House Proceeding 06-25-09 on Jun 25th, 2009 :: 0:56:05 to 1:16:05
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0:51:25 to 0:56:05( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Ben Chandler

0:56:00 to 0:56:05( Edit History Discussion )

Ben Chandler: the practice of mountaintop removal, a controversial practice which is of great concern to many of

0:56:06 to 0:56:26( Edit History Discussion )

Michael K. Simpson: citizens. mr. chairman, i thank you for your efforts in that regard and i thank you for the work you have done. i yield back. the chair: the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. the gentleman reserves. the gentleman from idaho is recognized. mr. simpson: thank you, madam chairwoman. i yield myself such time as i may consume.

0:56:10 to 0:58:40( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Michael K. Simpson

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Michael K. Simpson: for the purposes of entering into a colloquy with chairman dicks on behalf of mr. calvert of california. mr. dicks, i rise today in

0:56:50 to 0:57:12( Edit History Discussion )

Michael K. Simpson: support of the diesel emission reduction act grants programs which provided needed fundi to state and local pollution control agencies to retrofit and replace higher emission diesel engines with more efficient technologies. e.p.a. studies indicate that black carbon like that emitt from diesel engines is the second most significant contributor to global retrofits and replacement of

0:57:13 to 0:57:34( Edit History Discussion )

Michael K. Simpson: old diesel engines like thos supported by deera reduce emissions by up to 90%. recently a broad and diverse coalition of over 250 environmental, science, public health, industry, and state and local governments wrote members of the interior and environment appropriations subcommittee encouraging the committee to fully fund deera program at its

0:57:35 to 0:57:56( Edit History Discussion )

Michael K. Simpson: $200 million authorized level for f.y. 2010. over 40 bipartisan members of the house sent a similar letter of support to the subcommittee. funds invested by the feral government in this program will leverage two state and local dollars for every one federal dollar appropriated and provide $13 of economic benefit for every dollar spent on the program.

0:57:57 to 0:58:17( Edit History Discussion )

Michael K. Simpson: the diesel emission reduction act was authorized at $200 ?? million per year from f.y. 2007 to f.y. 2011. even given this program's success, it has received less than $146 million in regular fiscal year appropriations so far. 25% of its authorized level. in this year's bill the program

0:58:18 to 0:58:38( Edit History Discussion )

Michael K. Simpson: is slated to receive $60 million. to date this successful program has received over 650 applications for grants totalling over $2 billion. given this fact and the broad support this program has received, our colleague, mr. calvert, introduced an amendment in the approprtions committee to increase funding for deera by 15 million. though this amendment was not

0:58:39 to 0:58:40( Edit History Discussion )

Michael K. Simpson: adopted, i ask you today are

0:58:41 to 0:59:01( Edit History Discussion )

Norman D. Dicks: you willing to work with congressman calvert in the future to increase funding for deera closer to its authorized level? mr. dicks: would the gentleman yield? first, mr. simpson, i want to coend you for your leadership in the inteaor environment subcommittee and support of the program. there is no doubt that the program is a worthwhile and beneficial program that plays a

0:58:45 to 1:00:00( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Norman D. Dicks

0:59:02 to 0:59:22( Edit History Discussion )

Norman D. Dicks: significant role in combating global warming and improving air quality. this is why this subcommittee has continued to fund and support this program. we provided $60 million in both fiscal years 2009 and 2010 and additional $300 million through the recovery act. to date only 32% of the funds appropriated for this program

0:59:23 to 0:59:45( Edit History Discussion )

Norman D. Dicks: through the recovery act have been spent. i understand that e.p.a. plans to obligate all the recovery act funds before they begin a solicitation for the 2009 funds. it could be well into before the 2009 funds are spent.

0:59:46 to 1:00:01( Edit History Discussion )

Norman D. Dicks: . president obama's request for deera, and this bill provides that. i will work with you, mr. calvert, congresswoman matsui has talked to me about this, e.p.a. and stake holders in

1:00:02 to 1:00:22( Edit History Discussion )

Michael K. Simpson: hopes of improving and streamlining its grant-making process and ensure the proper level of funding in 2011. mr. simpson: i will work with you over the coming year to improve the deero granting process to ensure that applications are processed and grants are awarded and work with you in the coming fiscal years

1:00:05 to 1:01:35( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Michael K. Simpson

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Michael K. Simpson: to secure morrow bus funding for this program that truly is a win-win-win situation stimulating the economy, improving air quality and reducing emissions that are among the greatest contributors to global warming and thank mr. calvert for bringing this to our attention. and i reserve the balance of our

1:00:44 to 1:01:04( Edit History Discussion )

Michael K. Simpson: time. the chair: the gentleman from washington. mr. dicks: could you tell us what the remaining is remaining the chair: the gentleman from washington has 3 3/4 minutes and the gentleman from idaho has four minutes. mr. dicks: i reserve.

