Recently in Washington

Last week the House passed H.R. 5175, the DISCLOSE Act, as well as the conference report on H.R. 2194, the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act.  The House also passed H.R. 3962, the Preservation of Access to Care for Medicare Beneficiaries and Pension Relief Act of 2010.

Idaho Leaders Want Rural Funds Released
Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch and Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson say county leaders need release of federal funding distributed under the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) Program.  In a letter to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, the Idaho leaders joined 33 other members of Congress from both parties asking the Obama Administration to release the funds before the end of this month.

“In nearly every meeting I have with county commissioners from Idaho, the issue of PILT funding comes up,” said Senator Mike Crapo, a member of the Senate Budget Committee.  “Many of our rural counties lose so much of their tax base to federal land ownership, and the timely release of PILT payments is imperative to ensure that counties recoup lost tax dollars and can fund critical road maintenance projects and schools.”

“The federal government has an obligation to deliver these payments to our rural counties in a timely manner.  Many have vast reaches of federal land within their borders.  That federal land impacts all 44 county budgets in Idaho, from the inability to generate revenue from the land since it is not private, to the cost of providing services, such as search and rescue,” said Senator Jim Risch.  “It is imperative for the federal government to provide a payment to these counties through a program that has been in place for over thirty years.”

“In places like Idaho, where the federal government owns nearly two-thirds of the land, the government has a responsibility to be a good neighbor,” said Congressman Mike Simpson.  “The PILT program is critical to communities throughout our state, and I am concerned about the impact this delay will have on them.  As Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the Department of Interior, I am working with them to resolve this issue as quickly as possible.”

The letter to Secretary Salazar notes that county governments, “already facing a dismal economic situation, cannot wait an extra month for these funds, or simply suspend their operations for a month.  They need these funds now, simply to keep their doors open.”

PILT compensate counties for the loss of tax revenue due to federal land ownership.  Nearly $381 million was distributed to counties across the nation in Fiscal Year (FY) 2009.  The payments were anticipated to be made by June 30, in time for the start of the fiscal year for most counties.  However, the U.S. Department of the Interior recently announced a delay in the release of the funds.  The formula used to compute the payments is based on population, receipt sharing payments, and the amount of Federal land within an affected county.  The program was created in 1977.

While acknowledging that estimating the money due each county is complicated, the 14 Senate members and 21 House members, urged the Department of Interior to consider providing estimated payments that can be adjusted later so that our rural counties are not left stranded while the problems are resolved.

“At a minimum, the Department should determine if there is any short-term solution to this issue so that a payment can go out to counties this month,” the letter said.

Members of Congress signing the letter include:

Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID), Jim Risch (R-ID), Harry Reid (D-NV), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Orrin G. Hatch (R-UT), Max Baucus (D-MT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Michael B. Enzi (R-WY), Mark Begich (D-AK), John Barrasso (R-WY), John Ensign (R-NV), Jon Tester (D-MT)

Representatives Mike Simpson (R-ID), Rob Bishop (R-UT), David Wu (D-OR), Greg Walden (R-OR), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Jason Chaffetz (R-UT), Peter A. DeFazio (D-OR), Tom McClintock (R-CA), Kurt Schrader (D-OR), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Jim Matheson (D-UT), Tom Cole (R-OK), Jim Costa (D-CA), Dean Heller (R-NV), Don Young (R-AK), Cynthia M. Lummis (R-WY), Wally Herger (R-CA), Denny Rehberg (R-MT), Devin Nunes  (R-CA), Doc Hastings (R-WA), Betsy Markey (D-CO).

Rehberg, Boyd, Ehlers, Simpson and Minnick Introduce Resolution Honoring Backcountry Airstrips
Congressmen Denny Rehberg (MT-AL), Allen Boyd (FL-02), Vernon Ehlers (MI-03),  Mike Simpson (ID-02) and Walt Minnick (ID-01) have jointly introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives supporting recreational aviation and backcountry airstrips on America’s public lands.

“With 147,000 square miles, there are plenty of places in Montana that you just can’t get to by road,” said Congressman Rehberg, a member of the House General Aviation Caucus.  “That’s why aviation is as important to modern Montana as the horse was for frontier Montana.  During a time when our lands are under threat from drought, insect infestation and wildfire, and when our economy continues to struggle, backcountry airstrips serve a valuable role for land managers and visitors alike.”

“As a pilot, I know that many of us combine flying with other recreational activities, such as hunting, fishing and camping," said Congressman Boyd, co-chair of the House General Aviation Caucus.  "This legislation recognizes the important role rural backcountry airstrips are to general aviation enthusiasts and tourists across the country, and I am proud to be a co-sponsor of this resolution.”

“The Recreational Aviation Foundation has done a great service by pointing out the potential loss of a number of backcountry airstrips,” said Congressman Ehlers. These airstrips allow citizens to land near wilderness areas, and be able to hike, camp, and explore these beautiful parts of our country. These strips provide great access, and should be preserved wherever possible so that generations ahead can continue to enjoy the wilderness areas of our nation.”

“Backcountry airstrips ensure that Idahoans and visitors to our state have access to beautiful and wild places for recreation, work, and management of land and wildlife, and I am pleased to have the opportunity to work with my colleagues to make sure that they continue to be able to use them,” said Congressman Mike Simpson, Ranking Member of the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, which funds the U.S. Forest Service.

“For Idahoans who treasure our backcountry, these airstrips not only allow folks a great way to see the out of doors, but they also represent a lifeline for remote sections of the state,” Congressman Minnick said. “They are important to our way of life and ought to be maintained.”

