Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 425) to promote veteran involvement in STEM education, computer science, and scientific research, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 425, the bill now under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 425, the Supporting Veterans in STEM Careers Act.

I want to thank Mr. Dunn and Mr. Lamb for introducing this important legislation.

Now, more than ever, U.S. global competitiveness depends on our ability to grow and sustain a STEM-capable workforce poised to meet the needs of the private sector. With an economy that is rapidly evolving and increasingly reliant on big data automation and advanced technologies, the workforce is struggling to keep up.

Although STEM careers offer good pay and job security, companies across all sectors report having difficulty recruiting workers with the skills that they need.

The good news is veterans and transitioning servicemembers represent a group of highly trained individuals with STEM knowledge base and skill sets employers need. The question is how to get more veterans to produce STEM degrees and join the STEM workforce.

H.R. 425 addresses this question by supporting research to identify and lower barriers for veterans transitioning from military to civilian work environments. The bill directs the National Science Foundation to develop a comprehensive plan for outreach to veterans with the goal of increasing veteran participation in the agency STEM education and research programs.

It also requires NSF, in its biennial Science and Engineering Indicators report, to publish available data on veterans in STEM studies and careers.

Further, the bill adds veterans as a target demographic for outreach under several existing NSF programs, including the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program.

Finally, H.R. 425 creates an interagency committee on veterans in STEM and directs the creation of a strategic plan for transitioning and training veterans and military spouses into STEM careers.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 425 will help us cement our global leadership by ensuring more veterans with the STEM skills we need are able to translate their talent into STEM careers. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Lamb).

Mr. Speaker, I have no more speakers, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Dr. Dunn for introducing this bill again, and we will work hard to see this through to the end.

I thank Mr. Lamb for his comments. It is certainly something that I have experienced, which is employers needing to find more workers. The men and women who are coming out of our armed services have those skills that are needed. We just need to give them a little more help to get them connected. This bill does that.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Brian Hurley of Reavis High School for being selected as a finalist for the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching. Through his devotion to his students, Mr. Hurley prepares and empowers them for a better future--a mission deserving of this prestigious recognition.

The Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching was created in 1985 by Martin and Patricia Koldyke. The Koldykes felt that teachers were not receiving adequate recognition for the work they do in their classrooms and their communities. This year, 32 finalists from across the State of Illinois were selected from a record-setting number of over 550 high school teacher nominations across 71 counties. The Golden Apple Foundation's mission is to develop and support aspiring teachers to be successful in schools-of-need in Illinois.

Mr. Hurley works hard to interact with students in and out of the classroom. As a teacher of science, he strives to engage with his students through creative research prompts, out-of-the-box thinking, and projects the students find engaging. He states that his strategy is based on constructivist theory, a concept where students build their own interpretation of the world through individualized learning experiences and hands on work. To do so, he employs his own diverse professional background to teach physics, drawing from his numerous real-life scenarios to explain the complex topics.

As a finalist, Mr. Hurley is being recognized for his energy, enthusiasm, and mastery of the classroom. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Brian Hurley. He is well deserving of this praise and I am proud to represent such a talented educator.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Jeff Vazzana of Shepard High School for being selected as a finalist for the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching. Through his devotion to his students, Mr. Vazzana prepares and empowers them for a better future--a mission deserving of this prestigious recognition.

The Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching was created in 1985 by Martin and Patricia Koldyke. The Koldykes felt that teachers were not receiving adequate recognition for the work they do in their classrooms and their communities. This year, 32 finalists from across the State of Illinois were selected from a record-setting number of over 550 high school teacher nominations across 71 counties. The Golden Apple Foundation's mission is to develop and support aspiring teachers to be successful in schools-of-need in Illinois.

Mr. Vazzana teaches English and endeavors to help students gain new perspectives. He has worked hard to connect with students beyond the traditional academic classroom. These efforts have ranged from inviting former graduates to speak about their struggles in high school to acting as the school's Drama Director, bringing important topics to the forefront of developing adolescent minds.

As a finalist, Mr. Vazzana is being recognized for his energy, enthusiasm, and mastery of the classroom. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Vazzana. He is well deserving of this praise and I am proud to represent such a talented educator.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the 101st anniversary of Lithuanian independence. It is an honor to recognize a nation with such rich and vibrant history and whose immigrants and descendants have enriched the cultural landscape of our nation.

