize and enhance Johanna's Law to increase public awareness and knowledge with respect to gynecologic cancers. H.R. 2965. An act to amend the Small Business Act with respect to the Small Business Innovation Research Program and the Small Business Technology Transfer, Program, and for other purposes. H.R. 3082. An act making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes. H.R. 4337. An act to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify certain rules applicable to regulated investment companies, and for other purposes. H.R. 5591. An act to designate the airport traffic control tower located at Spokane International Airport in Spokane, Washington, as the ``Ray Daves Airport Traffic Control Tower''. H.R. 6198. An act to amend title 11 of the United States Code to make technical corrections; and for related purposes. H.R. 6278. An act to amend the National Children's Island Act of 1995 to expand allowable uses for Kingman and Heritage Islands by the District of Columbia, and for other purposes. H.R. 6473. An act to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airways Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend the airport improvement program, and for other purposes. H.R. 6516. An act to make technical corrections to provisions of law enacted by the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-29-pt1-PgH8992-3,2010-12-29,111,2,,,SENATE BILLS APPROVED BY THE PRESIDENT AFTER SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H8992,H8992,,"[{""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""30""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""1275""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""1405""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""1448""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""1609""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""1774""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""2906""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3199""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3794""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3817""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3860""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3984""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3998""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""4005""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""4010""}]",156 Cong. Rec. H8992,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 174 (Wednesday, December 29, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 174 (Wednesday, December 29, 2010)] [House] [Page H8992] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] SENATE BILLS APPROVED BY THE PRESIDENT AFTER SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT The President, after sine die adjournment of the 2d Session, 111th Congress, notified the Clerk of the House that on the following date, he had approved and signed bills of the following titles: December 20, 2010: S. 3817. An act to amend the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act, the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment and Adoption Reform Act of 1978, and the Abandoned Infants Assistance Act of 1988 to reauthorize the Acts, and for other purposes. December 22, 2010: S. 30. an act to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit manipulation of caller identification information. S. 1275. An act to establish a National Foundation on Physical Fitness and Sports to carry out activities to support and supplement the mission of the President's council on Physical Fitness and Sports. S. 1405. An act to redesignate the Long-fellow National Historic Site, Massachusetts, as the ``Longfellow House- Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site''. S. 1448. An act to amend the Act of August 9, 1955, to authorize the Coquille Indian Tribe, and Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw, the Klamath Tribes, and the Burns Pauite Tribe to obtain 99-year lease authority for trust land. S. 1609. An act to authorize a single fisheries cooperative for the Bering Sea Aleutian Islands longline catcher processor subsector, and for other purposes. S. 1774. An act for the relief of Hotaru Nakama Ferschke. S. 2906. An act to amend the Act of August 9, 1955, to modify a provision relating to leases involving certain Indian tribes. S. 3199. An act to amend the Public Health Service Act regarding early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of hearing loss. S. 3794. An act to amend chapter 5 of title 40, United States Code, to include organizations whose membership comprises substantially veterans as recipient organizations for the donation of Federal surplus personal property through State agencies. S. 3860. An act to require reports on the management of Arlington National Cemetery. S. 3984. An act to amend and extend the Museum and Library Services Act, and for other purposes. S. 3998. An act to extend the Child Safety Pilot Program. S. 4005. An act to amend title 28, United States Code, to prevent the proceeds or instrumentalities of foreign crime located in the United States from being shielded from foreign forfeiture proceedings. S. 4010. An act for the relief of Shigeru Yamada. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-29-pt1-PgH8992-4,2010-12-29,111,2,,,REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS,HOUSE,HOUSE,HPUBCOMMREPORT,H8992,H8993,,,156 Cong. Rec. H8992,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 174 (Wednesday, December 29, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 174 (Wednesday, December 29, 2010)] [House] [Pages H8992-H8993] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Under clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of committees were delivered to the Clerk for printing and reference to the proper calendar, as follows: [[Page H8993]] [The following actions occurred on December 23, 2010] Ms. VELAZQUEZ: Committee on Small Business. Report on the Activity of the Committee on Small Business for the One Hundred Eleventh Congress (Rept. 111-695). Referred to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union. Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California: Committee on Education and Labor. Report on the Activities of the Committee on Education and Labor during the 111th Congress (Rept. 111-696). Referred to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union." CREC-2010-12-29-pt1-PgH8992,2010-12-29,111,2,,,BILLS PRESENTED TO THE PRESIDENT AFTER SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H8992,H8992,,"[{""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""81""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""628""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""847""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""1107""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""1746""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4445""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4602""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4748""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4973""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5116""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5133""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5470""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5605""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5606""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5655""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5877""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6392""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6398""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6400""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6412""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6510""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6517""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6533""}]",156 Cong. Rec. H8992,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 174 (Wednesday, December 29, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 174 (Wednesday, December 29, 2010)] [House] [Page H8992] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] BILLS PRESENTED TO THE PRESIDENT AFTER SINE DIE ADJOURNMENT Lorraine C. Miller, Clerk of the House, reports that on December 23, 2010 she presented to the President of the United States, for his approval, the following bills. H.R. 6398. To require the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to fully insure Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts. H.R. 6517. To extend trade adjustment assistance and certain trade preference programs, to amend the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to modify temporarily certain rates of duty, and for other purposes. H.R. 847. To amend the Public Health Service Act to extend and improve protections and services to individuals directly impacted by the terrorist attack in New York City on September 11, 2001, and for other purposes. Lorraine C. Miller, Clerk of the House, also reports that on December 28, 2010 she presented to the President of the United States, for his approval, the following bills. H.R. 5470. To exclude an external power supply for certain security or life safety alarms and surveillance system components from the application of certain energy efficiency standards under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. H.R. 4445. To amend Public Law 95-232 to repeal a restriction on treating as Indian country certain lands held in trust for Indian pueblos in New Mexico. H.R. 5116. To invest in innovation through research and development, to improve the competitiveness of the United States, and for other purposes. H.R. 81. To amend the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to improve conservation of sharks. H.R. 1746. To amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to reauthorize the pre-disaster mitigation program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. H.R. 4748. To amend the Office of National Drug Control Policy Reauthorization Act of 2006 to require a northern border counternarcotics strategy, and for other purposes. H.R. 6412. To amend title 28, United States Code, to require the Attorney General to share criminal records with State sentencing commissions, and for other purposes. H.R. 1107. To enact certain laws relating to public contracts as title 41, United States Code, ``Public Contracts''. H.R. 6533. To implement the recommendations of the Federal Communications Commission report to the Congress regarding low-power FM service, and for other purposes. H.R. 6510. To direct the Administrator of General Services to convey a parcel of real property in Houston, Texas, to the Military Museum of Texas, and for other purposes. H.R. 628. To establish a pilot program in certain United States district courts to encourage enhancement of expertise in patent cases among district judges. H.R. 4973. To amend the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 to reauthorize volunteer programs and community partnerships for national wildlife refuges, and for other purposes. H.R. 5655. To designate the Little River Branch facility of the United States Postal Service located at 140 NE 84th Street in Miami, Florida, as the ``Jesse J. McCrary, Jr. Post Office''. H.R. 6392. To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 5003 Westfields Boulevard in Centreville, Virginia, as he ``Colonel George Juskalian Post Office Building''. H.R. 4602. To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1332 Sharon Copley Road in Sharon Center, Ohio, as the ``Emil Bolas Post Office''. H.R. 5133. To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 331 1st Street in Carolstadt, New Jersey, as the ``Staff Sergeant Frank T. Carvill and Lance Corporal Michael A. Schwarz Post Office Building''. H.R. 5605. To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 47 East Fayette Street in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, as the ``George C. Marshall Post Office''. H.R. 6400. To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located in 111 North 6th Street in St. Louis, Missouri, as the ``Earl Wilson, Jr. Post Office''. H.R. 5606. To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 47 South 7th Street in Indiana, Pennsylvania, as the ``James M. `Jimmy' Stewart Post Office Building''. H.R. 5877. To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 655 Centre Street in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, as the ``Lance Corporal Alexander Scott Arredondo, United States Marine Corps Post Office Building''. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgD1235,2010-12-22,111,2,,,Daily Digest/Highlights + Senate,SENATE,DAILYDIGEST,DDSCHAMBER,D1235,D1243,,"[{""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""SCONRES"", ""number"": ""71""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""SCONRES"", ""number"": ""78""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HCONRES"", ""number"": ""275""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HCONRES"", ""number"": ""336""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""SRES"", ""number"": ""432""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""583""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""SRES"", ""number"": ""700""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""SRES"", ""number"": ""705""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""SRES"", ""number"": ""707""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""SRES"", ""number"": ""705""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""SRES"", ""number"": ""706""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""SRES"", ""number"": ""707""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""773""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""847""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""1274""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""2764""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""2870""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3304""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3688""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""4052""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""4059""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""4053""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""4058""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6398""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6517""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6523""}]",156 Cong. Rec. D1235,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Daily Digest] [Pages D1235-D1243] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] Wednesday, December 22, 2010 [[Page D1235]] Daily Digest HIGHLIGHTS Senate agreed to the resolution of Advise and Consent to Ratification to the New START Treaty, as amended. Senate agreed to H. Con. Res. 336, Adjournment Resolution. Second Session of the 111th Congress adjourned sine die. Senate Chamber Action Routine Proceedings, pages S10935-S11075 Measures Introduced: Eight bills and three resolutions were introduced, as follows: S. 4052-4059, and S. Res. 705-707. Page S11037 Measures Reported: S. 3688, to establish an international professional exchange program. (S. Rept. No. 111-383) Report to accompany S. 773, to ensure the continued free flow of commerce within the United States and with its global trading partners through secure cyber communications, to provide for the continued development and exploitation of the Internet and intranet communications for such purposes, to provide for the development of a cadre of information technology specialists to improve and maintain effective cybersecurity defenses against disruption. (S. Rept. No. 111- 384) Report to accompany S. 2764, to reauthorize the Satellite Home Viewer Extension and Reauthorization Act of 2004. (S. Rept. No. 111-385) Report to accompany S. 3304, to increase the access of persons with disabilities to modern communications. (S. Rept. No. 111-386) Report to accompany S. 1274, to amend title 46, United States Code, to ensure that the prohibition on disclosure of maritime transportation security information is not used inappropriately to shield certain other information from public disclosure. (S. Rept. No. 111-387) Report to accompany S. 2870, to establish uniform administrative and enforcement procedures and penalties for the enforcement of the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act and similar statutes. (S. Rept. No. 111-388) Pages S11036-37 Measures Passed: Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011: Senate passed H.R. 6523, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2011 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, after agreeing to the following amendment proposed thereto: Pages S10936-38 =========================== NOTE =========================== On page D1235, December 22, 2010, the following language appears: Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011: Senate passed H.R. 6523, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2011 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, after agreeing to the following amendment proposed thereto: Pages S1-936-38 James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act: Senate passed H.R. 847, to amend the Public Health Service Act to extend and improve protections and services to individuals directly impacted by the terrorist attack in New York City on September 11, 2001, after agreeing to the following amendment proposed thereto: Page S10980 Reid (for Gillibrand/Schumer) Amendment No. 4923, in the nature of a substitute. Page S10980 The online Record has been corrected to read: Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011: Senate passed H.R. 6523, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2011 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, after agreeing to the following amendment proposed thereto: Pages S1936-38 James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act: Senate passed H.R. 847, to amend the Public Health Service Act to extend and improve protections and services to individuals directly impacted by the terrorist attack in New York City on September 11, 2001, after agreeing to the following amendment proposed thereto: Pages S10980-82 Reid (for Gillibrand/Schumer) Amendment No. 4923, in the nature of a substitute. Pages S10980-82 ========================= END NOTE ========================= Levin/McCain Amendment No. 4921, to strike title XVII. Page S10936 SBIR and STTR Reauthorization Act: Senate passed S. 4053, to reauthorize and improve the SBIR and STTR programs. Pages S11000-11 Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts: Senate passed H.R. 6398, to require the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to fully insure Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts. Page S10964 James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act: Senate passed H.R. 847, to amend the Public Health Service Act to extend and improve protections and services to individuals directly impacted by the terrorist attack in New York City on September 11, 2001, after agreeing to the following amendment proposed thereto: Pages S10980-82 Reid (for Gillibrand/Schumer) Amendment No. 4923, in the nature of a substitute. Pages S10980-82 Helping Heroes Keep Their Homes Act: Senate passed S. 4058, to extend certain expiring provisions providing enhanced protections for servicemembers relating to mortgages and mortgage foreclosure. Pages S10990-92 [[Page D1236]] Adjournment Resolution: Senate agreed to H. Con. Res. 336, providing for the sine die adjournment of the second session of the One Hundred Eleventh Congress. Page S10999 Omnibus Trade Act: Senate passed H.R. 6517, to extend trade adjustment assistance and certain trade preference programs, to amend the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to modify temporarily certain rates of duty, after agreeing to the following amendment proposed thereto: Page S11011 Brown (OH) Amendment No. 4924, in the nature of a substitute. Page S11011 Arts in Education Week: Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions was discharged from further consideration of H. Con. Res. 275, expressing support for designation of the week beginning on the second Sunday of September as Arts in Education Week, and the resolution was then agreed to. Page S11053 Delta Regional Authority: Committee on Environment and Public Works was discharged from further consideration of S. Con. Res. 78, honoring the work and mission of the Delta Regional Authority on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Federal-State partnership created to uplift the 8-State Delta region, and the resolution was then agreed to. Pages S11053-54 Prevent and Mitigate Acts of Genocide: Senate agreed to S. Con. Res. 71, recognizing the United States national interest in helping to prevent and mitigate acts of genocide and other mass atrocities against civilians, and supporting and encouraging efforts to develop a whole of government approach to prevent and mitigate such acts, after agreeing to the committee amendment in the nature of a substitute. Pages S11054-57 Year of the Lung: Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions was discharged from further consideration of S. Res. 432, supporting the goals and ideals of the Year of the Lung 2010, and the resolution was then agreed to. Pages S11057-58 Technical Correction: Senate agreed to S. Res. 705, providing for a technical correction to S. Res. 700. Page S11058 Senate National Security Working Group: Senate agreed to S. Res. 706, extending the authority for the Senate National Security Working Group. Page S11058 Honoring Lula Davis: Senate agreed to S. Res. 707, honoring Lula Davis. Pages S11038, S11058-60 Appointments: Indian Law and Order Commission: The Chair, on behalf of the Majority Leader, in consultation with the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, pursuant to Public Law 111-211, appointed the following individuals to be members of the Indian Law and Order Commission: Troy Eid of Colorado and Jefferson Keel of Oklahoma. Page S11060 Indian Law and Order Commission: The Chair, on behalf of the Republican Leader, in consultation with the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, pursuant to Public Law 111-211, appointed the following individual to be a member of the Indian Law and Order Commission: Affie Ellis of Wyoming. Page S11060 National Commission for the Review of the Research and Development Programs of the United States Intelligence Community: The Chair, on behalf of the Majority Leader, after consultation with the Chairman of the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate, and pursuant to the provisions of Public Law 107-306, as amended by Public Law 111-259, announced the appointment of the following individual to serve as a member of the National Commission for the Review of the Research and Development Programs of the United States Intelligence Community: Senator Mark R. Warner of Virginia. Page S11060 Star Print--Agreement: A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing that Calendar #706, S. 583, reported by the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation on December 17, 2010, be star printed with the changes at the desk. An incorrect version of the committee substitute amendment was reported to the Senate. Page S11060 Signing Authority--Agreement: A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing that Senator Bayh be authorized to sign any duly enrolled bills or joint resolutions on Wednesday, December 22, 2010, and Senator Lincoln be authorized to sign any duly enrolled bills or joint resolutions on Thursday, December 23, 2010, and Friday, December 24, 2010. Page S11060 Authorizing Leadership to Make Appointments--Agreement: A unanimous- consent agreement was reached providing that, notwithstanding the upcoming recess or adjournment of the Senate, the President of the Senate, the President Pro Tempore, and the Majority and Minority Leaders be authorized to make appointments to commissions, committees, boards, conferences, or interparliamentary conferences authorized by law, by concurrent action of the two Houses, or by order of the Senate. Page S11060 [[Page D1237]] A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing that when the Senate returns on Wednesday, January 5, 2011, at 12:00 noon, following the presentation of the certificates of election and the swearing in of elected members, and the required live quorum, that there then be a period of morning business. Page S11070 Executive Reports of Committees: Senate received the following executive report of a committee: Report to accompany Investment Treaty with Rwanda (Treaty Doc. 110- 23) (Ex. Rept. 111-8). Page S11037 Treaty Approved: Treaty with Russia on Measures for Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms: By 71 yeas to 26 nays (Vote No. 298), two- thirds of the Senators present having voted in the affirmative, Senate agreed to the resolution of Advise and Consent to Ratification, as amended, to Treaty Doc. 111-5, between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms, signed in Prague on April 8, 2010, with Protocol, after having passed through its various parliamentary stages, up to and including the presentation of the resolution of ratification, and taking action on the following amendments proposed thereto: Page S10938-80, S1082-86 Adopted: Kyl Further Modified Amendment No. 4892, to require a certification regarding the design and funding of certain facilities. Pages S10939-53 McCain Further Modified Amendment No. 4904, to provide a condition and an additional element of the understanding regarding the effectiveness and viability of the New START Treaty and United States missile defenses. Pages S10953-55 During consideration of this measure today, Senate also took the following actions: Chair sustained a point of order against Kirk Amendment No. 4922 (to Amendment No. 4904), to provide an additional understanding regarding the December 18, 2010, letter from President Obama to the Senate regarding missile defense, as being in violation of rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, that the amendment was not timely filed, and the amendment thus fell. Pages S10955-64 Nominations Confirmed: Senate confirmed the following nominations: By unanimous vote of 89 yeas (Vote No. EX. 299), Mary Helen Murguia, of Arizona, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit. Pages S10986-87 Scott M. Matheson, Jr., of Utah, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Tenth Circuit. Page S10987 Chai Rachel Feldblum, of Maryland, to be a Member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for a term expiring July 1, 2013. Carolyn W. Colvin, of Maryland, to be Deputy Commissioner of Social Security for the term expiring January 19, 2013. P. David Lopez, of Arizona, to be General Counsel of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for a term of four years. Victoria A. Lipnic, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for the remainder of the term expiring July 1, 2010. Victoria A. Lipnic, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for a term expiring July 1, 2015. Michele Marie Leonhart, of California, to be Administrator of Drug Enforcement. Jacqueline A. Berrien, of New York, to be a Member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for a term expiring July 1, 2014. =========================== NOTE =========================== On page D1237, December 22, 2010, the following language appears: Jacqueline A. Berrien, of New York, to be a Member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for a term expiring July 1, 2014. Page S10987 The online Record has been corrected to read: Scott M. Matheson, Jr., of Utah, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Tenth Circuit. Page S10987 ========================= END NOTE ========================= Kathleen M. O'Malley, of Ohio, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Federal Circuit. Jonathan Woodson, of Massachusetts, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense. Patti B. Saris, of Massachusetts, to be Chair of the United States Sentencing Commission. Patti B. Saris, of Massachusetts, to be a Member of the United States Sentencing Commission for a term expiring October 31, 2015. Dabney Langhorne Friedrich, of Maryland, to be a Member of the United States Sentencing Commission for a term expiring October 31, 2015. Robert Leon Wilkins, of the District of Columbia, to be United States District Judge for the District of Columbia. Robert Anacletus Underwood, of Guam, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the National Board for Education Sciences for a term expiring November 28, 2012. Anthony Bryk, of California, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the National Board for Education Sciences for a term expiring November 28, 2011. Kris D. Gutierrez, of Colorado, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the National Board for Education Sciences for a term expiring November 28, 2012. Ramona Emilia Romero, of Pennsylvania, to be General Counsel of the Department of Agriculture. Sean P. Buckley, of New York, to be Commissioner of Education Statistics for a term expiring June 21, 2015. [[Page D1238]] Beryl Alaine Howell, of the District of Columbia, to be United States District Judge for the District of Columbia. Kevin Glenn Nealer, of Maryland, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation for a term expiring December 17, 2011. Wilfredo Martinez, of Florida, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the State Justice Institute for a term expiring September 17, 2013. Chase Theodora Rogers, of Connecticut, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the State Justice Institute for a term expiring September 17, 2012. Allison Blakely, of Massachusetts, to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2016. Samuel Epstein Angel, of Arkansas, to be a Member of the Mississippi River Commission for a term of nine years. Carol Fulp, of Massachusetts, to be a Representative of the United States of America to the Sixty-fifth Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations. Jeanne Shaheen, of New Hampshire, to be a Representative of the United States of America to the Sixty-fifth Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations. Roger F. Wicker, of Mississippi, to be a Representative of the United States of America to the Sixty-fifth Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations. Gregory J. Nickels, of Washington, to be an Alternate Representative of the United States of America to the Sixty-fifth Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations. Stacia A. Hylton, of Virginia, to be Director of the United States Marshals Service. vice John F. Clark, resigned. William R. Brownfield, of Texas, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs). Eugene Louis Dodaro, of Virginia, to be Comptroller General of the United States for a term of fifteen years. Paige Eve Alexander, of Georgia, to be an Assistant Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development. Isabel Framer, of Ohio, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the State Justice Institute for a term expiring September 17, 2012. Susan H. Hildreth, of Washington, to be Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Mark Green, of Wisconsin, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Millennium Challenge Corporation for a term of three years. Thomas R. Nides, of the District of Columbia, to be Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources. Alan J. Patricof, of New York, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Millennium Challenge Corporation for a term of two years. Russel Edwin Burger, of Oregon, to be United States Marshal for the District of Oregon for the term of four years. (Prior to this action, Committee on the Judiciary was discharged from further consideration.) Charles Edward Andrews, of Alabama, to be United States Marshal for the Southern District of Alabama for the term of four years. (Prior to this action, Committee on the Judiciary was discharged from further consideration.) Christopher R. Thyer, of Arkansas, to be United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas for the term of four years. (Prior to this action, Committee on the Judiciary was discharged from further consideration.) 1 Force nominations in the rank of general. 214 Army nominations in the rank of general. 4 Marine Corps nominations in the rank of general. 