Commending the Aero Squad After School Program at Tomorrow's Aeronautical Museum in Compton, California, as well as other youth aviation programs that expose young minorities to the field of civil aviation.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his support on this.

Mr. Speaker, today it is my pleasure to bring to the Congress this resolution congratulating the Aero Squad Program at Tomorrow's Aeronautical Museum located in my district of Compton, California. It is this program that provides young persons who want to learn how to fly the opportunity to do just that.

Mr. Speaker, a young constituent of mine, Kenny Roy, as a part of his school program, traveled to Canada. Upon entering Canada, Kenny passed the written, medical, and flying portions of the pilot exam to become the youngest African American pilot in the world. It is these types of opportunities that are given to these young folks as well as women that we applaud today.

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased that I was able to submit this and that the Congress is supporting this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, today it is my pleasure to bring before Congress a resolution congratulating the Aero Squad Program at Tomorrow's Aeronautical Museum, located at the Compton, California Airport in my district, for providing new and innovative teaching programs that expose young minorities and women to aeronautics.

On September 23, 2004, Mr. Speaker, a young constituent of mine, Kenny Roy, as part of the after-school program, traveled to Canada. Upon entering Canada, Kenny passed the written, medical, and flying portions of the pilot exam to become the youngest African American pilot in the world.

This opportunity was made available to Kenny through an innovative after-school program in Compton, California. This program, located in my district, combines two of my passions, after-school programs for our Nation's youth and providing opportunities for minorities and women in transportation.

This program, the Aero Squad after-school program, provides opportunities for our children that would otherwise not have this opportunity unless they enlisted in the armed services. This ``learn- while-you-earn-program'' was created by Mr. Robin Petgrave, who is a licensed pilot. Mr. Petgrave dedicates his time and resources as a commercial pilot so that these children are exposed to civil aviation at its finest.

As a former school teacher and administrator, I am well aware that innovative approaches to teaching our children are few and far between. It is programs like these that embolden the youth of America to reach for the skies.

These children in Compton are able to earn ``credits'' by performing community service. Credits can then be traded in toward flight lessons.

It is my hope, Mr. Speaker, that we can continue to provide these opportunities that encourage young minorities and women to consider careers in transportation. I am inspired by the creativity and innovation that the Aero Squad Program embodies. I look forward in the 109th Congress to help support programs such as this, which combine innovative teaching approaches with cutting-edge opportunities.

I ask, Mr. Speaker, that the House unanimously pass this measure.

Reserving the right to object, Mr. Speaker, H. Con. Res. 532 submitted by the chairman is a very commendable bill which acknowledges the work of the Aero Squad After School Program at the Tomorrow's Aeronautical Museum in Compton, California, that will give young minority aviators experience in the field of civil aviation.

Further reserving the right to object, I yield to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Millender-McDonald) for her comments on the bill, as she has a response to the bill which our committee has reported out.

Mr. Speaker, further reserving the right to object, I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. LoBiondo), the chairman of the subcommittee.

Mr. Speaker, further reserving the right to object, I would simply note that the air patrol in Minnesota has a similar program, we call it the Young Eagles, to bring young people into participation in aviation at an early age. It is beneficial to all of aviation.

Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of objection.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure be discharged from further consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 532) commending the Aero Squad After School Program at Tomorrow's Aeronautical Museum in Compton, California, as well as other youth aviation programs that expose young minorities to the field of civil aviation, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I commend the gentlewoman from California. Education, guidance and opportunity are key ingredients to success, and I commend the gentlewoman for her initiative on this motion. I urge all of my colleagues to support it.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 5426 and H. Con. Res. 532.