Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank the State Department for finally securing the release of Father Nguyen van Ly. I have advocated and pushed hard for Father Ly's release in the past year, and I'm glad that my hard work has come to fruition.

Father Ly is one of the many Vietnamese citizens who have been harassed for religious and democracy advocacy. He was placed on trial without defense and was imprisoned for almost 17 years for promoting human rights and religious freedom. As a Roman Catholic priest and prominent Vietnamese dissident, Father Ly has become a powerful icon in the ongoing fight for democracy in Vietnam. He is a hero for many Vietnamese worldwide.

While the release of Father Ly is a good start, we still have a long way to go. We as a country must uphold our values and must continue to challenge countries like Vietnam and China on their human rights and religious freedom violations. One day, maybe, my dream then will come true: A free and democratic Vietnam.

Madam Speaker, the basic tenets of a democracy are those that protect life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Accessible, affordable health care that protects life is one of those tenets. This is why I applaud President Obama for his strength and determination in pushing for health care reform in the face of great adversity.

I support H.R. 3962, the Health Care Reform Bill, that passed the U.S. House on November 7, 2009, because it tries to provide affordable health care while protecting life. And I stand ready to support health care reform again so long as the reconciliation bill seeks the same goals.

As of now, the Senate health care bill falls short and even contradicts the most basic principle of civilization: Thou shalt not kill. The Senate bill willfully excludes the language of the Hyde Amendment and seeks to expand funding and the role of the Federal Government in the despicable killing of the unborn. It also fails to incorporate provisions to protect the conscience of medical providers regarding abortion, as found in the Hyde-Weldon Amendment. These flaws are so devastating in their effects that they override any good the Senate health care bill seeks to promote.

Until this House fixes the abortion language and incorporates a conscience protection clause, I stand firmly in opposition.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 249 to commemorate the 45th anniversary of Bloody Sunday and the role that it played in ensuring the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Today, we remember a momentous occasion in our history. On March 7, 1965, 600 marchers, led by my esteemed colleague from Georgia, Congressman John Lewis, were savagely attacked by State and local police as they attempted to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge into Selma, Alabama. These brave marchers used the power of nonviolence to demand that most basic of democratic rights of a citizen: the right to vote. In return, the marchers were met with billy clubs and tear gas. But the marchers confronted terror with courage. Their dignity in the face of brutality moved this House to pass the Voting Rights Act, which reaffirmed this Nation's commitment that every citizen has the right to participate fully in the political life of the Nation.

This past weekend, my family and I traveled to Selma to honor the 45th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. Kate, my wife, our two daughters, Betsy and Sophia, and I marched from Brown Chapel to the top of Edmund Pettus Bridge. Along the way, not only did we learn of the significance of the march, but also the love and admiration that the people still have for the historical marchers. Among those was John Lewis. I commented then and firmly believe today that I owe so much of my personal and political success to the struggles of the African American community. Because of their perseverance and sacrifice, doors have been opened permanently to every minority community in America.

Mr. Speaker, it was an honor to have been a part of this momentous commemoration, to work with dedicated public servants like my good friend from Georgia, and I ask my colleagues to support this important resolution.

Thank you very much, Pete.

I know that the NASA program is extremely important to your district, and I know that it is very integral in providing good jobs to your people in your district. It is also the same with mine. I have a NASA facility plant in New Orleans East, a facility that is called Michoud.

Earlier this year, President Obama released his 2011 budget. To my surprise and to the surprise of many other Members--I'm pretty sure you're included--the President recommended canceling NASA's Constellation human spaceflight program. During a time when our space shuttle program is phasing out, I am very concerned that this decision will leave our Nation with no means of transporting our astronauts to and from the international space station. It could set the U.S. space program back decades.