Chicagoland is fortunate to be home to the largest Lithuanian diaspora population in the world. With Little Lithuania on the Southwest Side of Chicago and a significant part of the community in Lemont and Cicero, I am proud to represent a part of this heritage. The celebration of Lithuania's 101st anniversary pays due respect to the signing of Lithuania's Act of Independence on February 16, 1918, an act that sought to restore an independent state. Although true independence was not achieved until after World War I and the fall of the German Empire, this single rebellious act paved the way for what has become a free and democratically governed state. Lithuanian-Americans have reason to celebrate their heritage proudly.

One such place where Chicagoan Lithuanians have found a home is in Marquette Park at the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, founded by Lithuanian immigrants in 1927. A beautiful new church was constructed in 1957 incorporating influences from the Lithuanian folk baroque style and Lithuanian folk art. This includes a gold-plated reproduction of the Virgin Mary from a shrine in Siluva, Lithuania. Now led by Pastor Juanius Kelpsas and Father Gediminas Kersys, this beautiful church continues to receive numerous parishioners and visitors, each bearing witness to a rich component of Lithuanian- American history.

In 2015 I had the opportunity to visit Lithuania with a congressional delegation led by then-Speaker Boehner to celebrate and strengthen the bonds between our countries. I had a wonderful experience meeting Lithuanians and enjoying the beauty of the country in Vilnius and on the Baltic Coast. One of my most cherished memories was my visit to Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn.

Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring Lithuanian Independence Day. At home, I have witnessed firsthand the positive contributions Lithuanian-Americans bring to our local community, and I trust that the bonds between our two nations will remain strong.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Edward Hamberger on his retirement from the Association of American Railroads (AAR), where he has served as President since 1998. As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure committee, and having worked alongside him for 14 years, I am pleased to recognize his contributions and commitment to America's rail transportation.

As President of AAR, Mr. Hamberger was committed to improving the safety and efficiency of our nation's rail transportation network. His more than 40 years of professional experience have spanned the legislative and executive branches of government, and private legal practice. As President of AAR, he was instrumental in elevating the voice of the rail industry during the consideration of important legislation including the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, the Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act of 2015 and the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act of 2016. Working collaboratively with Members of Congress, Mr. Hamberger was able to ensure these bills put forward policies that have improved safety and contributed to the strength of the industry.

In addition to his work with AAR, Mr. Hamberger has served as an appointed member of the Private Sector Advisory Panel on Infrastructure Financing and as a member of the Presidential Commission on Intermodal Transportation. Most recently, he served on the Blue Ribbon Panel of Transportation Experts, after being appointed by the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission. He is also a Board Member with Railine, GoRail, and the University of Denver Intermodal Transportation Institute.

His impact on transportation extends to the farthest reaches of our transportation network, and I am grateful for his service and expertise. As a policymaker, I will miss his thoughtful contribution to national dialogue and his charismatic demeanor.

I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Hamberger's retirement and professional accomplishments throughout his career. While his presence will be missed on Capitol Hill, I wish him, and his wife Susan, a happy retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Joanne Gaus and recognize her tremendous impact as a teacher at St. Richard Catholic Elementary School in Chicago. Ms. Gaus' dedication to her students is nothing short of remarkable. At the age of 71, she claims she is ``not quite done yet'' despite her reputation for being the first to arrive and the last to leave for over 50 years. Her commitment to her profession and distinguished tenure stand as an example to all educators striving to prepare our country's youth for the future.

Ms. Gaus started her career by teaching second and third grade at a time when teaching jobs were hard to come by. Her former students are quick to praise her, noting that she instilled confidence and curiosity in them, traits that have lasted throughout their academic careers and lives. Respected by her colleagues as well, the St. Richard School staff find her enthusiasm and creative approach to teaching to be contagious. She is also beloved by parents, since they know their children will be well taken care of and respected under her tutelage.

Examples of Ms. Gaus' efforts range from decorating her classroom for the seasons, redesigning the classroom to encourage peer interaction, and incorporating new technologies into her curriculum. She always goes the extra mile in all of her interactions with students, while teaching them both academics and how to be responsible. She is constantly planning new ways to get her students excited, with class pets, creative desk set-ups, and projects.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Ms. Joanne Gaus. This outstanding Catholic educator has devoted her life to bettering the lives of her students, and she continues to spark their appreciation of their faith at a young age. I congratulate her on her distinguished accomplishments, thank her for her service, and wish her well in her future endeavors, whether she is teaching in the classroom or teaching lessons of life.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Joliet Catholic Academy Hilltoppers football team on winning the IHSA Class 5A State Championship. On November 24th, JCA captured their 14th state championship with a victory over Montini Catholic High School at Memorial Stadium in Champaign. I want to congratulate all of the players, coaches, trainers, and parents, and commend them on their hard work and on the dedication they have shown to their team, their school, and their community. I also want to congratulate Coach Jake Jaworski for his first championship and the principal of Joliet Catholic Academy, Dr. Jeffrey Budz, for helping lead these young men to victory.

