Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor St. Jane de Chantal Parish on its 60th anniversary as a Catholic community of faith in Chicago, Illinois. St. Jane de Chantal embodies the core pillars of the Roman Catholic Church and its congregation upholds the values and practices of Catholicism through their devotion to charity and spiritual development. From humble beginnings in 1954, Father John Ward organized the first Mass at the Mark Twain Public School, which he rented for $96 on a Sunday. Today, the parish celebrates 60 years of faithful service to God and to the Garfield Ridge community and to the 3rd District of Illinois.

St. Jane de Chantal Parish is currently led by Fr. Ed Cronin, with Fr. Joe Mol in residence and Fr. John Wachala as the Polish Associate. As part of the Archdiocese of Chicago, the parish offers daily masses, community-building events, and countless fundraising and community- outreach events. The Parish hosts blood drives on Saturdays and food drives on the weekends. In November, they run a Hungry and Homeless Turkey Tree program in which families from the Parish sponsor needy families from the community and provide them with Thanksgiving meals.

The Polish Ministry of St. Jane de Chantal supports the Polish community by offering five services a week as well as other special Masses and events. The school, led by Principal Nancy Andrasco, provides a Catholic education for children starting in pre-school up to the eighth grade. Children are taught the Catholic ideals of love, sacrifice, and charity while receiving an outstanding education in a compassionate and supportive environment.

I am happy to join with St. Jane de Chantal Parish and help commemorate its 60th anniversary. I am confident that they will continue to perpetuate Catholic ideals by providing spiritual nourishment through worship and service to their community. Mr. Speaker, St. Jane de Chantal is an exemplary Catholic parish and I ask my colleagues to join me as I extend my blessings to all the parishioners on this significant milestone.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ms. Virginia T. Wood on her 100th birthday. Ms. Wood has led a remarkable life as a lifelong resident of Chicago and has lived in my district for over 60 years.

Virginia Wood has devoted much of her time as a High School Physical Education Teacher for the Chicago Board of Education, teaching at several schools including South Shore High School and Bogan High School. Ms. Wood was then promoted to Coordinator of girl's athletics for the Chicago Board of Education, eventually retiring with over 26 years of service. Even after retirement, she remained an active supporter of girls high school sports.

Ms. Wood has enjoyed a very active life, continuing to swim and bowl until she reached the age of 96. She has never missed voting in an election, and became involved with the neighborhood watch program for the Chicago Police Department. She is a model participant in her community, and we should all try to emulate her outstanding service.

Ms. Wood has led an extraordinary life that has given so much to others. I join her many family members and friends in celebrating this event and I wish her more years of happiness, fulfillment, and health. Congratulations to Ms. Wood on her centennial birthday milestone.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the residents of the Village of Palos Park as they celebrated the 100th anniversary of the village's incorporation on October 31, 2014.

European settlers first came to the area around the village in 1834. Not long after, the building of the Illinois-Michigan Canal--completed in 1848--brought an influx of laborers, blacksmiths, and woodcutters to join the local farmers. A township was organized in 1850 and named Trenton, but that name was soon changed to Palos by the recommendation of the first Postmaster, M.S. Powell.

In the late 1800s the Wabash Railroad was extended into the area, allowing people to live in along the rail route and commute to work in Chicago. The resulting increase in population led to the incorporation of the Village of Palos Park in 1914. The village attracted many artists, writers, and intellectuals and became known as a country retreat outside of Chicago.

Today, Palos Park, under the leadership of Mayor John Mahoney, has a little over 4800 residents who enjoy a residential area nestled within beautiful forest preserves. One of the special places in Palos Park is the McCord Gallery & Cultural Center, which is a learning center for the arts and cultural history which also showcases artworks of local and regional artists. Among the many special events that occur in the village every year, I especially enjoy participating in the Autumn in the Park Festival and Parade in September.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the residents of Palos Park as they celebrate the 100th anniversary of their village and to wish them continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2996, the Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act, a bipartisan bill to boost American manufacturing, of which I am a cosponsor and original supporter.

