Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Reverend Dr. Henry L. Fuller, Jr. and his wife Marilyn W. Fuller as they celebrate 12 years leading the congregation of Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in my hometown of Flint, Michigan. A dinner was held on Saturday, April 10 to honor the occasion.

Pastor Fuller received his Bachelor's degree from the United Bible Institute of the United Theological Seminary--Flint Branch. He received an honorary doctorate from United Bible Institute of the United Theological Seminary in Monroe Louisiana. He preached his first sermon on December 12, 1971 at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. He was inspired to organize a Mission in Holly, Michigan in 1973. The Mission became Faith Baptist Church. Between the years 1983 to 1998, Pastor Fuller headed the Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Muncie Indiana.

On April 18, 1998, Pastor Fuller returned to his roots and became the Pastor at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. In addition to leading the congregation, Pastor Fuller has held several positions with the church and in the community. He has served as president of the Northeastern District Sunday School and BTU Congress of Christian Education of the Northeastern District Missionary Baptist Association in Muncie; president of Indiana Consolidated Congress of Christian Education of the Indiana Consolidated State Convention; served on the Finance Board of the National Baptist Convention of America, Inc.; was a writer with the Publishing Board Sunday School and BTU Literature National Baptist Convention of America, Inc.; as an instructor at the Central Baptist Theological Seminary of Indiana; and served as moderator of the Great Lakes Baptist District Association 2000-2007.

Marilyn W. Fuller has worked by her husband's side in the Flint community and at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. A retired registered nurse specializing in substance abuse and addictions counseling, Mrs. Fuller currently serves on the Board of Managers of Hurley Medical Center. She works with the Genesee County focus group for the National Coalition of Pastors' Spouses committed to decreasing HIV/AIDS infection in African American Women. She is active in several ministries at Mt. Calvary and at the Great Lakes District level, the Wolverine State Congress level and the National Baptist Congress level. Pastor and Mrs. Fuller have 4 children and 7 grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me and honor the work of Reverend Dr. Henry L. Fuller, Jr., and his wife, Marilyn W. Fuller. Their enthusiasm and witness have inspired the Mt. Calvary family. May Our Lord, Jesus Christ, continue to bless our community with their service for many, many more years.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my name as a cosponsor of H.R. 4269.

Mr. Speaker, I spent 6 years in the Catholic seminary studying to be a priest and have always been pro-life. I will be 81 years old this September. Certainly at this stage of my life I am not going to change my mind and support abortion. I am not going to jeopardize my eternal salvation.

I sought counsel from my priest, advice from my family, friends and constituents and I have read the Senate abortion prohibition more than a dozen times. I am convinced that the original prohibition of the Hyde amendment is in the Senate bill. No Federal funds can be used for abortion except in the case of rape, incest and to save the life of the mother.

I am a pro-life Member, both for the born and the unborn.

Parliamentary Inquiries

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of my friend, John Murtha.

John was an extraordinary man, patriot and Congressman. He served with distinction as the Chairman of the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee where his knowledge and expertise on military issues was unparalleled. Our troops and veterans had no greater advocate than John Murtha and the country that he loved so dearly is better for his years of service.

His personal commitment to our troops was extraordinary. He visited our war zones to learn firsthand about the need on the ground and always made time to visit with our soldiers. No matter how busy he was, he would always ask me about my two sons who served as captains in the U.S. Army, and I knew that he genuinely cared, from the bottom of his heart.

We all know that Jack was a proud marine, and their motto `Semper Fidelis,' was indeed the motto of his life.

Madam Speaker, I am a better Member of Congress for knowing John Murtha and Congress as a whole is richer for his many years of service. I am honored to call him colleague and friend, and I will dearly miss his strength, dedication and friendship. God bless you John and Godspeed.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Rev. Dr. Major A. Stewart as he is installed as pastor of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church on Sunday, March 7th in my hometown of Flint, Michigan.