In the championship game, Nick Iannantone had 40 carries for 318 yards and 3 touchdowns, with offensive linemen Colin Cox, Dave Monnot, Ryan Laule, Ty O'Janovac, and Connor Kovas clearing the way for the team to gain a total of 461 yards on 66 carries. This prolific offense came despite losing one of their key players, senior running back Keenan Hailey, due to an injury early in the game. With the help of a defense that only allowed one touchdown in the second half, this amazing team fought back from the 21-7 deficit to win 35-27--bringing home the state championship.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Joliet Catholic Academy Hilltoppers football team and to congratulate them on their IHSA Class 5A State Championship. I wish each player continued success as he moves forward.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of title II of H. Res. 6, which creates a Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress.

Before I was elected to Congress, I was a political science professor. I studied and taught American Government, and my specialty was Congress. Whenever I was teaching a class on Congress, I would start by showing the old Schoolhouse Rock video ``I'm Just a Bill.'' In this video, Bill taught how a bill becomes a law. It was a great way of introducing, not just kids watching Saturday morning cartoons, but also teaching college students how a bill goes through the process in Congress to become a law. This was a 3-minute video from 40 years ago.

Unfortunately, if the song was updated today, it would need to be much longer than 3 minutes, with the addition of many more verses that explained how difficult it is for a bill to become a law.

Over the years, Congress has become increasingly dysfunctional. When I taught American Government, I would always point out that the Constitution established Congress in Article I, before the executive and judicial branches, because the drafters understood the critical importance of Congress leading in our representative democracy.

Congressional dysfunction increasingly turns more power, however, over to the President and to the courts, which takes power away from the American people. So Congress needs reform so it can function as it was intended and return this power to the American people.

Since 2016, I have introduced legislation with my friend and colleague, Mr. LaHood, to establish a Joint Committee on the Organization of Congress so we could have a mechanism to study and enact reform proposals to improve the operations of the House and Senate. I advocated for this committee because we need a forum for the holistic examination of the rules and procedures essential to effective legislating.

We need to hold up a magnifying glass to Congress and to push for comprehensive reforms to make the institution more efficient, effective, and accountable to all Americans. We need to find new ways to empower all Members to participate in the legislative process, debate ideas, advance their ideas, and get laws enacted.

As Ms. Lofgren talked about, through the history of Congress, we have had these committees that have brought important changes to the way that this body operates. With the start of this new 116th Congress, I am happy to see that this call for reform has been heeded with the inclusion in the resolution creating a Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress.

While the Select Committee does not contain all the elements of the legislation we had introduced, notably, it doesn't include Senate reform; this is an important step forward that we can achieve today, immediately, through House rules. The Select Committee will be able to make recommendations on a wide range of issues affecting work in Congress, including procedural reform, leadership development, staff recruitment and retention, technology, innovation, and administration. And the committee gives both parties an equal say in the process of developing the package of reforms.

I am grateful to my party's leadership, especially Speaker Pelosi and incoming Rules Committee Chairman McGovern, for making this a part of the House rules package for the 116th Congress.

Madam Speaker, I look forward to continuing to work to restore public trust in this institution by making Congress more transparent and effective. And by doing this, we will return power to the American people, and we can have lawmaking just as explained by Bill in his Schoolhouse Rock video, with power going to the people through their representatives in the House.

I ask my colleagues to support this resolution.

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

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of this legislation to establish a commemorative program to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe.

This was fundamentally a war for freedom and human rights. The victory of the Allies in the war and the contributions of America's Armed Forces must never be forgotten. That is why commemorating this anniversary should be done in an extraordinary way.

Commemorating this critical event in history will also allow us to recognize our World War II veterans who are still living. We must listen and learn from their stories while we are still able.

I fear that knowledge of history is continuing to decline in our Nation. We must do all we can to make sure Americans never forget the lessons of World War II and all the sacrifices that were made to preserve freedom in the world.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important bill so we can preserve the memory of the American effort in World War II.

