Commending the Wisconsin Badger football team for an outstanding season and 2011 Rose Bowl bid.

Madam Speaker, I missed the following votes from Friday, December 17 through Wednesday, December 22, 2010. I would have voted ``yes'' on the following votes:

Friday:

H.J. Res. 105--Making Further Continuing Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2011 (Representative Obey--Appropriations) (Voice vote)

1. H. Res. 1377--Honoring the accomplishments of Norman Yoshio Mineta (Representative Honda--House Administration)

2. Senate Amendment to H.R. 1107--To enact certain laws relating to public contracts as title 41, United States Code, ``Public Contracts'' (Representative Conyers--Judiciary)

3. Senate Amendment to H.R. 628--To establish a pilot program in certain United States district courts to encourage enhancement of expertise in patent cases among district judges (Representative Issa-- Judiciary)

4. H. Res. 1733--Recognizing Mark Twain as one of America's most famous literary icons on the 175th anniversary of his birth and the 100th anniversary of his death (Representative Snyder--Oversight and Government Reform)

5. H. Res. 1621--Recognizing the 100th anniversary of the historic founding of Catholic Charities USA (Representative Holt--Oversight and Government Reform)

6. H. Res. 1767--Commending the Wisconsin Badger football team for an outstanding season and 2011 Rose Bowl bid (Representative Baldwin-- Education and Labor)

7. H. Con. Res. 335--Honoring the exceptional achievements of Ambassador Richard Holbrooke and recognizing the monumental contributions he has made to United States national security, humanitarian causes, and peaceful resolutions of international conflict (Representative Lowey--Foreign Affairs)

8. S. 3874--Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act (Senator Boxer-- Energy and Commerce)

9. H.R. 6533--To implement the recommendations of the Federal Communications Commission report to the Congress regarding low-power FM service (Representative Doyle--Energy and Commerce)

10. H.R. 6523--Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 (Representative Skelton--Armed Services)

11. H.R. 2142--Government Efficiency, Effectiveness, and Performance Improvement Act of 2009 (Representative Cuellar--Oversight and Government Reform)

12. H.R. 5510--Aiding Those Facing Foreclosure Act of 2010 (Representative Kaptur--Financial Services)

Tuesday:

Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 5116--America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (Representative Gordon--Science and Technology)(228-130)

Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2142--Government Efficiency, Effectiveness, and Performance Improvement Act (Representative Cuellar--Oversight and Government Reform) (216-139)

Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2751--FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (Representatives Waxman/Dingell--Energy and Commerce) (215-144)

Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 3082--Making Further Continuing Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2011 (Representative Obey-- Appropriations) (193-165)

1. S. 3592--A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 100 Commerce Drive in Tyrone, Georgia, as the ``First Lieutenant Robert Wilson Collins Post Office Building'' (Senator Chambliss--Oversight and Government Reform)

2. Senate Amendment to H.R. 81--Shark Conservation Act (Representative Bordallo--Natural Resources)

3. Senate Amendment to H.R. 5809--Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2010 (Representative Inslee--Energy and Commerce)

4. H.R. 6540--To require the Secretary of Defense, in awarding a contract for the KC-X Aerial Refueling Aircraft Program, to consider any unfair competitive advantage that an offeror may possess (Representative Inslee--Armed Services)

5. H.R. 6547--To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require criminal background checks for school employees (Representative George Miller--Education and Labor)

6. S. 118--Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Act (Senator Kohl--Financial Services)

7. S. 1481--Frank Melville Supportive Housing Investment Act (Senator Menendez--Financial Services)

8. S. 3243--Anti-Border Corruption Act of 2010 (Senator Pryor/ Representative Shuler--Homeland Security)

9. S. 2925--Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking Deterrence and Victims Support Act of 2010 (Senator Wyden--Judiciary)

10. Senate Amendment to H.R. 4748--Northern Border Counternarcotics Strategy Act of 2010 (Representative Owens--Judiciary)

11. Senate Amendment to H.R. 1746--Pre-Disaster Mitigation Act of 2009 (Representative Oberstar--Transportation and Infrastructure)

Wednesday:

Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 847--James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act (Representative Maloney--Energy and Commerce)(206-60)

Bills Adopted By Unanimous Consent (13):