Not only do I support the intent of H.R. 2996, which would establish a Network of Manufacturing Innovation and enable public- private partnerships through Centers for Manufacturing Innovation, but it also includes the text of a bill I introduced, the American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act, H.R. 2447.

I believe that both measures are necessary to the continuing revitalization of manufacturing in the United States, and I'm pleased to see the House considering them today. Manufacturing is a linchpin of our Nation's economy. It provides the American middle class with a source of quality jobs making everything from the goods we rely on for everyday needs, to the equipment that we need for national security.

But in the first decade of the century, American manufacturing took a hard hit. Almost one-third of American manufacturing jobs disappeared. After over 110 years as the world's top manufacturing Nation, America got knocked off its perch by China.

I have seen the devastation in my district and across northeastern Illinois. And I get frustrated, just like countless other Americans do, when I go to the store and I cannot find the words ``made in the U.S.A.'' on any product.

The Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act would authorize a network of centers for manufacturing innovation, based upon the concept of the National Network of Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI) proposed the Administration. I have been a strong supporter of the NNMI proposal from the outset, and am pleased Congress is taking action to authorize these centers.

In fact, just a few months ago I was pleased to join in the announcement of the Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute in Chicago. This public-private initiative, hosted by the University of Illinois offshoot Ul Labs, has leveraged a $70 million federal investment to achieve a commitment of $250 million from industry, academia, government and community partners that will harness expertise and facilities to improve manufacturing processes and innovation and design capabilities to a wide range of stakeholders. One of the greatest attributes of these institutes will be the openness of the system, allowing small- and medium-sized enterprises the opportunity to use novel and often capital-intensive capabilities, such as 3D printing and high-performance computing, to improve their product lines, develop new innovations and make their factories more efficient.

Moreso, I believe that the deployment of these centers of manufacturing innovation will help improve the competitiveness of manufacturing across the nation. Using these high-tech facilities will help attract more students to manufacturing and STEM careers, enable a greater range of research and development on manufacturing processes and products, and improve commercialization opportunities for firms small and large. Other competing nations are making their own serious investments in next-generation institutions and facilities in support of their domestic industries, and it makes competitive sense for the U.S. to leverage our capabilities, in concert with private and other public entities, to make similar investments.

In addition and of particular note to me is Section 4 of this Act, which includes the text of a bill I had introduced, the American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act. This legislation would establish a public-private process for assessing the current competitive state of manufacturing in the United States, compare this against the policies and status of manufacturing in competing nations, and propose measures for the government and stakeholders to take in order to promote manufacturing in the U.S. Based on the Quadrennial Defense Review, the Pentagon's policy planning process, the bill proposes that a group of manufacturing experts from the private and the public sectors would be convened every four years to reassess the progress of American manufacturing, and make new recommendations.

While I agree that manufacturing is by-and-large a private, market endeavor, few can disagree that manufacturing intersects with government policy in countless ways. From tax and trade, to regulation, to research, education, and workforce development, government policies have a significant effect on our manufacturers. It is essential that the U.S. join many of its competing nations in assessing these policies in a comprehensive fashion, rather than a silo-ed, piecemeal approach.

That is why we need a comprehensive, coordinated strategy promoting American manufacturing. While many other countries--China, India, Germany, to name a few--have developed and implemented manufacturing strategies, the United States manufacturing policy is uncoordinated and largely ad hoc. If we want American manufacturing to compete and succeed in a global economy, it is vital that we develop a strategy to coordinate our policies that impact manufacturers. And that is exactly what this bill does.