Nearly 50 years ago, President John F. Kennedy showed remarkable vision when he directed NASA to launch the Apollo program to the Moon. America remains the only country in the world to have landed a person on the Moon and to have brought him back to Earth safely. We have achieved what people once thought to be impossible because we pushed ourselves and because we challenged our understanding of science and the universe. To this day, we still enjoy the countless benefits reaped from the first spaceflight.

Technologically, NASA is regularly commercialized, and it can be found in countless products, like in improved medical devices, in household smoke detectors, in barcode scanners, and in every computer.

So we see that the technology from spaceflight is incorporated into our everyday lives.

It has also allowed us to improve weather forecasting, which is extremely important in Louisiana, given the threats of hurricanes and tornadoes and what have you in the region. If you were to listen to the former NASA Administrator, Dr. Mike Griffin, he wrote, ``I believe that this budget request advocates a strategy that is, frankly, disastrous for the U.S. human spaceflight program.''

Harrison Schmitt, former U.S. Senator and Apollo 17 astronaut, said, ``It is simply bad for the country.''

With the loss of our manufacturing base, many jobs have been moved to other countries. The manufacturing of the space vehicle is among the very few areas where we still enjoy a technical advantage, and I think it is extremely unwise to give it up.

Like you said, the Chinese are pushing to bring a person to the Moon. The Russians are continuing their space program, and I am pretty sure that they are catching up with us in the technical field to put a person on the Moon and beyond. And we, as one of the most powerful countries in the world, the most advanced country in the world, we are scaling back on our space program, one of the few areas where we still have a technical advantage beyond other countries.

The Michoud facility in my own district was slated to build components of the Orion crew module and the Ares 1 and Ares 5 cargo rockets. Michoud faces the prospect of losing thousands of high-skilled jobs. In a time in which we are trying to preserve jobs, trying to create jobs, this cut will destroy jobs. With the Michoud facility facing a reduced workforce of 1,000 employees, that is 1,000 good- paying jobs that we can preserve and we can retain.

We have this world-class manufacturing facility in New Orleans which has been used to build the Saturn rockets for the Apollo program and the main fuel tanks for the space shuttle, among many other notable achievements, and we will lose all of the experience and all of the manufacturing jobs, along with $9 billion of taxpayer money that could have been spent on the Constellation Program.

Some have made the argument that the future of manned spaceflight is best outsourced to the private sector, as indicated in the budget proposal. But I think, though, commercial spaceflight is a promising and exciting endeavor, and we need to keep those programs in our country, in our districts, to provide those good-paying jobs to our people. If we are trying to preserve jobs in the United States, I think it is unwise to outsource those good-paying jobs to other countries. Institutional knowledge of over 40 years of human spaceflight would be lost under the current budget proposal.

Just to close, I just want to quote a statement given by Charlie Duke, an Apollo 16 astronaut. He said, ``We cannot afford to lose our leadership in space. The Constellation Program must be continued.''

You know what, Pete? I cannot agree with him more. I am pretty sure you can also agree with me on that assertion. Thank you very much for your hard work and dedication to this project.

And I do recognize that we are facing a budget problem, a budget crisis in this country, and we have to cut costs, but I believe that we have to do it in a responsible manner. Cutting one of the few areas in which we have an advantage over every other country in the world seems to me to be a very unwise decision.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Black History Month to recognize Ms. Leah Chase. Known as the ``Queen of Creole Cuisine,'' Ms. Chase is a chef, a television host, a cultural ambassador, and the owner of the famous Louisiana landmark Dooky Chase restaurant. Dooky Chase is located in the historic Treme neighborhood of New Orleans and was immortalized in the television show ``Frank's Place.'' But, it was established as a spiritual, cultural, and historical landmark long before television producers came knocking.

During the 1960s, Dooky Chase was a meeting place for civil rights activists and NAACP members coming from all around the region. And during segregation, notable African American artists such as Ella Fitzgerald and Lena Horne dined there.