1. Senate Amendment to H.R. 6523--Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 (Representative Skelton--Armed Services)

2. S. 3481--Amending the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to clarify Federal responsibility for stormwater pollution (Senator Cardin--Transportation and Infrastructure)

3. House Amendment to S. 372--Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act (Senator Akaka--Oversight and Government Reform)

4. H. Res. 1461--Supporting Olympic Day on June 23, 2010, and congratulating Team USA and World Fit participants (Representative Langevin--Oversight and Government Reform)

5. S. 4036--A bill to clarify the National Credit Union Administration authority to make stabilization fund expenditures without borrowing from the Treasury (Senator Dodd--Financial Services)

6. S. Con. Res. 67--A concurrent resolution celebrating 130 years of United States-Romanian diplomatic relations, congratulating the Romanian people on their achievements as a great nation, and reaffirming the deep bonds of trust and values between the United States and Romania, a trusted and most valued ally (Senator Voinovich-- Foreign Affairs)

7. Senate Amendment to H.R. 6560--Removal Clarification Act of 2010 (Representative Hank Johnson--Judiciary)

8. H. Res. 1779--Honoring the 50th anniversary of the Freedom Riders (Representative John Lewis (GA)--Judiciary)

9. Senate Amendment to H.R. 5901--Real Estate Jobs and Investment Act of 2010 (Representative Joe Crowley--Ways & Means)

10. H. Res. 1783--Technical Correction to H. Res. 1757 (Representative Brady (PA)--House Administration)

11. S. 4058--Helping Heroes Keep Their Homes Act of 2010 (Senator Kerry--Veterans' Affairs)

12. S. 3903--To authorize leases of up to 99 years for lands held in trust for Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo (Senator Udall--Natural Resources)

13. Senate Amendment to H.R. 6517--To extend trade adjustment assistance and certain trade preference programs, to amend the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to modify temporarily certain rates of duty, and for other purposes (Representative Levin-- Ways and Means)

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 1767, a resolution commending the Wisconsin Badger football team for an outstanding season and for their 2011 Rose Bowl bid.

The Wisconsin Badgers completed a terrific regular season and won the Big Ten title. They finished their season 11-1. They are the least penalized team in the country. The Badger offense ranks in the top 20 nationally in scoring, rushing, and total offense. Twenty-two Badger players were selected to the Academic All-Big Ten Team. And even more exciting, our Wisconsin Badgers earned a well-deserved bid to the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2011.

It has been a pleasure for me to watch our Badger football team excel this season. I know I am joined by fans at home in Wisconsin and, indeed, alumni and fans around the country in feeling great pride in the University of Wisconsin-Madison and this stellar accomplishment. It is true that our football team enjoys very loyal and fervent support from fans and alumni. Badger fans sold out Camp Randall Stadium for the entire season. And what a season it was.

My colleagues may remember a warm night in October when the Badgers defeated the number one-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes 31-18. It was really an incredible game. I'll never forget the opening kickoff return by David Gilreath for a touchdown. And after the game, fans rushed to the field in a sea of red. What a game.

The following week, the Badgers barnstormed into Iowa and beat a strong Hawkeyes team in an inspiring comeback. The Badger defense cemented the 1-point win with a key defensive stand.

The Badgers' success on the field is guided by strong guidance from University of Wisconsin leaders. I would like to acknowledge a few key folks who have contributed to this outstanding season. University of Wisconsin-Madison Chancellor Biddy Martin has exhibited incredibly strong leadership for the University of Wisconsin. Chancellor Martin displays an unyielding commitment to academic excellence for Wisconsin's student athletes and is assuredly a big reason behind this great season.

I also want to acknowledge Athletic Director Barry Alvarez, a three- time Rose Bowl-winning coach, who had a strong hand in helping lead the Badgers back to Pasadena, California.

And, of course, we are grateful to the strong leadership of Head Coach Bret Bielema, who showed tremendous resolve in guiding the Badgers to an outstanding 11-1 season. Indeed, the Badgers have achieved a stellar 49-15 record overall during Coach Bielema's tenure. In addition to his prowess on the field, Coach Bielema is a leader in his community. He does tremendous work to promote breast cancer awareness and survival.