1:01:05 to 1:01:25( Edit History Discussion )

Michael K. Simpson: the chair: the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. mr. simpson: we have no further speakers. let me say in closing that i have truly appreciated working with you, chairman dicks you and the staff have been an honor to work with. and i think we have created a very good bipartisan bill and to tell you the truth, i can't complain about anything where you have spent the funds though

1:01:26 to 1:01:35( Edit History Discussion )

Michael K. Simpson: there might have been some differences that i would have made if i were king for a day and that type of thing. but we have come out with a good bill.

1:01:36 to 1:01:56( Edit History Discussion )

Norman D. Dicks: as we started the markup, you know that my major concern is the overall spending level in this bill. mr. dicks: would the gentleman yield? mr. simpson: i have no problems with the way that you are approaching this and i thank you for your bipartisanship in working with us. mr. dicks: i commend the gentleman for his work, his staff's work.

1:01:40 to 1:03:25( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Norman D. Dicks

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Norman D. Dicks: everyone's worked together. i want to say again. your attendance on your side of the aisle. we have four cardinals on our subcommittee, so they have subcommittees they are running. it's difficult for everyone to be there. but your side has been there and it has been terrific and the questions have been great and it has been a real pleasure. and i thank mr. obey, the

1:02:18 to 1:02:38( Edit History Discussion )

Norman D. Dicks: chairman of the full committee, for this allocation. i mean, we can only go as far as our allocation. and i think mr. obey realized that we had been hurt over the last eight years -- not to end this on a sour note -- and that -- it was a catchup budget.

1:02:39 to 1:03:01( Edit History Discussion )

Norman D. Dicks: we're getting back to partial way there. but these are such important programs. our national parks, our national forests, our fish and wildlife service and the programs for the tribes. and i have really appreciated mr. cole and mr. obey who have been so sensitive and concerned about these tribal issues.

1:03:02 to 1:03:23( Edit History Discussion )

Norman D. Dicks: and we have made substantial increases. but even with that, with the work that still remains to be done, there is still more that needs to be done in order to take care of the issues in our indian country. and the hearings this year, where we got into law enforcement and the need for more law enforcement, the need for recognition, the laws are covering tribal areas today are

1:03:24 to 1:03:25( Edit History Discussion )

Norman D. Dicks: not sufficient.

1:03:26 to 1:03:45( Edit History Discussion )

Michael K. Simpson: and the justice department needs to take action on this. so i commend the gentleman from idaho for his solid work and participation. and let's get on with the amendments. if you yield back, i yield back. mr. simpson: i thank you. and thank you as i said in the opening statemt. i thank you for the oversight

1:03:30 to 1:03:45( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Michael K. Simpson

1:03:46 to 1:04:06( Edit History Discussion )

Donna Edwards: hearings we have had. it's the best i have had in my time in congress in terms of the oversight hearings we have had done. and you have done a masterful job of it. and i yield back. mr. dicks: i yield back. the chair: the gentleman from washington yields the balance of his time. all time for general debate has expired.

1:03:50 to 1:05:10( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Donna Edwards

1:04:07 to 1:04:28( Edit History Discussion )

Donna Edwards: pursuant to the rule, the bill will be considered for amendment under the five-minute rule. no amendment shall be in order except the amendments printed in part a and b of house report 111-184, not to exceed three of the amendments printed in part c of the report if offered by the gentleman from arizona, mr.

1:04:29 to 1:04:50( Edit History Discussion )

Donna Edwards: flake, or his designee, not to exceed one of the amendments offered in print d of the report offered by mr. campbell or his designee and not to exceed one of the amendments printed in part e if offered by the gentleman from texas, mr hensarling or his designee. each amendment shall be considered as read, shall be

1:04:51 to 1:05:10( Edit History Discussion )

Donna Edwards: debated for 10 minutes and controlled by a proponent and opponent shall not be subject for demand of division of the question. an amendment in amendment part b, c, d or e of the report may be offered only at the appropriate point in the hearing. after consideration of the bill for amendment, the chair and

1:05:11 to 1:05:31( Edit History Discussion )

ranking minority member of the committee on appropriations or their designees each may offer one pro forma amendment to the which shall be controlled by the proponent. the clerk: the following sums are appropriated for fiscal year 2010 namely title i, department

1:05:32 to 1:05:53( Edit History Discussion )

of the interior, bureau of land management, $950illion. in addition -- the chair: for what purpose does the gentleman from rise? mr. dicks: i have an amendment at the desk. de one printed in house report

1:05:54 to 1:06:14( Edit History Discussion )

Norman D. Dicks: 111-184 offered by mr. dicks of the chair: pursuant to house resolution 578, the gentleman from washington, mr. dicks, and a memb control five minutes. the chair recognizes the gentleman from washington. mr. dicks: thank you. this is a good amendment. it's the so-called manager's

1:06:00 to 1:07:20( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Norman D. Dicks

1:06:15 to 1:06:35( Edit History Discussion )

Norman D. Dicks: amendment. it does three important things, but they're modest. first as chairman rahall of the natural resources committee pointed out, this amendment restores the interior department's authority to assist cooperative watershed projects that restore streams destroyed by acid mine drainage.