When Hurricane Katrina flooded the restaurant, forcing it to close its doors for the first time since 1941, Ms. Chase could have left, leaving behind all of the history and prominence of this historic spot. But she returned, rebuilt, and reopened to serve, nourish, and inspire the bodies and souls of future generations.

Today, I am proud to recognize Leah Chase for her unwavering commitment to the recovery of Orleans and Jefferson parishes.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1079, congratulating the National Football League Champion New Orleans Saints for winning Super Bowl XLIV and bringing New Orleans its first Lombardi Trophy in franchise history. As a New Orleanian and Representative to Congress for Orleans and Jefferson Parishes, I am honored to congratulate the Saints on their historic season.

I want to thank the 22 original cosponsors and 75 total cosponsors of House Resolution 1079 for joining me to congratulate and support the Saints. I would also like to thank my colleagues in the entire Louisiana delegation for their dedication to the recovery of south Louisiana. We have collaborated in Congress on efforts to rebuild our region, and I hope to continue working with them in the future.

The Saints' motto all season has been ``Finish Strong.'' And they did that very thing with a 31-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV. The Saints' Super Bowl victory not only shows the dedication and hard work of the organization, coaches, and players, but also represents a beacon of hope for the City of New Orleans and a catalyst for recovery throughout Louisiana. House Resolution 1079 emphasizes the positive influence that the Saints have had on people in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region.

I introduced House Resolution 1079 to congratulate the Saints because for the past 5 years the Saints have symbolized the City of New Orleans through their pride, resiliency, traditions, suffering, faith, loyalty, and hope.

This resolution congratulates Saints owners Tom Benson and Rita Benson LeBlanc for their investment in the future of the Saints and their dedication and commitment to a strong and united New Orleans. This resolution also congratulates Doug Thornton, Senior Vice President of Stadiums and Arenas, for helping the Saints return to New Orleans by playing an integral role in rebuilding the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina.

House Resolution 1079 also brings attention to the individuals who made this season a success. I want to specifically thank head coach Sean Payton for his love and commitment to the people and the City of New Orleans, and to congratulate him in being the lone head coach in Saints history to open a season with 13 straight wins and holding the all-time winning percentage record for a Saints head coach.

This resolution also highlights statistics from the Saints' regular season and Super Bowl XLIV, such as Drew Brees completing 70.6 percent of his passes during the regular season, which is an NFL record; Darren Sharper setting an NFL record for most interception return yardage in a regular season with 376 yards; the Saints leading the league in 2009 with 31.9 points per game and 403.8 yards per game; the 2009 Saints surpassing team records for most points in a season, most touchdowns in a season, longest winning streak, most interception return yards, and most interceptions returned for a touchdown in a game.

Other statistics from Super Bowl XLIV were Drew Brees setting a Super Bowl record with 32 pass completions, Marques Colston leading the Saints in receiving yards with 83, the team rushing for a total of 51 yards on 18 carries, and Garrett Hartley setting a Super Bowl record with three field goals of over 40 yards.

For the past several months, I have been reading statements on the House floor about the importance of the Saints and their positive impact on New Orleans and I want to continue that tradition with a few statements from my district.

Ms. Loretta Brehm writes, ``The whole Saints organization exemplifies leadership, professionalism, and a `never give up attitude.' They have brought together all parts of our community, regardless of race, religion, or economic status. Much has been given to our community by their generous spirit and positive actions. If we as a community can model from their success, there is no limits to what we can accomplish.''

Ms. Melissa Smith writes, ``All those involved with the Saints organization took a chance on the City of New Orleans. Doug Thornton performed a miracle and ensured that the team had a facility to play in. The Bensons returned the team to New Orleans. And the team as a whole provided an avenue for all of us to come home and gave us the faith we need to overcome certain odds.''

New Orleanians remark about the resurgence of the team and how they spur the resurgence of the city. ``The New Orleans Saints gave this city hope during a time when we didn't have this hope in ourselves. They provided people with a plan that depends on discipline, dedication, and determination. We may be tired and poor right now, but we are contenders. We are New Orleans. We are America.''