4 Navy nominations in the rank of admiral. Routine lists in the Air Force, Army, Foreign Service, Marine Corps, and Navy. Pages S10987, S11061-66, S11072-75 Nomination Received: Senate received the following nomination: Agnes Gund, of New York, to be a Member of the National Council on the Arts. Page S11070 Nominations Returned to the President: The following nominations were returned to the President failing of confirmation under Senate rule XXXI at the time of the sine die adjournment of the 111th Congress: Winslow Lorenzo Sargeant, of Wisconsin, to be Chief Counsel for Advocacy, Small Business Administration. Rafael Borras, of Maryland, to be Under Secretary for Management, Department of Homeland Security. Eric L. Hirschhorn, of Maryland, to be Under Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration. Michael W. Punke, of Montana, to be a Deputy United States Trade Representative, with the rank of Ambassador. Islam A. Siddiqui, of Virginia, to be Chief Agricultural Negotiator, Office of the United States Trade Representative, with the rank of Ambassador. Richard Sorian, of New York, to be an Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services. Michael F. Mundaca, of New York, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury. [[Page D1239]] Philip E. Coyle, III, of California, to be an Associate Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy. Solomon B. Watson, IV, of New York, to be General Counsel of the Department of the Army. Mari Carmen Aponte, of the District of Columbia, to be Ambassador to the Republic of El Salvador. Robert Stephen Ford, of Maryland, to be Ambassador to the Syrian Arab Republic. Jonathan Andrew Hatfield, of Virginia, to be Inspector General, Corporation for National and Community Service. Amy Totenberg, of Georgia, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Georgia. William J. Boarman, of Maryland, to be Public Printer. Paul Kinloch Holmes, III, of Arkansas, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Arkansas. Susan L. Carney, of Connecticut, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit. Anthony J. Battaglia, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of California. Edward J. Davila, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of California. James Michael Cole, of the District of Columbia, to be Deputy Attorney General. Matthew J. Bryza, of Illinois, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Azerbaijan. James E. Shadid, of Illinois, to be United States District Judge for the Central District of Illinois. Max Oliver Cogburn, Jr., of North Carolina, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of North Carolina. James E. Graves, Jr., of Mississippi, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Fifth Circuit. James Emanuel Boasberg, of the District of Columbia, to be United States District Judge for the District of Columbia. Amy Berman Jackson, of the District of Columbia, to be United States District Judge for the District of Columbia. Norman L. Eisen, of the District of Columbia, to be Ambassador to the Czech Republic. Larry Leon Palmer, of Georgia, to be Ambassador to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Francis Joseph Ricciardone, Jr., of Massachusetts, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey. Marco A. Hernandez, of Oregon, to be United States District Judge for the District of Oregon. Steve C. Jones, of Georgia, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Georgia. Sue E. Myerscough, of Illinois, to be United States District Judge for the Central District of Illinois. Diana Saldana, of Texas, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Texas. Michael H. Simon, of Oregon, to be United States District Judge for the District of Oregon. Scott C. Doney, of Massachusetts, to be Chief Scientist of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Goodwin Liu, of California, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit. Louis B. Butler, Jr., of Wisconsin, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Wisconsin. Edward Milton Chen, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of California. John J. McConnell, Jr., of Rhode Island, to be United States District Judge for the District of Rhode Island. Peter A. Diamond, of Massachusetts, to be a Member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System for the unexpired term of fourteen years from February 1, 2000. Mario Cordero, of California, to be a Federal Maritime Commissioner for the term expiring June 30, 2014. Rebecca F. Dye, of North Carolina, to be a Federal Maritime Commissioner for the term expiring June 30, 2015. Joseph A. Smith, Jr., of North Carolina, to be Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency for a term of five years. Evan J. Segal, of Pennsylvania, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Commodity Credit Corporation. Katherine M. Gehl, of Wisconsin, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation for a term expiring December 17, 2010. Jill Long Thompson, of Indiana, to be a Member of the Farm Credit Administration Board, Farm Credit Administration (Recess Appointment). Francisco J. Sanchez, of Florida, to be Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade (Recess Appointment). Eric L. Hirschhorn, of Maryland, to be Under Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration (Recess Appointment). Michael W. Punke, of Montana, to be a Deputy United States Trade Representative, with the rank of Ambassador (Recess Appointment). Michael F. Mundaca, of New York, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury (Recess Appointment). Islam A. Siddiqui, of Virginia, to be Chief Agricultural Negotiator, Office of the United States [[Page D1240]] Trade Representative, with the rank of Ambassador (Recess Appointment). Suzan D. Johnson Cook, of New York, to be Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom. Philip E. Coyle, III, of California, to be an Associate Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (Recess Appointment). Joshua Gotbaum, of the District of Columbia, to be Director of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (Recess Appointment). Timothy Charles Scheve, of Pennsylvania, to be a Member of the Internal Revenue Service Oversight Board for a term expiring September 14, 2010. Timothy Charles Scheve, of Pennsylvania, to be a Member of the Internal Revenue Service Oversight Board for a term expiring September 14, 2015. Juan F. Vasquez, of Texas, to be a Judge of the United States Tax Court for a term of fifteen years. Elizabeth Ann Hagen, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Food Safety (Recess Appointment). Alan D. Bersin, of California, to be Commissioner of Customs, Department of Homeland Security. Donald M. Berwick, of Massachusetts, to be Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Jeffrey Alan Goldstein, of New York, to be an Under Secretary of the Treasury. Richard Sorian, of New York, to be an Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services (Recess Appointment). Mari Carmen Aponte, of the District of Columbia, to be Ambassador to the Republic of El Salvador (Recess Appointment). George Albert Krol, of New Jersey, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Uzbekistan. Matthew Maxwell Taylor Kennedy, of California, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation for a term expiring December 17, 2012. Kurt Walter Tong, of Maryland, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Counselor, for the rank of Ambassador during his tenure of service as United States Senior Official for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC ) Forum. Jo Ann Rooney, of Massachusetts, to be Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. Michael Vickers, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence. Sue Kathrine Brown, of Texas, to be Ambassador to Montenegro. Pamela L. Spratlen, of California, to be Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic. David Lee Carden, of New York, to be Representative of the United States of America to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, with the rank and status of Ambassador. Eric G. Postel, of Wisconsin, to be an Assistant Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development. Frances M.D. Gulland, of California, to be a Member of the Marine Mammal Commission for a term expiring May 13, 2012. Kathryn D. Sullivan, of Ohio, to be an Assistant Secretary of Commerce. Daniel M. Ashe, of Maryland, to be Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Maurice B. Foley, of Maryland, to be a Judge of the United States Tax Court for a term of fifteen years. Peter Bruce Lyons, of New Mexico, to be an Assistant Secretary of Energy (Nuclear Energy). Ann D. Begeman, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Surface Transportation Board for a term expiring December 31, 2015. Chai Rachel Feldblum, of Maryland, to be a Member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for a term expiring July 1, 2013 (Recess Appointment). Jacqueline A. Berrien, of New York, to be a Member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for a term expiring July 1, 2014 (Recess Appointment). Craig Becker, of Illinois, to be a Member of the National Labor Relations Board for the term of five years expiring December 16, 2014 (Recess Appointment). Victoria A. Lipnic, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for the remainder of the term expiring July 1, 2010 (Recess Appointment). P. David Lopez, of Arizona, to be General Counsel of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for a term of four years (Recess Appointment). Mark Gaston Pearce, of New York, to be a Member of the National Labor Relations Board for the term of five years expiring August 27, 2013 (Recess Appointment). Paul M. Tiao, of Maryland, to be Inspector General, Department of Labor. Beverly L. Hall, of Georgia, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the National Board for Education Sciences for a term expiring March 15, 2012. Richard Christman, of Kentucky, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service for the remainder of the term expiring October 6, 2012. [[Page D1241]] Jane D. Hartley, of New York, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service for a term expiring October 6, 2014. Marguerite W. Kondracke, of Tennessee, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service for a term expiring June 10, 2014. Matthew Francis McCabe, of Pennsylvania, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service for a term expiring October 6, 2013. John D. Podesta, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service for a term expiring October 6, 2014. Lisa M. Quiroz, of New York, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service for a term expiring February 8, 2014. Roberto R. Herencia, of Illinois, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation for a term expiring December 17, 2012. James A. Torrey, of Connecticut, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation for a term expiring December 17, 2010. James A. Torrey, of Connecticut, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation for a term expiring December 17, 2013. Daniel L. Shields III, of Pennsylvania, to be Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam. Joseph M. Torsella, of Pennsylvania, to be Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations for U.N. Management and Reform, with the rank of Ambassador. Joseph M. Torsella, of Pennsylvania, to be Alternate Representative of the United States of America to the Sessions of the General Assembly of the United Nations, during his tenure of service as Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations for U. N. Management and Reform. David Bruce Shear, of New York, to be Ambassador to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Nils Maarten Parin Daulaire, of Virginia, to be Representative of the United States on the Executive Board of the World Health Organization. Terry Lewis, of Michigan, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation for a term expiring December 17, 2011. Rafael Borras, of Maryland, to be Under Secretary for Management, Department of Homeland Security (Recess Appointment). Esteban Soto III, of Maryland, to be United States Marshal for the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of four years. Carolyn N. Lerner, of Maryland, to be Special Counsel, Office of Special Counsel, for the term of five years. Thomas Hicks, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Election Assistance Commission for a term expiring December 12, 2013. Winslow Lorenzo Sargeant, of Wisconsin, to be Chief Counsel for Advocacy, Small Business Administration (Recess Appointment). Stephanie O'Sullivan, of Virginia, to be Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence. Phyllis Nichamoff Segal, of Massachusetts, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service for a term expiring October 6, 2013. Pamela Young-Holmes, of Wisconsin, to be a Member of the National Council on Disability for the remainder of the term expiring September 17, 2010. Joshua Gotbaum, of the District of Columbia, to be Director of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (Recess Appointment). Anthony Bryk, of California, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the National Board for Education Sciences for a term expiring November 28, 2015. Cora B. Marrett, of Wisconsin, to be Deputy Director of the National Science Foundation. Thomas M. Beck, of Virginia, to be a Member of the National Mediation Board for a term expiring July 1, 2013. Paula Barker Duffy, of Illinois, to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2016. Martha Wagner Weinberg, of Massachusetts, to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2016. Janice Lehrer-Stein, of California, to be a Member of the National Council on Disability for a term expiring September 17, 2013. Leon Rodriguez, of Maryland, to be Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division, Department of Labor. Kelvin K. Droegemeier, of Oklahoma, to be a Member of the National Science Board, National Science Foundation for a term expiring May 10, 2016. Albert J. Beveridge III, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2016. Constance M. Carroll, of California, to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2016. [[Page D1242]] Cathy M. Davidson, of North Carolina, to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2016. Aaron Paul Dworkin, of Michigan, to be a Member of the National Council on the Arts for a term expiring September 3, 2014. Clyde E. Terry, of New Hampshire, to be a Member of the National Council on Disability for a term expiring September 17, 2013. Carolyn N. Lerner, of Maryland, to be Special Counsel, Office of Special Counsel, for the term of five years. Judith A. Ansley, of Massachusetts, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the United States Institute of Peace for the remainder of the term expiring September 19, 2011. Judith A. Ansley, of Massachusetts, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the United States Institute of Peace for a term of four years. John A. Lancaster, of New York, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the United States Institute of Peace for the remainder of the term expiring September 19, 2011. John A. Lancaster, of New York, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the United States Institute of Peace for a term of four years. Agnes Gund, of New York, to be a Member of the National Council on the Arts. Timothy J. Feighery, of New York, to be Chairman of the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States for a term expiring September 30, 2012. Andrew L. Traver, of Illinois, to be Director, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Cathy Bissoon, of Pennsylvania, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Pennsylvania. Vincent L. Briccetti, of New York, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York. Roy Bale Dalton, Jr., of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Florida. Sara Lynn Darrow, of Illinois, to be United States District Judge for the Central District of Illinois. John A. Kronstadt, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Central District of California. Kevin Hunter Sharp, of Tennessee, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Tennessee. S. Amanda Marshall, of Oregon, to be United States Attorney for the District of Oregon for the term of four years. Bernice Bouie Donald, of Tennessee, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Sixth Circuit. Arenda L. Wright Allen, of Virginia, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia. Michael Francis Urbanski, of Virginia, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Virginia. Claire C. Cecchi, of New Jersey, to be United States District Judge for the District of New Jersey. Esther Salas, of New Jersey, to be United States District Judge for the District of New Jersey. Thomas Gray Walker, of North Carolina, to be United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina for the term of four years. John B. Stevens, Jr., of Texas, to be United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas for the term of four years. Edward Carroll DuMont, of the District of Columbia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Federal Circuit. Victoria Frances Nourse, of Wisconsin, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Seventh Circuit. Charles Bernard Day, of Maryland, to be United States District Judge for the District of Maryland. Kathleen M. Williams, of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida. Marina Garcia Marmolejo, of Texas, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Texas. M. Scott Bowen, of Michigan, to be United States Attorney for the Western District of Michigan for the term of four years. Wilfredo Martinez, of Florida, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the State Justice Institute for a term expiring September 17, 2010. Robert Neil Chatigny, of Connecticut, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit. Caitlin Joan Halligan, of New York, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit. Jimmie V. Reyna, of Maryland, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Federal Circuit. Richard Brooke Jackson, of Colorado, to be United States District Judge for the District of Colorado. Mae A. D'Agostino, of New York, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of New York. Mark Raymond Hornak, of Pennsylvania, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Pennsylvania. Robert David Mariani, of Pennsylvania, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. [[Page D1243]] John Andrew Ross, of Missouri, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Missouri. Denise Ellen O'Donnell, of New York, to be Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance. Elisebeth Collins Cook, of Illinois, to be a Member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board for a term expiring January 29, 2014. James Xavier Dempsey, of California, to be a Member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board for a term expiring January 29, 2016. 6 Air Force nominations in the rank of general. 4 Army nominations in the rank of general. 1 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration nomination in the rank of admiral. 2 Navy nominations in the rank of admiral. Routine lists in the Air Force, Foreign Service, Marine Corps. Pages S11070-72 Messages from the House: Pages S11033-34 Measures Referred: Page S11034 Executive Communications: Pages S11034-36 Additional Cosponsors: Page S11037 Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: Pages S11037-38 Additional Statements: Pages S11030-33 Amendments Submitted: Pages S11038-53 Record Votes: Two record votes were taken today. (Total--299) Pages S10982, S10987 Adjournment: Senate convened at 9 a.m. and adjourned sine die, pursuant to the provisions of H. Con. Res. 336, at 8:03 p.m., until 12 noon on Wednesday, January 5, 2011, for the convening of the 112th Congress. (For Senate's program, see the remarks of the Acting Majority Leader in today's Record on page S11070.)" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgD1243-2,2010-12-22,111,2,,,Daily Digest/House of Representatives,HOUSE,DAILYDIGEST,DDHCHAMBER,D1243,D1245,,"[{""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""SCONRES"", ""number"": ""67""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HJRES"", ""number"": ""106""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HJRES"", ""number"": ""107""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HCONRES"", ""number"": ""336""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""372""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""847""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HRES"", ""number"": ""1461""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HRES"", ""number"": ""1779""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HRES"", ""number"": ""1783""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HRES"", ""number"": ""1784""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HRES"", ""number"": ""1783""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HRES"", ""number"": ""1784""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3481""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3903""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""4036""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""4053""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""4058""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5901""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6517""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6523""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6560""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6570""}]",156 Cong. Rec. D1243,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Daily Digest] [Pages D1243-D1245] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] House of Representatives Chamber Action Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 1 public bill, H.R. 6570; and 4 resolutions, H.J. Res. 106-107; and H. Res. 1783-1784 were introduced. Page H8990 Additional Cosponsors: Page H8990 Reports Filed: There were no reports filed today. Chaplain: The prayer was offered by the guest chaplain, Monsignor Stephen J. Rossetti, Catholic University of America, Washington, DC. Page H8943 Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011: Agreed by unanimous consent to concur in the Senate amendments to H.R. 6523, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2011 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy and to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year. Pages H8944-45 Recess: The House recessed at 11:25 a.m. and reconvened at 3:50 p.m. Page H8946 Meeting Hour: Agreed that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 24, 2010, unless it sooner has received a message from the Senate transmitting its concurrence in H. Con. Res. 336, in which case the House shall stand adjourned sine die pursuant to that concurrent resolution. Page H8947 Order of Procedure: The House agreed by unanimous consent that it be in order at any time to take from the Speaker's table H.R. 847, with the Senate amendment thereto, and to consider in the House, without intervention of any point of order except those arising under clause 10 of rule XXI, a motion offered by the chair of the Committee on Energy and Commerce or his designee that the House concur in the Senate amendment; that the Senate amendment be considered as read; that the motion be debatable for 30 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce; and that the previous question be considered as ordered on the motion to final adoption without intervening motion. Page H8947 James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010: The House concurred in the Senate amendment to H.R. 847, to amend the Public Health Service Act to extend and improve protections and services to individuals directly impacted by the terrorist attack in New York City on September 11, 2001, by a yea-and-nay vote of 206 yeas to 60 nays, Roll No. 664. Pages H8947-66 [[Page D1244]] Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act: The House agreed by unanimous consent to S. 372, amended, to amend chapter 23 of title 5, United States Code, to clarify the disclosures of information protected from prohibited personnel practices, require a statement in nondisclosure policies, forms, and agreements that such policies, forms, and agreements conform with certain disclosure protections, and provide certain authority for the Special Counsel. Pages H8966-74 Supporting Olympic Day on June 23, 2010: The House agreed by unanimous consent to H. Res. 1461, to support Olympic Day on June 23, 2010, and to congratulate Team USA and World Fit participants. Page H8975 Clarifying the National Credit Union Administration authority to make stabilization fund expenditures without borrowing from the Treasury: The House agreed by unanimous consent to S. 4036, to clarify the National Credit Union Administration authority to make stabilization fund expenditures without borrowing from the Treasury. Pages H8975-76 Celebrating 130 years of United States-Romanian diplomatic relations: The House agreed by unanimous consent to S. Con. Res. 67, to celebrate 130 years of United States-Romanian diplomatic relations, to congratulate the Romanian people on their achievements as a great nation, and to reaffirm the deep bonds of trust and values between the United States and Romania, a trusted and most valued ally. Page H8976 Removal Clarification Act of 2010: The House agreed by unanimous consent to H.R. 6560, to amend title 28, United States Code, to clarify and improve certain provisions relating to the removal of litigation against Federal officers or agencies to Federal courts. Pages H8976-77 Honoring the 50th anniversary of the Freedom Rides: The House agreed by unanimous consent to H. Res. 1779, to honor the 50th anniversary of the Freedom Rides. Page H8977 Real Estate Jobs and Investment Act of 2010: The House agreed by unanimous consent to concur in the Senate amendments to H.R. 5901, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exempt certain stock of real estate investment trusts from the tax on foreign investment in United States real property interests. Pages H8977-78 Making a technical correction to a cross-reference in the final regulations issued by the Office of Compliance to implement the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998: The House agreed by unanimous consent to H. Res. 1783, to make a technical correction to a cross-reference in the final regulations issued by the Office of Compliance to implement the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 that apply to the House of Representatives and employees of the House of Representatives. Page H8978 Amending the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to clarify Federal responsibility for stormwater pollution: The House agreed by unanimous consent to S. 3481, to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to clarify Federal responsibility for stormwater pollution. Pages H8978-80 Extending certain expiring provisions providing enhanced protections for servicemembers relating to mortgages and mortgage foreclosure: The House agreed by unanimous consent to S. 4058, to extend certain expiring provisions providing enhanced protections for servicemembers relating to mortgages and mortgage foreclosure. Page H8980 Authorizing leases of up to 99 years for lands held in trust for Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo: The House agreed by unanimous consent to S. 3903, to authorize leases of up to 99 years for lands held in trust for Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo. Page H8980 Committee to Notify the President: The House agreed to H. Res. 1784, providing for a committee of two Members to be appointed by the House to join a similar committee appointed by the Senate, to wait upon the President to inform him that the two Houses have completed their business of the session and are ready to adjourn, unless the President has some other communication to make to them. Subsequently, the Speaker appointed Majority Leader Hoyer and Minority Leader Boehner to the committee. Pages H8980-81 Extension of Remarks: Agreed that the Chairman and ranking minority Member of each standing committee and each subcommittee be permitted to extend their remarks in the Record, up to and including the Record's last publication, and to include a summary of the work of that committee or subcommittee. Page H8981 Also agreed that Members may have until publication of the last edition of the Congressional Record authorized for the Second Session of the One Hundred Eleventh Congress by the Joint Committee on Printing to revise and extend their remarks and to include brief, related extraneous material on any matter occurring before the adjournment of the Second Session Sine Die. Page H8981 Board of Directors of the Vietnam Education Foundation--Appointment: The Chair announced the Speaker's appointment of the following Member [[Page D1245]] of the House to the Board of Directors of the Vietnam Education Foundation: Upon the recommendation of the Majority Leader: Representative Loretta Sanchez of California. Page H8981 National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity-- Appointment: The Chair announced the Speaker's appointment of the following member on the part of the House to the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity for a term of six years: Upon the recommendation of the Majority Leader: Dr. George T. French of Fairfield, AL. Page H8982 Omnibus Trade Act of 2010: The House agreed by unanimous consent to concur in the Senate amendment to H.R. 6517, to extend trade adjustment assistance and certain trade preference programs, to amend the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to modify temporarily certain rates of duty. Pages H8982-83 Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance--Appointment: The Chair announced the Speaker's appointment of the following member on the part of the House to the Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance for a term of four years: Upon the recommendation of the Majority Leader: Ms. Deborah Stanley of Bowie, MD. Pages H8983-85 Senate Messages: Messages received from the Senate by the Clerk and subsequently presented to the House today and a message received from the Senate today appear on pages H8944, H8946-47, H8974, H8982. Senate Referrals: S. 3903, S. 4053, and S. 4058 were held at the desk. Pages H8944, H8947, H8974 Quorum Calls--Votes: One yea-and-nay vote developed during the proceedings of today and appears on pages H8965. There were no quorum calls. Adjournment Sine Die: The House met at 11 a.m. and in accordance with the provisions of H. Con. Res. 336, the House adjourned sine die at 6 p.m. until 12 noon on Wednesday, January 5, 2011 for the Convening of the First Session of the 112th Congress." CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgD1243,2010-12-22,111,2,,,Daily Digest/Senate Committee Meetings,SENATE,DAILYDIGEST,DDSCMEETINGS,D1243,D1243,,,156 Cong. Rec. D1243,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Daily Digest] [Page D1243] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] Committee Meetings (Committees not listed did not meet) No committee meetings were held." CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgD1245-2,2010-12-22,111,2,,,Daily Digest/NEW PUBLIC LAWS,HOUSE,DAILYDIGEST,DDNEWPUBLAWS,D1245,D1245,,"[{""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""2965""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""3082""}]",156 Cong. Rec. D1245,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Daily Digest] [Page D1245] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] NEW PUBLIC LAWS (For last listing of Public Laws, see Daily Digest, p. D1233) H.R. 2965, to amend the Small Business Act with respect to the Small Business Innovation Research Program and the Small Business Technology Transfer Program. Signed on December 22, 2010. (Public Law 111-321) H.R. 3082, making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010. Signed on December 22, 2010. (Public Law 111-322)" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgD1245-3,2010-12-22,111,2,,,Daily Digest/Next Meeting of the SENATE + Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES + Other End Matter,HOUSE,DAILYDIGEST,DDENDMATTER,D1245,D1246,,,156 Cong. Rec. D1245,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Daily Digest] [Pages D1245-D1246] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] CONGRESSIONAL RECORD (USPS 087-390). The Periodicals postage is paid at Washington, D.C. The public proceedings of each House of Congress, as reported by the Official Reporters thereof, are printed pursuant to directions of the Joint Committee on Printing as authorized by appropriate provisions of Title 44, United States Code, and published for each day that one or both Houses are in session, excepting very infrequent instances when two or more unusually small consecutive issues are printed one time. Public access to the Congressional Record is available online through the U.S. Government Printing Office, at www.fdsys.gov, free of charge to the user. The information is updated online each day the Congressional Record is published. For more information, contact the GPO Customer Contact Center, U.S. Government Printing Office. Phone 202-512-1800, or 866-512-1800 (toll-free). E-Mail, contactcenter@gpo.gov. The Congressional Record paper and 24x microfiche edition will be furnished by mail to subscribers, free of postage, at the following prices: paper edition, $252.00 for six months, $503.00 per year, or purchased as follows: less than 200 pages, $10.50; between 200 and 400 pages, $21.00; greater than 400 pages, $31.50, payable in advance; microfiche edition, $146.00 per year, or purchased for $3.00 per issue payable in advance. The semimonthly Congressional Record Index may be purchased for the same per issue prices. To place an order for any of these products, visit the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at: bookstore.gpo.gov. Mail orders to: Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 979050, St. Louis, MO 63197-9000, or phone orders to 866-512 091800 (toll-free), 202-512-1800 (D.C. area), or fax to 202-512-2104. Remit check or money order, made payable to the Superintendent of Documents, or use VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, or GPO Deposit Account. Following each session of Congress, the daily Congressional Record is revised, printed, permanently bound and sold by the Superintendent of Documents in individual parts or by sets. With the exception of copyrighted articles, there are no restrictions on the republication of material from the Congressional Record. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Superintendent of Documents, Congressional Record, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, Along with the entire mailing label from the last issue received. [[Page D1246]] _______________________________________________________________________ Next Meeting of the SENATE 12 noon, Wednesday, January 5 Senate Chamber Program for Wednesday: Following the presentation of the certificates of election and the swearing in of elected members, there will be a required live quorum to convene the 112th Congress. All Senators are asked to report to the floor at that time. The Senate will then be in a period of morning business. Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 12 p.m., Wednesday, January 5 House Chamber Program for Wednesday: Convening of the first session of the 112th Congress. _______________________________________________________________________ Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue HOUSE Baca, Joe, Calif., E2244 Becerra, Xavier, Calif., E2243 Bishop, Timothy H., N.Y., E2246 Blumenauer, Earl, Ore., E2247 Bordallo, Madeleine Z., Guam, E2243, E2249 Cuellar, Henry, Tex., E2241 Culberson, John Abney, Tex., E2240 Davis, Danny K., Ill., E2237, E2241, E2246, E2249 Davis, Geoff, Ky., E2244 Driehaus, Steve, Ohio, E2245 Farr, Sam, Calif., E2237 Flake, Jeff, Ariz., E2249 Gerlach, Jim, Pa., E2237 Granger, Kay, Tex., E2254 Gutierrez, Luis V., Ill., E2244 Hall, John J., N.Y., E2238, E2250, E2255 Hall, Ralph M., Tex., E2247 Heller, Dean, Nev., E2238, E2240, E2243, E2246, E2247, E2248, E2249, E2255 Hinojosa, Ruben, Tex., E2248 Kaptur, Marcy, Ohio, E2252 Kilpatrick, Carolyn C., Mich., E2240, E2254 Kilroy, Mary Jo, Ohio, E2245 Lee, Barbara, Calif., E2243 McCarthy, Carolyn, N.Y., E2252 McClintock, Tom, Calif., E2242 McCollum, Betty, Minn., E2244 McMorris Rodgers, Cathy, Wash., E2244 Norton, Eleanor Holmes, D.C., E2245 Pascrell, Bill, Jr., N.J., E2238, E2240, E2249 Paulsen, Erik, Minn., E2247, E2249, E2255 Perlmutter, Ed, Colo., E2237, E2241, E2243 Pierluisi, Pedro R., Puerto Rico, E2246 Pomeroy, Earl, N.D., E2245 Roybal-Allard, Lucille, Calif., E2247 Sires, Albio, N.J., E2240 Skelton, Ike, Mo., E2241, E2251 Smith, Adam, Wash., E2245 Smith, Christopher H., N.J., E2252 Spratt, John M., Jr., S.C., E2248 Wilson, Joe, S.C., E2249" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgD1245,2010-12-22,111,2,,,Daily Digest/House Committee Meetings,HOUSE,DAILYDIGEST,DDHCMEETINGS,D1245,D1245,,,156 Cong. Rec. D1245,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Daily Digest] [Page D1245] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] Committee Meetings No committee meetings were held. Joint Meetings No committee meetings were held." CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2237-2,2010-12-22,111,2,,,IN HONOR OF STEPHEN J. ROSS,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,HONORING,E2237,E2237,"[{""name"": ""Jim Gerlach"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2237,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2237] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] IN HONOR OF STEPHEN J. ROSS ______ HON. JIM GERLACH of pennsylvania in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Stephen ``Steve'' J. Ross for his more than 40 years of faithful service to communities in southeastern Pennsylvania. During the last two years, the residents, businesses and all taxpayers of West Pikeland Township, Chester County have benefitted immeasurably from Steve's breadth of experience and tremendous leadership as Township Manager. Prior to taking the helm in West Pikeland, Steve had a distinguished career spanning nearly 30 years as Township Manager in West Whiteland Township, Chester County. He has been an outstanding steward of public finances and played a critical role in helping a region experiencing phenomenal growth protect its open space and natural resources, enhance its recreational opportunities, and improve its infrastructure. The West Pikeland Township Board of Supervisors will recognize Steve for his exemplary efforts on December 28, 2010. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring Stephen J. Ross for his extraordinary commitment to public service and dedication to making southeastern Pennsylvania a great place to live, work and raise a family. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2237-3,2010-12-22,111,2,,,IN HONOR OF PRIVATE FIRST CLASS CONRADO JAVIER JR.,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,HONORING,E2237,E2237,"[{""name"": ""Sam Farr"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2237,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2237] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] IN HONOR OF PRIVATE FIRST CLASS CONRADO JAVIER JR. ______ HON. SAM FARR of california in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a young, brave soldier who was killed in Afghanistan on Sunday, December 19, 2010. Private First Class Conrado Javier Jr. of Marina, California was only nineteen years old. It is with a heavy heart that I wish to offer my sincere condolences to the family of Conrado Javier Jr. Private First Class Conrado Javier Jr. served in the United States Army and was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment based in Vilseck, Germany. He was serving a tour in Afghanistan supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. On Sunday, December 19, 2010, in the Kandahar province of Afghanistan, the vehicle he driving in struck an improvised explosive device. Pfc. Javier was unable to recover from his wounds sustained in the deadly explosion. Conrado Javier Jr. is the fifth service member from my district to pay the ultimate sacrifice while defending our country in Operation Enduring Freedom. Sadly, he is the youngest service member from my district to lose his life in Afghanistan. There are no words that can fill the far reaching potential of this young man. However, I have no doubt he touched many lives during his very short time on Earth and his life will continue through them. Conrado attended Seaside High School and was a member of the school's Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. It is evident he was dedicated to serving his country and possessed the strengths of a leader. Some may say his strongest value was being a loyal friend, who put others before him. Madam Speaker, I rise today and ask for my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Conrado Javier Jr. I extend the sincere condolences of the House to his mother, Julia Dominga Javier Diaz; his father, Conrado Javier; and the seven siblings he leaves behind. Private Javier, we salute you! ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2237-4,2010-12-22,111,2,,,KAY EHALT,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2237,E2237,"[{""name"": ""Ed Perlmutter"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2237,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2237] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] KAY EHALT ______ HON. ED PERLMUTTER of colorado in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and applaud Kay Ehalt for her outstanding service to our community. Kay Ehalt has made a life of caring for others. She has raised two sons and a daughter. She puts her heart and soul into creating gift baskets that are creative and unique and adds the personal touch to make each recipient feel cherished. Kay has been involved with the Kiwanis for many years and travels annually with the Children's Hospital Jungle Mobile. The Jungle Mobile is an ambulance converted into a safety education classroom on wheels. It travels to rural areas to teach kids about fire safety, water safety and how to call 911. In addition, Kay is an avid supporter of the Jefferson Foundation's Crystal Ball. Volunteering her time for the event and donating items for the silent auction. Whenever an organization needs something for auctions, fundraisers or decorations, Kay is always offering her services or her baskets without being asked. I extend my deepest congratulations to Kay Ehalt for her well deserved recognition by the West Chamber serving Jefferson County. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all her future accomplishments. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2237-5,2010-12-22,111,2,,,AMERICA COMPETES REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2010,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2237,E2238,"[{""name"": ""Danny K. Davis"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5116""}]",156 Cong. Rec. E2237,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E2237-E2238] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] AMERICA COMPETES REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2010 ______ speech of HON. DANNY K. DAVIS of illinois in the house of representatives Tuesday, December 21, 2010 Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5116, the America COMPETES Act. To maintain economic growth and a high standard of living, our nation must remain competitive in a global economy. To be competitive, U.S. companies must engage in trade, preserve market shares, and provide sustainable products, processes, and services. Scientific and technological advances serve as critical components of economic growth because they contribute to the creation of new goods, services, jobs, and increased productivity. Our country is in need of innovative concepts and ideas to strengthen our economy both domestically and internationally. The America COMPETES Act will increase the nation's investment in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, STEM. Further, COMPETES provides critical federal investment in science through research and education. I am pleased that the 111th Congress will reauthorize this law, and I am pleased that it contains some important elements to broaden the participation of groups of Americans who are underrepresented in STEM fields, such as women and racial or ethnic minorities. According to the Census Bureau, 39 percent of the population under the age of 18 is a racial or ethnic minority. Yet, in 2003, only 4.4 percent of U.S. science and engineering jobs were held by African Americans and only 3.4 percent by Hispanics. In 2008, the American Community Survey reported that 10.3 percent of the total U.S. population were in the Professional, Scientific, Management and Administrative Services industry; however, only 7.7 percent of Cambodians, 6.8 percent of Hmongs, and 5.2 percent of Laotians actually held these types of jobs. Further, women represent only a little more than one quarter of our science and technology workforce. Many experts maintain that the ability of the U.S. to produce enough scientists will fall far short unless we take strong action to develop the potential of women and minorities. Thus, broadening participation efforts are critical to meeting the growing demand for U.S. workers with STEM skills and to improving American competitiveness globally. Although minorities have increased their share of degrees awarded in the sciences, poor preparation in science and mathematics is a major factor limiting the access of these citizens to careers in the STEM fields. H.R. 5116 helps improve secondary STEM education by requiring federal agencies to report how they are disseminating federally funded STEM education resources to practitioners, including to teachers and administrators at high-needs schools. Further, it requires the establishment of an inventory of federally sponsored STEM education programs that must include an assessment of the effectiveness of the programs and the rates of participation of underrepresented minorities in such programs. An increased investment in STEM-based programs will offer more high-level science and mathematics courses in high school, enhance undergraduate and graduate degrees in science and engineering, and solidify employment in science and engineering positions in this global economy. The National Science [[Page E2238]] Foundation will receive substantial funds to develop and implement a policy for the broader impacts review criterion that will result in improving the effectiveness and impact of activities to broaden participation within STEM. Such a policy is long overdue. We spend billions of federal dollars for science advancements but have limited requirements for the institutions receiving these dollars to give back to the nation in terms of helping institutions or students beyond their walls improve their access to quality science. I support the bill because it advances our nation in the STEM areas; however, I am disappointed that many of the provisions to broaden participation that were included in the House-passed version were absent from the final version. I promise to continue to work to ensure that all Americans have access to high quality STEM education and careers. I support H.R. 5116, the America COMPETES Act of 2010; this bill will enhance our present practices in science and our economic strength in the global marketplace. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2238-2,2010-12-22,111,2,,,"TRIBUTE TO FERRARO MEDICAL ASSOCIATES, P.A.",HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,TRIBUTETO,E2238,E2238,"[{""name"": ""Bill Pascrell, Jr."", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2238,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2238] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] TRIBUTE TO FERRARO MEDICAL ASSOCIATES, P.A. ______ HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR. of new jersey in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I would like to call to your attenion the work of an outstanding medical practice Ferraro Medical Associates, P.A., which is celebrating its 65th Anniversary of dedicated service to its patients, and by extension, the greater community. It is only fitting that Ferraro Medical Associates, and its late founder Dr. Stephen P. Ferraro, be honored in this permanent record of the greatest democracy ever known, for the comfort and care that it has provided to so many Paterson families. Dr. Stephen P. Ferraro was born in 1920 in Paterson, NJ to Angelo and Natalizia who emigrated from Sicily to the United States. They had four children, two of whom died untimely deaths leaving Stephen and Joseph. Stephen's parents ingrained in their sons the importance of education, and became successful themselves, owning multiple properties in Paterson. Dr. Ferraro attended School No. 15 and graduated Eastside High School in 1937. In high school he was very athletic but music intrigued him most and he played the violin for the Eastside orchestra. After graduation he earned a bachelor's degree from Notre Dame University in 1941. Stephen developed a passion for medicine and flying which lasted a lifetime. In 1946 Dr. Ferraro obtained his degree of Doctor of Medicine from Georgetown University Medical School. He graduated in the top of his class. He returned to Paterson to pursue his career. He did a rotating internship at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Paterson. In 1947 he was certified and passed the State of New Jersey Board as Doctor in Medicine and Surgery. Dr. Ferraro then decided to join the United States Air Force University School of Medicine in Randolf, Texas and became a USAF Flight Surgeon, spending three years in Okinawa. In the Air Force he saw many in great need and he was determined to always be a ``people doctor'' and provide his service where the need was greatest. By 1950, when he returned from spending four years at Boston City Hospital, becoming Chief Surgical Resident, he had met a nurse named Betty. He went to Columbia Presbyterian Hospital and became Chief Surgical Resident from 1954-1956. Betty followed him and worked alongside him as his operating room nurse. They later married at St. Anthony Church in Paterson and had six children-- Stephen Jr., Natalie, Angelo, Lisa, Lucia and Barbara. Dr. Ferraro never forgot the city he came from. In 1957 he became attending surgeon of St. Joseph's Hospital & Medical Center in Paterson. He soon decided to open his own practice at 414 Broadway. Betty was always by his side and was his nurse at the practice. Together they were the perfect ``team.'' The office was on the first floor and their apartment was on the upper levels. He became the Co- Chief of Department of Surgery at Fairlawn Memorial Hospital, attending surgeon at Saddle Brook Hospital, Police Surgeon and City of Paterson physician, Medical Director of Nabisco Brands, Inc., assistant professor at Seton Hall University Department of Surgery and also became Medical Examiner for Federal Aviation-Class A, and USCIS Civil Surgeon. Dr. Ferraro was a distinguished and respected physician who with all his qualities provided the best to his patients and left a remarkable legacy to his children. Dr. Ferraro's children admired their father for instilling the importance of education in them. When his children were very young he would always encourage them to read. They spent time with their father around the office. Dr. Ferraro was a great role model, allowing them to see the medical world in his office as one of the choices for their lives. Lisa Ferraro followed her father's footsteps and graduated from Ross University Medical School. In 1984-1987 she completed her internship and residency in Internal Medicine at St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center in Paterson and immediately went to work with her father. Dr. Lisa Ferraro was Board Certified in Internal Medicine in 1987 and joined attending staff Internal Medicine at SJHMC. She has worked as school physician for Public Schools Nos. 5, 8, 28 and Kilpatrick School. She was assistant Medical Director at Nabisco from 1987-1992 and has taught first year medical students from UMDNJ, as well as forth year foreign medical students. In 2000 she was appointed as Civil Surgeon for USCIS. In February 2010 she became Certified in Aesthetic Medicine. Dr. Ferraro left a truly wonderful legacy in Paterson. In April 1996 Dr. Stephen and Dr. Lisa Ferraro registered the office as a corporation, Ferraro Medical Associates, P.A. Despite the challenges, the office still serves our community at 414 Broadway. Presently the practice provides medical care to approximately five hundred patients a month. It is estimated that close to half a million patients have passed through the doors at 414 Broadway. Although Dr. Stephen P. Ferraro departed from this earth in 2002, he left a legacy of perseverance as well as a well recognized practice, which continues to thrive under the leadership of Dr. Lisa Ferraro. Her siblings are all successful professionals in their fields. Stephen P. Ferraro, Jr. M.D., is an orthopaeadic surgeon in Redding, California, Angelo Ferraro, M.D., a cardiologist, Spokane, Washington, Lucia Ferraro, M.D., an anesthesiologist and Critical Care, Sherman Oaks, California, Natalia Ferraro is a homemaker and professional photographer and Barbara Tabano is a homemaker and operates a family business, The Sock Company, with her husband Jim. The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is rewarding, yet nothing compares to recognizing the efforts of wonderful people in my District. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join all of the patients and friends of the Ferraro family, all those who have been helped throughout the years, and me in recognizing the outstanding contributions they have made to the community in Paterson and beyond. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2238-3,2010-12-22,111,2,,,FEDERAL GRANTS AND APPROPRIATIONS FOR LOCAL PROJECTS,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2238,E2240,"[{""name"": ""John J. Hall"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2238,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E2238-E2240] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] FEDERAL GRANTS AND APPROPRIATIONS FOR LOCAL PROJECTS ______ HON. JOHN J. HALL of new york in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mr. HALL of New York. Madam Speaker, I would like to submit the following: I was proud to bring millions of federal dollars home to local taxpayers. New Yorkers pay more in federal taxes than New York receives in federal funding support, so I worked hard to bring additional dollars back home for local projects, thereby reducing the burden on local property taxpayers. orange county Obtained $19.6m from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for infrastructure upgrades and renovations at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Obtained $4.4m from the U.S. Department of Transportation for improved runway lighting and resurfacing at Stewart Airport, thereby increasing its air traffic capacity. The new lighting improves both energy efficiency and public safety during take offs and landings. Obtained $3.6m from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for repairs and renovations at the Stewart Air National Guard base. Obtained over $3.5m from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for energy efficiency improvements in Orange County. Obtained $2.3m for the Highland Falls-Fort Montgomery Central School District, including $1.5m in federal impact aid and $800,000 in federal funding to improve science and technology programs. Obtained $2m in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding to construct a new water filtration plant for the Village of Warwick. [[Page E2239]] Obtained $1.33m in federal funding to support the Newburgh-Beacon ferry enabling easier access to public transportation for commuters. Obtained $597,000 from the Department of Homeland Security for five local fire departments, including Greenville Fire Department; the Slate Hill and New Hampton Fire Departments in Wawayanda; and the Johnson and the Unionville Fire Departments in Minisink. Obtained $564,000 from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for improvement projects at Greenwood Lake. Obtained $394,000 in federal funding to replace the Hambletonian Water Main in Goshen which improved water quality and saved property tax dollars. Obtained $245,600 in federal funds for the Hudson Valley Agricultural Viability Program that will create jobs and attract private investment in local farms. Obtained $110,000 for the Port Jervis Police Department to upgrade their outdated communications system. Obtained $160,000 in federal funding for the Monroe Police Department. Obtained $95,300 in federal funding for St. Anthony Community Hospital in Warwick for their Wound Care Program. Obtained a $78,683 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant from the U.S. Dept of Justice to improve public safety in Orange County through increased police patrols and improved equipment and technology. Assisted in obtaining almost $72,000 for Museum Village. Obtained a $66,500 Department of Homeland Security grant for the South Blooming Grove Fire District. Obtained $60,000 for the Woodbury Police Department. Obtained $40,000 for the Quassaick Bridge Fire District. Westchester County Obtained over $13m for improvements to I-684. Obtained $6.75m from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for infrastructure upgrades and renovations of patient care areas at the FDR Veterans Hospital in Montrose. Obtained $6.1m from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for infrastructure improvements at the Camp Smith National Guard Training Site in Cortlandt. Obtained $5m from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for a water treatment plant for the Peach Lake community in North Salem. The new water treatment plant will help restore the quality of the lake and create local jobs. Obtained almost $2m for improvements at the Croton-Harmon train station including flood prevention and infrastructure upgrades. Obtained $1.96m in federal funding for reconstruction and improvements to Route 6 in Cortlandt. Assisted in obtaining $1.3m from the Dept of Energy for the Bedford- Northern Westchester Energy Action Coalition. Obtained over $1.1m for improvements to the Annsville Circle in Cortlandt. Obtained $665,000 in federal funding to improve the Peekskill Downtown Business District including sidewalk improvements, landscaping, and lighting upgrades on Main Street. Obtained $332,000 from the U.S. Department of Justice for the Westchester County Forensic Science Laboratory, to improve the quality and timeliness of medical examiner services, thereby reducing the case backlog. Obtained $325,000 from the federal Drug Free Communities Support Program for programs sponsored by the Village of Croton-on-Hudson, Alliance for Safe Kids in Cortlandt Manor, and the Town of Cortlandt. Obtained over $300,000 for programs at the Yorktown Senior Center. Obtained $196,000 in federal funding for improvements at the South Salem library. Obtained $120,000 from the Department of Homeland Security for the Goldens Bridge Volunteer Fire Department. Assisted in obtaining $115,000 for the Katonah Museum of Art. Obtained 98,400 in federal funding for A-HOME to build an affordable home for a first responder in Lewisboro, using the most state of the art energy efficient technologies. Obtained $95,300 in federal funding for the new emergency department at the Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco. Obtained $87,000 for the Katonah Fire Department. Obtained $70,000 in federal funding for the Pound Ridge Police Department for communications systems that will improve emergency response capabilities. Obtained $47,000 in federal funding for education programs at the Van Cortlandt Manor historic site in the Village of Croton-on-Hudson. Dutchess County Obtained $8.22m from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for infrastructure and energy efficiency improvements at Castle Point Veterans Hospital. Obtained $3.6m from the U.S. Department of Transportation for improvements in public transportation including local busses and bus facilities in Poughkeepsie. Obtained $2.4m for the development and manufacture of night vision goggles by E-Magin, located in Dutchess County. These goggles improve the safety of our troops in the field, while creating local manufacturing jobs. Obtained $330,000 from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to help retrofit stormwater systems in East Fishkill and Beekman. Obtained $314,000 for Hudson River Housing in Poughkeepsie to assist in rehabilitating affordable homes and creating opportunities for local financing. Obtained $196,000 in federal funding for the Village of Wappingers Falls to create Consentino Park. Secured Dyson Foundation grant funding of $108,000 for Arlington High School's club ACTION students to install solar panels on the roof the High School. Obtained $98,600 for the Glenham Fire District. Obtained $86,000 in federal funding for technology improvements at the St. Francis Hospital emergency room. Obtained $77,000 for the Fishkill Fire Department. Obtained $66,000 in federal funding to install solar panels on the Beacon Municipal Building. Obtained $61,750 from the Department of Homeland Security for the Wappingers Falls Fire Department. Putnam County Obtained $1.9m from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for a water treatment plant for the Peach Lake community in Southeast. The new water treatment plant will help restore the quality of the lake and create local jobs. Obtained $1.6m for upgrades to roads in Kent. Obtained $400,000 in federal funding for Putnam Valley for their Lake Oscawana Management and Restoration Plan, saving money for local property taxpayers while improving water quality. Obtained $192,000 in federal funding for Putnam Hospital Center's comprehensive cancer care program. Obtained $190,000 from the Department of Homeland Security for the Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department. Obtained $145,000 for the Carmel Police Department for a police vehicle video system. Obtained $125,000 from the federal Drug Free Communities Support Program for programs implemented through Putnam's Council for Alcoholism and Other Drugs. Obtained $106,000 for equipment for the Kent Fire District. Rockland County Obtained over $15m for improvements to the Palisades Parkway. Obtained $2.5m for road improvements in downtown Haverstraw. Obtained $383,000 in federal funding for the Stony Point Ambulance Corps. Obtained $352,500 in federal funding for youth gang prevention programs. Helped obtain $297,000 from the U.S. Department of Education for the North Rockland Central School District. Obtained $188,000 for the Thiells-Roseville Fire District. Obtained $66,000 for the Stony Point Police Department to maintain a full time school resource officer at the James A. Farley Middle School. Constituent Services Casework: One of the aspects of the job that I find most rewarding is the ability to assist local constituents with individual problems. In many of these cases the constituent needs assistance cutting through the federal bureaucracy to get the attention they need to their individual situation. Although I believe that people shouldn't need to turn to their Congressional office in order to get their cases resolved, I am happy to be able to assist when such instances occur. My Congressional office resolved thousands of constituent service cases, which included providing assistance to Veterans, Seniors with Medicare and Social Security concerns, foreclosure and mortgage assistance to homeowners, families seeking adoptions, and expediting passports. The Congressional office provided assistance to constituents trying to reach family members during natural disasters overseas such as Haiti and Chile. In many of these cases our assistance made a real difference in people's daily lives. Some specific examples of the hundreds of successful results achieved by the Congressional office are described below. Veterans: Obtained well over $2 million in retroactive payments and benefits for individual local veterans earned but never received from the Veterans Administration due to administrative backlogs and errors. These awards ranged from a few dollars to over $100,000 depending on the type of injury, level of disability, and length of the VA delay in processing the case. [[Page E2240]] Successfully assisted many local Veterans in receiving long over due combat medals such as medals from World War 2 for a Mahopac veteran and several Purple Heart recipients. Awarded the prestigious Air Medal to former flight crewmembers of the 336th Medical Detachment, and Army Reserve Helicopter Ambulance unit in a ceremony at Stewart Airport. The 60 men and women of the 336th Medical Detachment, trained as Medevac pilots, helicopter crew chiefs and medics, evacuated sick and wounded soldiers from the battlefield. Due to adverse field conditions and administrative oversight, the unit's flight crews did not receive their Air Medals until my office intervened on their behalf. Social Security: Assistance was provided to constituents such as explaining eligibility for disability benefits; facilitating communication between beneficiaries and local SSA offices; assisting in setting up payment schedules for overpayments to beneficiaries' accounts; reinstatement of disability benefits that were incorrectly stopped; expediting appeal hearings, expediting the processing of retroactive checks in favorable disability cases that included amounts in excess of $100,000; removal of overpayments that were mistakenly put onto beneficiaries' records; and assisting with the appeal of an overpayment waiver request. For example-- Expedited a Social Security appeals hearing for a constituent who suffered major spinal injuries, was unable to work and facing bankruptcy. The case was found fully favorable to the constituent. Expedited a retroactive payment in a Social Security disability case for $79,000. Helped get a Social Security disability appeals hearing for a woman suffering from a tick-borne illness similar to Lyme's Disease. The appeal was expedited and she was awarded more than $1,800 in monthly benefits and more than $65,000 in retroactive benefits, and found eligible for Medicare. Medicare: Facilitated reimbursement for Durable Medical Equipment and other services. Helped remove surcharge on Part B, premium and processing of retroactive payment. Internal Revenue Service: Expedited processing of refund and economic stimulus payments. Helped change filing status for taxpayer. Department of Labor: Challenged denial of prescription coverage for a drug that was in a beneficiary's plan. Assisted in having overpaid monthly COBRA premium credited toward future monthly premiums. Assisted with having COBRA premium reduction applied to several beneficiaries who did not initially receive it. Federal Trade Commission: Worked with constituents and relevant credit agencies to fix mistakes on credit reports. Visiting Washington DC: When constituents, school groups, and local organizations visit Washington DC, my office helps arrange tours, and can help with other aspects of the visits. I make every effort to personally greet local visitors. In 2009 my office arranged and gave over 700 tours of the Capitol to local families, school classes, and other visitors from the 19th Congressional District. The office also assisted with information including assistance in arranging for tours of other significant sites in Washington. Service Academy Nominations: Each year my Congressional office submits nominations of local students to our nation's military service academies including the U.S. Military Academy at West Point (USMA), Naval (USNA), Air Force (USAFA), and Merchant Marine (USMMA) Academies. I consider it a great honor to be able to nominate top local students who will become the next generation of military leaders. During my two terms in office, I was proud to serve on the U.S. Military Academy's Board of Visitors. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2238,2010-12-22,111,2,,,PERSONAL EXPLANATION,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,PERSONALEXPLAIN,E2238,E2238,"[{""name"": ""Dean Heller"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2238,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2238] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. DEAN HELLER of nevada in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mr. HELLER. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 659, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2240-2,2010-12-22,111,2,,,PERSONAL EXPLANATION,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,PERSONALEXPLAIN,E2240,E2240,"[{""name"": ""John Abney Culberson"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2240,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2240] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. JOHN ABNEY CULBERSON of texas in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mr. CULBERSON. Madam Speaker, on December 21, 2010, I was unable to be present for all rollcall votes due to a medical necessity. If present, I would have voted accordingly on the following rollcall votes: roll No. 657--``nay''; roll No. 658--``aye''; roll No. 659-- ``nay''; roll No. 660--``nay''; roll No. 661--``nay''; roll No. 662-- ``nay''; roll No. 663--``aye''. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2240-3,2010-12-22,111,2,,,PERSONAL EXPLANATION,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,PERSONALEXPLAIN,E2240,E2240,"[{""name"": ""Carolyn C. Kilpatrick"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2240,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2240] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. CAROLYN C. KILPATRICK of michigan in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Ms. KILPATRICK of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I was unable to attend to several votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall Nos. 657, 658, 659, 660, 661, 662 and 663. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2240-4,2010-12-22,111,2,,,PERSONAL EXPLANATION,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,PERSONALEXPLAIN,E2240,E2240,"[{""name"": ""Dean Heller"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2240,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2240] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. DEAN HELLER of nevada in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mr. HELLER. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 660, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted, ``no.'' ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2240-5,2010-12-22,111,2,,,TRIBUTE TO GEORGE W. McCULLOUGH III,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,TRIBUTETO,E2240,E2241,"[{""name"": ""Bill Pascrell, Jr."", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2240,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E2240-E2241] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] TRIBUTE TO GEORGE W. McCULLOUGH III ______ HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR. of new jersey in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the story of an outstanding individual, Mr. George W. McCullough, III, who will visit New Jersey's 8th District on Sunday, December 12, 2010, for he is a great example of service to our Nation and communities. It is only fitting that he be honored in this, the permanent record of the greatest democracy ever known, for his story is a true embodiment of the American Dream. George W. McCullough, III serves as Supreme Governor of the Loyal Order of Moose for 2010-2011. He was elected to this post, which also serves as chairman of the Moose International Board of Directors, at the 122nd International Convention in Nashville in July 2010. He had previously served as Supreme Jr. Governor in 2009-2010, and Supreme Prelate during 2008-09. He is a Life Member of Charlotte, NC Lodge 1113, having been sponsored by his father in 1969. He immediately took an active role, serving on all standing and special committees, and holding all chairs, including Past Governor. He stepped in as acting Administrator for an eight month period. He has been an active Ritualist for more than 20 years, and has been honored as an International Champion in Ritual Competition. He has served on all the committees and chairs of WENOCA Moose Legion 78 and is a Past North Moose. He has served the North Carolina Moose Association on several District committee posts, as District President, and on most Association Committees; he is a Past President of the Association by Service. He was also conferred the honor of Past President by both the Louisiana and Minnesota Moose Associations. Mr. McCullough served on the International Community Service Committee before his appointment to the Mooseheart Board of Directors in 1994. A member of the 150 Division of the Moose 25 Club, he received the Fellowship Degree of Honor in 1978 and the Pilgrim Degree of Merit in 1990. He was awarded the Shining Star as International Moose of the Year for 1995. He is an ordained minister of the Baptist Church, and he is a U.S. Army combat veteran with service in Vietnam, holding the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart among other decorations. He and his wife Sue reside in Charlotte, where he owns and operates McCullough & Associates Auto Electric. The McCulloughs have two daughters, two sons, a daughter-in-law and two grandsons. The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is rewarding, yet nothing compares to learning about and recognizing the efforts of individuals like Mr. George W. McCullough, Ill. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, George's family and friends, all the members of the Loyal Order of Moose, and me in recognizing the outstanding contributions of Mr. George W. McCullough, III to our Nation. [[Page E2241]] ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2240,2010-12-22,111,2,,,PERSONAL EXPLANATION,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,PERSONALEXPLAIN,E2240,E2240,"[{""name"": ""Albio Sires"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2240,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2240] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. ALBIO SIRES of new jersey in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, on December 21, 2010, I missed rollcall vote numbers 657, 658, 659, 660, 661, 662, and 663. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall 657, ``yes'' on rollcall 658, ``yes'' on rollcall 659, ``yes'' on rollcall 660, ``yes'' on rollcall 661, ``yes'' on rollcall 662, and ``yes'' on rollcall 663. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2241-2,2010-12-22,111,2,,,IKE SKELTON NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2241,E2241,"[{""name"": ""Ike Skelton"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6523""}]",156 Cong. Rec. E2241,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2241] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] IKE SKELTON NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011 ______ speech of HON. IKE SKELTON of missouri in the house of representatives Friday, December 17, 2010 Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following exchange of letters on H.R. 6523 for printing in the Congressional Record: House of Representatives, Committee on Science and Technology, Washington, DC, December 21, 2010. Hon. Ike Skelton, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Skelton: I am writing to you concerning the jurisdictional interest of the Committee on Science and Technology in H.R. 6523, the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011. Our committee recognizes the importance of H.R. 6523 and the need for the legislation to move expeditiously. Therefore, while we have a valid claim to jurisdiction over the bill, I do not intend to request a sequential referral. This, of course, is conditional on our mutual understanding that nothing in this legislation or my decision to forego a sequential referral waives, reduces or otherwise affects the jurisdiction of the Committee on Science and Technology, and that a copy of this letter and your response acknowledging our jurisdictional interest will be included in the Congressional Record during consideration of this bill by the House. Thank you for your consideration in this matter. Sincerely, Bart Gordon, Chairman. ____ House Committee on Armed Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, December 21, 2010. Hon. Bart Gordon, Chairman, House Committee on Science and Technology, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 6523, the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011. 