Betsy Markey

Madam Speaker, I rise today to add my voice to those of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to honor Congressman Jim Oberstar. I was privileged to serve with Chairman Oberstar on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure as a freshman member from Colorado. There is no other person in this country, and perhaps in the world, who is more knowledgeable and well known on transportation, transit and aviation issues as Chairman Oberstar. Committee hearings were always settled in a deep appreciation of history. There was no better session in which to serve in Congress than under the Chairmanship of Mr. Oberstar.

I was proud to welcome Chairman Oberstar to Fort Collins, Colorado, for a field hearing on distracted driving. For the Chairman, safety of the travelling public was foremost in his mind and his presence at our hearing brought much needed attention to the issues and dangers of texting and use of cell phones while driving.

It has been an honor to work with Mr. Oberstar and I thank the Chairman for his many years of service and leadership to Congress and the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution raising awareness of blood cancers. I would like to thank the Representative from North Carolina for his work to bring this important resolution to the House.

Nearly 1 million people are currently afflicted with blood cancers in the United States and 150,000 are newly diagnosed each year. With these numbers, we probably all know someone whose life will be affected.

I was inspired to work on this important resolution by my staff and interns, many of whom have personal experiences with leukemia and other blood cancers. It is inspiring to see their commitment to increasing awareness, such as my staff member, Marissa Smith, who dedicated her free time in honor of a friend's mother and ran a half marathon with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Raising awareness of blood cancers through the designation of September as Blood Cancer Awareness Month will help ensure that we keep in mind their widespread impact and the importance of ample Federal research for funding, education, and research.

I encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting this important resolution.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak in tribute of Edna and Wayne Minnick, two constituents of the Fourth Congressional District who exemplify the fulfillment of the American dream and who chose to give back to their community in ways that will last for generations.