Pastor Stewart was raised in the Muskegon, Michigan, area. He confessed his call to preach the gospel in 1986, and was licensed to preach in 1992. He was ordained in December 1995. His ministry has included work as a youth pastor, associate minister, singles coordinator and assistant pastor, working in Michigan, California, Florida and Pennsylvania. His missionary work has taken him to Turkey, West Africa, and Liberia. He has also participated in a trip to Israel with the United Theological Seminary Pilgrimage Team.

In addition to his duties as senior pastor of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, Reverend Stewart also works at GM Parts World Headquarters and is an adjunct part-time instructor at Concordia University teaching accounting, business policy and marketing management. Pastor Stewart holds a bachelor of business administration degree from Eastern Michigan University; a master of business administration degree from California Lutheran University; a master of arts in Christian education from Michigan Theological Seminary; and a doctor of ministry degree from United Theological Seminary.

Reverend Stewart and his wife, Carla Brooks Stewart, are the parents of Alexandria Janine, Mikaela Ann and Karissa Danielle Stewart.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Rev. Dr. Major A. Stewart as he is installed as the new pastor of the historic Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church. Mt. Olive has been a rock of hope and guidance for 102 years and I pray that under Pastor Stewart's leadership it will continue to spread the good news of Our Savior, Jesus Christ, throughout the Flint area for many, many years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Rosehaven Manor on their 20th Anniversary as a retirement community in my hometown of Flint, Michigan. A celebration is planned for Thursday, March 4th to honor this milestone.

Associated Management recognized the need for senior housing in the Flint area and broke ground at the building site on December 20, 1988. The work was completed on the 123 units in February 1990 and the grand opening was held in March of that year. All the units were rented and at that time there was a waiting list. Today there are three original residents still living at Rosehaven Manor; my sister, June Crockett, Kathleen Shepard and Clarence Henderson.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the staff and Associated Management for providing senior housing to the Flint community. I commend them for their service to the residents of Rosehaven Manor for the past 20 years.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in strong support of H.R. 2314, the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2009.

I want to thank my dear friend and colleague Congressman Neil Abercrombie of Hawaii who introduced this legislation. As cochair of the Native American Caucus, I have had the privilege of working alongside him over the years to fight for a strong agenda for our Native communities.

I applaud him for his work on this legislation that will finally reaffirm the inherent sovereignty of the Native Hawaiian people. His dedication over the years should be commended and his service and friendship will be greatly missed.

Mr. Speaker, this legislation will once and for all clarify the relationship between Native Hawaiians and the United States Government.

Congress has passed over 150 statutes addressing the needs of Native Hawaiians. In 1993, Congress passed an apology bill acknowledging the role of the Unites States Government in the overthrow of the Hawaiian Nation in 1893. That bill recognized that the Native Hawaiians never directly relinquished their inherent sovereignty.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2314, will finally provide for the reorganization of a Native Hawaiian Government and provides for Federal recognition of the Native Hawaiians.

It is long past time that we clarify that status of Native Hawaiians in this country. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this important legislation for Native Hawaiians.

Madam Speaker, I rise today and ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Gerald Wayne Smith as he is awarded the rank of Eagle Scout by the Boy Scouts of America. At the age of 71, Gerald is one of the oldest individuals in our country to receive this distinction.

Over the years the Tall Pine Council of the Boy Scouts of America has worked to provide the Scouting opportunity for every youngster. The focus of their program is to accommodate all abilities. The Council holds a ``Handicapable Camporee'' on a regular basis to allow all scouts regardless of their abilities to learn how to function in an outdoors setting. The Tall Pine Council ranks near the top of Boy Scout Councils across the Nation that have awarded the Eagle Scout rank to youngsters with disabilities.

Gerald Wayne Smith is a charter member of Boy Scout Troop 117, a Tall Pine Council Boy Scout Troop founded on October 16, 1961 as a troop devoted to Scouts with differing abilities. He has served as Junior Assistant Scoutmaster since 1974, and was promoted to Life Scout in 1989.