1:06:36 to 1:06:57( Edit History Discussion )

Norman D. Dicks: it was inadvertently discontinued after the law amendments of 2006. this amendment aids citizens' groups and states that are restoring streams damaged by previous coal mining. second, this amendment adds $10 million to the national park service state grant program. this program provides grants for acquisition of park and

1:06:58 to 1:07:18( Edit History Discussion )

Norman D. Dicks: recreation lands by state and local communities and was proposed by mr. mcgovern. there is tremendous demand for more parkland and recre alpha silt development. it is more and more vital to get people and especially kids out in nature and outdoors doing

1:07:19 to 1:07:21( Edit History Discussion )

Norman D. Dicks: active recreation. this amendment increases the

1:07:22 to 1:07:42( Edit History Discussion )

Michael K. Simpson: save america treasure's program by $1 million and provide funding for sharing cost preservation projects and i urge adoption of the amendment and reserve the balance of my time. the chair: the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. the gentleman from idaho. mr. simpson: claim time in opposition.

1:07:25 to 1:09:30( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Michael K. Simpson

1:07:43 to 1:08:03( Edit History Discussion )

Michael K. Simpson: the chair: the gentleman is recognized for five minutes. mr. simpson: it saddens me that we are here with this manager's america amendment. traditionally, manager's amendments have been noncontroversial when they have been offered and approved by both sides. that's not the case with this amendment. what this amendment -- and my opposition to this amendment is not because of the substance of

1:08:04 to 1:08:25( Edit History Discussion )

Michael K. Simpson: the amendment and the provisions but it's how it got here. there were a number of amendments that were proposed last night in the rules committee. almost all of them were turned down. there were amendments that had substantive purposes offered by members on my side of the aisle that were turned down. the ranking member of the full

1:08:26 to 1:08:48( Edit History Discussion )

Michael K. Simpson: committee offered an important amendment that was not made in order. the ranking member of the subcommittee, myself, offered an amendment that was important and was not made in order. and yet we have taken three proposed amendments that were offered in the subcommittee and rolled them together in one manager's amendment and brought

1:08:49 to 1:09:09( Edit History Discussion )

Michael K. Simpson: it to the floor, three democratic proposed amendments and rolled it into a manager's amendment. this is not the tradition of what a manager's amendment should be. and so while i can't complain about the amendments -- the amendments that were offered per se if they were offered individually and had been allowed by the rules committee

1:09:10 to 1:09:30( Edit History Discussion )

Michael K. Simpson: to be allowed independently along with some of the other amendments that should have been allowed, i would have voted for all of these amendments most likely. but it's the process that brought us to this state. and unfortunately, what's been happening with the rules that have been adopted for consideration of appropriation

1:09:31 to 1:09:51( Edit History Discussion )

Norman D. Dicks: bills, it leads us to these types of incidents that should n happen. they are unnecessary. and we try to get around our own rules and aur own traditions of having manager's amendments approved by both sides that ar noncontroversial. so while i don't oppose the

1:09:35 to 1:10:40( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Norman D. Dicks

1:09:52 to 1:10:13( Edit History Discussion )

Norman D. Dicks: individual provisions of this, how this amendment got he and what it contains is not fair to the rest of the members who put in thoughtful efforts to go to the rules committee and propose amendments. and i serve the balance of my time. the chair: the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. the gentleman from washington is recognized.

1:10:14 to 1:10:34( Edit History Discussion )

Norman D. Dicks: mr. dicks: i yield whatever time i have remaining. the chair: the gentleman is recognized. mr. dicks: i would like to respond to the the gentleman from idaho. this manager's amendment -- we should have had more dialogue on this. and we are just getting a new team in place and not blaming it on anybody, but i take

1:10:35 to 1:10:40( Edit History Discussion )

Norman D. Dicks: responsibility myself. but in the future on any manager's amendment, we will

1:10:41 to 1:11:01( Edit History Discussion )

Michael K. Simpson: have discussion about it and if the gentleman has suestions for the manager's amendment, they will be considered. i take the gentleman'soint as well made and this is something we'll follow through on. again, these are very noncontroversial, so i urge adoption of the amendment. the chair: does the gentleman reserve?