After a couple of tough decades, I still have a number of small- and medium-size manufacturers in my district in northeastern Illinois. One of these is Atlas Tool & Die of Lyons, Illinois, a 94-year-old family- owned business. The director of development for the company, Zach Mottl, said this about this legislation:

As a business owner, I know planning is critical. When an

organization doesn't operate with a plan, what occurs is a

plan to fail. Right now, the United States is operating

without a manufacturing strategy in a world where other

countries are intensely focused on helping their

manufacturers to compete. The American Manufacturing

Competitiveness Act will bring all sides and stakeholders

together to forge a strategy with broad support and the

momentum needed to produce action?

I share Zach's view that we need an overarching plan, and I believe that that the American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act will achieve that. This bill has garnered the endorsement of a wide range of industry, labor and manufacturing organizations, indicating to me that they share our view that a national manufacturing strategy will be essential to moving American manufacturing competitiveness forward.

I would like to thank the numerous colleagues who have helped shepherd my manufacturing strategy legislation along the way, helping it to pass by overwhelming margins in the House during two prior sessions. I appreciate the leadership of Congressmen Reed and Kennedy in introducing this bill, and I'm pleased to have worked with them on it. Congressman Adam Kinzinger has been a great partner in introducing the manufacturing strategy legislation, while Chairman Lamar Smith and Ranking Member Johnson were crucial to this bill moving through the Science, Space and Technology Committee.

I am hopeful that we'll be able to achieve House and Senate passage of H.R. 2996 before the end of this year, so that the Network of Manufacturing Innovation and the manufacturing strategy process will soon become reality. I strongly believe both will lead to greater success of manufacturing in America, and with it, a better outlook for our nation's middle class.

I thank my colleagues for the time and opportunity to speak on this important legislation, and urge Members to support the passage of H.R. 2996.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Village of Chicago Ridge, Illinois, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this month.

The history of Chicago Ridge is indeed unique as its beginnings coincide with The Chicago World's Fair, which in 1893 commemorated the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the new world. Trainloads of dirt, brought out by way of the Wabash railroad for the construction of the fair, formed the ridges from which Chicago Ridge takes its name.

Settlement increased with the establishment of rail yards in Chicago Ridge and in 1914 the village was incorporated. The newly incorporated government moved quickly to make investments to improve infrastructure and transportation, paving the way for economic growth.

The village and its residents also host RidgeFest--an annual summer celebration that draws thousands from the Chicago metropolitan area to enjoy live music, fireworks, and time with family and friends.

Today's Chicago Ridge owes much to the steady leadership provided for almost four decades by Eugene ``Gene'' Siegel who served as mayor from 1975 until his retirement in 2013. Mayor Siegel guided the town through a revitalization and population boom. He established a full- time fire department and led the development of a public works facility and municipal complex. Gene Siegel's accomplishments during his tenure as Mayor provided the foundation for Chicago Ridge to flourish for years to come. Chicago Ridge now prospers under the leadership of Mayor Charles Tokar who previously served 24 years as Village Clerk and 14 years as a trustee.

I am proud to represent the Village of Chicago Ridge. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring all of the citizens of the village as they celebrate the 100th anniversary. May they enjoy this centennial celebration and I look forward to many more years of growth and prosperity.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. James Bicek, a very active resident of my district, who is celebrating his 70th birthday.

Jim Bicek was born on September 6th, 1944 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His family moved to the Chicago area shortly after his birth due to his father's military service. Since then, Jim has always lived in the area, growing up with his three younger siblings and raising his two daughters, Jennifer and Tricia.

Jim dedicated his professional life to the community he loved and pursued a career as a Sheriff's Deputy for the Markham Courthouse. He retired after 35 years of service on May 31st, 2009. While working at the courthouse Jim met Louise, and they married on September 19th, 2009, shortly after he retired. The two currently reside in Tinley Park, Illinois.

In his spare time, Jim is an avid singer. He began singing at the age of seven, following in the footsteps of his mother. For the past 11 years, Jim has been a member of a barbershop chorus where he sings lead in the four-part harmony. Jim and his wife also volunteer as local senior advocates in their community.

