Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that there should be established a National Teacher Day to honor and celebrate teachers in the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res 952, legislation calling for the establishment of a National Teacher Day. Few professionals touch as many lives as teachers do. They provide us with the knowledge and skills that we need to succeed in life, and their compassion, sacrifice, and dedication to their profession deserves national recognition.

As the son of an elementary school teacher, I was proud to introduce this resolution calling for the establishment of a national day of recognition for our Nation's teachers. My mother and so many other teachers across the country spend their lives working to inspire children and open their minds to new ideas so that they can grow up to be successful in whatever path they choose.

I am sure that each and every one of our colleagues can identify a teacher from their past who left a significant mark on their lives. I know that I would not be here where I am today without the motivation and encouragement of teachers from my past who challenged me to aspire to greater things and pursue my dreams of public service.

For me, the teacher who provided the greatest impact of my life is Dr. Leatrice Rabinsky, a teacher at Cleveland Heights High School in Ohio. She was one of the pioneers of Holocaust education. Her teaching and experience left an indelible mark on me and led me to introduce legislation, as a State Senator in Florida, requiring the teaching of the Holocaust in all of Florida's public schools. Florida was one of the first States to pass and implement this policy which is now considered a model for Holocaust education across this country, and I attribute that effort to Dr. Leatrice Rabinsky.

I believe it is important to recognize the hard work of our Nation's teachers who prepare our students to build a stronger America. The education of our children is critical to the success of our country, and despite limited compensation, in many cases, and increasingly high expectations, our teachers rise to the challenge each and every day.

In Florida, the average teacher earns about $43,000 per year, and nationally, teacher salary growth continues to lag behind inflation. This day of recognition is critical for bringing national attention to the pressing need to invest more in our teachers and our public schools. By providing teachers with the support, professional development, and compensation they deserve, we will retain more teachers in the profession and see significant gains in our public schools. No longer can we ask our teachers to increase their workload and raise academic achievement without providing them with the resources they need to do so.

Teachers are a critical component to our increasing global competitiveness, and once again establishing our country as a world leader in the global economy, teachers will play a central role.

I'm proud to have voted for the passage of legislation that invests in our Nation's math and science teachers this year providing roughly 25,000 teachers with assistance in pursuing graduate degrees, summer training, and other types of professional development. I am confident that this is just the beginning of new Federal support investing in science, technology, engineering, and math education and providing incentives to teachers who wish to engage in these specialty areas.

Our teachers are charged with a very difficult task as the pressure continues to grow across the country to increase student achievement. However, they have taken on the challenge with incredible perseverance and determination, and their dedication to our students and their profession deserves thanks and recognition.

I'm hopeful with the passage of this resolution, every American will take time from their day to acknowledge the teachers in their lives, both past and present, for their commitment to this important profession.

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank my distinguished colleague, Congressman Roskam, for joining me in introducing this legislation, and I thank the overwhelming number of Members who have joined me in support of the establishment of a National Teacher Day.

I urge passage of this important legislation.

Madam Speaker, on February 6, 2008, I was unable to vote on the following votes: rollcall No. 29: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 867. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall No. 30: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 942. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'', and rollcall No. 31: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 943. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''.

Madam Speaker, on February 7, 2008, I was unable to vote on the following votes: rollcall No. 32: On ordering the previous question for H. Res. 956. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall No. 33: On agreeing to H. Res. 956. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall No. 34: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Con. Res. 283, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall No. 35: On motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 4848, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall No. 36: On agreeing to the amendment numbered 4 to H.R. 4137. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall No. 37: On agreeing to the amendment numbered 5 to H.R. 4137. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall No. 38: On agreeing to the amendment numbered 7 to H.R. 4137. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no''; rollcall No. 39: On motion to Recommit H.R. 4137 with Instructions. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no''; rollcall No. 40: On passage of H.R. 4137. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall

No. 41: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 947. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'', and rollcall No. 42: On agreeing to the Senate amendment to H.R. 5140. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Madam Speaker, On March 11, 2008, I was unable to vote on the following vote: rollcall No. 111: On motion to adjourn. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Madam Speaker, on April 14, 2008, I was unable to vote on the following votes: rollcall No. 183: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 886, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall No. 184: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 994, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; and rollcall No. 185: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.R. 3548, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, on May 5, 2008, I was unable to vote on the following votes: rollcall No. 240: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 952. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall No. 241: On a motion to table the motion to reconsider H. Res. 952. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall No. 242: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1011, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall No. 243: On a motion to table the motion to reconsider H. Res. 1011. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; and rollcall No. 244: On a motion to adjourn. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, on May 6, 2008, I was unable to vote on the following vote: rollcall No. 260: On motion to adjourn. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, on June 3, 2008, I was unable to vote on the following votes: rollcall No. 367: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Con. Res. 138, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall No. 368: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 923. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall No. 369: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1114. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, on July 17, 2008, I was unable to vote on the following votes: rollcall No. 510: On agreeing to the resolution to H. Res. 1350. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall No. 539: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1370, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, as the only former state schools' chief serving in Congress, I rise today in appreciation of the lasting impact that teachers make on the lives of all Americans.

Each of us in the House have benefited from the care and guidance of a talented educator. Each of us knows, from personal experience and reports from our district, many of the amazing success stories in our schools today. These successes would not be possible without our dedicated teachers who lend their skills, experience, and passion to the task of educating our children.

I am profoundly thankful to all of my teachers, who pushed me to succeed and taught me valuable lessons. Ms. Flossie Barber, who taught me at the Cleveland School, was the personification of teaching. Stern and tough, but always caring with each and every student, her early lessons enabled me to achieve my goals and more. Coach Bruce Coats taught me what it meant to be a member of a team and how to contribute to the greater good. I hope that everyone has the privilege of great teachers like these, and remembers to give them thanks for their hard work and inspiration.

Too often, we do not give our teachers the respect and esteem that they deserve. This day, and really this whole week, is an opportunity to stop and remember the professional educators who work every day to build a bright future for our children and our Nation. Their efforts shape the world of tomorrow, and they deserve our support every day throughout the year.

Mr. Speaker, with your leadership, the New Direction Congress is ensuring that our teachers get the support they need to continue their work to educate our children. We have committed to fully funding No Child Left Behind and other federal mandates that have been shortchanged by the current administration. We also must pass new teacher training and staff development initiatives to help our educators hone and maintain the skills they need to teach our children well. We have made great strides in recent years to improve our schools, and, on this National Teacher Day should recommit to build on that record of success.

Improving education in this country is about creating a classroom environment where children can learn. My colleagues and I have crafted bipartisan legislation to provide critical investments in school construction and modernization across the country. The Rangel-Ramstad- Etheridge America's Better Classrooms Act will provide $25 billion in interest-free bonds for local schools. This bill will make a real difference for our communities, our children, and their teachers. I have also introduced legislation to ensure that students and teachers have a safe place to learn that is equipped to respond to any disaster. The Schools Empowered to Respond Act will support schools in their efforts to keep children safe and implement robust emergency management plans. On this National Teacher Day, I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this important legislation.

The work of our dedicated teachers inspires our students every day, and I have been inspired by so many educators who give much to our communities. I thank them for their work, and do so every day.

Madam Speaker, I was in my district voting in the North Carolina primary election and I missed rollcall votes on May 5th, 6th and 7th. I ask that the Record show that had I been present:

For rollcall No. 240--To suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 952-- I would have voted ``yes'';

For rollcall No. 241--To table the motion to reconsider H. Res. 952-- I would have voted ``no'';

For rollcall No. 242--To suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1011, as amended--I would have voted ``yes'';

For rollcall No. 243--To table the motion to reconsider H. Res. 1011--I would have voted ``no'';

For rollcall No. 244--Motion to adjourn--I would have voted ``no'';

For rollcall No. 245--Motion to adjourn--I would have voted ``yes'';

For rollcall No. 246--Motion to adjourn--I would have voted ``no'';