1:10:45 to 1:11:40( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Michael K. Simpson

1:11:02 to 1:11:24( Edit History Discussion )

Michael K. Simpson: mr. dicks: i yield back my time. the chair: the gentleman yields. the gentleman from idaho is recognized. mr. simpson: and i thank -- i take the gentleman from washington for his word and he wants to work these out in a bipartisan fashion. i'm nosure that the gentleman geez with some of the rules and

1:11:25 to 1:11:40( Edit History Discussion )

Michael K. Simpson: we would like to get back to regular order and we would like to do it. but if we had time to confer and i understand what the gentleman is saying, very noncontroversial amendment thatould have been adopt, was mr. buyer's amendment that we talked about on the

1:11:41 to 1:12:02( Edit History Discussion )

Donna Edwards: veterans he' cemeteries within the national park service. but i take the gentleman at his word and i look forward to working on this and i yield back. the chair: the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. the question is on the amendment. those in favor say aye. those op

1:11:45 to 1:12:10( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Donna Edwards

1:12:03 to 1:12:11( Edit History Discussion )

Donna Edwards: the chair, the ayes vit. mr. simpson: i request the yeas and nays. the chair: the gentleman asks for a recorded vote? mr. simpson: recorded vote.

1:12:12 to 1:12:34( Edit History Discussion )

Norman D. Dicks: the chair: pursuant to clause 6, rule 18, further proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from washington will be postponed. for what purpose does t gentleman from washington rise? mr. dicks: i ask unanimous consent that the remainder of the bill through page 9, line

1:12:15 to 1:12:55( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Norman D. Dicks

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Norman D. Dicks: 20, be considered as read. the chair: is there objection? without objection, so ordered. the clerk will read. the clerk: page 9, line 21, construction, $21 million.

1:12:57 to 1:13:19( Edit History Discussion )

Scott Garrett: land acquisition, $67,250,000. the chair: for what purpose does the gentleman from new jersey rise? gert mr. garrett: i have an amendment at the desk. the clerk: part b, amendment offered by mr. garrett of new jersey. the chair: pursuant to house resolution 578, the gentleman from new jersey, mr. garrett and a member opposed, each will

1:13:10 to 1:16:55( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Scott Garrett

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Scott Garrett: the chair recognizes the gentleman from new jersey. . mr. garrett: more than 19 years ago when i first ran for public office in the very densely populated state of new jersey i believe that we were not doing enough to preserve our precious farmlands and our vital open space and upon being sworn in as

1:13:43 to 1:14:03( Edit History Discussion )

Scott Garrett: a member of the house of representatives six years ago, i continued to advocate for reserving open space, expanding our recr protecting our natural resources. one of the highlights my time here in congress was the unanimous bipartisan support for the highlands conservation act which became law back in 2004 and i especially want to commend

1:14:04 to 1:14:25( Edit History Discussion )

Scott Garrett: my colleague from new jersey, mr. frelinghuysen, for working diligently over the years to accomplish its passage. our commitment to preserving en space runs deep for us, however moref our prized open space is being used up in our state and across the country every single day. so i'm pleased that this year, for the very first t the highlands conservation act

1:14:26 to 1:14:46( Edit History Discussion )

Scott Garrett: was included in the f.y. 2010 budget request. i applaud the president's request for recognizing the importance of thregion as well. however, the highlands act has been authorized from the beginning at $10 million per year, the region has so far received only $5.23 million in total over all those years. so i believe that my amendment,

1:14:47 to 1:15:07( Edit History Discussion )

Scott Garrett: which provides simply an additional $2 million for land acquisition, would go a long way toward providing grants for willing sellers. it would help to preserve the remaing open space in the region and help protect cherished natural resources that are extraordinary environmental recreational uses. you see, this region in the middle of one of the most

1:15:08 to 1:15:29( Edit History Discussion )

Scott Garrett: congested areas of the country, over 1/12 of the u.s. population lives within an hour of this area, 14 million people visit this area every year, 11 million people rely on it for clean drinking water, 150 species of special concern are in ts area. as a matter of fact, the forest service stated recently it's a landscape of national significance. so with that said, i also

1:15:30 to 1:15:50( Edit History Discussion )

Scott Garrett: realize that there is an ever increasing demand for all regions of the country and that's why we have to make sure that the areas with the highest conservation values and greatest risks are being protected from being developed. the preservation of highlands is neither a republican or democrat issue. it's a national issue. and that's why i'm proud to say that we join with 22 of my

1:15:51 to 1:16:12( Edit History Discussion )

Scott Garrett: colleagues from both sides of the aisle in a letter to the appropriations committee back in april when we requested the full $10 million for this area. i'll just say this one calve yot, i do say this, -- calve yot, i do say this -- caveat, i do say this, we need to make sure we have an adequate opportunity for further economic development. especially now in the recession.