Jim Bicek is a beloved and cherished husband, father, and grandfather to 11 grandchildren. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Jim Bicek a happy 70th birthday, and to thank him for being such a great contributor to his community and our nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate John Hancock College Prep High School and their Underwater Robotics team on their award in the 2014 MATE International Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Competition. I appreciate all of the hard work and dedication the team members have put in to build their ROV and would like to congratulate them on this tremendous accomplishment.

The Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Center created the ROV competition in partnership with the Marine Technology Society ROV Committee to encourage students to excel in mathematics and science and to pursue careers in these fields. The MATE competition brings together K-12, community college, and university students from all over the world to design and build ROVs based on scenarios from the ocean workplace. In addition to engineering their ROVs, students were required to create technical reports and presentations to be delivered to competition judges.

In June, John Hancock College Prep High School traveled to Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Alpena, MI after advancing from the Midwest regional. In competition with 29 other teams, they were awarded the ``Biggest Bang for Buck Award'' in the Ranger category for spending the least amount of money on a vehicle that performed exceptionally. Their underwater ROV, the ``Aquatic Eagle'', was designed to be a low- cost option for shipwreck and science investigations, as well as for conservation efforts. It was equipped with a camera, four motors, two hooks, and flotation devices. This is the first year that John Hancock College Prep High School has competed in the MATE contest.

The team included Hancock seniors Irving Alamilla, Jesus Caballero, Vincent Calderon, and Marisol Ramirez as well as juniors Carlos Barrios, Ivan Lopez, and Jennifer Mondragon. Ms. Jennifer McConnell Stites, a science teacher at John Hancock College Prep, was a mentor to the team.

John Hancock College Prep High School is a high school focused on college preparation, community service, and leadership. The school opened in 1999 and is located in the Third Congressional District on the Southwest Side of Chicago.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating John Hancock College Prep High School on their remarkable achievement and I wish them the best in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce our guest chaplain this morning, Father Thomas Koys, pastor of St. James at Sag Bridge Catholic Church in Lemont, Illinois. Fitting for a pastor who loves American history, St. James was founded in 1833 and has a historic church building completed in 1858.

A longtime Chicagoland resident, Father Koys attended St. Mary Elementary in Riverside, Archbishop Quigley Preparatory Seminary, and Niles College Seminary at Loyola University. He went on to receive two master's degrees from Catholic University of America and from University of St. Mary of the Lake.

Father Koys was ordained in 1985 and has become an important voice in the Catholic community. In 2002, he authored ``The Ashes That Still Remain'' and also hosts a radio show on Winds of Change Radio in Chicago.

He learned to speak Spanish while on a 4-month mission in Guerrero, Mexico. Father Koys' Spanish is very much welcomed in ministering to the large Spanish-speaking population in the Chicago Archdiocese.

In the Archdiocese, he is also very active in advocating for life and for family issues, and is involved in leading the Catholic Professionals of Illinois.

An avid cyclist, Father Koys has participated in numerous cycling fundraisers to fight multiple sclerosis, which has affected his brother, John.

This afternoon, I ask my colleagues to join me in welcoming Father Koys to the House of Representatives, and thank him for serving today as our guest chaplain.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentlewoman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5031, the STEM Education Act.

Like Mr. Collins who spoke earlier, I am also a mechanical engineer. I understand, as all of us do, the importance of improving STEM education. It is one of the most important tasks our Nation faces if our children are going to be able to compete in the global economy of today and tomorrow.

The language in this bill, which affirms support for informal STEM education at the National Science Foundation, is language that I offered to the NSF authorization bill in markup. I would like to thank Chairman Smith for including it in his bill.

About 65 million visits to museum and science centers occur each year, including 13 million visits from schoolchildren. However, museums and science centers are much more than just an inspiring field trip destination. Their educational programming and inspirational exhibits linked to classroom curriculum make museums and science centers natural partners with schools in STEM education.

Programs supporting informal education at museums and science centers are responsible for some of the most innovative forms of teaching around. Passage of this bill would be a clear signal that Congress supports informal STEM education activities funded by the National Science Foundation and would ensure that they continue.