Gerald was elected to the Order of the Arrow, an honor given to those Scouts that best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. He completed his Ordeal requirements in 1985, the Brotherhood requirements in 1986 and completed the Vigil level requirements in 1998. The Order of the Arrow is considered to be scouting's national service organization and Gerald is recognized as an honored camper. The purpose of the Order is to promote the Scout habit of helpfulness into a life purpose of cheerful service to others.

After overseeing a landscaping and canopy renovation project at Asbury United Methodist Church in Flint, Michigan, Gerald fulfilled the requirements to receive the Eagle Scout Award. Only about five percent of Boy Scouts earn the rank of Eagle Scout and it is the highest level a Boy Scout can achieve. He is the ninth Scout in Troop 117 to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.

Madam Speaker, Gerald Wayne Smith has exhibited leadership, service, and outdoor skills, throughout his Boy Scout career. These are the three essential elements to earning the Eagle Scout Award and he is to be commended for his commitment to Scouting and his perseverance in achieving his goal. I ask the House of Representatives to join me in applauding this tremendous achievement and congratulating him for his accomplishment.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Tall Pine Council as they celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. To mark the occasion an exhibition at the Alfred P. Sloan Museum in Flint, Michigan will begin on Monday, February 8th to honor the contributions of Boy Scouts and the Tall Pine Council.

W.D. Boyce incorporated the Boy Scouts of America on February 8, 1910 and a tradition of service, character development, citizenship and physical fitness began. The Boy Scouts of America spread and by 1912 there were troops in all states. Over the past 100 years the Boy Scouts of America has performed invaluable service to the people of our nation. They provided nationwide service during the 1918 influenza epidemic and collected over 1 million items of food and clothing to help the needy and suffering during the 1930s. Boy Scouts worked with the Office of Civil Defense Mobilization as messengers, emergency medical personnel and firewatchers during World War II. This tradition of service continues today with the Boy Scouts of America partnering with the Salvation Army, the American Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity for the national Good Turn for America program to address the problems of hunger, homelessness and poor health. In addition, Boy Scouts are assisting with relief efforts for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti.

The first troop in the Flint area was formed in 1912 at the Oak Park Methodist Church. Troops operated independently until 1917 when the Flint Council was formed. Approximately 248 scouts participated in activities during this time. During the Council's first five years there were 63 units formed and 2,720 boys participated including spending time at the Boy Scout Camp on Lobdell Lake. The Flint Council quickly grew and eventually covered Genesee, Lapeer and Shiawassee Counties. In 1937 the Council was renamed the Tall Pine Council. Currently the Tall Pine Council operates Camp Holaka near Lapeer and Camp Tapico near Kalkaska.

Over the past 100 years the Boy Scouts of the Tall Pine Council have joined their fellow scouts working for our nation by selling bonds during the two World Wars, distributing get-out-the-vote door hangers, collecting food and working on community beautification projects. They raise money through their annual popcorn sales to support their packs and troops. During 2009, the Tall Pine Council served over 11,000 youngsters, 77 boys earned the Eagle Scout distinction and 200 boys earned the Cub Scout's Arrow of Light Award. More than 3,000 adults serve as role models and mentors, I have served as a Boy Scout adult volunteer, and a member of my staff, Lucetia Manwaring, is currently a Cub Scout Den Mother.

Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me and applaud the achievements, perseverance and pride of the Tall Pine Council and the Boy Scouts of America. For 100 years they have helped youngsters grow into enthusiastic, caring men committed to community service, and preserving our natural resources. I commend them for the wonderful work they do and hope they will continue for many, many years to come.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I support strongly the passage of H.R. 1065 and the other two bills, H.R. 3342 and H.R. 3254.

In the 33 years that I've been in Congress, I've worked hard with Mr. Rahall--he and I came to Congress together--trying to work out these water rights. I have always tried to make sure that we were fair to everybody, particularly fair to the Native Americans who have been deprived of their water rights in too many instances, and Mr. Rahall has made this a priority to make sure that we get equity and justice here.

Water is extremely important all over the world. It's extremely important, of course, in the Southwest. I just feel that the hard work that went into this bill and the sense of equity and the sense of justice and fairness to all those involved has produced three very good bills, and I strongly urge support of them.