Backcountry airstrips are often targeted for closure by powerful special interest groups or simply neglected by bureaucrats in Washington, D.C.  Yet, they are a part of life for many Americans.  In addition to search and rescue, fire management, research, disaster relief and wildlife management, they also provide access to some of the most beautiful, remote federal lands in America—regardless of one’s physical ability to otherwise enjoy the backcountry.  For pilots, in the event of mechanical problems or inclement weather, they serve as emergency landing sites when larger airports are out of reach.  Finally, backcountry airstrips serve as efficient access points for tourists, who in turn contribute to local economies and small businesses.

"Too often, backcountry airstrips receive little if any attention, so they are vulnerable to efforts to close them. This resolution introduced by Reps. Rehberg, Boyd, Ehlers, Minnick and Simpson acknowledges the important role of these air strips and raises their profile, especially among their colleagues on Capitol Hill whose actions are critical to the airstrips' survival," said Craig Fuller, President of Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.

“We are excited that these Representatives are recognizing the value of backcountry aviation in this way,” said John McKenna, President of the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF).  “This Resolution clarifies the status of recreational aviation, its participants, supporters and those who work hard to maintain and preserve it for the future."  McKenna lives and works in Bozeman, Montana, the headquarters of the national non-profit organization.”

House Legislative Business This Week
MONDAY, JUNE 28, 2010
On Monday, the House will meet at 12:30 p.m. for morning hour debate and 2:00 p.m. for legislative business. Votes will be postponed until 6:00 p.m.

Suspensions (8 Bills):
1) H.Res. 1244 - Recognizing the National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (Sponsored by Rep. Rodriguez / Education and Labor Committee)
2) H.Con.Res. 284 - Recognizing the work and importance of special education teachers (Sponsored by Rep. Sessions / Education and Labor Committee)
3) H.Res. __ - Commending the University of Southern California Trojan men’s tennis team (Sponsored by Rep. Watson / Education and Labor Committee)
4) S. 1508 - Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act (Sponsored by Sen. Carper / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)
5) H.R. 3913 - Major General David F. Wherley, Jr. District of Columbia National Guard Retention and College Access Act (Sponsored by Del. Norton / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)
6) H.Res. 1439 - Congratulating the Chicago Blackhawks (Sponsored by Rep. Quigley / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)
7) S. 1510 - United States Secret Service Uniformed Division Modernization Act (Sponsored by Sen. Lieberman / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)
8) H.R. 5395 - The "Paula Hawkins Post Office Building" Designation Act (Sponsored by Rep. Mica / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)

TUESDAY, JUNE 29, 2010 AND THE BALANCE OF THE WEEK
On Tuesday, the House will meet at 10:30 a.m. for Morning Hour debate and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business.

On Wednesday and Thursday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for legislative business.

On Friday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business.

Suspensions (18 Bills):
1) H.R. 4505 - To enable State homes to furnish nursing home care to parents any of whose children died while serving in the Armed Forces (Sponsored by Rep. Thornberry / Veterans' Affairs Committee)
2) H.Res. 1446 - Recognizing the residents of the City of Tracy, California (Sponsored by Rep. McNerney / Veterans' Affairs Committee)
3) H.Res. 1228 - Honoring the veterans of Helicopter Attack Light Squadron Three and their families (Sponsored by Rep. Boozman / Veterans' Affairs Committee)
4) H.R. 4307 - The "Alejandro Renteria Ruiz Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic" Designation Act (Sponsored by Rep. Teague / Veterans' Affairs Committee)
5) S.J.Res. 33 - A joint resolution to provide for the reconsideration and revision of the proposed constitution of the United States Virgin Islands (Sponsored by Sen. Bingaman / Natural Resources Committee)
6) H.R. 1554 - Fountainhead Property Land Transfer Act (Sponsored by Rep. Boren / Natural Resources Committee)
7) H.R. 4445 - Indian Pueblo Cultural Center Clarification Act (Sponsored by Rep. Heinrich / Natural Resources Committee)
8) H.R. 2340 - Salmon Lake Land Selection Resolution Act (Sponsored by Rep. Young (AK) / Natural Resources Committee)
9) H.Res. 1153 - Recognizing the heroic efforts of the West Virginia National Guard (Sponsored by Rep. Rahall / Armed Services Committee)
10) H.Res. 1460 - Recognizing the important role of pollinators (Sponsored by Rep. Hastings (FL) / Agriculture Committee)
11) Senate Amendments to H.R. 3360 - Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (Sponsored by Rep. Matsui / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)
12) H.R. __ - Extending the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund and extending the authorizations for the airport improvement program (Sponsored by Rep. Levin / Ways and Means Committee)
13) H.R. 5552 - Firearms Excise Tax Improvement Act (Sponsored by Rep. Kind / Ways and Means Committee)
14) H.Res. 1321 - Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the political situation in Thailand be solved peacefully and through democratic means (Sponsored by Del. Faleomavaega / Foreign Affairs Committee)
15) H.Res. 1412 - Congratulating the Government of South Africa upon its first two successful convictions for human trafficking (Sponsored by Rep. Smith (NJ) / Foreign Affairs Committee)
16) S. 3104 - Permanently authorizing Radio Free Asia (Sponsored by Sen. Lugar / Foreign Affairs Committee)
17) H.Res. 1405 - Congratulating the people of the 17 African nations that in 2010 are marking the 50th year of their national independence (Sponsored by Rep. Rush / Foreign Affairs Committee)
18) H.R. 5503 - Securing Protections for the Injured from Limitations on Liability Act (Sponsored by Rep. Conyers / Judiciary Committee)

Conference Report on H.R. 4173 - Dodd-Frank Act of 2010 (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Frank / Financial Services Committee)

Further Action on H.R. 4899 - Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2010 (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Obey / Appropriations Committee)