I would also like to thank my friend from Connecticut (Ms. Esty) for her work on this bill to make substantive improvements to the Noyce scholarship program at NSF, and to Chairman Smith for providing language which includes computer science in the definition of STEM education.

I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1786, legislation that would reauthorize the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program, or NWIRP.

As an Illinoisan, I know firsthand that windstorms are a threat to American lives and the economy. Last November, Illinois was struck by 24 tornadoes on one day, resulting in seven fatalities, hundreds of injuries, and significant economic damage.

While we cannot stop a hurricane or tornado from happening, there is much we can do to save both lives and property when windstorms and other natural disasters happen. In addition to responding quickly and with sufficient resources in the aftermath of a natural disaster, we must also invest in preparedness and resilience. Studies of FEMA's predisaster mitigation program have shown that for every dollar we invest in mitigation activities, we save $3 to $4 in recovery costs.

NWIRP is primarily a mitigation program. It has the potential to lessen the loss of life and economic damage by supporting research and development on windstorms and their impacts and helping to ensure that this research is translated into improved building codes and emergency plans. But NWIRP needs investments to reach that potential.

I was pleased that when this bill was considered in the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, we worked in a bipartisan manner to make several improvements to this bill. I want to thank my colleagues, Chairman Smith and Mr. Neugebauer, for working across the aisle in a smooth and productive process.

We worked together to increase the authorization for FEMA, the NWIRP agency tasked with translating the research conducted at other agencies into effective mitigation tools and techniques and helping communities across the Nation implement mitigation measures through outreach and partnership.

In addition, we worked together to add language to the bill addressing human factors in reducing windstorm impacts. This is not just a building engineering problem; it is also a social science and human response problem. People in the path of a windstorm have to make smart decisions, no matter what structure they are in. In order to design effective strategies to prepare for, respond to, and recover from a disaster, we must take into account research in how people make decisions and respond to warnings during natural disasters.

We must also understand how different groups of people may respond differently so that we can tailor outreach and warnings appropriately. I was pleased we were able to strengthen the legislation by adding this important language on human factors.

Often, in a compromise like this one, you do not get everything you would like. I would have liked to see increases in the authorization levels across the board. This bill includes a lower total authorization level than what was authorized for this program in fiscal year 2008. Nevertheless, I understand the need to reauthorize this important program.

Finally, I want to thank my colleagues on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which I also serve on, for working with us on this bill since we share jurisdiction over this program.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5056, the Research and Development Efficiency Act.

I would like to thank my colleagues, Mr. Bucshon and Mr. Peters, for introducing this important bill. As ranking member of the Subcommittee on Research and Technology, I have also been working on a topic of research regulations for some time, and I am pleased to be a cosponsor of this bill.

Recent reports have found that federally funded researchers face significant administrative burdens, spending about 40 percent of their time on paperwork instead of what they do best, which is conducting research. This could mean a delay in research progress and lengthening the time for the next scientific breakthrough. It is certainly not the best use of some of our Nation's greatest science and engineering talent or of taxpayers' investment in that talent.

I want to stress that administrative requirements are very important and many are in place for a reason. We must have a system that ensures that human participants are being protected and our resources are being used wisely. We have heard from those most affected by these requirements, and they fully agree.

That being said, we also agree that we need to find the right balance that meets our safety and accountability goals, but still allows researchers to advance science for the good of the Nation. Right now, we are not striking the appropriate balance.

H.R. 5056 was originally introduced by Chairman Bucshon as part of the FIRST Act. The America Competes Reauthorization Act of 2014, which Ranking Member Johnson introduced and I cosponsored, had very similar language with the same goal.

This bill requires the Office of Science and Technology Policy to establish a working group of Federal research agencies to figure out how to better standardize and streamline the administrative requirements on their grantees. Mr. Peters helped strengthen the provision during the subcommittee consideration of the FIRST Act with an amendment that ensured that those stakeholders who are affected by all of the requirements have a means to provide input and recommendations to the agency working group. The result is the bipartisan bill that we are considering today.