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield 1 minute to my good friend from Indiana, Mr. Dan Burton. He and I entered into a little bet, and the bet was 5 pounds of Indiana steaks for 5 pounds of Louisiana shrimp. And I must say this past weekend the steaks were very, very delicious.

I yield the gentleman 1 additional minute.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield 2 minutes to my distinguished colleague from the State of Louisiana (Mr. Fleming).

Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield 2 minutes to my dear friend from Louisiana (Mr. Cassidy). He has been a wonderful friend as well as a wonderful supporter of me in the past year.

Mr. Speaker, I cannot find a more ardent Saints fan than the next speaker, Mr. Steve Scalise. He represents about 10 percent of New Orleans and a good part of Jefferson Parish. And most of the fans of New Orleans comes from the parishes that Mr. Scalise represents.

I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Scalise).

Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield 2 minutes to the distinguished Member from the State of Louisiana, Dr. Boustany. Dr. Boustany has been a wonderful friend to me as well as a wonderful mentor, and it's always good to know that there will always be a great person for me to lean on.

I thank the gentleman very much. And because the Saints have been so important to my constituents, I will be making official copies of the resolution to be available to them. They can receive a copy by contacting my office in Washington or New Orleans.

I want to close with a prayer for the Saints, delivered by Archbishop Philip Hannan at the first Saints and Sinners Banquet in 1968. It reads:

``Our heavenly Father, who has instructed us that the `saints by faith conquered kingdoms and overcame lions,' grant our Saints an increase of strength and faith so that they will not only overcome the Lions, but also the Bears, the Rams, the Giants, and even those awesome people in Green Bay. May they continue to tame the Redskins and fetter the Falcons as well as the Eagles. Give to our owners and coaches the continued ability to be as wise as serpents and simple as doves, so that no good talent will dodge our draft. Grant to our fans perseverance in their devotion and unlimited lung power, tempered with a sense of charity to all, including the referees. May our beloved Bedlam Bowl be a source of good fellowship, and may the `Saints Come Marching In' be a victory march for all, now and in eternity.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the great city of New Orleans and our great State of Louisiana, and her beloved Super Bowl Champions, the New Orleans Saints. The bond between this great city and her team is a special one indeed. In the past few years, both have worked together hand in hand to rebuild and inspire our city. No players in the NFL and their community have had a greater bond and love for each other then do ours. Because, from out of the devastation of Katrina, we have all grown and cried together . . . and so has our love for each other. The Saints season this year in many ways has mirrored New Orleans and its climb from out of the abyss. This year's Super Bowl was not only one of the greatest, but also the largest watched event in the history of television. I ask that this poetic tribute penned by Albert Caswell of the Capitol Guide Service be placed in the Record in honor of them.

Fat Sunday,

When, Dat Da Saints Came Marching In!

A day they'll long remember, as The Football God's will

contend there!

When a Cool Brees blew into town . . . as number ``9'', Drew,

and gunned . . . Gunned Da Colts Down!

As The Saints corralled em, and put em out to pasture . . . a

real ``Who Dat?'' Disaster!

You see, everybody was dissing . . . this Cajun Country's

football team's edition. . .

But, from this City of The Saints . . . where pain and

heartache has so been. . .

When, came a rising . . . as a team and a city rebuilding,

with but tears in eyes then, their dreams realizing!

For in this land of The Bayou, where hope and dreams and

faith somehow never ends . . . Why Who!

As the Colts came into town, as everyone thought they were

the real studs to be found. . .

But, from those ocean breezes . . . you could hear those

``Who Dat'' heart's a beating!

Fat Sunday, When Dat Da Saints Came Marching In. . .

Getting behind early, when Coach Payton . . . said Don't Do

Dat . . . Worry!