I want to thank Mr. Graves for introducing this legislation, which is very important for remembering World War II and commemorating it on its 75th anniversary. I thank him for his work. I wish him a merry Christmas and look forward to working with him next Congress.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Nazareth Academy Roadrunners football team on winning their third state championship in 5 years. The players' commitment in reaching this goal is truly commendable. On November 24th, Nazareth Academy won the Class 7A Illinois state football championship with a 31-10 victory over Saint Charles North High School at Memorial Stadium in Champaign. I would like to recognize all of the time the players, staff, and families have put in to this endeavor, and commend them on their dedication and perseverance. I also want to congratulate Coach Tim Racki and the Principal of Nazareth Academy, Jim Meredith, for mentoring these young men and leading them to victory.

During the championship game, senior receivers Michael Love and Diamond Evans finished the game with 166 and 125 all-purpose yards respectively. They were supported by sophomore quarterback J.J. McCarthy who completed 15 of 24 passes, for 201 yards.

This victory completed a near perfect 13-1 season for the Roadrunners, allowing Nazareth to claim their third championship in five years, adding this 7A title to their ones in the 6A and 5A divisions.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Nazareth Academy Roadrunners football team and to congratulate them on their IHSA Class 7A State Championship. And I wish each player continued success as he moves forward.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief Alan T. Vodicka and recognize his accomplishments as Chief of the Hickory Hills Police Department. Chief Vodicka's combined 42 years of service and dedication are nothing short of remarkable. As he prepares to retire, we cannot help but admire his service and hope that his distinguished tenure stands as an example to all officers.

Chief Alan Vodicka, a native Chicagoan raised in Mount Greenwood on the Southwest Side of the city, began his longstanding career with the Hickory Hills Police Department in 1976 after earning a B.A. from the University of Illinois Chicago Circle Campus that same year. Throughout his time with the Hickory Hills Police Department, he has served in many capacities, ranging from a Patrol and Juvenile Officer to Supervisor of Investigation, with his career eventually culminating in a promotion to Chief of Police in 2001. He has also served as President of the 5th District Chief of Police and the Hickory Hills Pension Board, Chairman of the 5th District SWAT, and Director for both the Southwest Major Crimes Task Force and the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force.

Chief Vodicka also earned an M.A. in Criminal Justice from the University of Illinois Chicago, an M.Ed. from the University of Illinois in Instructional Leadership, and studied at the Illinois Law Enforcement Executive Institute. He has shared his expertise with others, serving as a member of the faculty at Moraine Valley Community College and as Vice President of the North Palos School District 117 Board. He takes pride in working with various civic organizations and particularly enjoys engaging with youth. As an active volunteer coach with the Hickory Hills Park District and the Hickory Hills Youth Baseball, Chief Vodicka has shown a well-rounded and genuine commitment to his community.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Chief Alan T. Vodicka. This outstanding public servant has devoted his life to keeping the citizens of Hickory Hills safe and has improved the lives of countless individuals. I congratulate him on his accomplishments, thank him for his service, and wish him well in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mrs. Jennifer Homendy on her confirmation and swearing-in as a Member of the National Transportation Safety Board. Mrs. Homendy was confirmed unanimously by the Senate on July 24, 2018 and sworn in on August 20, 2018. As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure committee, and having worked alongside her for twelve years, I

am especially proud to recognize this distinct honor.

Mrs. Homendy has committed her professional career to improving safety and fighting for consumer protection. As Staff Director of the Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee, she was instrumental in the passage of a number of key bills and has a record of rigorous oversight of the implementation of Congressional mandates. Under her guidance, major authorization bills including the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient, Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), the Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act of 2011, the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act of 2016, the Protecting Our Infrastructure of Pipelines Enhancing Safety (PIPES) Act of 2016 contained important provisions that have demonstrably improved safety and efficiency.

In addition to her work on Capitol Hill, she advocated for the fair and safe conditions for the men and women of the nation's transportation workforce during her time with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and the AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department. She also recently completed the Stennis Fellowship, a high honor for senior congressional staff who are dedicated to public service and improving our Congress as an institution.

Her impact on transportation safety extends to the farthest reaches of our transportation network, and I am grateful for her service and expertise. As a policymaker, I look forward to her thoughtful contribution to the National Transportation Safety Board. Based on her experience and the legacy she created as a congressional staffer, I think we can all trust that she will continue to be a strong advocate for making our transportation and infrastructure systems safer.

Beyond her impressive public service, Jennifer has also found time to become an accomplished runner and triathlete, and is a dedicated and loving mother and wife.