Through a recent OMB process to overhaul their guidance on requirements for Federal grants and contracts, some progress has been made to streamline and harmonize administrative tasks. Some agencies are taking additional steps on their own, for example, considering requiring certain administrative information from researchers only if the proposal has been through scientific merit review and is likely to be awarded. These are important efforts, but significant work remains.

Every week in the Science Committee we hear expert testimony on challenges with no easy solution. The challenge of having a patchwork of uncoordinated and sometimes duplicative administrative burdens on federally funded researchers should be a solvable problem. H.R. 5056 is a very important step in the right direction.

Once again, I want to thank Chairman Bucshon and Mr. Peters for their leadership on this issue. I urge my colleagues to support their legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

I want to take this opportunity to thank Chairman Bucshon and Chairman Smith for their work not just on this bill but on the series of bills that we are considering today.

The Research and Technology Subcommittee, which Chairman Bucshon is chairman of and I am ranking member of, has been very active in this Congress. We had been working on the first act, and I am very happy that, although there were some disagreements on that bill, which did pass through committee, that, today, we are considering pieces of that bill and other legislation that we have worked on, in a bipartisan manner, on that subcommittee and on this committee. I am very happy we have been able to do that.

There is a lot that we need to accomplish and that we are moving forward on accomplishing now on the Science, Space, and Technology Committee. I want to thank Chairman Smith and Chairman Bucshon for all of their work, and, hopefully, that will continue as we move forward in this Congress.

I urge my colleagues to pass this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

The U.S. has a great tradition of using science diplomacy to strengthen our ties with allies and to open the door to building better relationships across the globe. That is why I introduced H.R. 5029, the International Science and Technology Cooperation Act of 2014.

Scientific issues know no boundaries and deal with problems and opportunities of the highest importance to the entire world. Improvements in such areas as energy security, infectious diseases, space exploration, telecommunications and the Internet, and many more are due, in part, to international cooperation--to the benefit of all nations involved. By collaborating with international partners on science, we strengthen the U.S. scientific enterprise, which helps us get the best return on our research investment.

This bipartisan bill would improve international science cooperation by requiring the National Science and Technology Council at the White House to maintain a body that would identify and coordinate U.S. interagency strategy for international science and technology cooperation. Many Federal agencies already work with international counterparts on science and technological issues, but until recently, there was no coordinating body to identify new partnerships and to fully leverage existing collaborations.

While the administration is taking steps to formulate a strategy for international science cooperation, this bill will ensure that the process moves forward with the appropriate congressional oversight, which is something I think we can all agree on.

The U.S. scientific enterprise is admired across the world. In addition to helping our own researchers solve problems of national and global importance more efficiently, international cooperation helps to demonstrate the value of the free flow of ideas, which is the foundation of American democracy.

There is one other thing I wanted to raise. If anyone has any questions about the importance of collaboration when it comes to scientific endeavors, I certainly recommend the documentary ``Particle Fever,'' which is about the work at CERN, in Switzerland, on the Large Hadron Collider. As a physicist searches for the Higgs boson--it sounds like it would be an incredibly boring documentary to watch, but it is just fascinating to see and to see the international cooperation that goes on as they do this search. It is a great example of what international collaboration can do in the scientific enterprise.

I want to thank Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Johnson for working with me to improve the bill we have before us and to bring it to the floor. When this bill was considered in the 111th Congress, it passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support. I am hopeful that we will pass it again today and see action in the Senate as well. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, today, I stand to ask my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 3085, a bill I introduced to rename Chicago's Mount Greenwood Post Office at 3349 West 111th Street in honor of Chicago Fire Captain Herbert ``Herbie'' Johnson.

Captain Johnson died 2 years ago at the age of 54, while fighting a house fire on Chicago's South Side. Captain Johnson heroically served in the Chicago Fire Department for over 32 years. He learned public service from his family.