As Garrett was showing his Hartley, kicking two fields in the

first half . . . To Do Dat his part, he!

An onside kick by Morsted, playing to win! Be Bold! For

that's how the coach has always been!

As The Saints Came Marching In!

As Drew Daddy, took em down the field . . . so cool and so

unreal . . . as he refused to yield!

As the defense was Vilmanizing, all those horses, making them

losing stride then. . .

Leaving the Colts offense, with but tears in their eyes then!

For on the bench it so seemed, like Peyton . . . lost his

dream. . .

Was forever waiting . . . awaiting to get in. . .

As Thomas showed his promise, as number ``23'' went 16 yds

for a TD. . .

When, in the 4th quarter, touchdown . . . as The Shockey

treatment was in order. . .

As it was getting close . . . with Peyton, moving in for the

tying score . . . it meant the most!

As he threw the ball, you could hear his heart call . . .

``WHO DAT?''

As it was number ``22'' Porter, saying Peyton, your our of

order!

Running the ball back, all the way back to The French

Quarter. . .

Gator Got You Manning! As Archie cried . . . When I played,

where were you guys then?

As it was one heck of a game, with courageous hearts like

Fereeny to be seen. . .

As a City on this night, took one more giant step towards the

light!

And Healing It Would Seem!

With, all of that darkness of a past . . . she could smile

and she could laugh. . .

And, let it be said, no more paper bags over heads . . . for

The Saints. . .

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, today, I rise in honor of Louisiana State University, which is celebrating 150 years of academic achievement and service to the State of Louisiana. This celebration marks the culmination of many goals for LSU as they reach the end of their second major capital campaign, the Forever LSU Campaign, and their academic blueprint for the future, the Flagship Agenda.

LSU has had the longstanding goal of being designated as a tier 1 university by U.S. News & World Report, and for the past 2 years LSU has achieved this ranking. For the past 25 years, however, LSU has held the highest Carnegie Foundation classification, the designation of a ``very high research activity'' university.

LSU is the State of Louisiana's flagship institution; and as the international leader in research, LSU is one of only 30 universities to have the great distinction of being designated as a land, sea and space-grant institution. Most recently, LSU won $10 million in grants and contracts related to the coast, including aquaculture, erosion, subsidence, storm modeling, and social resiliency to disasters. Further, LSU is deeply rooted in tradition and boasts a large percentage of students from the greater New Orleans area, which I represent.

Most notably and nobly for citizens of Louisiana, after Hurricane Katrina, LSU opened its doors to enroll an additional 2,700 students from the New Orleans area, and the LSU community housed thousands more. Overnight, LSU's Carl Maddox Fieldhouse became a special-needs shelter, and LSU's Pete Maravich Assembly Center became the largest acute care field hospital in American history. With 800 beds, 1,700 medical personnel from across the Nation, and thousands more volunteers working around the clock to serve and to care for all those affected by the storm, their motto became ``just make it happen.'' It was the epitome of goodness.

I am proud to represent approximately 8,000 LSU alumni living in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes. On behalf of the citizens of Orleans and Jefferson Parishes, I want to thank the LSU community for all they did for us during and after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The LSU community is proud of their traditions; and, today, they are and should be proud of their commitments to academic excellence and community service.

I want to congratulate my good friend, Bill Cassidy, for bringing this important resolution to the floor. The Sixth Congressional District cannot find a more dedicated, more honorable Representative than Bill Cassidy.

I strongly encourage my colleagues to vote for this resolution. Congratulations to the LSU community on its 150th anniversary.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Black History Month to recognize Ms. Leah Chase. Known as the ``Queen of Creole Cuisine'', Ms. Chase is a chef, a television host, a cultural ambassador, and the owner of the famous Louisiana landmark Dooky Chase restaurant. Dooky Chase is located in the historic Treme neighborhood of New Orleans and was immortalized in the television show ``Frank's Place''.