In addition, our Badger defensive coordinator, Paul Chryst, is a finalist for the Broyles Award as the Nation's top assistant coach.

Football fans watch the game because of the skill and talent of the players. At Wisconsin, we're lucky enough to have the privilege of watching players on the field who also show exceptional leadership off the field.

Senior quarterback Scott Tolzien, the most accurate passer in college football, won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award for his on-field performance as well as his character.

Senior defensive end J.J. Watt is an academic All-Big Ten Team selection and winner of the Lott IMPACT Trophy, awarded nationally to a defensive player, for his athletic, academic, and community achievements.

And senior offensive lineman Gabe Carimi won the Outland Trophy, an honor given to the best interior lineman in college football, in addition to being selected to the Academic All-Big Ten Team as a civil engineering major.

As my colleagues know, the annual Rose Bowl game is the oldest college bowl game and its history and prestige have earned it the title of ``The Granddaddy of Them All.'' This 2011 Rose Bowl bid is exciting for the Wisconsin Badgers as well as TCU, Texas Christian University, who we will meet in Pasadena. Wisconsin looks forward to ``badgering'' the Horned Frogs on New Year's Day.

I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 1767, which recognizes the achievements of the players, coaches, students, alumni, and staff who were instrumental in helping the Wisconsin Badgers make it to Pasadena, California. Regardless of your political affiliation or football allegiance, there's always an open invitation from the Wisconsin Badgers to ``teach you how to Bucky.''

We'll see you in Pasadena. On Wisconsin!

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1767) commending the Wisconsin Badger football team for an outstanding season and 2011 Rose Bowl bid.

Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on House Resolution 1767 in the Record.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1767, which commends the Wisconsin Badger football team for an outstanding season and a 2011 Rose Bowl bid. I present this resolution on behalf of Representative Baldwin. Representative Baldwin introduced this, and it is supported by others from the Badger State.

The Wisconsin Badgers just completed a dominant regular season, winning the Big Ten title, finishing 11-1, and earning a bid to the Rose Bowl game on New Year's Day 2011.

The Rose Bowl is the oldest of all college football bowl games, first played in 1902. Since 1945, it has been the most highly attended college football bowl game in the country.

I would like to extend my congratulations to the University of Wisconsin-Madison chancellor, Biddy Martin; three-time winning Rose Bowl coach and athletic director, Barry Alvarez;

and Head Coach Bret Bielema, for their outstanding season.

The Badgers have achieved an outstanding overall 49-15 record under Coach Bielema's tenure. For a second consecutive season, the Badger football team features 22 players selected to the Academic All-Big Ten team, surpassing the previous record of 19 set a few years ago. The team also--and this is worth noting--is the least penalized team in the United States, displaying remarkable discipline and leadership on the field.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Representative Baldwin for introducing this resolution and once again express my support for House Resolution 1767.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize the gentlewoman from Wisconsin (Ms. Baldwin), the author of this resolution, for such time as she may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I ask passage of this bill, H. Res. 1767, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise today in support of House Resolution 1767, a resolution commending the Wisconsin Badger football team for an outstanding season in the 2011 Rose Bowl bid.

The 2010 Wisconsin Badgers finished the regular season with a sterling 11-1 record, were co-champions of the Big Ten conference, and earned a trip to the Rose Bowl. The path to the Rose Bowl started early, with a victory over the number one-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes in a nationally televised game, and the season just got better from there.

The Badgers were a prolific offensive machine, averaging 45.2 points per conference game. It was the second highest per game total in conference history. Numerous players earned spots on the All-American teams for their performances on the field this year, including Gabe Carimi, John Moffitt, Lance Kendricks, J.J. Watt, and Johen Clay. Carimi was named winner of the prestigious Outland Trophy, an award given every year to the Nation's best interior lineman.

Of course, all these accomplishments would not have been possible without their head coach, Bret Bielema. Bielema's achievements have also been recognized, as he was recently named a finalist for the Bear Bryant Award, the award given the top college football team in the country.

We wish the Badgers the best of luck on January 1, and I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, but I would like to congratulate the Wisconsin football team. It's difficult for me to be here because they destroyed my small school this year, Austin Peay, but we do appreciate the large check you sent us.

I yield back the balance of my time.