Three of his brothers are Chicago police officers. A sister is a retired Chicago police officer. Another brother is a Chicago firefighter. So his family knows the danger of being a first responder.

Captain Johnson served in almost every Chicago neighborhood as a firefighter, but his heart belonged to the southwest side, especially to the close-knit community of Mount Greenwood.

Over the years, Captain Johnson taught over 1,000 recruits as an instructor at the Robert J. Quinn Fire Academy. He is fondly remembered by those he taught.

After the horrible terrorist attacks of 9/11, Herbert Johnson went to New York City to volunteer with the rescue efforts. In 2007, he was awarded the State's highest honor for firefighters, the Illinois Medal of Honor, for rescuing several children from a burning apartment building.

Captain Johnson's life came to a tragic end on November 2, 2012, while battling flames in the attic of a two-story home on Chicago's South Side.

He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Susan; two sons, Thomas and Michael; and daughter, Laurie. He also left behind so many others in Mount Greenwood and the surrounding area who knew him well not only as a courageous and dedicated public servant, but also as an outgoing and caring neighbor and friend. The outpouring of grief after his death demonstrated the impact he had on so many people.

Naming a postal facility honoring Fire Captain Johnson is just a small tribute to our community's appreciation not only for him, but all first responders who bravely put their lives on the line every day for people they do not know.

This post office naming will ensure that Captain Herbie Johnson, his family, and the sacrifices of all first responders will always be remembered and appreciated. It will hopefully inspire more to follow in his footsteps.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank all of my colleagues from Illinois for cosponsoring this bill, and I ask all of my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 3085 in honoring Captain Herbert ``Herbie'' Johnson.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor George Mushro, who has retired as Lockport Township Clerk, a position he held for 21 years after serving for 13 years as a Lockport Township Trustee. Mr. Mushro, a resident of Lockport Township for 56 years, also previously served as chairman of the Will County Democratic Party.

Mr. Mushro was appointed by the Lockport Township Board as a trustee in 1980 and served there until he was elected Clerk in 1993. During his tenure Mr. Mushro helped create a bus service for seniors in Lockport Township after seeing neighboring towns implement similar transportation services. He also introduced early voting because he was adamant in making it as convenient as possible for people to have a voice and have their vote count.

In 2013 Mr. Mushro was awarded the William Z. Ahrends Award for Clerk of the Year, which is awarded by the township clerks of Illinois. He also served on Lockport's Library Board and was a member of the St. Dennis Men's Club, Old Timers Baseball Association, and the Lockport Moose Lodge. Mr. Mushro now plans to spend more time with his family, especially with his grandchildren, in his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating George Mushro, a loyal public servant and an invaluable asset to the people of Lockport Township.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 110th Anniversary of the Hitzeman Funeral Home, which will be celebrated on June 21, 2014. The Hitzeman Funeral Home was created to serve the residents of Chicago and Western suburbs during difficult times. Todd Hitzeman, a fourth-generation funeral director, now owns the business and continues the practice of his ancestors to meet patrons' needs.

Founded in 1904, the Hitzeman Funeral Home's mission is to serve patrons with compassion and respect. Fifth generation businesses are a rarity today, but the longevity and success of this institution prove that the care the Hitzemans provide is well-appreciated.

One of the major accomplishments of Hitzeman Funeral Home was being recognized by the Illinois State Historical Society as an Illinois Centennial Business. The Hitzeman Funeral Home was also featured in Crain's Chicago Business family business focus for their 100th anniversary. After the centennial, Hitzeman Funeral Home continued to progress by renovating the existing building and expanding with a new wing and additional parking.

Members of the Hitzeman family also serve as active contributors to the community of Brookfield with involvement in churches, schools, and numerous charities.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the great service that the Hitzeman Funeral Home has provided for 110 years. May their selfless dedication to their community serve as example to us all.