Earmarks: Commerce, Justice, Science

Purpose:  to establish and implement an International Trade Scholars Program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to lead research, education and outreach in the fields of international trade and negotiation.
Amount Requested:  $1,000,000
Location:  Lincoln, Nebraska
Recipient:  University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Taxpayer Interest:  training professionals in the area of international trade which is increasingly important as global trade continues to drive economies everywhere.

Purpose: to purchase equipment in support of developing the Family Justice Center of the Midlands. The center will provide in a central location, all the services victims of domestic violence need, including medical and emotional treatment and legal support throughout the judicial process.
Amount Requested: $100,500
Location: Omaha, Nebraska
Recipient: City of Omaha, Nebraska
Taxpayer Interest: facilitate the provision of victims’ services by increasing accessibility and promoting efficient and effective delivery of services.

Purpose: for the Heartland Family Service’s Methamphetamine and Drug Treatment Program for Women - a residential substance abuse treatment program which allows women to receive intensive treatment without being separated from their children.
Amount Requested: $500,000
Location: Omaha, Nebraska
Recipient: Heartland Family Services
Taxpayer Interest: prevention and treatment services for substance abuse while allowing for children to remain with their parent rather than enter the foster care system.

Purpose: for the 6 Regional Climate Centers to provide climate data services
Amount Requested: $6,000,000
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Recipient: High Plains Regional Climate Center (HPRCC) located at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Taxpayer Interest: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Regional Climate Center program was established and authorized by Congress in the 1978 National Climate Program Act. Serving a 6 state region, the High Plains Regional Climate Center is one of 6 in the nation that carries out this program.

The HPCC works closely with federal agencies to acquire and disseminate accurate, up-to-date climate data and information. The research and services completed at HPCC provides valuable input for climate-sensitive issues such as soil and water conservation, sustainable agriculture systems and natural resources and environmental management.

Purpose: to improve access to a system of legal advocacy services for individuals with disabilities in the 3rd district of Nebraska. 
Amount Requested: $225,000
Location: Scottsbluff, Nebraska
Recipient: Nebraska Advocacy Services
Taxpayer Interest: working to address and prevent discrimination, remove barriers that impede people with disabilities from attending school and pursuing gainful employment.

Purpose: to design and test technology that will enable surgical capabilities for U.S. astronauts during space missions
Amount Requested: $3,100,000
Location: Omaha, Nebraska
Recipient: University of Nebraska Medical Center
Taxpayer Interest: This technology will enable astronauts in space to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions that could otherwise end multimillion dollar space missions.

Purpose: to develop novel and improved tools for the analyses and understanding of gang system organizational structures in order to disrupt recruitment and retention of gang members and related gang activity.
Amount Requested: $600,000
Location: Omaha, Nebraska
Recipient: University of Nebraska – Omaha
Taxpayer Interest: promoting public safety by providing tools to law enforcement to combat gang activity.

Updated 6.18.09