For rollcall No. 247--Motion to instruct conferees on H. R. 2419--I would have voted ``yes'';

For rollcall No. 248--To table the motion to reconsider the vote on the motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 2419--I would have voted ``no'';

For rollcall No. 249--To suspend the rules and pass H.R. 3658--I would have voted ``yes'';

For rollcall No. 250--To table the motion to reconsider H.R. 3658--I would have voted ``no'';

For rollcall No. 251--To suspend the rules and agree to H. Con. Res. 317, as amended--I would have voted ``yes'';

For rollcall No. 252--To table the motion to reconsider H. Con. Res. 317--I would have voted ``no'';

For rollcall No. 253--To suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1109, as amended--I would have voted ``yes'';

For rollcall No. 254--To table the motion to reconsider H. Res. 1109--I would have voted ``no'';

For rollcall No. 255--Motion to adjourn--I would have voted ``yes'';

For rollcall No. 256--To suspend the rules and pass S. 2929, as amended--I would have voted ``yes'';

For rollcall No. 257--To table the motion to reconsider S. 2929--I would have voted ``no'';

For rollcall No. 258--Motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 2419--I would have voted ``no'';

For rollcall No. 259--To table the motion to reconsider the vote on the motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 2419--I would have voted ``no'';

For rollcall No. 260--Motion to adjourn--I would have voted ``yes'';

For rollcall No. 261--Motion to adjourn--I would have voted ``yes'';

For rollcall No. 262--Motion to adjourn--I would have voted ``yes'';

For rollcall No. 263--To suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1168--I would have voted ``yes'';

For rollcall No. 264--To table the motion to reconsider H. Res. 1168--I would have voted ``no'';

For rollcall No. 265--To suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1155--I would have voted ``yes'';

For rollcall No. 266--To table the motion to reconsider H. Res. 1155--I would have voted ``no'';

For rollcall No. 267--Motion to adjourn--I would have voted ``yes'';

For rollcall No. 268--To approve the journal--I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Connecticut. I, like many of us, come to the floor and want to congratulate Mr. Klein for his leadership on this issue and bringing us together actually in an area that I think most folks, if you reflect back, you can think of a favorite teacher. Let me tell you a little bit about one of my favorite teachers.

My fourth grade teacher was Lillian Anderson. Lillian Anderson was 65 years old and I was in the last class. Maybe I caused her to retire, but I was the last class that Ms. Anderson had. Ms. Anderson was one of those people at Ben Franklin School in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, that began to open up our eyes, myself and my classmates, to the State of Illinois, and that's a tradition that we have in Illinois.

Mr. Speaker, as a fine product of the public schools in Illinois, you know that fourth graders in Illinois begin to learn about the State. We learn the State flower, the violet. We learn the State song, which I will not sing for you. We learn the State bird, the cardinal, and all of these things.

And what happened to me was in Ms. Anderson's class, beginning to learn about the three branches of government, in all of those things, suddenly this was a whole new area that was revealed to me.

I grew up in a family that wasn't active when it came to politics. My mom and dad would vote, but that was pretty much it. So here I was a young student, a young boy in Ms. Anderson's class, and a seed was planted by that dear woman. The seed was later watered for me when I was in eighth grade and took the Constitution test, and I was one of those kids in eighth grade that couldn't get enough of it, absolutely loved it.

My point is that there were teachers along the way that encouraged and nurtured me, and I have a strong suspicion that, as we reflect, every one of us can point to somebody along the way, in addition to those people in our immediate families, but somebody along the way that encouraged us, that saw a little something in us, moved us along, took the time to pull us aside and give us an important word. I think that that legacy is the great benefit of the teaching profession today because they don't know all of the ways in which they've influenced people.

So I want to thank Mr. Klein. I want to thank him for bringing this resolution to the floor, for having the Congress today pause and to reflect on those people who were influential in bringing us here today, and I know he's worked very hard to reach out to folks on both sides of the aisle.

I want to thank my friend from Connecticut (Mr. Shays) for yielding.