But it was established as a spiritual, cultural, and historic landmark long before television producers came knocking. During the 1960's, Dooky Chase was a meeting place for civil rights activists and NAACP members coming from all around the region. And, during segregation, notable African American artists such as Ella Fitzgerald and Lena Horne dined there.

When Hurricane Katrina flooded the restaurant, forcing it to close its doors for the first time since 1941, Mrs. Chase could have left, leaving behind all of the history and prominence of this historic spot.

But, she returned, rebuilt, and re-opened to serve, nourish, and inspire the bodies and souls of future generations by its critical contribution to African-American history and the history of this great Nation.

Today, I am proud to recognize Leah Chase for continuing to feed the soul of New Orleans and her guests and for her unwavering commitment to the recovery of Orleans and Jefferson Parishes.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Chaplain Phillip ``Endel'' Lee, Jr., the 2010 recipient of the Reserve Officers Association Chaplain of the Year Award, who is currently serving in my district.

I also congratulate him and thank him for delivering the opening prayer here on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday, February 9, 2010. His prayer was powerful and moving and reminded us that we are ``Americans promoting freedom, responsible for our actions, and dedicated to the principles that made us free.''

Chaplain Lee has always been a beacon of hope to those facing immense tragedies. He rescued survivors off rooftops during Hurricane Katrina and prayed at Ground Zero with the families of victims of September 11.

I am proud to have Chaplain Lee serving in my congressional district. I thank him for his leadership in the spiritual rebuilding of Orleans and Jefferson Parishes, and I speak for all of us here when I thank him and his family's service to and sacrifice for this great Nation.

Mr. Speaker, today I continue to honor Black History Month by paying tribute to New Orleans' Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club. The Zulus were founded in 1909 and have been an integral part of the social organization of African American communities for 100 years. They are a foundation of New Orleans' cultural framework through their participation in Mardi Gras and their community service activities.

The Zulus' Mardi Gras parade is one of the largest attractions for the tribal costumes, the singing and dancing, and the famous, ornate hand-painted coconuts they distribute to onlookers. In 1949, the King of the Zulu parade was none other than New Orleans' own Louis Armstrong, one of the greatest contributors to African American history and culture.

In addition, the Zulus have contributed to the fibers and spirit of our community through their scholarship funds, Adopt a School programs, health fairs, Positive Male Models program, and other activities.

The Zulus are the ``everyman's club,'' and I am proud to recognize them and their contributions to Louisiana's culture and history.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 238, a resolution in honor of black veterans--their patriotism and their heroic military service and sacrifices on behalf of our Nation.

It is appropriate in this last week of Black History Month that we honor and recognize the contributions of black Americans who fought in the Armed Forces for our Nation's freedom from the time of the American Revolution through today's fighting force. This resolution only lists a few of the countless deeds and individuals who fought for freedom despite racial prejudices they faced during their service and following their return from combat.

Clearly, these brave warriors' love for our Nation is rooted in the love of freedom itself. They fought to help the United States of America become and remain that which our Founding Fathers envisioned-- the shining city on the hill and the beacon of freedom and hope for all people.

I would like to thank the sponsor of this legislation, Mr. Kissell of North Carolina, as well as Chairman Filner, Ranking Member Buyer, and Ms. Brown for their work in bringing this legislation to the floor so quickly.

African Americans have contributed greatly to our Nation and also to the State of Louisiana, in particular, for centuries by defending our freedoms in the Armed Forces, even at a time when they, themselves, were not free. Had it not been for the service of African Americans in 1814-1815 in the Battle of New Orleans, which was really the battle for New Orleans from British control, the United States would not have the New Orleans we know and love today.