Madam Speaker, as chairman of the House Page Board, I would like to take this opportunity to express my personal gratitude to all the pages for all they have done to serve so diligently in the House of Representatives during the 111th Congress. I am joined in this endeavor by my good friend and vice chair of the Board, Rob Bishop.

We all recognize the important role that congressional pages play in helping the U.S. House of Representatives operate. These groups of young people, who come from all across our Nation, represent what is good about our country.

To become a page, Madam Speaker, these young people have proven themselves to be academically qualified. They have ventured away from the security of their homes and families to spend time in an unfamiliar city. Through this experience, they have witnessed a new culture, made new friends, and learned the details of how our government operates.

As we all know, the job of a congressional page is not an easy one. Along with being away from home, the pages must possess the maturity to balance competing demands for their time and their energy. In addition, they must have the dedication to work long hours and the ability to interact with people at a personal level. At the same time, they face a challenging academic schedule of classes in the House Page School.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me and Mr. Bishop in honoring this group of distinguished young Americans listed below. They certainly will be missed.

Fall 2009 Session Pages

1. Adolfo Abreu

2. Rachel Aguirre

3. Jacquelyn Andrews

4. Paris Bess

5. Zakariya Binshaieg

6. Addison Blair

7. Martin Boyle

8. Alejandro Bunag

9. John Cannafax

10. Allan Cheng

11. Sarah Coyle

12. Raquel Cruz

13. Vanessa Cuppett

14. Spencer Davenport

15. Elizabeth Dixon

16. Rachel Ferguson

17. Jacob Fessler

18. Andrew Franklin

19. Melissa Goitia

20. Blair Gremillion

21. Kristina Griffith

22. Samantha Guarneros

23. Stephanie Henry

24. Abigail Herzberg

25. Daniel Herzstein

26. Brandon Hill

27. Megan Howe

28. Henry Huang

29. Dalayna Jackson

30. Rachel Janik

31. Alejandro Jimenez-Jaramillo

32. Jamal Johnson

33. Ryan Lang

34. Mikita Lee

35. Claire Mars

36. Catherine Martlin

37. Emily Matlak

38. Junia McKenzie

39. Kathleena Morgan

40. Joshua Nawrocki

41. Jake O'Connor

42. Andrew Olson

43. Grace Olson

44. Molly Pace

45. Stephen Pettyjohn

46. Seth Ratcliff

47. Abigail Reese

48. Claire Rengenstreif

49. Nicholas Rudnik

50. Charles Steiner

51. Michael Swain

52. Joseph Tantillo

53. Abbey Thiel

54. Elijah Umek

55. Ryan Van Antwerp

56. Jordan Villa

57. Kagan S. Walsh

58. Andrew Warner

59. Daa'iyah White

60. Olivia Wisecup

61. Bethany Woodley

62. Jacob Young

63. Sara Zimmerman

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 970) congratulating Flint native, University of Alabama sophomore, and running back Mark Ingram on winning the 2009 Heisman Trophy and honoring both his athletic and academic achievements.

Madam Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on H. Res. 970 into the Record.

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

I rise today in support of House Resolution 970, honoring Mark Ingram, 2009 Heisman Trophy winner and pride of my hometown, Flint, Michigan.

Madam Speaker, with an unemployment rate of close to 30 percent, Flint has been going through some tough times. Our young people need a role model they can look up to, someone who can show them that through hard work and perseverance their dreams are within reach and that greatness can be achieved.

Madam Speaker, Mark Ingram is that inspiration for our community. Since he began his football career in Grand Blanc Community High School and Flint Southwestern Academy where he was a 4-year starter and distinguished himself as a running back and a cornerback, he has continuously excelled.

This season, Mark broke the University of Alabama single season rushing record with 1,542 yards, was named the Southeastern Conference offensive player of the year, scored 18 touchdowns and finished one season with 322 receiving yards. He led his team to the SEC championship, rushing for 113 yards and scoring three touchdowns in the championship game.