1 agree that the Committee on Science and Technology has valid jurisdictional claims to certain provisions in this important legislation, and I am most appreciative of your decision not to schedule a mark-up of this bill in the interest of expediting consideration of this important measure. I agree that by agreeing to waive consideration of certain provisions of the bill, the Committee on Science and Technology is not waiving its jurisdictional claims over these matters. During consideration of this bill on the House floor, I will ask that this exchange of letters be included in the Congressional Record. Very truly yours, Ike Skelton, Chairman. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2241-3,2010-12-22,111,2,,,PERSONAL EXPLANATION,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,PERSONALEXPLAIN,E2241,E2241,"[{""name"": ""Henry Cuellar"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""372""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3481""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6523""}]",156 Cong. Rec. E2241,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2241] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. HENRY CUELLAR of texas in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I was absent due to personal family matters, but if present, I would have voted ``yes'' on: S. 3481--Amending the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to clarify Federal responsibility for stormwater pollution. S. 372--Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act. Senate Amendment to H.R. 6523--Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2241-4,2010-12-22,111,2,,,STATEMENT OF CONCERN ABOUT UNJUST IMPRISONMENT OF BAHA'I RELIGIOUS MINORITY IN IRAN,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2241,E2242,"[{""name"": ""Danny K. Davis"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HRES"", ""number"": ""175""}]",156 Cong. Rec. E2241,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E2241-E2242] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] STATEMENT OF CONCERN ABOUT UNJUST IMPRISONMENT OF BAHA'I RELIGIOUS MINORITY IN IRAN ______ HON. DANNY K. DAVIS of illinois in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express both my deep concern and the deep concern of some of my constituents about the unjust imprisonment of several members of a religious minority in Iran. In particular, I wish to speak of the member of the Baha'i faith who have been persecuted and imprisoned in Iran. My home district in Chicago has a rich diversity of people from all backgrounds and faiths, and I am fortunate to have Baha'is as part of this rich diversity. The Baha'i faith is a peaceful religion that teaches the oneness of humanity and that all forms of prejudice should be eliminated. Some of you will recall that in 2009 I was one of the co-sponsors to House Resolution 175. That resolution condemned the Government of Iran for its state-sponsored persecution of its Baha'i minority and its continued violation of the International Covenants on Human Rights. H. Res. 175 passed with 407 ``aye'' votes on October 22, 2009. However, some of my constituents have informed me that the persecution and suppression of the Baha'i faith in Iran persist with no relief in sight. In 2009 the international press reported that seven Baha'I leaders in Iran were unjustly arrested and held in prison without knowing the charges for their arrest for approximately 20 months. The unjust prosecution of these seven particular Baha'is was condemned by international leaders and drawn into our national awareness for a short time. Those seven Baha'is are real people with families, who continue to suffer injustice because of their peaceful religious beliefs. The more disturbing fact is that those seven Baha'i leaders are merely the ones that made the headlines. There are approximately 48 additional Baha'is currently imprisoned in Iran. Approximately 132 Baha'is have been arrested and released on bail to await trial, and another 92 Baha'is have been sentenced to imprisonment. In the last decade, hundreds of Baha'is have been prosecuted and imprisoned for their religious beliefs. But that is not the only degradation that Baha'is in Iran must face. Baha'is have been dismissed from their jobs, expelled from universities, and deprived of their property and pensions, all because of their religious beliefs. Our national consciousness would not be so aware of this unjust and unfair treatment if it had not been for yet another unjust prosecution of a young American journalist, Roxana Saberi, in 2009. While Roxana shared a prison cell with two of the female Baha'i leaders in Evin prison, she was astounded by the tranquility of her Baha'i cell mates even as they faced harsh conditions and uncertainty about their future. Fortunately, Roxana was freed from prison and has returned safely to the United States; however, those seven Baha'i leaders remain in prison and were sentenced to 10 years of confinement in one of the most dreadful prisons in Iran. In short, the Baha'i faith teaches tolerance, patience, peace and self-investigation of the truth. Yet, Baha'is are singled out and marked from persecution and ridicule from the class room to the court room and from the lunch room to the laboratory. We have our own history of unjust treatment in this country and the grievous and slow healing wounds from such pernicious and repugnant conduct can still be felt today. However, the freedom of speech and the freedom of religion in our great country have contributed greatly to the healing of our society. I believe each and every human being has a fundamental right to freedom of religion that should not be curtailed or circumscribed by the coincidence of one's citizenship in a particular nation. The freedom in our country to choose how to peacefully worship God is something many of us take for granted. We need only consider the unjust and inhumane treatment of Baha'is in Iran to realize that this freedom is not available to everyone in the world. I agree with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton when she condemned the sentencing of the Baha'i leaders and stated that the ``United States is committed to defending religious freedom around the world, and we have not forgotten the Baha'i community in Iran.'' I speak to you today as a reminder that religious persecution remains a fact of life in our [[Page E2242]] world and that the plight of the Baha'is in Iran is a poignant example of injustice. On behalf of my Baha'i constituents, I ask that you lend your voice to mine, so that we may create a chorus of diverse voices against the type of blatant religious persecution that we are witnessing in the unjust treatment of Baha'is in Iran. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2241,2010-12-22,111,2,,,JENNIFER FRIEDNASH,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2241,E2241,"[{""name"": ""Ed Perlmutter"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2241,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2241] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] JENNIFER FRIEDNASH ______ HON. ED PERLMUTTER of colorado in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and applaud Jennifer Friednash for her outstanding service to our community. Jennifer works full time as a real estate attorney, but always finds time to teach her kids the value of volunteering through leading by example. She has been an active member and fundraiser for Project PRIDE, which constructed an outdoor classroom alongside Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Jennifer's work doesn't stop there. She is an active committee member of the Jefferson Economic Council, chair of a committee that provides junior NAIOP members an opportunity to learn about the real estate industry from seasoned professionals and has been a provisional instructor for the Colorado Association of Realtors. I extend my deepest congratulations to Jennifer Friednash for her well deserved recognition by the West Chamber serving Jefferson County. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all her future accomplishments. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2242,2010-12-22,111,2,,,"COUNTERING IRAN'S NUCLEAR & TERRORIST THREATS, THE OPPOSITION'S ROLE: WHAT ARE THE U.S. POLICY OPTIONS?",HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2242,E2243,"[{""name"": ""Tom McClintock"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2242,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E2242-E2243] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] COUNTERING IRAN'S NUCLEAR & TERRORIST THREATS, THE OPPOSITION'S ROLE: WHAT ARE THE U.S. POLICY OPTIONS? ______ HON. TOM McCLINTOCK of california in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mr. McCLINTOCK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to insert into the Record excerpts of remarks made at a symposium sponsored by Executive Action, LLC: ``Countering Iran's Nuclear & Terrorist Threats, The Opposition's Role: What Are the U.S. Policy Options?'' held at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel in Washington, DC on Friday, December 17, 2010. Michael Mukasey, former Attorney General of the United States This is one of those moments in history when we know that future generations are going to ask what we did to advance good and what we did to resist evil . . . . I'm a lawyer, and lawyers make their cases with facts and law and policy. So let's look at some facts, and some law, and some policy, and see whether the case is there. The history of the relationship between the United States and the Iranian regime since the 1979 revolution can be summed up as a series of attempts by the United States to, as the diplomats say, engage the Iranian regime, each attempt less successful than the one that preceded it. I'm not going to go through that entire history, but an important part of it begins in the 1990s, during the Clinton administration, when the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran, also known as the MEK, was designated by the Secretary of State under U.S. law as a foreign terrorist organization and that designation regrettably continues to this day . . . . The MEK is the only organization of Iranians, both inside Iran and outside Iran that opposes the current regime that favors a government in Iran that is democratic, secular, non- nuclear, and a republic. Again, this is not one of the few organizations that fit that description; it is the only one . . . . If in fact MEK has renounced violence, as it has; if in fact it presents no threat to any U.S. personnel or interest, in fact it presents no such threat; and if in fact it has been of affirmative assistance to the United States, as it has; and is not regarded as a terrorist organization in the United Kingdom or the European Union, then why was it placed on that list and why does it continue to remain on the list of such organizations that is kept by the Secretary of State? Well, I think, it's pretty openly acknowledged that the reason MEK was placed on that list during the Clinton administration was to curry favor with Iran, and to use the designation as a way of entering into dialogue with the Iranian regime. And I am sorry to say that even during the administration that I served in, it is reported that MEK continued to remain on the list for the same misguided reason . . . . The Iranian regime is now in the enviable position of having the United States designate as a terrorist organization a group of Iranians who are a threat to that regime, and of limiting that group's activities. In other words, the Iranians now have the great Satan working for them . . . . The continued designation of MEK as a terrorist organization gives great comfort and legitimacy to the Iranian regime, by putting on the sidelines an organization that is potentially a grave threat to the regime. What's to be done? Well as I'm sure many of you know there is an ongoing case in which MEK has challenged the designation. In July, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia circuit issued an opinion essentially sending the matter back to the State Department and to the Secretary of State and asking her to re-evaluate whether MEK should be on that list. But the court did something more than that. It expressed a good deal of skepticism at least about the non-classified information that was put before the court and shared with MEK, and which MEK could therefore rebut. Without getting into a whole lot of detail, the Secretary of State may choose to base her determination entirely on classified information if she wants, and then nobody knows why she made the decision, but she didn't do that in this case. She said she based her decision on both the classified information and the non-classified information and the court discussed in some detail some of the non-classified information, and it showed that a lot of it consisted of unsubstantiated, anonymous rumor, whose reliability was unknown and could not be tested. And all we can say is that if the classified part of the record, which MEK has not been allowed to see and to which it cannot therefore respond to directly, consists of the same kind of information as the non-classified part, then the Secretary of State's decision would be based on absolutely nothing substantial. Time will tell. But this is about more than a case in the District of Columbia and more than MEK. This is about the posture of the United States toward the Iranian regime . . . . When succeeding generations consider the question I presented at the beginning of these remarks, of what we did to advance what is good and to resist what is evil, they will find an answer that we and they can live with. ____ Tom Ridge, former Secretary of Homeland Security At one point in time, we talked about and we put the MEK on the terrorist list because we thought it might enhance and improve the dialogue, change the dialogue. There might be some noticeable improvement in our relationship with Iran and I think history concludes so far in the past several years since we put that organization, which by the way disarmed itself, consolidated itself and has been a source of some very important intelligence for this country's use and the rest of the world's knowledge. If the goal was to improve engagement and to solicit a different response from the Iranian government, that hasn't worked out very well either. So, you say to yourself at the end of the day, these efforts during the past several years have been fruitless, and some say through some organizations that are basically feckless, not terribly effective. What happens if they become even further emboldened by having nuclear capability? One, we know what it says about Iran--if you think that part of the world is unstable now, we can only imagine what the consequences will be then . . . . And you know what is probably even more alarming is that we're starting to see more and more analysts accept in their writings the notion of a nuclear Iran and how we would deal with it. Think about that, ten years ago we were worried and trying to figure out how we could make sure that didn't happen and now we have some pundits and some analysts in the international community saying, it's almost a fait accompli, ``now what are we going to do?'' Let's just pause for a moment and think what that means to the rest of the world vis-a-vis America. What does it say about our ability to influence geopolitical events? What does it say about how our allies and friends in that region look to us, and our ability to affect change that affects their lives and the security of that particular region. . . .? So how do we go forward? What do we do next? I think the Attorney General very clearly identified probably one of the most significant things we can do and that is delist as the UK has done, and the European Union has done, MEK. They did consolidate. They did disarm. They were a source of considerable intelligence for us, and if we are to look for peaceful means of encouraging a regime change, it seems to me that one of the first and most significant steps we could take, I guess it's under review right now by the State Department, but as you well know in January of this year I think the DC Circuit Court of Appeals said that, based on the information you presented in this court right now (and unfortunately you had to go to court, everybody goes to court in the United States, but to get them delisted from the State Department) the court said preliminarily, the information that you've at least shared with us in court today doesn't warrant them being listed as a terrorist organization. I think the consequences of that particular decision, the State Department as I understand it and perhaps others on this panel can give us a more enlightened and more recent point of view that they're actually honestly and actively considering that outcome. What's the benefit of that outcome? First of all it's the strongest possible signal that our approach toward Iran is changing. It's saying that 30 years of peaceful engagement hasn't been effective, and I think everybody around the world knows that. But I'm going to give you a different perspective if I might because I think it has as much to do as how we're viewed around the rest of the world and why I think we should do it as soon as possible. I've always thought that, if America was considered to be a product that we look to sell around the world then our brand is based on our value system. Think about that for a moment. For 200+ years, more recently we have tried to promote the notion of civil society, and civil institutions, and believing that in the heart of all men and women everywhere around the world there is a desire to be free, a desire to control your own destiny, to raise your own family, to share in hopefully, the opportunities that your society and your government would provide for you. In inheriting all of that, we have many of those discussions as it relates to how we are engaged in our effort against terrorism around the world. We challenge ourselves around Abu Ghraib, we challenge ourselves around Guantanamo, we challenge ourselves with regard to due process. We know what we stand for. It's part of the American brand. We are our strongest allies; we're also our strongest critics. We know what we believe in and when we seem to deviate, if some of us seem to think we deviate from that brand, we take a close look at ourselves in the mirror and ask ourselves ``What are we doing?'' Well, part of that American brand I think is being consistent with our values overseas as well. And when we see a repressive theocracy, day in and day out, imprisoning, torturing, executing men, women, entire families because they've been brave enough, courageous enough to stand in opposition to the theocracy. In their hearts, not [[Page E2243]] necessarily looking to the institutions of government like America but looking to the value system of freedom and liberty, speech, assembly, peaceful opposition. So I frankly think one of the most important things this country can do, and hope we will do it as soon as possible is to delist. Delist the People's Mujahedin of Iran. It's not a terrorist organization. And after that, be part of a sustained, public, rhetorical, and as well diplomatic embrace of our brand, with the hope of convincing the rest of the world that the loyal opposition, those pro-democracy warriors, individuals and families in Iran can at least look to the United States not with casual and occasional criticism of the Iranian government and how it treats its citizens, but a sustained clamor for change, aggressive diplomatic efforts to at least pull some of our friends and allies into the chorus of opposition to this regime. Time is running out. There aren't too many options left. ____ Frances Fragos Townsend, former advisor to President George W. Bush on Homeland Security Our policy goals in this country really must be a reflection of our values. It must be consistent and it must be fundamental to how we build a policy process. It struck me, when you go back and look at the current, when we heard Tom Ridge and others talk about the sanctions regime, we can debate its efficacy we can debate its impact, but the statement of the goal right now as we sit here today in Washington the goal of the sanctions, which have not been yet successful, is to get the regime to the bargaining table. Is that really all? To describe that is as humble and modest in terms of an objective, that's not enough. So, when you look at all the other things we've talked about just so far this morning that the MEK is still listed as an FTO all of that stems from ``what are you trying to achieve.'' If you're not clear, and you're not ambitious, and your goals don't represent your values, you are doomed to failure. . . . The FTO designations, as you can imagine during my time in the government (I was in the Justice Department for many years and then in the White House), monitoring the FTO process, the Foreign Terrorist Organizations designation process, working with the State Department was among my responsibilities. I must tell you that having traveled throughout the Middle East and around the world, talking to our allies, the FTO designation process (we should just be honest) is disrespected by our allies. It is ineffective. It is corrupted by politics, and I don't mean, ``corrupted'' in the criminal sense, but it has been pervaded by political debate, which is part and parcel of a foreign policy discussion when you're setting foreign policy goals. The fact that we permit domestic politics in foreign policy concerns to come into what is supposed to be an objective process, that is the designation of a foreign terrorist organization, undermines US credibility. . . . Not only, having disarmed, and renounced violence and assisted the United States, should the MEK come off the list, the US Congress should abolish the list because I frankly think in many respects because of how it's operated, it does more to undermine our credibility on these subjects. So, I would both take MEK off the list and I would ask Congress to abolish it. . . . The other thing that I would say and hasn't been spoken about, again I'm sensitive to this because of my responsibilities in the White House is, I frankly think, as part of the delisting process one of the things that would enable or open the potential for is permitting MEK leaders who are outside of Iran to get visas and come to the United States. That's an entirely, again, separate process. It would be treated separately. Delisting does not necessarily mean that those leaders would be able to apply and get such a visa that ought to be part of this process. Those people ought to be able to come here and speak about the atrocities, they ought to be able to speak about the human rights abuses and what's happening inside Iran to those advocates for democracy and freedom. And they ought to be able to be their own advocates. Right now, we are their advocates, but they are entitled to make their own case both before the American Congress and the American people, to raise money, to raise support, and to raise awareness. So, for me, it's: take them off the list, abolish the list and grant visas to expatriates and exiled MEK leaders so that they can come and make their own case. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2243-2,2010-12-22,111,2,,,"HONORING THE EXEMPLARY SERVICE OF SANCTUARY, INC.",HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,HONORING,E2243,E2243,"[{""name"": ""Madeleine Z. Bordallo"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2243,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2243] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HONORING THE EXEMPLARY SERVICE OF SANCTUARY, INC. ______ HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO of guam in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the exemplary service of Sanctuary, Inc., a community based non-profit organization that aims to improve the quality of life for Guam's families and youth. Through their 24-hour crisis intervention, Sanctuary promotes mediation services during times of family conflicts while also providing temporary safe refuge to youth in need of further supportive counseling. In addition, Sanctuary fosters the development of responsible community members and assists in preserving and promoting family unity through their outreach, education and prevention programs. Founded in 1971 by Father Robert Phelps and Mr. Luis Martinez, with the goal of creating a safe refuge for Guam's youth, Sanctuary originated in southern Guam, with seven families volunteering their time and homes to provide temporary housing to troubled youth who are not suitable for youth correctional facilities. Sanctuary has since relocated to central Guam and now provides shelter and services at three dedicated buildings: an emergency shelter, a transitional living program, and substance abuse program. They have made tremendous strides over the years and annually provide safe haven for over 300 youth and also provide assistance through outreach and prevention programs to over 3,000 troubled teens. These services and programs, such as alcohol and drug treatment programs, provide safe alternatives to detention or youth correctional facilities and are instrumental in helping troubled youth turn their lives around and contribute to society. It is on the occasion of Sanctuary's 39th anniversary that I join our community in commending their humanitarian services and outreach efforts in helping Guam's youth. I commend the efforts of Interim Executive Director, Millie Lujan; Staff members and Volunteers who have dedicated and contributed their time over the past 39 years and I look forward to many more years of continued service by Sanctuary Guam. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2243-3,2010-12-22,111,2,,,PERSONAL EXPLANATION,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,PERSONALEXPLAIN,E2243,E2243,"[{""name"": ""Barbara Lee"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HRES"", ""number"": ""1771""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""2142""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""2751""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""3082""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5116""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6540""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6547""}]",156 Cong. Rec. E2243,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2243] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. BARBARA LEE of california in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, I missed rollcall votes 657 through 663 on Tuesday, December 21st. Had I been present I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall vote 657 on H. Res 1771, rollcall 658 on H.R. 6540, rollcall 659 on agreeing to the Senate amendments to H.R. 5116, rollcall 660 on agreeing to the Senate amendments to H.R. 2142, rollcall 661 on agreeing to the Senate amendments to H.R. 2751, rollcall 662 on agreeing to the Senate amendments to H.R. 3082, and rollcall 663 on H.R. 6547. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2243-4,2010-12-22,111,2,,,BARBARA ROOSE-CRAMER,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2243,E2243,"[{""name"": ""Ed Perlmutter"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2243,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2243] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] BARBARA ROOSE-CRAMER ______ HON. ED PERLMUTTER of colorado in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and applaud Barbara Roose-Cramer for her outstanding service to our community. Barbara has been married 47 years, is the mother of three and grandmother of seven. She is an accomplished athlete, writer, motivational speaker and volunteer. Barbara has been the recipient of numerous awards including California's Outstanding Athlete and Most Inspirational Athlete, the YWCA's Most Courageous Athlete and a two time Olympic Gold Medalist. Since the onset of polio at age eight, Barbara has been in a wheelchair. In addition to her accomplishments as an athlete, Barbara has served on numerous committees for organizations dedicated to those with disabilities. She is currently writing for major publications on issues concerning those with disabilities. Being a sports enthusiast she has written a book about the history of the Denver Broncos and donated all the profits to a local wheelchair basketball team. I extend my deepest congratulations to Barbara Roose-Cramer for her well deserved recognition by the West Chamber serving Jefferson County. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all her future accomplishments. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2243-5,2010-12-22,111,2,,,PERSONAL EXPLANATION,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,PERSONALEXPLAIN,E2243,E2244,"[{""name"": ""Xavier Becerra"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2243,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E2243-E2244] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. XAVIER BECERRA of california in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mr. BECERRA. Madam Speaker, on December 17, 2010, I was unavoidably detained [[Page E2244]] and missed rollcall votes 651 and 654. If present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall votes 651 and 654. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2243,2010-12-22,111,2,,,PERSONAL EXPLANATION,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,PERSONALEXPLAIN,E2243,E2243,"[{""name"": ""Dean Heller"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2243,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2243] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. DEAN HELLER of nevada in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mr. HELLER. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 661, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2244-2,2010-12-22,111,2,,,IN HONOR OF SPEAKER NANCY PELOSI,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,HONORING,E2244,E2244,"[{""name"": ""Joe Baca"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2244,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2244] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] IN HONOR OF SPEAKER NANCY PELOSI ______ HON. JOE BACA of california in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I thank you for your service to our country, for your sacrifice and unyielding dedication. Because of your leadership, Democrats have much to be proud of during our work in the 110th and 111th Congress. As Speaker, you have made the United States a better country. Women have more rights in the workforce, children are safer, our military is stronger and our economy was saved from near complete collapse. Without you at the helm, healthcare for all would only be a dream. Because of your labor, it will be a reality. As the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House, you have left an indelible mark on our history. Your positive, supportive and empowering leadership will forever remind us of what it is to be an American. Your strength of leadership will continue to serve the American people well as we protect the victories we have secured, and renew our efforts to move America forward. Speaker, I remember the day of your swearing-in. All the children surrounding you as you pounded the gavel leading us on a new direction. You have made them proud. You have made us all proud. Thank you, Speaker Pelosi. Thank you. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2244-3,2010-12-22,111,2,,,RECOGNIZING MS. JENNIFER CRASE,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,RECOGNIZING,E2244,E2244,"[{""name"": ""Geoff Davis"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2244,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2244] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] RECOGNIZING MS. JENNIFER CRASE ______ HON. GEOFF DAVIS of kentucky in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Jennifer Crase, a mathematics teacher at South Oldham Middle School in the Fourth Congressional District of Kentucky. Ms. Crase has been an educator for more than thirteen years and has taught eighth grade mathematics in Crestwood, Kentucky for 6 years. In June 2010, Ms. Crase was nominated by President Barack Obama as a Presidential Awardee for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. In addition to being an outstanding teacher, she has worked at the State level to develop a standards-based report card for all Kentucky middle schools. Ms. Crase serves as a team leader, mentor, presenter and mathematics lead teacher for her school. Ms. Crase is a strong mentor and a reliable friend to her colleagues. She encourages collaboration and sets high goals for all students. Today, as we celebrate the accomplishments of this exceptional Kentuckian, it is my hope that others are encouraged by her hard work and determination. Madam Speaker, please join me in commending Jennifer Crase for her time and devotion in helping the youth of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the United States of America. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2244-4,2010-12-22,111,2,,,HONORING THE PUBLIC SERVICE AND EXTRAORDINARY CONTRIBUTIONS OF CHAIRMAN DAVID OBEY OF WISCONSIN,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,HONORING,E2244,E2244,"[{""name"": ""Betty McCollum"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2244,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2244] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HONORING THE PUBLIC SERVICE AND EXTRAORDINARY CONTRIBUTIONS OF CHAIRMAN DAVID OBEY OF WISCONSIN ______ HON. BETTY McCOLLUM of minnesota in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, with the conclusion of the 111th Congress, a career of extraordinary public service in the House of Representatives comes to an end. My colleague, friend and mentor-- Chairman David Obey--is concluding his career in Congress representing the families of northwestern Wisconsin that began in 1969. For twenty terms, David Obey has been a liberal champion and a fierce defender of workers and their families. He has been a passionate and effective legislator for right of all Americans to access quality health care and education. And, in the realm of U.S. foreign policy, Chairman Obey has a lifetime record of always striving to advance human dignity, peace, and the highest ideals of the American people around the world. It has been my privilege to serve in this House with Rep. Obey for the past ten years--one-quarter of his congressional career. For the past four years, I had the honor of serving on the House Appropriations Committee, calling the gentleman from Wisconsin ``Mr. Chairman.'' I have watched David Obey work--work hard, tirelessly, and with tremendous determination and intellect--to advance an agenda that makes the lives of regular Americans the highest priority of the federal government. Chairman Obey always fought for the less fortunate, the vulnerable, those struggling for an opportunity to succeed, and to ensure those who have made this country great with their toil and sacrifice in the factory, the farm field, or on the battlefield. He fought so they too could live and retire with security, respect, and dignity. It is often said that Mr. Obey was tough and rough on the outside, but I always found him to be a kind, warm soul who knew the importance and magnitude of his responsibilities and carried them out with the humble expertise of a legislative master. ``I started as a shy boy from a troubled family of modest means,'' Rep. Obey once said. Well, that shy boy has made a lifetime of contributions to our country that will be judged by history as both profound and far reaching. People who will never know David Obey are living better lives with more opportunities because of him. The State of Wisconsin and the United States are better places because of his years of service in the U.S. House. As a Wisconsin Progressive in the tradition of Robert LaFollette, Rep. Obey has never shied away from calling out injustice or just plain dumb policymaking. In his book, ``Raising Hell for Justice,'' he reminds citizens and policymakers that ``federal budgets that pay for tax cuts for millionaires with budget cuts in education, Medicaid, child care, and health care are not just unfair; they are immoral.'' This quote was again put to the test only last week as Chairman Obey voted against extending massive tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires. I was proud to join Chairman Obey in opposing this tax cut for the wealthy that only continues the disturbing pattern of income re-distribution away from working families and towards a class of economic elites. As the longest serving Member of Congress in Wisconsin history, I know David spent far too much time away from his wife, Joan, and their family. I wish David, Joan, and their sons' families many happy days together in the coming years. In conclusion, let me simply say--Mr. Chairman, you have served our country so very well. It is personally difficult to see you leave, but your lifetime of service will live on in the lives of millions of Americans whose lives you have helped to improve. As a colleague and a friend, you have made me a better legislator and for that I am grateful to you. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2244-5,2010-12-22,111,2,,,PERSONAL EXPLANATION,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,PERSONALEXPLAIN,E2244,E2245,"[{""name"": ""Luis V. Gutierrez"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2244,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E2244-E2245] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. LUIS V. GUTIERREZ of illinois in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mr. GUTIERREZ. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably absent for votes in the House [[Page E2245]] Chamber yesterday. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall votes 662 and 663. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2244,2010-12-22,111,2,,,PERSONAL EXPLANATION,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,PERSONALEXPLAIN,E2244,E2244,"[{""name"": ""Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""2142""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""2751""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""3082""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5116""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6547""}]",156 Cong. Rec. E2244,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2244] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS of washington in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 659 on, H.R. 5116 on Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment, America COMPETES Reauthorization Act, I am not recorded because I was absent because I gave birth to my baby daughter. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.'' Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 660 on H.R. 2142, on Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment, GPRA Modernization Act of 2010, I am not recorded because I was absent because I gave birth to my baby daughter. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.'' Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 661 on H.R. 2751, on Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment, FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, I am not recorded because I was absent because I gave birth to my baby daughter. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.'' Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 662 on H.R. 3082, on Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment to House Amendment to Senate Amendment, Making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes, I am not recorded because I was absent because I gave birth to my baby daughter. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.'' Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 663 on H.R. 6547, on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, Protecting Students from Sexual and Violent Predators Act, I am not recorded because I was absent because I give birth to my baby daughter. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2245-2,2010-12-22,111,2,,,HONORING INDIVIDUALS FOR THEIR WORK ON BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE OF THE FIRST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF OHIO,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,HONORING,E2245,E2245,"[{""name"": ""Steve Driehaus"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2245,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2245] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HONORING INDIVIDUALS FOR THEIR WORK ON BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE OF THE FIRST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF OHIO ______ HON. STEVE DRIEHAUS of ohio in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mr. DRIEHAUS. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize the following individuals for their work on behalf of the people of the first congressional district of the State of Ohio and for their dedicated service to the 111th United States Congress. I offer my sincerest appreciation to Alyson Budd, Jay Stolkin, Robert George, Danielle Vizgirda, Sean Kelley, Ozie Davis III, Steve Brinker, Victoria Parks, Mary Ellen Sullivan, Shannon Faulk, Alex Kisling, Colby Nelson, Morgana Carter, Sarah McHugh, Aaron Wasserman, Tim Mulvey, Heidi Black, Greg Mecher, and Sarah Curtis. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2245-3,2010-12-22,111,2,,,CONCLUSION OF MY SERVICE IN THE CONGRESS,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2245,E2245,"[{""name"": ""Earl Pomeroy"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2245,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2245] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] CONCLUSION OF MY SERVICE IN THE CONGRESS ______ HON. EARL POMEROY of north dakota in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mr. POMEROY. Madam Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to thank the people of North Dakota for the chance to represent our great state in this great chamber for the past 9 terms. Words cannot adequately express the feelings of gratitude I have as my time as a member of body draws to a close. At varying times I've agreed or disagreed with virtually every member--Democratic or Republican--in this House. Steering the course for the United States of America is a very difficult and complex undertaking. As our country moves into its third century in the first decade of the new millennium, it seems like the challenges only get bigger as we go forward. But I conclude my life here with a strong sense of hope and optimism for the future. The United States Capitol is the icon of democracy known throughout the world. In this historic place, sometimes in the darkest hour, leaders here assembled have set the course to see us through. If the American people exhibit the best aspects of their nature-- courage, compassion, strength, resolve, community--the leaders in the chamber will deliver accordingly. I will always treasure the time I had here. I won some, I lost some, but I tried my best to reflect the concerns of those I represented, as well as the genuine goodness of the folks who call North Dakota home. North Dakotans have selected a new Congressman, Representative-elect Rick Berg, and I wish him great success in delivering for our state. In conclusion, there is one group in particular I want to thank--all of those who have served on my staff now at the end or any time during these nine terms. Present and recent staff members include Bob Siggins, Melanie Rhinehart Van Tassel, Stacy Austad, Brenden Timpe, Adam Durand, Dustin Olson, Diane Oakley, Chris Cunningham, Matt Pearce, Hillary Price, David Grant, Annie Finkenbinder, Ross Keys, Joan Carlson, Dianne Mondry, Nick Keaveny, Geoff Greenwood, Bill Heigaard, and Erin Hill. They are extraordinarily talented and dedicated individuals, reflective of the wonderfully gifted staff members I have been privileged to work with for the 18 years of my service in the House. Now I look forward to more time with my wife, Mary, and my children, Kathryn and Scott, as this term ends and my membership in this body ceases. I thank my colleagues for their commitment to work so hard to serve their constituents and our country. I have been richly blessed to have had the chance to work with you in the people's House--the United States Congress. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2245-4,2010-12-22,111,2,,,PERSONAL EXPLANATION,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,PERSONALEXPLAIN,E2245,E2245,"[{""name"": ""Adam Smith"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""847""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HRES"", ""number"": ""1771""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""2142""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""2751""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""3082""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5116""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6540""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6547""}]",156 Cong. Rec. E2245,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2245] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. ADAM SMITH of washington in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, on Tuesday, December 21 and Wednesday, December 22, 2010, I was unable to be present for recorded votes. Had I been present, I would have voted: ``yes'' on rollcall vote No. 657 (on agreeing to the resolution H. Res. 1771); ``yes'' on rollcall vote No. 658 (on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 6540); ``yes'' on rollcall vote No. 659 (on the motion to concur in the Senate amendment to H.R. 5116); ``yes'' on rollcall vote No. 660 (on the motion to concur in the Senate amendment to H.R. 2142); ``yes'' on rollcall vote No. 661 (on the motion to concur in the Senate amendments to H.R. 2751); ``yes'' on rollcall vote No. 662 (on the motion to concur in the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 3082); ``yes'' on rollcall vote No. 663 (on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 6547); and ``yes'' on rollcall vote No. 664 (on the motion to concur in the Senate amendment to H.R. 847). ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2245-5,2010-12-22,111,2,,,S. 3481--A BILL TO AMEND THE FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ACT,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2245,E2246,"[{""name"": ""Eleanor Holmes Norton"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3481""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3481""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5724""}]",156 Cong. Rec. E2245,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E2245-E2246] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] S. 3481--A BILL TO AMEND THE FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ACT ______ HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON of the district of columbia in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S. 3481 to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, which clarifies that the Federal Government, like private citizens and businesses, must take responsibility for the pollution it produces. This bill is the Senate companion to my bill, H.R. 5724, cosponsored by my good friends from Virginia and Arizona, Rep. Jim Moran and Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. The bill passed the Senate with strong bipartisan support because the Senate understood that this is simply an issue of fairness and equity to users and a matter of managing pollution and protecting the environment, In fact, this bill simply clarifies current law, that the Federal Government has a responsibility to pay its normal and customary fees assessed by local governments for managing polluted stormwater runoff from federal properties, just as private citizens pay. The consequence of failing to pass this bill is that we give the Federal Government a free ride and pass its fees on to our constituents throughout the United States. Section 313 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act states, ``Each department, agency, or instrumentality . . . of the Federal Government . . . shall be subject to, and comply with all Federal, State, interstate, and local requirements . . . in the same manner, and to the same extent as any nongovernmental entity including the payment of reasonable service charges.'' However, the Government Accountability Office issued letters to Federal agencies in the District of Columbia instructing them not to pay the District of Columbia's Water and Sewer Authority's (D.C. Water's) Impervious Area Charge. D.C. Water calculates the charges to manage stormwater runoff based on the amount of impervious land occupied by the landowner. Impervious surfaces, such as roofs, parking lots, sidewalks and other hardened surfaces are the major contributors to stormwater runoff entering the sewer system and local rivers, lakes and streams, causing significant amounts of pollutants to enter these waters. This bill clarifies that in my district and all others congressional districts, Federal agencies must continue to pay their utility fees instead of passing the fees to our constituents. Nothing in this Act was intended to affect the payment by the United States or any department, independent establishment, or agency thereof of any sanitary sewer services furnished by the sanitary sewage works of the District through any connection thereto for direct use by the government of the United States or any department, independent establishment, or agency thereof. The rules for those payments are set forth in law codified at section 34-2112 of the D.C. Code and nothing in this Act amends or otherwise affects those rules. This bill requires that Congress make available, in appropriations acts, the funds that could be used for to pay stormwater management charges, but not that the appropriations act would need to state specifically or expressly that the funds could be used to pay these charges. [[Page E2246]] This bill is supported by the National Governors Association, the National Conference of State Legislatures, the Council of State Governments, the National Association of Counties, the National League of Cities, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the International City/County Management Associations, as well as the National Association of Clean Water Agencies. All of these national groups understand that stormwater management fees, without any exceptions, are necessary for managing and reducing water pollution caused by stormwater runoff. Moreover, they understand that many agencies in States and localities may stop paying their water and stormwater management fees if we do not act, putting even more financial burden on residents. Federal law has mandated that these local governments must collect these fees. No exemption has been granted to Federal facilities. Please support S. 3481 to clarify the original intent of the law. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2245,2010-12-22,111,2,,,PERSONAL EXPLANATION,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,PERSONALEXPLAIN,E2245,E2245,"[{""name"": ""Mary Jo Kilroy"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2245,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2245] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. MARY JO KILROY of ohio in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Ms. KILROY. Madam Speaker, on the legislative day of Tuesday, December 21, 2010, I cast a vote but it apparently was not recorded on rollcall vote 661. As a co-sponsor of this legislation, had my vote been properly recorded I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote 661. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2246-2,2010-12-22,111,2,,,PERSONAL EXPLANATION,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,PERSONALEXPLAIN,E2246,E2246,"[{""name"": ""Dean Heller"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2246,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2246] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. DEAN HELLER of nevada in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mr. HELLER. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 662 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2246-3,2010-12-22,111,2,,,"CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS AND SURFACE TRANSPORTATION EXTENSIONS ACT, 2011",HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2246,E2246,"[{""name"": ""Pedro R. Pierluisi"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2246,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2246] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS AND SURFACE TRANSPORTATION EXTENSIONS ACT, 2011 ______ speech of HON. PEDRO R. PIERLUISI of puerto rico in the house of representatives Tuesday, December 21, 2010 Mr. PIERLUISI. Madam Speaker, I rise to express my strong support for the inclusion of increased funding for the Federal Pell Grant Program in the Continuing Resolution. Pell Grants are instrumental in helping students obtain college degrees and further prepare themselves to join the modern workplace. In Puerto Rico, over 280,000 students benefit from this funding each year. Last year, I was proud to join my colleagues on the House Education Committee in voting to increase the maximum Pell Grant award to $5,550 for the current academic year and to tie future awards to inflation. However, this increased funding will be put in jeopardy if Congress does not act today. Largely as a result of the economic downturn, Pell Grant applications have increased by 20 percent during the past year. Without an additional investment in the Pell Grant Program, the maximum award could be cut by more than 15 percent, putting college out of reach for many students. I urge my colleagues to support the Continuing Resolution to ensure that college remains affordable for our Nation's students. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2246-4,2010-12-22,111,2,,,POST-9/11 VETERANS EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE IMPROVEMENTS ACT OF 2010,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2246,E2247,"[{""name"": ""Timothy H. Bishop"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3447""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6430""}]",156 Cong. Rec. E2246,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E2246-E2247] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] POST-9/11 VETERANS EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE IMPROVEMENTS ACT OF 2010 ______ speech of HON. TIMOTHY H. BISHOP of new york in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 15, 2010 Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 3447, the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010. The original GI Bill proved to be a landmark initiative for our troops and an outstanding investment in the future of our Nation. The Post-9/11 GI Bill, signed into law in 2008, built on the success of the original program by providing helpful and hard-earned educational and economic benefits for our newest generation of veterans. Although today's legislation seeks to make it easier for veterans to utilize their educational benefits, some of the changes will have detrimental consequences. Just as the veterans of WWII were the engine of economic recovery and expansion in the post-war period, the most recent generation of veterans will continue their service to America by reaching their full educational and economic potential through the Post-9/11 GI Bill. While I support this bill and urge my colleagues to vote for it, there are some provisions in the legislation that I believe deserve additional consideration. Although I support setting a national average tuition rate for benefits, I am concerned that students in states like New York will be negatively impacted by the $17,500 baseline. This legislation will reduce benefits for students in New York already enrolled in programs where the cost is above the baseline. Students based decisions about which institution of higher education to attend partly on a benefit level guaranteed in the 2008 law. A ``hold harmless'' provision would have allowed these students to continue to receive the same level benefits for which they are entitled. Under current law, state approving agencies, SAAs, are charged with approving programs and schools that are deemed appropriate for vets using the GI Bill. S. 3447 permits the Veterans Administration, VA, to make this determination and I am concerned that this responsibility should remain within SAA's jurisdiction, as they have been the experts in protecting veterans from fraudulent programs. The bill goes further by permitting veterans to use their GI benefits at schools without any approval by SAAs or the VA. In my view this is unwise. This legislation permits the VA to expand GI benefits to trade schools, unaccredited colleges, and programs that lead to no degree or certificate. While I understand that many veterans choose not to take a more traditional path and attend an institution of higher education, I am deeply concerned that taxpayer dollars will go to programs that will not lead to gainful employment. I am also concerned that this bill includes a so-called ``last- payer'' provision. The last payer provision withholds the student's GI Bill benefit until a calculation is made of any state and private tuition aid, for which a veteran may be eligible. In some cases, this would cause a delay in GI benefits and lead to needless confusion. As a former college administrator, I am very pleased to see so many veterans returning home and choosing to seek further education. However, I am deeply concerned with a growing number of reports that some institutions may be abusing GI tuition payments by aggressively targeting veterans for academic programs that may not provide an actual benefit to a student, such as preparation for future employment. Mr. Speaker, it is my hope that in the 112th Congress we can achieve bipartisan solutions to these issues to protect both taxpayers and distinguished veterans. The Post-9/11 GI Bill is a small token of our appreciation for their valor and service to our Nation. I would like to submit for the Record a letter signed by various higher education groups that outlines the community's concerns with this legislation. American Council on Education, Washington, DC, December 14, 2010. House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Representative: On behalf of the American Council on Education and the organizations listed below, we write to express our hope that before adjournment, the 111th Congress will approve a final version of the [[Page E2247]] Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvement Act of 2010 that addresses the concerns outlined below. Both the House version (H.R. 6430) and the Senate version (S. 3447) make welcome improvements to current law, such as expanding the benefits to troops serving in the Active Guard Reserve and to National Guard members who have honorably served their country on active duty, including at the sites of natural disasters. The bills also replace the complex state-by-state tuition and fee cap look-up chart with language that specifies that GI Bill benefits cover tuition and fees for veterans attending public institutions while establishing a single national tuition baseline for those who enroll in private institutions. However, we believe that the House version is preferable in two very critical respects. First, S. 3447 contains a provision that would add a new source of confusion for veterans and prevent them from having a clear idea of the level of support to which they are entitled. This so-called ``last-payer'' provision, which withholds the GI Bill benefit until a calculation is made of any state and private tuition aid for which a veteran may be eligible, would not only confound veterans and delay the delivery of aid, but in some cases would conflict with state statutes. In contrast, H.R. 6430 does not include such a provision and will help end the frustration and confusion that far too many veterans have experienced in attempting to access their benefits. Second, H.R. 6430 includes an important ``hold harmless'' provision, designed to protect veterans who might otherwise be negatively impacted by the establishment of a national baseline. In several states, veterans attending private institutions currently receive a base benefit that is greater than the new national baseline amount provided in either version of the legislation. By failing to include this ``hold harmless'' language, the Senate bill would reduce benefits for a number of veterans upon enrollment for a subsequent term. In contrast, the House bill would help ensure that veterans continue to receive their current benefits without interruption. As this legislation nears passage, we strongly urge you to modify S. 3447 so that it reflects the approach taken by the House bill on these two important issues. Our campuses have worked very hard to smooth out the difficulties that veterans have faced under current law, and these improvements will enable them to serve veterans even more effectively. Thank you for all of your work on behalf of the nation's veterans. Sincerely, Molly Corbett Broad, President. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2246,2010-12-22,111,2,,,PERSONAL EXPLANATION,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,PERSONALEXPLAIN,E2246,E2246,"[{""name"": ""Danny K. Davis"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""847""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HRES"", ""number"": ""1771""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""2142""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""2751""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""3082""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5116""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6540""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6547""}]",156 Cong. Rec. E2246,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2246] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. DANNY K. DAVIS of illinois in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I was unable to cast votes on the following legislative measures. If I were present for roll call votes, I would have voted ``aye'' for each of the following votes: Roll 657, December 21, 2010: On Agreeing to the Resolution: H. Res. 1771, Waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules, and providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules. Roll 658, December 21, 2010: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass: H.R. 6540, Defense Level Playing Field Act. Roll 659, December 21, 2010: On Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment: H.R. 5116, America COMPETES Reauthorization Act. Roll 660, December 21, 2010: On Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment: H.R. 2142, GPRA Modernization Act of 2010. Roll 661, December 21, 2010: On Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendments: H.R. 2751, FDA Food Safety Modernization Act. Roll 662, December 21, 2010: On Motion to Concur in the Senate amendment to House amendment to Senate amendment: H.R. 3082, Making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes. Roll 663, December 21, 2010: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass: H.R. 6547, Protecting Students from Sexual and Violent Predators Act. Roll 664, December 21, 2010: On Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment: H.R. 847, James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2247-2,2010-12-22,111,2,,,PERSONAL EXPLANATION,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,PERSONALEXPLAIN,E2247,E2247,"[{""name"": ""Dean Heller"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2247,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2247] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. DEAN HELLER of nevada in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mr. HELLER. Madam Speaker, on roll call No. 663, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.'' ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2247-3,2010-12-22,111,2,,,PERSONAL EXPLANATION,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,PERSONALEXPLAIN,E2247,E2247,"[{""name"": ""Earl Blumenauer"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""847""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""3082""}]",156 Cong. Rec. E2247,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2247] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. EARL BLUMENAUER of oregon in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker, due to an illness, I was unable to be in Washington, DC, for votes on December 21, 2010 and December 22, 2010. Had I been present for the votes on Tuesday, December 21, 2010, I would have voted as follows: Rollcall vote No. 662: I would have voted in favor of the Motion to Concur in the Senate amendment to House amendment to Senate amendment on H.R. 3082, the Continuing Appropriations Act for 2011. Had I been present for the votes on Wednesday, December 22, I would have voted as follows: Rollcall vote No. 663: I would have voted in favor of the Motion to Concur in the Senate amendment to H.R. 847, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2247-4,2010-12-22,111,2,,,TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL ALPHONSE R. TELESE JR. AND SPECIALIST JIM BATCHELOR,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,TRIBUTETO,E2247,E2247,"[{""name"": ""Ralph M. Hall"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2247,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2247] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL ALPHONSE R. TELESE JR. AND SPECIALIST JIM BATCHELOR ______ HON. RALPH M. HALL of texas in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mr. HALL of Texas. Madam Speaker, as we approach the close of the 111th Congress, it is important to remember our men and women in uniform around the world. These brave men and women sacrifice every day to ensure that United States citizens enjoy the freedom that we all cherish. We pay tribute as well to our wounded warriors and wish them a safe and happy holiday season. One such hero is retired specialist Jim Batchelor who has served his country proudly for over three and a half years. During his tenure in the Army he has earned numerous awards and decorations, including the Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, expert badges in driving and marksmanship, good conduct medals, and Army Commendation medals. Not allowing his military injury to slow him down, he has finished his degree in criminal justice and is now pursuing a master in psychology to help his fellow soldiers returning from the war. He and his wife, Antoinette, live in Cooper Texas, and are expecting the birth of their first child. Another hero who deserves tribute is retired Lieutenant Colonel Alphonse R. Telese Jr. Mr. Telese served in the U.S. Army for over 32 years before retiring in August of 2008. It was during his tour of duty in Iraq that he was permanently injured during a mortar attack. He has received numerous awards and decorations throughout his distinguished career. These include the Legion of Merit award, National Defense Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, to name a few. Today, he and his wife Tierney reside in Frisco, Texas. Since his retirement, LTC Telese continues to support the military, volunteering his time and talents to the Dallas Summer Boat Show Tournament of Heroes Invitation Bass Fishing Tournament which provides a much deserved break for our military heroes. As we adjourn today, let us do so in memory and in honor of those who answer the call to duty and to whom we owe a debt of gratitude that can never be paid. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2247-5,2010-12-22,111,2,,,PERSONAL EXPLANATION,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,PERSONALEXPLAIN,E2247,E2248,"[{""name"": ""Erik Paulsen"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HRES"", ""number"": ""1771""}]",156 Cong. Rec. E2247,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E2247-E2248] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. ERIK PAULSEN of minnesota in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mr. PAULSEN. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 657, (H. Res. 1771), my flight was delayed due to weather and had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' [[Page E2248]] ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2247,2010-12-22,111,2,,,DOMESTIC MINOR SEX TRAFFICKING DETERRENCE AND VICTIMS SUPPORT ACT OF 2010,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2247,E2247,"[{""name"": ""Lucille Roybal-Allard"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""2925""}]",156 Cong. Rec. E2247,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2247] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] DOMESTIC MINOR SEX TRAFFICKING DETERRENCE AND VICTIMS SUPPORT ACT OF 2010 ______ speech of HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD of california in the house of representatives Tuesday, December 21, 2010 Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S. 2925, the Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking Deterrence and Victims Support Act. It is fitting that as one of the last acts of this Congress which has done so much to aid the most vulnerable in our society, we are considering legislation that would protect children from sex traffickers. Tragically, this heinous crime is becoming more common with as many as 100,000 young people trafficked every year within our borders. To address this heartbreaking trend, the legislation before us authorizes a comprehensive grant program to identify and assist victims and strengthens the National Crime Information Center, NCIC, database that enables law enforcement officials to track missing and exploited children. These commonsense steps will make a real difference in the lives of thousands of kids who have experienced unimaginable ordeals. S. 2925 mirrors House legislation authored by my colleagues Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney and Congressman Chris Smith. I applaud their hard work on behalf of these forgotten young people and commend them for their leadership in devising smart solutions to fight the scourge of child prostitution in America. The Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking Deterrence and Victims Support Act will significantly augment our efforts to help children traumatized by the worst kind of criminal act and I urge its swift passage. In an era characterized by bitter partisanship, it is exceedingly gratifying for me that members of this body can still reach across the aisle and stand together in defense of children caught in perilous circumstances. It is my sincere hope that next year we can come together in the same spirit of bipartisanship to help young people apprehended along our southern border. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2248-2,2010-12-22,111,2,,,PERSONAL EXPLANATION,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,PERSONALEXPLAIN,E2248,E2248,"[{""name"": ""Ruben Hinojosa"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2248,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2248] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. RUBEN HINOJOSA of texas in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mr. HINOJOSA. Madam Speaker, I regret that I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall No. 660 and 661. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2248-3,2010-12-22,111,2,,,REFLECTIONS,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2248,E2249,"[{""name"": ""John M. Spratt, Jr."", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2248,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E2248-E2249] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] REFLECTIONS ______ HON. JOHN M. SPRATT, JR. of south carolina in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mr. SPRATT. Madam Speaker, when I was elected to Congress 28 years ago, it was the fulfillment of a life-long ambition. But I had never served in elective office before, and frankly, I wondered how well it would wear--all the back-slapping and glad-handing and garrulous talk. My first revelation was to find that this House is not made up of back-slappers and glad-handlers. It is made up of members who work hard to get here, many out of patriotic purpose, hoping that they in their time can contribute something worthy of this great country. Most of the members are extroverted and energetic, and have to be, to get elected every two years. At Davidson College, my alma mater; at Oxford on scholarship; at Yale Law; in the Pentagon as a young analyst, and as a practicing lawyer, I made many good friends, but few as good as the friends I have made here. Of all the things I will miss, I will miss most the fellowship and camaraderie. I first experienced Congress as a young Army officer in the Pentagon, working for the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) on defense contractors in financial distress, mainly Lockheed Aircraft Corporation. As staff at the Department of Defense, we did a lot of work that I thought staff at Congress should be doing, particularly if Congress hoped to be a co-equal branch. The greatest difference between Congress then, from '69 through '71, and Congress 12 years later, when I came here in 1983 as an elected member, was staff. Committee staff and members' staff both had grown greatly, in quality and quantity. As a result, today's Congress is better staffed and equipped, more effective and independent, and a lot closer to being co-equal. I have had the good fortune of working with talented staff in my office and on the committees where I have served; and as I leave, I thank them all, because anything I have done of significance, I did with their good help. My first quest in Congress was to get a good committee assignment. After two days of bidding, I had struck at every option and never scored a hit. I was at a loss for where to go when Tony Coelho sought me out and offered me a seat on the House Armed Services Committee. The HASC dove-tailed nicely with my district because the Fifth District includes Shaw Air Force Base. But as important as Shaw is, I learned that other members had defense interests far larger than mine. Since I was not carrying water for a large defense constituency, I had the independence to take on troubled systems, like the DIVAD, the Division Air Defense gun, which my amendment effectively killed; or the MX , which I voted to stop at 50 missiles, or binary chemical weapons, which my amendments helped side-track and eventually derail. In selecting members for every committee, the leadership tries to match the member's interests at home with his committee in the House. That's natural and to be expected, but we should also select members for ballast--members free to act, ask hard questions, and offer amendments. At the time I took my seat on Armed Services, the nation was engaged in the biggest defense build-up in our peace-time history, and the committee chairman presiding over this build-up was well past his prime. Elderly and weak, he could barely be heard over the din of noise in the committee room. When Les Aspin let it be known that he was going to run for the chair, and leap-frog six senior members, I was among the first to offer support. We prevailed, and over the next five years, Aspin allowed me to set up and chair two panels, the first on Reagan's Strategic Defense Initiative, and the second, on the nuclear weapons complex. Though both were important, neither was receiving the attention it deserved by the committee or any of its subcommittees, due to other issues or a lack of interest in these. Because of our oversight, we were able to pare back the SDI budget; shift funds from strategic missile defense to theater missile defense, and wipe out a few far-fetched systems altogether. For example, my amendment deleted funding for the space-based interceptor. In the press release accompanying passage of the defense bill, the headline read: ``House Takes the Star out of Star Wars.'' President Reagan did not find it amusing; he vetoed the defense bill, but after many years and billions of dollars, our cuts have stood the test of time. After two years, we had to return SDI to the Research and Development Subcommittee, so we set up a new panel dealing with nuclear facilities. The Cold War had enabled our nuclear complex to put off environmental and safety issues. To deal with these problems, we shifted nearly a billion dollars from Defense to Energy, and saved over a billion dollars by stopping the Special Isotope Separator, a laser-driven process to produce plutonium, even though the Secretary of Energy acknowledged we were ``awash in plutonium.'' We scored a number of such successes, but the most satisfying took place largely off stage where we made the case for a moratorium on nuclear testing. We first helped Representative. Kopetski draft a bill calling for an immediate cessation of testing, and we then drafted an alternative that we thought the Senate would pass allowing for a few final tests before declaring a moratorium. We proposed the alternative to Senators Exon and Hatfield, who took up its support and moved it to passage through the Energy and Water Appropriations bill. This saved the moratorium from being vetoed because the super-collider was also in this bill, and President Bush wanted it to be funded. Another satisfying measure: my substitute to the war powers resolution authorizing President Bush to use force against Iraq. This substitute authorized the force needed to search for weapons of mass destruction, but before going further, it called on the president to seek the sanction of the U.N. Security Council, as his father had done, and to come back to Congress with the case for a broader use of force, which would be received with a fast-track guaranty, an up-or-down vote in the House and Senate. My substitute did not prevail, but it drew 157 votes, and gave many members a position they could uphold. I made my mark in the House on defense, but during most of my 28 years, my greatest concern was the budget and chronic deficits. In 1997, I was elected by the Democratic Caucus as ranking member of the Budget Committee. I ran against opposition and told the caucus that if I was elected, we would ``finish the job'' of balancing the budget that began with President Clinton's first budget. About the same time, Erskine Bowles returned to Washington to be the President's Chief of Staff, and when he paid me a courtesy call, he told me that he had the same understanding with the President. With the President's encouragement, the four budget principals in the House and Senate began meeting, and by May 1997 we had hammered out a balanced budget agreement which worked. By 1998, the budget was in balance for the first time in 30 years. President Bush took office with an advantage few presidents have enjoyed, a budget in balance, in the black by $236 billion the year before. I was invited to Austin, Texas with 12 other members to discuss defense issues with the incoming president. I used my time to encourage President Bush to apply the surplus in Social Security to buy outstanding Treasury debt, and reduce Treasury debt held by the public. This would increase net national saving, lower public debt, and be a long step toward making Social Security solvent. The president-elect professed interest but not for long, and by 2004, the deficit was over $400 billion. President George W. Bush was greeted as he took office by a surplus of $200 billion. When he left office in 2009, the surplus was gone, and the deficit projected for that fiscal year was $1.2 trillion. As I leave Congress, the deficit is hovering around a trillion dollars and while improving, current deficits exceed the deficits of the mid-1990s by every measure. But the process of resolving both is basically the same: everything must be on the table and everyone must be at the table. As the menu for such a meeting, the President's Fiscal Commission has submitted a plate full of recommendations. I served on the commission and voted for the report, even though I do not support all of its proposals. I cast an ``aye'' because our country is in desperate need of a plan for balancing the budget and making Social Security and Medicare solvent. These will not be popular--far from it--but as they shore up our economy, they will prove their worth and raise the standing of Congress in the eyes of our countrymen. I am [[Page E2249]] sorry that I will not be here to lend my support, but as a parting gesture, I urge the House to go for it. I will remember with pride my 28 years in the House of Representatives and our positive accomplishments over that time. I am told that only 500 members have served in the House for as long as 28 years. I thank my constituents for that opportunity, and hope that history will show that I used it to make this a better country in ways that stood the test of time. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2248,2010-12-22,111,2,,,PERSONAL EXPLANATION,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,PERSONALEXPLAIN,E2248,E2248,"[{""name"": ""Dean Heller"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2248,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2248] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. DEAN HELLER of nevada in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mr. HELLER. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 657, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2249-2,2010-12-22,111,2,,,HONORING JOHN SHADEGG,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,HONORING,E2249,E2249,"[{""name"": ""Jeff Flake"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2249,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2249] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HONORING JOHN SHADEGG ______ HON. JEFF FLAKE of arizona in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mr. FLAKE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a valued member of the Arizona delegation, John Shadegg. John Shadegg is ending his service to this institution after 16 years. He came here in 1994 and has served the State of Arizona extremely well during that time. During his time here, John promoted the principles of limited government, economic freedom, and individual responsibility, and has stayed true to his ideals while proudly serving the people of Arizona's Third District. Arizona has a habit of producing great legislators, including Barry Goldwater, Mo Udall, Carl Hayden, and others; John Shadegg's name will certainly be added to that illustrious list. I want to pay tribute to John today and tell him how much the Arizona delegation, and all of us will miss his steady, constant, principled leadership here in the House of Representatives. Well done, John Shadegg. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2249-3,2010-12-22,111,2,,,HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF PFC JAYSINE P.S. PETREE,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,HONORING,E2249,E2249,"[{""name"": ""Madeleine Z. Bordallo"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2249,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2249] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF PFC JAYSINE P.S. PETREE ______ HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO of guam in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the service and sacrifice of United States Army Private First Class Jaysine P.S. Petree. PFC Petree was assigned to the 109th Transportation Company, 17th Combat Sustainment Battalion, 3rd Maneuver Enhancement Brigade at Fort Richardson, Alaska. On September 24, 2010, PFC Petree passed away in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. She was 19 years old. Known by her friends as ``Jen'', PFC Petree was born in the Philippines and moved to Guam in 2002. PFC Petree attended Simon Sanchez High School in Yigo, Guam, where she excelled in both academics and interscholastic sports. Shortly after her graduation in 2009, PFC Petree enlisted in the U.S. Army, and on September 24, 2010, she made the ultimate sacrifice while defending our Nation's freedom in support of combat operations in Afghanistan. I join our community in mourning the loss of PFC Petree and I offer my most sincere condolences to her parents, Herbert and Jayne Sucgang Petree, and to her many family and friends. We are eternally grateful for her service and will never forget the sacrifices of PFC Petree. May God bless the family and friends of PFC Jaysine P.S. Petree, God bless Guam, and God bless the United States of America. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2249-4,2010-12-22,111,2,,,PERSONAL EXPLANATION,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,PERSONALEXPLAIN,E2249,E2249,"[{""name"": ""Dean Heller"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2249,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2249] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. DEAN HELLER of nevada in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mr. HELLER. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 664 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2249-5,2010-12-22,111,2,,,A ONE-OF-A-KIND-MINNESOTAN: WIN WALLIN,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2249,E2249,"[{""name"": ""Erik Paulsen"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2249,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2249] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] A ONE-OF-A-KIND-MINNESOTAN: WIN WALLIN ______ HON. ERIK PAULSEN of minnesota in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mr. PAULSEN. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of Winston ``Win'' Wallin: businessman, philanthropist, pioneer and one-of-a-kind Minnesotan. Born in Minneapolis in 1926, Win, like so many in his generation, served in the military during World War II. After two years as a Navy pilot, he earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Minnesota. Following graduation, Win began a long and industrious career with Pillsbury, rising through the ranks to Chief Operations Officer. In the mid-80's, Win left Pillsbury to head a little-known, struggling medical device company based in Minnesota, named Medtronic. Win's leadership and determination, changed the face of Medtronic. Today it is the world's largest medical device company. Although Win brought great success to the companies he led, his life cannot simply be measured in their bottom lines, but rather in the countless lives he touched through his philanthropic endeavors. Win was a true believer in empowerment through higher education. Since 1986, Win and his wife Maxine have helped over 3,000 high school students make the dream of a college education a reality through their Wallin Scholarship. While Minnesota will never be able to replace Win, his legacy lives on through the lives he has touched and the state he has made better through his presence. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2249-6,2010-12-22,111,2,,,CONGRATULATING THE FERGUSON FAMILY,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,CONGRATULATIONS,E2249,E2249,"[{""name"": ""Joe Wilson"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2249,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2249] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] CONGRATULATING THE FERGUSON FAMILY ______ HON. JOE WILSON of south carolina in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, congratulations to our former Colleague from New Jersey, Mike Ferguson, and his wife Maureen Ferguson on the birth of their new daughter Lucy Therese Ferguson. Lucy was born on Wednesday, December 15, 2010, at Sibley Hospital in Washington, DC. Lucy Therese Ferguson is eight pounds and two ounces of pride and joy to her loving grandparents, Patrick and Esther Malloy of West Swanzey, New Hampshire, and Tom Ferguson of Wellington, Florida. I am so excited for this new blessing to the Ferguson family and wish them all the best. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2249-7,2010-12-22,111,2,,,POSTHUMOUS TRIBUTE TO SERGEANT WILLIE JAMES QUINCE,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,TRIBUTETO,E2249,E2250,"[{""name"": ""Bill Pascrell, Jr."", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2249,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E2249-E2250] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] POSTHUMOUS TRIBUTE TO SERGEANT WILLIE JAMES QUINCE ______ HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR. of new jersey in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I would like to call your attention to the life and work of an outstanding individual, the late Sergeant Willie James Quince of Paterson, New Jersey, whose life was celebrated during a memorial service on Monday, November 29, 2010, at the First A.M.E. Zion Church. It is only fitting that he be honored in this, the permanent record of the greatest democracy ever known, for he served countless others throughout his lifetime. Sergeant Willie James Quince was born in Valdosta, Georgia in 1921 to Mr. Remer Quince and Helen Braswell. His family moved to West Palm Beach, Florida, where he finished elementary school and graduated from Industrial High School. He went on to courses at Purple Kerpels School of Mechanical Dentistry in New York City, NY. He then studied 4 years at the Jones Barber School in Atlantic City, NJ, and the Interracial Barber College in Atlantic City, NJ, graduating in 3 years. After graduation, he moved to Paterson, N.J. in January 1958 and opened Quince's Barber Shop. He was married to Mary M. Quince for 61 years, and together they raised five children, [[Page E2250]] Wiley ``Sonny'' Quince, William A. Quince (Linda), Madgeline Z. Quince, Sylvia A. Lucas, and Kelvin C. Quince (Cora); and also now have 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Mr. Quince was a faithful husband, dedicated father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and a committed community servant. He earned many accolades and had a long record of accomplishment as a forerunner for civil rights and a leader throughout Paterson. He was a long-time member of First A.M.E. Zion Church, where he was elected Man Of The Year multiple times, served on the Board of Trustees for 31 years and served as Chairman for 15 years. He also served on the Stewart Board, Usher Board, The Dreamers, The Kitchen Cabinet, and The Zion Seniors. He served our nation as a Drill Sergeant during World War II Army Air Force and received the Medal of Good Conduct, WWII Victory Medal and ATO Medal. He was an Honored Life Member of the NAACP Paterson Branch, a member of the Habitat for Humanity Paterson Chapter Tenants Selection Committee for Home Ownership. He was the first African-American elected chairman of the Paterson Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, and he served as Project Housing Manager of Christopher Columbus Housing Development and as Manager of the Riverside Terrace Housing Development. He also served as Paterson's Fourth Ward Leader of the Passaic County Democratic Party for many years. He was known for his superb social mannerisms and good conversation. The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is rewarding, yet nothing compares to recognizing the lifetime achievement of a giving person such as Sergeant Willie James Quince. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, Willie's family and friends, and me in recognizing the late Sergeant Willie James Quince's outstanding life of service to his community. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2249,2010-12-22,111,2,,,FDA FOOD SAFETY MODERNIZATION ACT,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2249,E2249,"[{""name"": ""Danny K. Davis"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""2751""}]",156 Cong. Rec. E2249,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2249] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] FDA FOOD SAFETY MODERNIZATION ACT ______ speech of HON. DANNY K. DAVIS of illinois in the house of representatives Tuesday, December 21, 2010 Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2751, the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act of 2010, a bill that would overhaul our Nation's food safety system by fundamentally changing the way we protect the safety of our food supply. The focus of this legislative measure is to prevent contamination of food before it occurs, which is a departure from the current system today that responds after a food-borne illness outbreak. Specifically, it requires food producers to come up with strategies to prevent contamination and then continually test to make sure these strategies are working. In addition, H.R. 2751 would allow the FDA to increase the number of inspections to conduct, and requires foreign importers to ensure their food products meet U.S. safety standards. Mr. Speaker, I applaud the leadership of the House and the Senate for this bipartisan legislation to provide a framework for developing preventive control standards from farm to table to protect the public from food contamination. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2250,2010-12-22,111,2,,,LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2250,E2251,"[{""name"": ""John J. Hall"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2250,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E2250-E2251] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS ______ HON. JOHN J. HALL of new york in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mr. HALL of New York. Madam Speaker, I would like to submit the following: Legislative Actions ECONOMIC RECOVERY AND CREATING JOBS AMERICAN RECOVERY & REINVESTMENT ACT, enacted to jumpstart our economy, create and save 3.5 million jobs, give a tax cut to small business and 95% of American workers, begin to rebuild America's road, rail, and water infrastructure, and make a historic commitment to education, clean energy, and science and technology, with unprecedented accountability. (Signed into Law) SMALL BUSINESS JOBS ACT, landmark legislation providing $12 billion in tax relief for small businesses by enacting 8 more small business tax cuts on top of the 8 already enacted by this Congress; creating up to 500,000 jobs, by leveraging up to $300 billion in private sector lending for small businesses through a $30 billion lending fund for community banks; fully paid for--doesn't add a dime to the deficit. (Signed into Law) TEACHER JOBS/STATE AID/CLOSING TAX LOOPHOLES, creating and saving nearly 320,000 jobs; providing $10 billion to save 161,000 teacher jobs and $16 billion in Medicaid aid, with the effect of creating/saving 158,000 jobs, including police officers, firefighters, nurses & private sector workers; fully paid for by closing loopholes that encourage companies to ship American jobs overseas; cutting deficit by $1.4 billion. (Signed into Law) STUDENT AID & FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY ACT, making the largest investment in college aid in history--increasing Pell Grants, making college loans more affordable, and strengthening community colleges--while reducing the federal deficit by ending wasteful student loan subsidies to banks. (Signed into Law) HIRE ACT, creating up to 300,000 jobs, by providing a payroll tax holiday for businesses that hire unemployed workers and a tax credit for businesses that retain these workers; also unleashes tens of billions of dollars to rebuild infrastructure; fully paid for by cracking down on offshore accounts for wealthy. (Signed into Law) CASH FOR CLUNKERS, jump-starting the U.S. auto industry, providing consumers with up to $4,500 to trade in an old vehicle for one with higher fuel efficiency--spurring the sale of 700,000 vehicles. (Signed into Law) WORKER, HOMEOWNERSHIP & BUSINESS ASSISTANCE ACT, boosting the economy and creating jobs with more unemployment benefits for Americans hit by the recession, an expanded 1st-time homebuyer tax credit, and enhanced small business tax relief--expanded to all struggling U.S. businesses. (Signed into Law) U.S. MANUFACTURING ENHANCEMENT ACT, to help U.S. manufacturers compete at home and abroad by temporarily suspending or reducing duties on intermediate products or materials these companies use that are not made domestically. (Signed into Law) UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS EXTENSION, extending unemployment benefits to millions of American families through November 30, 2010; every dollar of unemployment benefits creates at least $1.61 in economic activity. (Signed into Law) CURRENCY REFORM/FAIR TRADE, to promote U.S. manufacturing jobs, by giving our government effective tools to address the unfair trade practice of currency manipulation by foreign countries, including China; their undervalued currency makes Chinese exports cheaper and America's exports to China more expensive, putting U.S. manufacturers at an unfair disadvantage; bill is WTO-compliant. (Passed by House) AMERICAN JOBS AND CLOSING TAX LOOPHOLES ACT, to promote American jobs by restoring credit to small businesses, extending tax incentives for American R&D and tax relief for middle class American families, rebuilding American infrastructure, and expanding jobs for young people; and to close tax loopholes to make Wall Street billionaires pay their fair share of taxes. (Passed by House) HOME STAR JOBS, to create 168,000 American jobs making energy efficiency products, by providing incentives for consumers to make their homes energy-efficient--cutting energy bills for 3 million families and reducing our dangerous dependence on foreign oil and dirty fuels. (Passed by House) RURAL STAR/HOME STAR LOANS, to create tens of thousands more U.S. jobs, by creating Rural Star loans for people in rural America to make their homes and farms more energy- efficient; and a Home Star Loan Program for no-interest loans for energy efficiency home upgrades in other areas; boosts demand for energy efficient products/materials and construction and installation services that are made in America. (Passed by House) PROTECTING AMERICAN PATENTS, providing funding, fully offset, to prevent additional backlogs in patent applications, as patents are critical to American innovation and economic growth. (Signed into Law) AMERICA COMPETES REAUTHORIZATION, to invest in modernizing manufacturing; basic R&D; high risk/high reward clean energy research; and teaching science, technology, engineering and math. (Passed by House) JOBS FOR MAIN STREET ACT, to boost small business and to rebuild highways and transit; paid for by redirecting TARP funds from Wall Street to Main Street. (Passed by House) SMALL BUSINESS & INFRASTRUCTURE JOBS ACT, to extend Build America Bonds to help finance the rebuilding of schools, hospitals, roads and bridges; and target tax incentives to spur investment in small businesses and help entrepreneurs looking to start a new business. (Passed by House) EDWARD M. KENNEDY SERVE AMERICA ACT, tripling volunteerism opportunities to 250,000 for national service for students to retirees; increased college financial awards. (Signed into Law) PERMANENT ESTATE TAX RELIEF at the 2009 level to ensure that 99.8 percent of estates never pay a dime of taxes and offer certainty and stability for farmers and small businesses. (Passed by House) PROTECTING CONSUMERS WALL STREET REFORM, historic reforms to end taxpayer-funded bailouts and the idea of ``too big to fail,'' and protect and empower consumers to make the best decisions on mortgages, credit cards, and their own financial future. Lack of accountability for Wall Street and big banks cost 8 million jobs. (Signed into Law) CREDIT CARDHOLDERS' BILL OF RIGHTS, providing tough new protections already saving consumers money--like banning unfair rate hikes, abusive fees, and penalties--and strengthening enforcement. (Signed into Law) FRAUD ENFORCEMENT & RECOVERY ACT, providing tools to prosecute mortgage scams and corporate fraud that contributed to financial crisis; creating an outside commission to examine its causes. (Signed into Law) LILLY LEDBETTER FAIR PAY ACT, restoring the rights of women and other workers to challenge unfair pay--to help close the wage gap where women earn 78 cents for every $1 a man earns in America. (Signed into Law) AIRLINE PASSENGER SAFETY, to improve airline passenger safety, by several steps including strengthening commercial pilot training requirements, requiring a minimum of 1,500 flight hours required for an airline pilot certificate. (Signed into Law) HELPING HOMEOWNERS HELPING FAMILIES SAVE THEIR HOMES ACT, to stem the foreclosure crisis, with significant incentives to lenders, servicers, and homeowners to modify loans. (Signed into Law) FHA REFORM, to shore up federal mortgage insurance in order to expand homeownership opportunities by making essential reforms to strengthen the financial footing of the Federal Housing Administration, saving taxpayers $2.5 billion over 5 years. (Passed by House) FLOOD INSURANCE REAUTHORIZATION & REFORM, reauthorizing the National Flood Insurance Program, upon which millions of American families and businesses rely, for five years and making key reforms to put the program on a stronger financial footing. (Passed by House) AFFORDABLE QUALITY HEALTH CARE HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM, landmark legislation putting [[Page E2251]] American families and small business owners--not the insurance companies--in control of their own health care; lowering costs for middle class and small business; holding insurance companies accountable to prevent denials of care and coverage, including for pre-existing conditions; strengthening Medicare and lowering prescription drug costs; creating up to 4 million jobs; and reducing deficit by largest amount in almost two decades. (Signed into law) HEALTH CARE FOR 11 MILLION CHILDREN, to finally provide cost-effective health coverage for 4 million more children and preserve coverage for 7 million children already enrolled. (Signed into Law) FDA REGULATION OF TOBACCO, granting the Food and Drug Administration authority to regulate advertising, marketing, and manufacturing of tobacco products, the #1 cause of preventable U.S. deaths, and to stop tobacco companies from targeting our children. (Signed into Law) ENSURING SENIORS' ACCESS TO THEIR DOCTORS, by blocking scheduled 21% cut in Medicare physician payments through November 30, 2010 and also updating payments by 2.2%. (Signed into Law) FOOD SAFETY, to fundamentally change the way we protect our food supply; close gaps exposed by recent food-borne illness outbreaks; give the FDA new authorities. (Passed by House) RYAN WHITE HIV/AIDS TREATMENT EXTENSION ACT, guaranteeing access to lifesaving medical services, primary care, and medications for low-income patients with AIDS and HIV. (Signed into Law) CLEAN ENERGY JOBS/HOLDING BP ACCOUNTABLE AMERICAN CLEAN ENERGY AND SECURITY ACT, historic legislation to create 1.7 million jobs (with the Recovery Act); help free us from funding terrorism with our dependence on foreign oil; reduce the carbon pollution causing climate change; keep costs low for Americans; will not increase the deficit. (Passed by House) RESPONSE TO BP OIL SPILL, a bill providing a comprehensive response to BP oil spill--eliminating the $75 million cap on the liability of oil companies, restoring the Gulf Coast and protecting local residents, imposing new safety requirements and strengthening oversight of offshore drilling, and protecting whistleblowers in offshore drilling industry who report safety violations. (Passed by House) Just hours after a Committee hearing during which I asked BP America's President whether chemical dispersants they were using to break up the oil slick in the Gulf of Mexico are safe, the EPA ordered BP to choose a less toxic chemical. The Washington Post reported the EPA ordered the change following a hearing by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee at which I questioned BP's use of hundreds of thousands of gallons of chemical dispersants. SPILL ACT, to reform maritime liability laws to ensure that the families of those killed or injured in the BP Oil Spill and other such tragedies are justly compensated for their losses. (Passed by House) BP OIL SPILL COMMISSION SUBPOENA POWER, to give subpoena power to National Commission on BP Oil Spill to ensure that it cannot be stonewalled by BP or others in its search for spill's causes. (Passed by House) OMNIBUS PUBLIC LAND MANAGEMENT ACT, the most significant conservation bill in 15 years, strengthening tourism and rural economies with more than 2 million new acres of wilderness and parks. (Signed into Law) FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY & GOVERNMENT REFORM BUDGET BLUEPRINT, creating jobs with investments in health care, clean energy and education; cutting taxes for most Americans by $1.5 trillion; cutting Bush deficit by more than half by 2013. (Action Completed) BUDGET ENFORCEMENT RESOLUTION, setting a limit on discretionary spending for FY 2011 that requires spending cuts of $7 billion below the President's budget and $3 billion below Senate. (Action Completed) STATUTORY PAY-AS-YOU-GO, to restore 1990s law that turned record deficits into surpluses, by forcing tough choices; Congress must offset new policies that reduce revenues or expand entitlements. (Signed into Law) IMPROPER PAYMENTS ELIMINATION, to help identify and eliminate improper federal payments, as well as recover lost funds that federal agencies have spent improperly. (Signed into Law) WEAPON SYSTEMS ACQUISITION REFORM, cracking down on Pentagon waste and cost overruns in the acquisition of weapon systems, increasing oversight and competition. (Signed into Law) REFORMING OTHER DOD ACQUISITION, cleaning up DOD acquisition spending for the 80 percent that is for services and other non-weapons items, saving taxpayers an estimated $27 billion a year. (Passed by House) DISCLOSE ACT, to fight a corporate takeover of our elections, requires them to disclose they are behind political ads; bans foreign-controlled corporations from putting money in U.S. elections. (Passed by House) NATIONAL SECURITY/TROOPS AND VETERANS FY 2010 DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION, authorizing 3.4% troop pay raise, strengthening military readiness and military families support, focusing our strategy in Afghanistan and redeployment from Iraq. (Signed into Law) I travelled to Iraq, Afghanistan, Germany, Kuwait, and UAE to visit with troops, and receive updates from U.S. military leaders and NGOs. FY 2011 DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION, increasing hostile fire and imminent danger pay; extending TRICARE dependent coverage up to age 26; and strengthening counterterrorism. (Passed by House) REPEAL OF DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL, to provide for the repeal of this outdated policy, contingent on the certification that military review completed and that repeal would not impact readiness. (Signed into Law) IRAN SANCTIONS, significantly strengthening sanctions against Iran, including imposing sanctions on foreign entities that sell refined petroleum to Iran or assist Iran in its domestic refining capacity. (Signed into Law) VETERANS HEALTH CARE BUDGET REFORM & TRANSPARENCY ACT, a top priority of veterans' groups, authorizing Congress to approve VA medical care appropriations one year in advance to ensure reliable and timely funding and prevent politics from ever delaying VA health care funding. (Signed into Law) I authored and introduced the Veterans Administration Claims Modernization Act. This law streamlined the VA benefits application process. It was based on problems I heard directly from the experiences of local veterans as well as national VSOs. The law was called ``the most sweeping reform of the VA in a generation'' by the Times Herald Record. I successfully advocated for a VA rule change to create an automatic service connection for veterans diagnosed with PTSD after serving in combat. This change dramatically streamlines the process for veterans to receive appropriate care and compensation. Implemented the post-9/11 GI Bill to provide for a college education for returning veterans. FY 2010 MILITARY CONSTRUCTION-VA APPROPRIATIONS, strengthening quality health care for 5 million veterans by investing 11% more for medical care, benefits claims processors, and facility improvements. (Signed into Law) CAREGIVERS AND VETERANS OMNIBUS HEALTH SERVICES, landmark legislation providing help to caregivers of disabled, ill or injured veterans, and improving VA health services for women veterans. (Signed into Law) AGENT ORANGE BENEFITS, providing long overdue disability benefits to more than 150,000 Vietnam veterans and survivors for exposure to Agent Orange. (Signed into Law) SECURITY FOR AMERICA'S COMMUNITIES FY 2010 HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS, strengthening security at our ports and borders and on commercial airlines, giving first responders tools to respond to terrorism. (Signed into Law) HATE CRIMES PREVENTION ACT, giving law enforcement resources to prevent and prosecute hate crimes against Americans based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. (Signed into Law) BORDER SECURITY EMERGENCY APPROPRIATIONS, providing $600 million to enhance security at the Southwest Border, including funding 1,200 additional Border Patrol agents, 500 additional CBP officers, and additional FBI, DEA, and ATF agents for the border region; paid for by visa fees. (Signed into Law) I visited the border patrol in Arizona to view the situation first hand and obtain a better understanding of the situation they face. COPS ON THE BEAT, putting an additional 50,000 cops on the street over the next 5 years. (Passed by House) CHEMICAL & WATER SECURITY ACT, to increase security and safety of the nation's chemical plants and water facilities vulnerable to terrorist attacks and the millions of Americans that live nearby. (Passed by House) ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2251,2010-12-22,111,2,,,TRIBUTE TO AVIS GREEN TUCKER,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,TRIBUTETO,E2251,E2252,"[{""name"": ""Ike Skelton"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2251,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E2251-E2252] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] TRIBUTE TO AVIS GREEN TUCKER ______ HON. IKE SKELTON of missouri in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, it is with sorrow that I inform the House of the death of Mrs. Avis Green Tucker, a distinguished Missouri citizen from Warrensburg, in the 4th Congressional District. Avis Green Tucker was not just my own long-time friend. She was one of Missouri's most highly respected newspaper publishers. She was a willing volunteer frequently called to important service by Missouri governors from both political parties. And she was a particularly inspiring role model among women leaders in our state. Avis and her husband, William Tucker, bought the Daily Star-Journal in 1947 and the paper stayed in the Tucker family for some 60 years, until its sale in 2007 to another distinguished Missouri newspaper family, the Bradleys of St. Joseph. Bill Tucker was serving as publisher in Warrensburg when he died of a heart attack in 1966. Avis took over as one of the few female daily newspaper publishers in the Midwest. She once said: ``I decided I was going to run this paper. I was going to try. I told everyone that I had more nerve than ability, which was the truth.'' But that was a typically reticent and humble statement from a [[Page E2252]] woman whose abilities were quite remarkable. Those abilities were widely recognized. In 1982, Avis became the first female president of the Missouri Press Association. That was just one of many ``firsts'' achieved by Avis Tucker, including serving as the first female president of the Missouri Associated Dailies organization, and becoming the first woman inducted into the Missouri Press Association Hall of Fame. She received the National Newspaper Association's McKinney Award, given to a woman who ``exhibited distinguished service to the community press.'' Just this past May, Avis became chair emeritus of the Missouri Press Association's Foundation Board, which she helped found and fund. She served not only as one of the state's rare female publishers, but in other leadership roles, particularly at our mutual alma mater, the University of Missouri. Mizzou's world-famous School of Journalism honored her with its Honor Medal in 1976. And in 1972, Avis became the first woman president of the University of Missouri's governing body, the Board of Curators. Her service as a curator has particular significance for me, since she was appointed to succeed her late husband as a curator upon his death. And Bill Tucker had been appointed to succeed my father, Isaac Newton Skelton III, upon his passing. In Missouri, one of the highest honors one can achieve is being named to help guide our land-grant state university, and this is an honor that has been treasured by both the Skelton and Tucker families. Avis Green Tucker will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing her, including me. When she passed away at age 95 on Friday, December 17th, 2010, she had lived a life that was exemplary. Her leadership was superb, her newspaper's readers and her community were well-served, and her place in Missouri journalism and public service is secure. Avis is survived by two nephews, Bob and Richard Green. I know members of the Congress will join me in paying tribute to the life, achievements and service of Avis Green Tucker, and in extending our condolences to her family and friends. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2252-2,2010-12-22,111,2,,,PERSONAL EXPLANATION,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,PERSONALEXPLAIN,E2252,E2252,"[{""name"": ""Carolyn McCarthy"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HRES"", ""number"": ""1771""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""2142""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""2751""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""3082""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5116""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6540""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6547""}]",156 Cong. Rec. E2252,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2252] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. CAROLYN McCARTHY of new york in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably absent on December 21, 2010. If I were present, I would have voted on the following: H. Res. 1771, Waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules, and providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules--rollcall No. 657--``yea''. H.R. 6540, Defense Level Playing Field Act--rollcall No. 658-- ``yea''. H.R. 5116, America COMPETES Reauthorization Act--rollcall No. 659-- ``yea''. H.R. 2142, GPRA Modernization Act of 2010--rollcall No. 660--``yea''. H.R. 2751, FDA Food Safety Modernization Act--rollcall No. 661-- ``yea''. H.R. 3082, Making Appropriations for Military Construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010 and for other purposes--rollcall No. 662--``yea''. H.R. 6547, Protecting Students from Sexual and Violent Predators Act--rollcall No. 663--``yea''. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2252-3,2010-12-22,111,2,,,BLACK: THE DOMINANCE OF UNETHICAL BANKING,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2252,E2254,"[{""name"": ""Marcy Kaptur"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2252,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E2252-E2254] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] BLACK: THE DOMINANCE OF UNETHICAL BANKING ______ HON. MARCY KAPTUR of ohio in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, today I am inserting into the Congressional Record a recent blog post by Professor William Black from the Associate Professor of Economics and Law at the University of Missouri--Kansas City. Professor Black has focused on white collar crime and routing out of fraud in our financial system, both in practice and as a field of academic study. Professor Black's answers on this CNN blog give direction to our work on cleaning up our financial system of the criminals while protecting those who follow the law. As this Congress [[Page E2253]] comes to a close and we look to the future, we are faced with the task of doing more to address the challenges of Main Street while holding Wall Street accountable. Professor Black's writing should be one of our guides. Black: The Dominance of Unethical Banking (By Jay Kernis) Only on the blog: Answering today's five OFF-SET questions is William K. Black, Associate Professor of Economics and Law at the University of Missouri--Kansas City. He was the Executive Director of the Institute for Fraud Prevention from 2005-2007. Black also served as litigation director of the Federal Home Loan Bank Board, deputy director of the FSLIC, SVP and General Counsel of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, and Senior Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Thrift Supervision. He was also deputy director of the National Commission on Financial Institution Reform, Recovery and Enforcement. You say that fraud by America's major banks plays an enormous continuing role in the country's financial crisis. How widespread is the fraud and what are the most serious charges? The FBI testified in September 2004 that mortgage fraud was ``epidemic'' and predicted that it would cause an ``economic crisis'' if it were not contained. Instead of being contained, FBI data show that it grew enormously after 2004. The mortgage lending industry's own anti-fraud experts (MARI) warned in 2006 that ``liar's'' loans deserved their name-- MARI reported a study finding that 80% of such loans were fraudulent. MARI warned that liar's loans were ``an open invitation to fraudsters.'' In a liar's loan the lender agrees not to verify the borrower's income, wealth, job, and debts. The lender and its agents, loan brokers, can then make up those numbers to make the loan appear to be only moderately insane and sell the fraudulent loan to an entity, typically an investment banking firm or Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, who will pool thousands of fraudulent loans together and create a toxic financial derivative called a ``CDO.'' The rating agencies and investment bankers knew they had to engage in the financial version of ``don't ask; don't tell'' on these CDOs because if they ever really kicked the tires they would all explode--the frauds in the underlying liar's loans from which the CDOs were supposed to ``derive'' their value were that obvious and common. A credit ratings firm couldn't give a ``AAA'' rating (the highest possible--the rating that virtually all these toxic derivatives were given) if it looked at a sample of the loans--so they religiously did not kick the tires on the liar's loans. So we had the farce of ``credit rating'' agencies whose expertise was supposedly in reviewing credit quality never looking at that credit quality so that they could make enormous fees by giving toxic waste pristine ``AAA'' ratings. The investment banks couldn't sell the financial derivatives loans to others if the investment bankers (whose supposed expertise was evaluating credit risk) were to actually look at credit quality of the underlying liar's loans. If they looked, they'd document that the loans were overwhelmingly fraudulent. They'd then have three options. A. They could sell the CDOs to others by calling them wonderful ``AAA'' investments--while having files proving that they knew this was a lie. This option is the prosecutor's dream. B. They could have sued the lenders that sold them the fraudulent liar's loans. The investment banks typically had a clear contractual right to force the fraudulent loans to buy back the liar's loans. But there were fatal problems with that option. The lenders that made liar's loans typically had minimal capital (net worth). If the investment banks had demanded that they repurchase the loans they would have been unable to do so--and the demand would have exposed the investment banks' bright shining lie that by pooling liar's loans they could create ``AAA'' CDOs. Every CDO purchaser from the investment banks would then demand that the investment banks repurchased their CDOs--which would have caused virtually every large U.S. investment bank to fail. C. They could have gone to the Justice Department and expose the massive fraud that was destroying the American economy and help the FBI investigate the lenders specializing in making liar's loans, the corrupt appraisers, and the credit rating agencies. But that would have caused the CDO bubble to burst and the investment banks to fail. That's why the industry went with the fourth option-- ``don't ask; don't tell.'' It's like the famous fable of the emperor and the fraudulent designer. The designer tells everyone that he has created clothes for the emperor of such beauty that only the most sophisticated people can even see the clothes. The emperor and his cronies all agree that the clothes are glorious. The fraud only collapses when a boy blurts out: ``the emperor is naked.'' As long as no one engaged in the frauds pointed out that you can't make a ``AAA'' rating out of a pool of massively overvalued fraudulent loans the housing bubble could hyper-inflate and the officers of the investment banks and credit rating agencies could become wealthy beyond their dreams. I cite a study by Fitch, the smallest of the Big 3 rating agencies later that documents the endemic nature of the fraud in the nonprime mortgages backing the CDOs. That study does not contradict the ``don't ask; don't tell'' strategy because Fitch only published it in November 2007--after the secondary market that created CDOs collapsed and it would not lose any fees by asking and telling about the endemic fraud. The industry sharply increased the number of liar's loans after MARI's warnings that they were overwhelmingly fraudulent. Fitch reviewed a small sample of the nonprime loan and found that there was evidence of fraud in ``nearly every'' file they reviewed and that the frauds were obvious on the face of the loan and servicing files and would have been discovered by any competent loan underwriting process. Self-reviews by fraudulent nonprime lenders have consistently revealed pervasive fraud in liar's loans. Reviews by independent experts demonstrate that fraud was endemic in liar's loans. My testimony to the Senate and the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission (FCIC) explains why the number of criminal referrals the FBI receives annually extrapolates to millions of frauds. There were no formal definitions of an ``alt a'' or ``stated income'' loan (the two most common euphemisms for liar's loans and, therefore, all the data are best guesses), but Credit Suisse reported in 2007 that by 2006, 49% of new mortgage loans in the U.S. were stated income (liar's loans). If one assumes an 80% fraud incidence--which is the low end of published studies by independent experts--that translates into millions of fraudulent loans being made in 2006 alone. State Attorney Generals' investigations have found that it was lenders and their agents who put the lies in ``liar's'' loans. The NY AG found, for example, that Washington Mutual (WaMu), which specialized in nonprime loans, (and is the largest bank failure in U.S. history) kept a ``black list'' of appraisers. Appraisers got on the black list, however, if they refused to provide WaMu with inflated (fraudulent) appraisals. Survey data of appraisers confirms that nonprime lenders and their agents commonly coerced appraisers to inflate market values. The borrower has no leverage to coerce appraisers. There is no honest reason for a lender to seek, or permit, appraisals to be inflated. White-collar criminologists and competent banking regulators recognize that appraisal fraud is a superb ``marker'' of ``control fraud''--the devastating frauds in which the senior officers that control a seemingly legitimate firm use it as a ``weapon'' to defraud. Iowa Attorney General Miller testified before the Federal Reserve in 2007 that his investigations found that the lenders and the agents typically prompted or even directly provided the false information in nonprime loan applications. This makes sense because only lenders and loan brokers would know the key debt-to-income and loan-to-value ratios that would make the borrowers' application more likely to be approved and generate the largest fees to the lenders and their agents. AG Miller even aptly described the ``Gresham's'' dynamic that prevailed in nonprime lending. A Gesham's dynamic arises in this context when lenders and loan brokers that cheat gain a competitive advantage over honest lenders and agents. The result can be a race to the bottom in which those with no ethics drive the ethical from the marketplace. Attorneys General in 50 states are investigating mortgage fraud and foreclosure fraud. Do you think this was bad bookkeeping or are banks intentionally doing something illegal? I've explained why the data demonstrate that mortgage fraud, particularly via liar's loans, was endemic, intentional, and driven by the lenders and their agents. Lenders and agents engaged in mortgage fraud do not want to keep accurate records, for those records could provide a roadmap for prosecuting them. The dearth of records was one of the key attractions of liar's loans to these lenders and their agents. That dynamic means that records are commonly missing at lenders engaged in fraud. Keeping good records is also a pain for loan officers. It is a cost--it slows them down from making new (fraudulent) loans that drive their income. Another marker of loan fraud is paying loan officers large bonuses based on loan volume instead of loan quality--everyone in the trade knows this ends in disaster. But the failure of the lender is not a failure of the fraud scheme. Here's the four-part recipe for lenders maximizing fictional short-term accounting income (thereby maximizing their bonuses). Note that the same recipe maximizes real losses: A. Grow extremely rapidly B. Make very bad loans at high interest rates (``yield'') C. Use extreme leverage (high debt relative to you equity) D. Provide grossly inadequate loss reserves A lender that follows this recipe is mathematically guaranteed to report record (albeit fictional) income in the near term--and to cause massive losses in the longer term. This is why the Nobel prize winning economist, George Akerlof and his colleague Paul Romer wrote the famous 1993 article entitled: ``Looting: the Economic Underworld of Bankruptcy for Profit.'' They describe accounting fraud as ``a sure thing.'' The lender fails, but the senior officers walk away wealthy. Since 1993, things have become far worse--we now often bail out the failed lenders and leave the thieves in charge. But a lender making thousands of bad loans has to gut its ``back office'' operations--the folks who are supposed to document loans and prevent bad loans. We know that this is exactly what happened. Bank officers and employees of nonprime lenders [[Page E2254]] were reamed out by their superiors if they tried to block the bad loans. This dynamic is an independent reason why recordkeeping at the nonprime lenders is often horrific. Finally, lenders like Bank of America, Citibank, and WaMu acquired major nonprime lenders that were notorious for their predatory and fraudulent lending. These banks then often place the employees they obtained via these mergers in charge of loan servicing. It was utterly predictable that they would continue their unethical practices when they functioned as loan servicers--particularly because the alternative would be to admit that their loan servicing files were a shambles. Far better to simply file false affidavits and claim that everything was in order--which is exactly what many of the largest loan servicers did ten thousand times a month. This is one of the reasons that my colleague Randy Wray and I have called for Bank of America to be placed promptly into receivership. A minor blue collar thief can go to prison for life under some ``three strikes'' laws--a huge bank doesn't even suffer a major loss of reputation when it commits a hundred thousand felonies. The U.S. now has its own version of crony capitalism that has produced recurrent, intensifying financial crises--just as crony capitalism does in many nations. The difference is that our economy is so massive that when we have a crisis many nations suffer. When a nation's elites are able to cheat with impunity the result is always disastrous. What should President Obama and Congress be doing right now to regulate the banks in a meaningful and fair way? Economists, white-collar criminologists, and regulators agree that the key is to stop, or at least limit, perverse incentives. Intensely criminogenic environments lead to epidemics of control fraud. There are six key components of what makes an environment dangerously criminogenic. A. Size matters. A tremendous bubble in the price of persimmons won't harm the U.S. economy. Real estate bubbles, by contrast, could cause losses that were a large percentage of the U.S. GDP. That's how you get a Great Recession. Accounting control frauds are particularly dangerous because of they can grow so rapidly and because they tend to cluster in the assets that are most ideal for accounting fraud. The combination of clustering and rapid growth means that epidemics of accounting control fraud can hyper-inflate massive bubbles. Akerlof & Romer and my work have long warned specifically about this danger. The federal regulatory and prosecutorial agencies are filled with ``chief economists,'' but there are no ``chief criminologists'', no comprehensive federal data on the most destructive white-collar crimes, and virtually zero federal funding for research into the elite financial frauds that have caused trillions of dollars of losses in the U.S. over the last 20 years. We need to do the opposite--hire chief criminologists, keep comprehensive data on the worst frauds, and fund research so that we can actively identify the industries at greatest risk of developing the next epidemic of control fraud. (And this needs to be done not only for banks. The FDA, for example, needs help in spotting frauds that maim and kill.) We then need to act, quickly, to stop those epidemics in their tracks. We did this in 1990-91 as S&L regulators when we stopped the rapid spread of ``liar's'' loans at several California S&Ls. B. Deregulation, desupervision (the rules remain in place but the anti-regulators running the regulatory agencies don't enforce them) and de facto decriminalization (the three ``de's'') produce the ideal criminogenic environment. The regulators are the ``cops on the beat'' when it comes to sophisticated frauds. If you remove the cops of the beat, cheaters prosper and honest businesses are driven from the markets. President Obama largely kept in place the failed anti-regulators he inherited from President Bush. Indeed, Obama promoted Geithner--an abject failure as a regulator in his capacity as President of the NY Fed--and renominated Bernanke, an even greater failure. Obama should fire Attorney General Holder and Treasury Secretary Geithner and ask Chairman Bernanke to resign. He should appoint regulators and prosecutors who have a track record of success. C. Executive compensation. There is a consensus that executive compensation should be based on long-term (real) profitability. In reality, executive compensation is overwhelmingly based on short-term reported income. (It's actually worse than that--if the short-term results are bad corporations commonly gimmick the compensation system to reward the senior officers' failures.) Everyone agrees that short-term reported accounting income is easy to inflate through accounting fraud and virtually everyone agrees that this creates strong, perverse incentives. Since, the current crisis began, the percentage of bonus compensation based on short-term reported income has increased--executive compensation has become more perverse. Note that executive compensation also allows the CEO to convert the firm's assets to his personal benefit using seemingly normal corporate mechanisms, which makes it far harder to prosecute the CEO for looting the firm. All bonus income that takes annual income above $200,000 should be paid after five years--if the firm's reported income turns out to be real. There should be ``clawback'' provisions to recover bonuses even after those five years if they were based on corporate income inflated by fraud or ``window dressing.'' D. Professional compensation is perverse. Accounting control frauds deliberately exploit this to create the Gresham's dynamic that allow them to suborn the outside professionals--appraisers, attorneys, auditors, and rating agencies--who are supposed to prevent fraud, but who actually become the frauds' most valuable allies. Honest professionals don't get hired, the unethical professionals prosper. This process creates ``echo'' epidemics of control fraud. Fraudulent nonprime lenders, for example, shaped financial incentives to be perverse to create endemic appraisal and loan broker fraud. The banks should not be able to hire or fire the appraisers, credit rating agencies, and auditors-- except for fraud or serious incompetence. Those professionals can only be truly independent if they are assigned to work for the bank by a truly independent entity. E. The federal government has permitted banks to inflate their reported incomes and ``net worth'' for the purpose of evading the mandatory statutory duty under the Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) law to close deeply insolvent banks. Congress, at the behest of the Chamber of Commerce, the banking trade associations, and Chairman Bernanke, successfully extorted the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) to scam the accounting rules so that the banks could fail to recognize on their accounting reports over a trillion dollars in losses. When banks understate their losses massively they, by definition, overstate their net worth massively. The PCA's provisions kick in when net worth falls, so the accounting lies have gutted the PCA. The accounting lies also allow the banks to (once again) report high fictional income when they are experiencing large, real losses. This accounting scam allows the bank executives to collect hundreds of billions of dollars in bonuses. We should end the accounting scam and enforce the PCA. We are also secretly subsidizing banks and hiding their losses through massive loans from the Federal Reserve backed by toxic collateral. We should end those subsidies and force them to post good collateral. F. Systemically dangerous institutions (SDIs) have often become far larger and more dangerous since the crisis. The administration is taking no serious steps to protect us against the roughly 20 SDIs even though the administration claims that when one of them next fails it is likely to cause a global financial crisis. Why are we juggling 20 live grenades? The only question is when the next pin will drop out and we'll be blown up. The good news about the SDIs is that they have reason to exist. They would be far more efficient if they shrank in size to levels at which they no longer endangered the global economy. We should do three things about the SDIs. One, stop their growth--immediately. Two, order them to shrink over the next five years to a size at which they no longer are SDIs. Let them decide what operations to sell. Three, intensively regulate the SDIs during those five years. That includes placing any insolvent SDIs in ``pass through receiverships''--which does not prompt crises. If there were one questionable banking practice that you could stop today, what would that be? The foreclosure frauds. You have spent decades examining what goes on in banks. Do think that bankers, either through culture or genetics, are ethically-challenged? When you allow a Gresham's dynamic to operate and when entry to an industry is easy (as it was for loan brokers and mortgage bankers), you concentrate the least ethical business leaders in the industry that is most criminogenic. In the last decade, banking has been severely criminogenic in the U.S. and much of the world. The unethical banking leaders became dominant. Their banks, which followed the four-part recipe for maximizing fictional accounting income, became far larger and drew the greatest praise from the business boosters than dominated the financial media. They made their reputations and their fortunes through fraud. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2252,2010-12-22,111,2,,,EMPTY CHAIR IN OSLO FOR LIU XIAOBO,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2252,E2252,"[{""name"": ""Christopher H. Smith"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2252,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2252] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] EMPTY CHAIR IN OSLO FOR LIU XIAOBO ______ HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH of new jersey in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, in the theatrical adaptation of Victor Hugo's Les Miserables, Marius sings a haunting song--Empty Chairs and Empty Tables--an expression of agony at the loss of his idealistic comrades, gunned down on a barricade. ``There's a grief that can't be spoken,'' he sings, ``there's a pain that goes on and on. Empty chairs and empty tables, now my friends are dead and gone . . . .'' ``Here it was they lit the flame . . . Here they sang about tomorrow and tomorrow never came . . . from the table in the corner they could see a world reborn . . . And they rose with voices ringing. I can hear them now . . . Empty chairs and empty tables, where my friends will meet no more . . . .'' When prisoner of conscience Liu Xiaobo, Nobel Peace Prize winner for 2010, learned that he was selected, he wept and dedicated his prize to the martyrs of the 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre. Throughout China today, families and friends know heartbreaking loss and the agony of empty chairs and empty tables--where young, brave, idealistic democracy activists were gunned down, bayoneted, or beaten to death by Chinese government troops and secret police. Both before and since Tiananmen, Chinese men and women have sacrificed their freedom--even their lives--in the struggle for faith and liberty. Yet the struggle for freedom, rule of law, and respect for human rights continues despite the enormous cost to individual Chinese men and women. At Oslo a couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of witnessing the conferring of the Nobel Peace Prize on Liu Xiaobo's empty chair--empty because this courageous nonviolent man of principle languishes in a lonely prison cell, serving an eleven-year sentence for promoting democracy in China, most recently through Charter 08, a human rights manifesto. In a stunning revelation of Beijing's weakness, fear, and moral deficiency, even Liu's wife and friends were barred from attending the Nobel ceremony. Amazingly, at his government show trial in 2009, Liu expressed absolutely no malice toward the dictatorship that so cruelly mistreats him--and millions of others like him. He said, ``I have no enemies and no hatred. None of the police who monitored, arrested, and interrogated me, none of the prosecutors who indicted me, and none of the judges who judged me are my enemies . . . Hatred can rot away at a person's intelligence and conscience. Enemy mentality will poison the spirit of a nation, incite cruel mortal struggles, destroy a society's tolerance and humanity and hinder a nation's progress toward freedom and democracy. That is why I hope to be able to transcend my personal experiences as I look upon our nation's development and social change, to counter the regime's hostility with utmost goodwill, and to dispel hatred with love.'' The Nobel Peace Prize ceremony has come and gone. And, I would note parenthetically, it was an honor to join you in Oslo, Madam Speaker, as well as Representative David Wu and numerous Tiananmen Square alumnae-- Chinese men and women who peacefully demonstrated for freedom in 1989-- including Yang Jianli, Chai Ling, Bob Fu, Fang Zheng, and Kaixi Wuer. It is now more important than ever that all of us who treasure freedom, democracy and human rights empathize more, pray more and do more to expose and combat the cruelty and the crimes committed on a daily basis by Beijing. The brutality and violence that were witnessed by all the world in 1989 at Tiananmen continues unabated today, especially in the gulags-- laogai--and detention centers throughout China, where people are systematically tortured, sometimes to death, particularly Falun Gong practitioners, Uyghurs, Tibetans, Christians, and democracy activists. The brutality and violence of unrestrained dictatorship has--and continues to be--unleashed against hundreds of millions of Chinese women and children--victims of the barbaric one child per couple policy, a cruel policy that has made brothers and sisters illegal and relies on forced abortion--a crime categorized as a ``crime against humanity'' at the Nazi war crime trial at Nuremberg. As a result of the one child per couple policy, an estimated 100 million girls are missing--dead through sex-selective abortion--which is a gender crime of unimaginable depravity and has made China a magnet for sex trafficking. Chai Ling--one of the heroes of Tiananmen--has launched All Girls Allowed--an NGO that appeals to Beijing, the world, and especially mothers in China to protect the girl child in the womb. And finally, even the Internet has been turned into a tool of repression and surveillance by the secret police. The selection of Liu Xiaobo as the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize laureate obliges us to undertake sustained scrutiny and meaningful action. Indifference or silence or feigned ignorance concerning the Chinese government's appalling and massive human rights violations simply isn't an option. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2254-2,2010-12-22,111,2,,,THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO SERVE,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2254,E2255,"[{""name"": ""Carolyn C. Kilpatrick"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2254,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E2254-E2255] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO SERVE ______ HON. CAROLYN C. KILPATRICK of michigan in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Ms. KILPATRICK of Michigan. Dear Madam Speaker, as I leave Congress as the people's representative for the 13th Congressional District of Michigan, I thank God, who is the head [[Page E2255]] of my life, for allowing me the blessing of serving in perhaps the most august, deliberate, elected body in the world. I am humbled and honored that the great citizens of Michigan and the people of Detroit chose me for so many years to fight and serve them for more than three decades as a public servant. The many friendships, relationships, and associations I have formed will remain with me forever. I finally want to thank perhaps the most underappreciated team in any elected body--the staff who have worked for me for those years in the State of Michigan and on Capitol Hill. The tireless dedication, devotion and work will never be forgotten by me or the people to whom you have been so effective and efficient for so long. I hope and pray for all of my colleagues that we may bring a better world to all Americans, and never flinch from fighting for justice and democratic ideals. We made history. We made difficult decisions. We fought the good fight. We have difficult days ahead, and I remain faithful to protecting the Constitution of the United States and the goals of our great nation. God bless. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2254,2010-12-22,111,2,,,PERSONAL EXPLANATION,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,PERSONALEXPLAIN,E2254,E2254,"[{""name"": ""Kay Granger"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2254,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2254] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. KAY GRANGER of texas in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, on rollcall Nos. 662 and 661, I was absent from the House. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2255-2,2010-12-22,111,2,,,PERSONAL EXPLANATION,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,PERSONALEXPLAIN,E2255,E2255,"[{""name"": ""Erik Paulsen"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6540""}]",156 Cong. Rec. E2255,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2255] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. ERIK PAULSEN of minnesota in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mr. PAULSEN. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 658 (H.R. 6540) my flight was delayed due to weather and had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.'' ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2255-3,2010-12-22,111,2,,,ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN THE 110TH AND 111TH CONGRESS,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,ALLOTHER,E2255,E2256,"[{""name"": ""John J. Hall"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2255,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E2255-E2256] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN THE 110TH AND 111TH CONGRESS ______ HON. JOHN J. HALL of new york in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mr. HALL of New York. Madam Speaker, I wold like to submit the following: As the Representative for New York's 19th Congressional District, I had numerous significant accomplishments in all aspects of meeting local community needs, individual constituent services, and enacting federal legislation on behalf of my constituents. I kept my annual promise of holding at least one public event in every town and city in the district to give my constituents an opportunity to speak directly with me about their opinions and concerns. I hosted Town Hall Meetings, Congress on Your Corners, business roundtables, issues forums and workshops throughout all 4 years of my Congressional service. In addition to these events, I attended numerous community events hosted by local organizations, senior centers, fire departments, schools, etc. I also did a series of ``work-a-day'' events where I worked alongside a constituent in a local job so I could better understand the day to day challenges they face. Some of these events included working with a nurse at an area hospital, an assembly line worker at a manufacturing plant, a ride along with a delivery truck driver, weatherization installation at a home, installation of a geothermal heat/cooling system at a new senior housing development, and installation of solar energy panels on the roof of an elementary school. The Congressional offices in Carmel, Goshen, and Washington responded to thousands of constituent opinions and information requests. Hundreds of casework problems were resolved for individuals and families who had problems with federal agencies when applying for Veterans benefits, Social Security and Medicare payments, and expediting passport applications. The Congressional office provided hundreds of Capitol tours for school classes and families visiting Washington DC, fulfilled flag requests, nominated students to our nation's military service academies, and assisted with federal grant applications. I cosponsored and voted for important legislation to create and save jobs, cut taxes on middle class families, improve the process for Veterans applying for well deserved benefits, reform financial services regulation, and health insurance reform designed to improve accessibility and affordability. I authored legislation that dramatically improved the Veterans benefits system, streamlining the process for veterans to receive the care and compensation they earned in service to our nation. My legislation is widely regarded as the most sweeping reform of the VA in a generation. I was proud to bring millions of federal dollars home for local projects that create and save jobs, improve water quality, improve traffic safety and public transportation, build local infrastructure, and save local property tax dollars. I voted against my own pay raise each time it came before the House, and donated my raise to local non-profit organizations rather than accepting it. Meeting Local Community Needs Economic Development: Local Jobs and Small Business Development I worked actively to bring new jobs to the area and save local jobs that were at risk of leaving including: Kolmar--Successfully assisted in keeping the largest manufacturing company in Western Orange County from leaving the state, thereby retaining hundreds of local jobs in an economically depressed area. Pepsi Bottling--Successfully assisted with efforts to keep the company's facilities in Northern Westchester when they were considering a move out of state. SpectraWatt--Instrumental in negotiations to bring a new solar energy manufacturing company to Dutchess County, replacing almost a hundred jobs that had been outsourced overseas. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis visited the site to discuss the local benefits with business and labor leaders. Although recent reports indicate the company is struggling, discussions are still ongoing to keep the jobs in Dutchess County. I successfully advocated for Stewart Air National Guard Base to receive 8 new C-17 aircraft and all of the support services and local economic development opportunities that go with it. The Air Force made this award after a very competitive national process. I also brought US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to Stewart Airport for a meeting with local business and community leaders to discuss how the airport could be more of an economic engine for the region. I hosted several small business seminars to inform local businesses about the opportunities created by the federal economic stimulus legislation, including direct tax reductions and capital availability. These events were attended by hundreds of people. In addition, numerous roundtables were held with local business leaders to provide me with direct input as to what they needed to create growth opportunities. These meetings served as the basis for small business tax cut legislation I introduced, several provisions were enacted into law. Job Opportunity and Training Fairs were held to provide assistance in getting a job including interviewing skills, resume writing, networking, employer connections, adult and continuing education, green jobs, and entrepreneurship and one-on-one consultation. Many local employers attended and were able to talk directly with job seekers who were in attendance. I brought House Education and Labor Committee Chairman George Miller to the district for a public meeting to inform the community about the provisions of the new Direct Student Loan legislation and how they will make it easier for more students to attend college. I held workshops for local constituents to provide them with information regarding how to prevent home foreclosure as well as mortgage refinancing options. I brought together local banks and housing counselors for presentations as well as direct individual counseling opportunities. Energy Independence: I sponsored a series of energy independence forums throughout the district to provide practical information to municipalities, businesses, and individuals interested in developing domestic energy resources. These forums focused on wind, solar, hydro and tidal power, as well as biofuels and conservation. I also held an event which brought together solar manufacturers, retailers, and prospective buyers to create markets for local suppliers. Many local projects were developed as a result of the information provided and the introductions made between local providers and businesses. I helped bring more than $517m for weatherization funding and energy efficiency grants to New York. This money directly benefited local families who were able to save money on their energy bills by weatherizing their homes, and it created local jobs. Veterans Many Veterans meetings were held throughout the district so I could gain input from local veterans regarding the challenges they face navigating the VA claims and benefits processes generally, as well as a specific challenges resulting from PTSD. Based on what I heard from local Veterans and VSOs, I successfully introduced legislation that significantly streamlined the benefits process, and advocated for a VA rules change regarding handling of PTSD claims. The rules change [[Page E2256]] makes it much easier for veterans suffering with PTSD to receive the care and compensation they deserve. I sponsored a Veterans Employment and Education forum to help returning veterans transition from the battlefield to the classroom and the workplace and make sure they are aware of all the benefits they earned. A member of the Wounded Warrior Program works on my Congressional staff. In addition I hosted a GI Bill forum to train Hudson Valley college admissions and administrative personnel regarding the benefits due to Veterans and how to assist them with the application process. I strongly advocated for maintaining health care services for veterans at both campuses in Montrose and Castle Point. I also assisted in bringing a new veterans health clinic to Orange County. I successfully sponsored legislation to name the Chester Post Office in memory of First Lt. Lou Allen, who was killed in Iraq and to name the Port Jervis Post office in memory of former Mayor and Senator Arthur Gray. Seniors I hosted several events to help protect local Seniors from Medicare fraud. Experts were in attendance to provide specific information about scams in the area and how to avoid becoming a victim. In addition, I hosted informational events to prepare individuals and families who are nearing Medicare eligibility to prepare themselves to understand and navigate the many enrollment options and various plans available. Thousands of local Seniors participated in my Tele-Town Hall discussion about how the Health Care Reform law would affect them. Topics covered included closing the donut hole, free preventative care and wellness visits for seniors, reducing subsidies to Medicare Advantage plans, fighting waste, fraud and abuse in Medicare, and long term care options. Law enforcement training sessions I became aware of concerns regarding communication between some local law enforcement officials and federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. As a result I requested ICE officials come to the district and provide information to local law enforcement regarding how ICE can assist local law enforcement and ways they could work together to improve public safety. Congressional Art Competition Each year my office hosted a Congressional Arts Competition for high school students in my district. The winner's artwork is shown for a year at the Capitol Building in Washington DC and runners up are shown in my local Congressional offices. The Congressional office worked with arts facilities and schools to encourage student artists, review the submissions, and have them shown within the community. Resource Guides The Congressional office created the following resource guides to assist individuals, organizations, and small businesses with federal government services and opportunities: Guide to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act--Provided details of the federal economic stimulus legislation for individuals, businesses, organizations, and municipalities including information about available funding opportunities and how to apply for and access the funds. Small Business Assistance Guide--A package of information and local resources for small businesses seeking assistance and information about loan opportunities and other federal and state support programs and developments. Small Business Guide to the Affordable Care Act--Provided details on Small Business Tax Credits for employer coverage of health premiums and how other provisions of the new health care law affect small businesses. Senior Handbook--Described resources available for seniors including health care and prescription drug coverage, long term care options, household utilities, VA, meal delivery and nutrition programs, senior centers, and transportation. Veterans Services Website--Provides information about benefits and services, eligibility requirements, and contact information for local and national agencies and private organizations that provide assistance with healthcare, benefits, education, and employment. Fire and Emergency Services Grant Resources--A package of information about federal, state and foundation grant opportunities for fire departments and ambulance corps and how to apply for such funds. In addition, the Congressional office hosted annual workshops to provide assistance to local fire departments as to how to write and submit federal grant applications to the Dept of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. Jobs Seekers' Handbook--Detailed information regarding resources available to people looking for a job and how to improve individual skills. Foreclosure prevention tips and resource guide for homeowners." CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgE2255,2010-12-22,111,2,,,PERSONAL EXPLANATION,HOUSE,EXTENSIONS,PERSONALEXPLAIN,E2255,E2255,"[{""name"": ""Dean Heller"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. E2255,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2255] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PERSONAL EXPLANATION HON. DEAN HELLER of nevada in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 22, 2010 Mr. HELLER. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 658, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.'' ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgH-FrontMatter,2010-12-22,111,2,,,House of Representatives,HOUSE,HOUSE,FRONTMATTER,H8943,H8943,,,156 Cong. Rec. H8943,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [House] [Page H8943] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S Vol. 156 WASHINGTON, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2010 No. 173" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgH8943-2,2010-12-22,111,2,,,PRAYER,HOUSE,HOUSE,PRAYER,H8943,H8943,,,156 Cong. Rec. H8943,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [House] [Page H8943] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PRAYER Monsignor Stephen J. Rossetti, Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., offered the following prayer: Good and gracious God, as the year draws to a close, we reflect upon all that has taken place. It is easy for us to thank and praise You for the many good things. It is more difficult to see Your hand in the hard times. Help us to treasure each event, each moment of our lives. Help us to know that Your all-powerful spirit brings life and grace out of everything in our lives. May we embrace the joys and the sorrows. May we embrace the signs of new life and the crosses. As we look forward to a new year, may we look to it with expectation and hope, knowing that You will guide and direct our lives in everything that comes our way. May we praise and thank You for the year that is passing and for the year that is to come. We pray this in Your holy name. Amen.NOTICE If the 111th Congress, 2d Session, adjourns sine die on or before December 23, 2010, a final issue of the Congressional Record for the 111th Congress, 2d Session, will be published on Wednesday, December 29, 2010, in order to permit Members to revise and extend their remarks. All material for insertion must be signed by the Member and delivered to the respective offices of the Official Reporters of Debates (Room HT-59 or S-123 of the Capitol), Monday through Friday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. through Wednesday, December 29. The final issue will be dated Wednesday, December 29, 2010, and will be delivered on Thursday, December 30, 2010. None of the material printed in the final issue of the Congressional Record may contain subject matter, or relate to any event that occurred after the sine die date. Senators' statements should also be submitted electronically, either on a disk to accompany the signed statement, or by e-mail to the Official Reporters of Debates at ``Record@Sec.Senate.gov''. Members of the House of Representatives' statements may also be submitted electronically by e-mail, to accompany the signed statement, and formatted according to the instructions for the Extensions of Remarks template at http://clerk.house.gov/forms. The Official Reporters will transmit to GPO the template formatted electronic file only after receipt of, and authentication with, the hard copy, and signed manuscript. Deliver statements to the Official Reporters in Room HT-59. Members of Congress desiring to purchase reprints of material submitted for inclusion in the Congressional Record may do so by contacting the Office of Congressional Publishing Services, at the Government Printing Office, on 512-0224, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily. By order of the Joint Committee on Printing. CHARLES E. SCHUMER, Chairman. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgH8943-3,2010-12-22,111,2,,,THE JOURNAL,HOUSE,HOUSE,HJOURNAL,H8943,H8943,,,156 Cong. Rec. H8943,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [House] [Page H8943] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] THE JOURNAL The SPEAKER. The Chair has examined the Journal of the last day's proceedings and announces to the House her approval thereof. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgH8943-4,2010-12-22,111,2,,,PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE,HOUSE,HOUSE,PLEDGE,H8943,H8944,,,156 Cong. Rec. H8943,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [House] [Pages H8943-H8944] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The SPEAKER. Will the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton) come forward and lead the House in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. SKELTON led the Pledge of Allegiance as follows: [[Page H8944]] I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgH8943,2010-12-22,111,2,,,House of Representatives,HOUSE,HOUSE,CALLTOORDER,H8943,H8943,,,156 Cong. Rec. H8943,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [House] [Page H8943] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [[Page H8943]] House of Representatives The House met at 11 a.m. and was called to order by the Speaker. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgH8944-2,2010-12-22,111,2,,,COMMUNICATION FROM THE CLERK OF THE HOUSE,HOUSE,HOUSE,HCLERK,H8944,H8944,,"[{""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""S"", ""number"": ""3903""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""4445""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""5470""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6523""}]",156 Cong. Rec. H8944,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [House] [Page H8944] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] COMMUNICATION FROM THE CLERK OF THE HOUSE The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. Edwards of Maryland) laid before the House the following communication from the Clerk of the House of Representatives: Office of the Clerk, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, December 22, 2010. Hon. Nancy Pelosi, The Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Madam Speaker: Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on December 22, 2010 at 9:41 a.m.: That the Senate passed without amendment H.R. 5470. That the Senate passed without amendment H.R. 4445. That the Senate passed S. 3903. That the Senate passed with amendments H.R. 6523. With best wishes, I am Sincerely, Lorraine C. Miller. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgH8944-3,2010-12-22,111,2,,,SOUTH CAROLINA GAINS A CONGRESSIONAL SEAT,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H8944,H8944,"[{""name"": ""Joe Wilson"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. H8944,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [House] [Page H8944] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] {time} 1110 SOUTH CAROLINA GAINS A CONGRESSIONAL SEAT (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I am grateful to welcome the addition of a new congressional seat to my home State of South Carolina, one of America's fastest growing States. The Census Bureau announced the State's population has grown enough to merit one more Representative in Congress. Our State has been enhanced by transplants from the Midwest and Northeast and from people across the world due to a mild climate and lower tax rates. After 80 years, it appears we will regain a seventh House Member. The people of South Carolina will now have another advocate on their behalf in Washington and another electoral vote for President. Growing our representation on Capitol Hill is a key factor in achieving goals for the people of South Carolina. Our State will have another voice fighting for conservative principles with the new district on the Grand Strand with Florence. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11th in the global war on terrorism. Godspeed to Marine Captain Ky Hunter, who has successfully accomplished her service for the people of the Second District of South Carolina, and now will be in the liaison office of the Marine Corps. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgH8944-4,2010-12-22,111,2,,,IKE SKELTON NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H8944,H8945,"[{""name"": ""Ike Skelton"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Madeleine Z. Bordallo"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Gene Green"", ""role"": ""speaking""}, {""name"": ""Joe Wilson"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]","[{""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""44""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6523""}, {""congress"": ""111"", ""type"": ""HR"", ""number"": ""6523""}]",156 Cong. Rec. H8944,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [House] [Pages H8944-H8945] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] IKE SKELTON NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011 Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (H.R. 6523) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2011 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes, with the Senate amendments thereto, and concur in the Senate amendments. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the Senate amendments is as follows: Senate amendments: Strike title XVII and corresponding table of contents on page 18. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Missouri? Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, reserving the right to object, I take this moment to express great disappointment at the situation the House now finds itself. It is very unfortunate that before us is an amended version of the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011. Last night, the other body struck title XVII of the version of the bill that this House passed last Friday, December 17. Title XVII, Madam Speaker, was the Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act, which the House has passed on multiple occasions with strong bipartisan support. Several Senators objected to its inclusion in the bill. They expressed concerns over its budgetary impact, and indicated a willingness to work toward identifying an acceptable way to authorize and pay the claims. I regret the inability to resolve this matter at this time, and I am very appreciative of the strong support from Chairman Skelton and incoming chairman of the House Armed Services Committee Mr. McKeon of California for their strong support of this provision. The unresolved nature of Guam war claims has serious implications for the military build-up on Guam. I appreciate the administration's strong support for this provision. The administration recognizes the connection between resolving this issue and successfully implementing the military build- up on Guam. We will continue our work to bring closure to this matter of justice for the people of Guam, and to act on the legislative recommendations of the Federal Guam War Claims Review Commission that reported to Congress pursuant to Public Law 107-333. It was not for a lack of effort from this body, and we will continue to build on the progress we've made. The underlying bill is important for our national defense and for our men and women in uniform and their families, and therefore this body is left no other choice but than to concur with the Senate amendments at this time. Again, I want to thank everyone who has assisted me, both the leaders and to the multiple staff members who have helped us through this process. Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, I'll keep my remarks brief as this is the third time that the House will debate and vote on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011. They say that the third time is the charm. Let it be so this morning. I return to the floor with this bill because the Senate found it necessary to delete a portion of the House-passed bill in order to achieve the consensus needed to move the bill to final passage. The Senate amendment removes from the House bill Title 17, which dealt with Guam War Claims. I am deeply disappointed in the Senate's decision to remove this important legislation, which I strongly support and which has been so ably advocated by the delegate from Guam. However, here we are and we are out of time to engage with a back and forth with the Senate. We must move this bill to the President's desk or watch it die. That is why I ask for unanimous consent for the House to concur to the Senate amendment to H.R. 6523. Let me briefly repeat what I said the other day. This bill is must pass legislation with many provisions that cannot become law any other way. This bill stops an increase in health care fees from hitting the families of military personnel; authorizes military families to extend TRICARE coverage to their dependent children under age 26; and adopts comprehensive legislation fighting sexual assault in the military. It creates a counter-IED database and enhances the effort to develop new, lightweight body armor. It gives DOD new [[Page H8945]] tools and authorities to reduce its energy demand while improving military readiness. It bolsters our defense against cyber attacks. It requires independent assessments of the National Nuclear Security Administration modernization plan and of the annual budget request for sustaining a strong deterrent. It aligns the Navy's long term shipbuilding plan with the QDR. And, it includes significant acquisition reform, the Improve Acquisition Act of 2010, which could save as much as $135 billion over the next 5 years. That is just a sampling of the good work done in this bill. I ask the House to support the men and women of the armed forces by passing this bill by unanimous consent, and ensure that the National Defense Authorization Act finally becomes law. Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, H.R. 6523 is a strong bill that is intended to provide essential funding for our nation's troops, including providing our brave men and women in uniform the tools they need to succeed in our nation's missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I rise to express my concerns about the Senate Amendment to H.R. 6523, the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011. The Senate amendment struck Title XVII of the underlying bill, once again, denying the people of Guam the promise of closure and justice on the matter of Guam War Claims. The text of Title XVII was a compromise that eliminated payments to descendents of survivors of the brutal occupation that were subjected to personal injury. I support that compromise; in fact, I am an original co-sponsor of H.R. 44, the Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act. It is important that we bring closure to this long standing injustice for the people of Guam. It is even more important given that the realignment of Marines from Okinawa to Guam will begin in earnest over the coming year. I have travelled to Guam on a number of occasions and have been so impressed by the patriotism of the people led by Governor Felix Camacho and First Lady Joann Camacho, and I recognize the importance of this legislation to the Chamorro people. I look forward to working with Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo and Incoming Chairman Congressman Buck McKeon, incoming Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, to address this matter in next year's defense authorization bill. It is time to finally bring closure to this long standing matter for the people of Guam which is so strategic for our nation's defense and where America's day begins. I appreciate the tireless efforts of Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo's service for the people of Guam. Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, I withdraw my reservation. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Missouri? There was no objection. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgH8944,2010-12-22,111,2,,,"REPEAL OF DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL",HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H8944,H8944,"[{""name"": ""Jared Polis"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. H8944,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [House] [Page H8944] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] REPEAL OF DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL (Mr. POLIS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Mr. POLIS. Madam Speaker, I just returned from the signing of the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. The President spoke wisely and strongly and welcomed those who were discharged under the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy to consider reenlisting. President Obama said: ``There will never be a full accounting of the heroism demonstrated by gay Americans in service to this country.'' He continued, ``As the first generation to serve openly in our armed services, you will stand for all those who came before you, and you will serve as role models for all those who come after you.'' Madam Speaker, today is an important day, not just for gay and lesbian members of the military, but to all of us who are gay or lesbian, to our families, to our friends, for they all know that today we hold our heads a little higher as Americans. We are closer to equal treatment under the law, which is all we've ever asked for. Our government will no longer be an instrument of discrimination against us, and all America will see and be told of the patriotism of the gay and lesbian Americans who proudly defend a country that today is one step closer to considering us equal. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgH8945-2,2010-12-22,111,2,,,THE RUMP CONGRESS,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H8945,H8945,"[{""name"": ""Tom McClintock"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. H8945,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [House] [Page H8945] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] THE RUMP CONGRESS (Mr. McCLINTOCK asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Mr. McCLINTOCK. Madam Speaker, this lame duck session is rapidly descending into farce. I believe the House is now in danger of becoming a caricature of everything the American people rejected in November: incompetence, arrogance, and a complete detachment from reality. Nearly 2 months ago, the American people said very clearly they don't want this Congress legislating for them any longer. And instead of graciously and humbly accepting the public's verdict, the Democratic leaders seem intent to thumb their nose at the American people. Perhaps the most bitter indictment of a malingering legislative body was delivered by Cromwell to the Rump Parliament. His words seem appropriate now to this rump Congress: ``You have sat here too long for any good you have been doing. It is not fit that you should sit here any longer. You shall now give way to better men. Now depart and go, I say, in the name of God, go.'' ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgH8945-3,2010-12-22,111,2,,,CELEBRATING THE 111TH CONGRESS,HOUSE,HOUSE,CELEBRATING,H8945,H8945,"[{""name"": ""Steve Cohen"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. H8945,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [House] [Page H8945] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] CELEBRATING THE 111TH CONGRESS (Mr. COHEN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Mr. COHEN. Madam Speaker, today does end the 111th Congress, which Norm Ornstein, one of the most respected historians and observers of public events, said was the most historic and productive Congress since 1965. I am proud to have been a Member of this 111th Congress that gave us health care, which this country yearned for for over 100 years; that saved us from the precipice of economic decline with the stimulus act that has done much good for this country and saved us from a great depression; that gave us the Lilly Ledbetter law for women who were discriminated against in the workplace; that gave us Don't Ask, Don't Tell; that also gave us credit card reform, student loan reform, additional Pell Grants, tobacco regulations, and food safety legislation. This 111th Congress did more than any Congress since Lyndon Johnson's in 1965 to 1966, and did it under the effective, passionate, honest, and remarkable leadership of the most historic Speaker in the House of Representatives' history, the Honorable Nancy Pelosi, who I am proud to have voted for and served with. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgH8945-4,2010-12-22,111,2,,,CONGRATULATING LADY NITTANY LIONS VOLLEYBALL TEAM,HOUSE,HOUSE,CONGRATULATIONS,H8945,H8945,"[{""name"": ""Glenn Thompson"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. H8945,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [House] [Page H8945] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] CONGRATULATING LADY NITTANY LIONS VOLLEYBALL TEAM (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, the Lady Nittany Lions volleyball team went to Kansas City on Saturday, December 18, and brought home a terrific and unprecedented Christmas present to their school, Penn State University. They won their fourth straight NCAA Division I championship. While the team was undefeated in their previous two seasons, they were 32-5 going into the championship this year, and the California Golden Bears went into the match with a 30-4 season. The two teams have dominated the championships, meeting for 4 consecutive years in the regionals, semis or finals. This was Coach Russ Rose's fifth championship, and the ladies celebrated by giving their coach a ring for his thumb. He is the first coach in NCAA Division I women's volleyball history to win five national titles. The most outstanding player was Deja McClendon. Blair Brown summed up the feelings of the team in this quote: ``We're thrilled to have four national championships, but the legacy we want to leave is the program's history, I guess. It's the tradition of working hard every day in practice and going hard, because that's how you get here.'' Congratulations to the team, the coach, and the school for this outstanding record. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgH8945-5,2010-12-22,111,2,,,PASS THE 9/11 FIRST RESPONDERS BILL,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H8945,H8946,"[{""name"": ""Donald M. Payne"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. H8945,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [House] [Pages H8945-H8946] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PASS THE 9/11 FIRST RESPONDERS BILL (Mr. PAYNE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. PAYNE. This is my country! Land of my birth! This is my country! Grandest on Earth! I pledge thee my allegiance, America, the bold, For this is my country to have and to hold. [[Page H8946]] This is my country! Land of my choice! This is my country! Hear my proud voice! I pledge thee my allegiance, America, the bold, For this is my country to have and to hold. As a youngster in elementary school, I sang this song proudly many times. And nearly a decade ago, 9/11 responders embodied the American spirit proclaimed in this song when they dropped everything to help this country. These Americans paid the ultimate sacrifice and risked their health and lives when our country was attacked. Unfortunately, many have developed health issues as a result of their service. But my Republican colleagues believe that this treatment is too costly. The 9/11 Health and Compensation Act would provide monitoring and specialized treatment for those responders who were exposed to toxins during 9/11 and this bill is completely paid for. No responders questioned whether they should go in. Those American flag-wearing lapel Senators should vote for the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. ____________________" CREC-2010-12-22-pt1-PgH8945,2010-12-22,111,2,,,SAYING GOOD-BYE TO FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES,HOUSE,HOUSE,ALLOTHER,H8945,H8945,"[{""name"": ""John A. Yarmuth"", ""role"": ""speaking""}]",,156 Cong. Rec. H8945,"Congressional Record, Volume 156 Issue 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010) [Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 173 (Wednesday, December 22, 2010)] [House] [Page H8945] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] SAYING GOOD-BYE TO FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES (Mr. YARMUTH asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Mr. YARMUTH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to say good-bye to some dear friends and colleagues. Four years ago, we arrived in this body, over 40 of us, and we were called the majority makers because we had brought control of the House back to the Democrats. And now 18 of us are leaving for other endeavors. They have become more than colleagues and Members and great Americans, they have become part of a family. So I salute Baron Hill, Paul Hodes, John Hall, Carol Shea-Porter, Patrick Murphy, Ron Klein, Steve Kagen, Joe Sestak, Brad Ellsworth, Charlie Wilson, Chris Carney, Zack Space, Harry Mitchell, Mike Arcuri, Phil Hare, Bill Foster, Travis Childers, and Ciro Rodriguez. Although their faces will not appear in this body, at least on a frequent basis, the memories and the legacy that they have left will live on forever. ____________________"