Today, there are more military veterans who are African American than any other minority group. I am proud to represent Orleans and Jefferson Parishes, which have large populations of African American veterans and members of the Armed Forces.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support House Concurrent Resolution 238.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3326--the Defense Appropriations Act, 2010:

As requested by me, Rep. Anh ``Joseph'' Cao, H.R. 3326--the Defense Appropriations Act, 2010, provides for funding for the National World War II Museum Expansion in the amount of $10,000,000. This funding would be used to design and construct the U.S. Freedom Pavilion and its exhibitions which teach the importance of service to the nation, including the importance of service in the United States Armed Forces.

As requested by me, Rep. Anh ``Joseph'' Cao, H.R. 3326--the Defense Appropriations Act, 2010, for Tulane University for Biosensors for Defense Application in the amount of $2,500,000. This funding will leverage Tulane and Xavier Universities biosensor and risk assessment technologies (which provide real-time information about threats from bioterrorism and environmental polluters) program to develop biologically derived sensors for detecting pollutants and contaminants.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Black History Month and to recognize three leaders who have advanced the Nation's Historically Black Colleges, bringing opportunity and hope to many students, especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

First, Xavier University president, Dr. Norman Francis. Dr. Francis is known for his effective leadership and his commitment to community. He has led the regeneration of the university and the surrounding neighborhood after Hurricane Katrina. Dr. Francis continues to be a voice in our recovery and an example of hope.

Dillard University president, Dr. Marvalene Hughes. In 2005, Dr. Hughes took the helm as Hurricane Katrina came ashore and nearly destroyed the school. Many would have left, but she took on the challenge of rebuilding and recovery, living in a hotel with her students for nearly a year. Under her leadership, Dillard's campus and the neighborhood have been revived and are thriving, and hope for a generation of students has been restored.

Finally, interim president of the Southern University System, Dr. Kassie Freeman. Dr. Freeman is an internationally recognized scholar in her own right. At the helm of the Nation's only Historically Black University System, she made Southern University's transition out of FEMA trailers and into permanent facilities a priority, insisting upon those students' continued education.

It is my honor to recognize these individuals' contributions to our Nation's history and to support them in their efforts in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1085 and yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1085, a resolution to honor and celebrate the contributions of African Americans to the transportation infrastructure of the United States. Our transportation systems are an everyday part of both our business and our social lives. We take advantage of transportation infrastructure every day and think little about what it has taken over history to put these modern systems in place.

Today, as we celebrate African American History Month, it is fitting that this House should pay special honor to those African Americans who have contributed to the creation of the modern transportation system on which our economy depends.

African Americans have been instrumental in the development of transportation infrastructure in many ways. They have been pioneers of aviation; they were dedicated railroad Pullman Porters who saw to the safety and comfort of passengers; they have been bridge architects and engineers; and they have been inventors, developers, and manufacturers of such transportation innovations as devices to make refrigerated trucks and railcars possible, automatic traffic signals, automatic coupling devices for railcars, the electric railway trolley, railway switching devices, automatic transmissions, and safety gates for bridges. In addition, while making these achievements, these men and women had to overcome the racial discrimination of their day. I am pleased to rise today in recognition of their remarkable achievements and urge all Members to support the resolution.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, the New Orleans Saints' first trip to the Super Bowl this Sunday has not only boosted the morale of Orleans and Jefferson Parishes, but it has also changed the way New Orleanians think of their city and themselves. I am honored to convey New Orleanians' sentiments regarding the Saints to the world as the U.S. Representative of the Second District.

Mr. Ray Haeuser of New Orleans writes, ``When the city was still full of water, the Saints were with us. When the city was full of despair, the Saints were there to encourage us. When the water had subsided and the streets were passable again, the Saints were walking around the city looking to help. When the future looked cloudy, the Saints kept cheering us on, and we began to realize that cheering for the Saints was, in fact, cheering for our shared future. The Saints have become a symbol of a city where pulling together can be a celebration every day.''

Mr. Speaker, New Orleanians are mindful of the plight of the people of Haiti. But for this weekend, inspired by Mr. Haeuser and so many like him, we will cheer on our boys this Sunday with the President.

Who dat!