He is the first Heisman winner from the University of Alabama and only the third sophomore in history to win the Heisman Trophy. Just last Thursday, Mark led the Alabama Crimson Tide to the national championship and was named the game's offensive most valuable player.

Beyond his athletic accomplishments, Mark is a dean's list student at the University of Alabama where he is pursuing a degree in communications.

Madam Speaker, I introduced H. Res. 970 to congratulate Mark on all his remarkable achievements, and I am pleased to call Mark Ingram the pride of Flint. I urge immediate passage of this resolution.

I reserve the balance of my time.

First of all, I would like to thank the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Bachus) for recognizing the ability and the character of Mr. Ingram. We are very proud of him in Flint, Michigan, and we are so happy that Alabama can share our pride.

I thank you for your kind words.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I want to thank Mr. Bonner for his kind remarks.

What is exciting to me is that Mark Ingram's family back in Flint is watching this live right now. Alabama is proud of him; Michigan is proud of him; and he makes this whole Nation proud of him. His depth of decency really sets an example for all of us.

I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 862) congratulating the staff, students, and faculty at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy for winning the 2009 Star Innovator in the Intel Schools of Distinction Competition, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I request 5 legislative days in which Members may revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material into the Record on H. Res. 862.

Madam Speaker, I recognize the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Foster) for such time as he may consume.

Madam Speaker, I recognize myself for such time as I may consume.

First of all, it is always a privilege to follow Mrs. Biggert to the microphone, particularly when she speaks on

education. Her support of education at every level is well known well beyond the borders of Illinois. And this country's educational system is much better off because of her devotion to education.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 862, congratulating the staff of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy for winning the 2009 Star Innovator in the Intel Schools of Distinction Competition.

Each year the Intel Corporation holds an annual ``Intel Schools of Distinction'' competition. The awards recognize schools in the United States that implement innovative math and science programs and serve as role models for other schools. Among the 18 schools that qualify for the Intel Schools of Distinction honor, one school is selected to receive the highly prestigious Star Innovator award. Finalists, Winners, and the Star Innovator all receive a cash grant from the Intel Foundation. The Star Innovator is given a $25,000 grant. On September 15, 2009, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy was selected as a 2009 Star Innovator.

Established in 1985, the idea, as Mr. Foster mentioned, was first created by Nobel Prize winner Leon Lederman, who set out to craft a school that not only would provide children with an invaluable education in science and mathematics, but also train thousands of Illinois teachers in the art of teaching those skills.

Students at the Illinois Math and Science Academy design and conduct hands-on experiments, make observations, analyze data, draw conclusions, and communicate evidence-based principles. Students are able to delve into the scientific literature and build understanding by blending information and investigation through writing. Students are given opportunities to partner with cutting-edge scientists on diagnostics, nanotechnology, medical research, and more.

At the center of achievement at Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy is an excellent staff. They utilize cutting-edge facilities and technology to advance student achievement. Of the 18 science faculty members, 11 have a Ph.D. Numerous alumni are currently working at the head of their fields in such diverse industries as aerospace engineering, biotechnology, forensic science, and academic institutions across the globe.

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy has clearly demonstrated a continued dedication to offering the kind of education necessary to create future generations of scientists in the United States, and thus secure the future of scientific research in this country. Awarding them the Star Innovator award not only credits them for doing an outstanding job educating our youth in math and science, but also helps grant them the funds to continue their success.

Madam Speaker, once again I express my support and congratulations for the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy in winning the 2009 Star Innovator in the Intel Schools of Distinction Competition, and I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1001) congratulating North Central College on winning the 2009 NCAA Division III men's cross country championship.

Madam Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on H. Res. 1001 into the Record.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1001, which recognizes and congratulates the North Central College Cardinals' men's cross country team for winning the 2009 NCAA Division III men's cross country championship, and for pursuing athletic and academic excellence.

For the entirety of the 2009 season, the North Central College Cardinals' men's cross country team held onto their ranking as number one among NCAA Division III teams, and by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. The team won their first Illinois Intercollegiate Championship this season, edging out the University of Illinois by 16 points, while winning the NCAA Midwest Regional by an 84-point margin.

On November 21, 2009, the team applied the lessons learned during their successful season and displayed their outstanding athletic skills by winning the NCAA Division III National Cross Country Championship. It was the Cardinals' 13th team men's cross country championship in their school's history, and its first since 1999. The team won with 50 points, and the margin of victory was the largest in the history of the Division III men's national meet. In addition, all seven of the Cardinal team's national championship competitors earned All-American honors.

I would like to recognize each one of them individually, and congratulate: Neal Klein, Michael Spain, Ryan Carrigan, Nathaniel Hird, Kyle Brandy, Nathan Rutz, and Sean Carlson on their athletic excellence. Special congratulations are due to Coach Al Carius who, along with leading the team to win their championship, guided the Cardinals to eight invitational wins this season.

In addition to an outstanding season of coaching, the day after winning the championship the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association named Carius the 2009 NCAA Division III National Cross Country Coach of the Year. Carius, also a member of the U.S. Track and Field Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame, has led his athletes to a total of 18 national titles during his tenure at North Central, and four championships in outdoor track and field, and one in indoor track and field.

North Central College succeeds not only on the cross country trails, but in its classrooms as well. Founded in 1861 in Naperville, Illinois, North Central College has 2,333 full-time undergraduates, hailing from 31 States and 23 foreign countries. NCC offers over 55 different majors. North Central College empowers students to choose or design

nontraditional concentrations, and offers a wide range of field experiences, independent studies, and internships. It is an institute of higher learning from which its graduates include its athletes, which go on to accomplish great things and make important contributions to our Nation.

Madam Speaker, once again I congratulate the North Central men's cross country team and its coaches on its 2009 Division III NCAA championship title, and I wish the program much success in the 2010 season.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, first of all, I am sure the students and faculty and coaches and all those at North Central College are very pleased that Mrs. Biggert is the chief sponsor of this resolution. And it is our pleasure to, in a few minutes, pass that so they can keep it in their archives forever.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1002) honoring the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and encouraging the continued commitment to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a national day of service.

Madam Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on H. Res. 1002 into the Record.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 1002, which honors the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and encourages the continued commitment to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a national day of service.

January 18, 2010, marks an important holiday for our country; it is a day in which our Nation reflects on the life and teachings of an inspirational and courageous leader, Dr. Martin Luther King. Dr. King devoted his life to the causes of equality and social justice, believing that unity in nonviolence and service to our fellow man would empower individuals and strengthen our communities and our country.

Dr. King once said, ``Life's most urgent and persistent question is: What are you doing for others?'' As the King Day of Service approaches, I encourage my peers, colleagues, and every American citizen to answer Dr. King's call to service by volunteering within your communities.

Last year, the 2009 King Day of Service brought together more than 1 million volunteers across the Nation to work on more than 13,000 projects. This year, public and private entities alike, including the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, Clear Channel, UPS, City Year, and Habitat for Humanity, are committed to building on last year's success and generating an even larger show of unity and service in this country.

Service and volunteerism are fundamental American values demonstrated by our citizens throughout history. In good times or in our hour of greatest need, fellow citizens have always come together with great spirit and generosity. As a country, we have looked to national service for healing and hope as well as joy and laughter.

The inherent value of service to our communities was acknowledged and affirmed by Congress and President Obama when in April, 2009, the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act was signed into law. This legislation has jump-started a new era of service, creating a continuum of service for which Americans of all ages and from every background can lend their experience and skills to uplift our communities and transform this Nation.

Since its passage, organizations like AmeriCorps have been able to significantly expand their membership, receiving more applications than they have capacity for at a ratio of four to one. This year's King Day of Service provides each of us with the opportunity to follow in Dr. King's footsteps through service to our communities on this day and throughout the year to come.

Madam Speaker, I proudly support this resolution and thank Congressman Platts for bringing this bill forward. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Lewis).

Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

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

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