I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Jennifer Homendy on this award and on the accomplishments throughout her career. The National Transportation Safety Board is fortunate to have such an exceptional Member, and the safety of the American public will surely benefit from her expertise. I wish her the best as she begins her term.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Michael Carrigan, President of the Illinois AFL-CIO, for being recognized as a Roving Ambassador for Peace by the World Peace Prize Awarding Council. Mr. Carrigan joins an impressive list of leaders who have been honored by the Council, including Ronald Reagan, Mahatma Gandhi, and Yitzhak Rabin. When he is formally commended on November 8, Mr. Carrigan will be the first Illinois resident to receive this honor.

Throughout his career, Mr. Carrigan has worked tirelessly on behalf of working families and all Illinoisans. His understanding of state and local politics, and a strong grasp of labor issues, helped him rise through the ranks as an official with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. As Mr. Carrigan's responsibilities grew, his good reputation spread, and in 2007 he was unanimously elected by the Illinois AFL-CIO executive board to be the organization's president. The broad base of support for Mr. Carrigan's leadership demonstrates his credentials as an effective leader and his ability to work collaboratively and build coalitions. Earlier in his career Mr. Carrigan also served our community as an elected official, through his 13 years on the Decatur City Council and as mayor.

Speaking about Mr. Carrigan's accomplishments, Fr. Sean McManus, Chief Judge of the World Peace Prize Awarding Council, notes the relationship between peace and the labor movement. I share this sentiment, as I believe that standing up for better conditions for all workers helps to lift up societies across the world. Mr. Carrigan's record of service for Illinois workers is an exemplary model for those who wish to dedicate themselves to this cause. I am pleased to have known Mike throughout my tenure in Congress and call him a friend. I've witnessed his hard work and focus on the needs of all working families firsthand.

I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Michael Carrigan on this outstanding accomplishment and on his record of leadership that led to this recognition. Illinois workers are fortunate to be represented by such a leader, and I wish Mr. Carrigan continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 90th anniversary of St. Richard Parish in Chicago. On Sunday, October 28, the church will hold a celebration to commemorate nearly a century of faith and service to the community, and I am pleased that I will be joining them.

St. Richard Parish has a long and thriving history, dating back to the 1920s. As the Archer Heights community grew, George Cardinal Mundelein of the Archdiocese of Chicago recognized the need for a new Catholic parish in the area and established St. Richard on June 8, 1928.

While services were temporarily held in a storefront on 51st Street, the men from the parish banded together and built their first church. This endeavor required hard work, commitment, and sincerity, all unifying characteristics of the church's parishioners. Fr. Edward Kilroy became pastor in 1944, and during his 22 years leading the parish he oversaw significant growth. In 1947 the St. Richard Parish School was opened, giving the children of Archer Heights an opportunity for an outstanding Catholic education and chance to better themselves spiritually and intellectually. As the parish grew, a new church was constructed in 1959 on the comer of Kastner Avenue and 50th Street. In the first decade of the 21st century, under the leadership of Fr. Thomas Bernas, a community center was added by the parish. I'm proud to have been able to help with the funding for that project which helps the parish serve the Archer Heights community.

From their first pastor, Rev. Horace Wellman, to their current pastor, Fr. Krzysztof Janczak, St. Richard's diverse group of parishioners continue to enrich the community with outreach programs, a strong school, and an unwavering commitment to their faith in Jesus Christ.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring St. Richard Parish and its parishioners on the parish's 90th anniversary. I am proud to have in the Third District of Illinois such a vibrant example of the values that can be provided by a church with outstanding leadership and committed parishioners.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor St. James at Sag Bridge Catholic Church on the parish's 185th anniversary. The oldest functioning church in northern Illinois serves almost 500 families who ``bear witness to Jesus Christ by loving and serving one another to bring about the Kingdom of God.''

St. James at Sag Bridge Church in Lemont is the sole country parish of the Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago. In 1833 a rough log cabin served as the church building where Chicago's first resident priest John Mary Irenaeus St. Cyr held mass for both Irish immigrants and 300 local Potawatomi Native Americans. Twenty years later in 1853, with the congregation growing in size, Bishop James Oliver Van de Velde laid the cornerstone of a new building built with limestone from a nearby quarry. From there, St. James at Sag Bridge operated as a mission church until 1882, when Reverend Joseph A. Bollman became the first permanent pastor. Numerous additions have been made to the church and the parish grounds over the years, but the 1853 stone church building stands proud and tall today, a testament to the faith of all the parishioners who have worshipped here for all these years.

The church has survived numerous dangers, including not only harsh winters but also dynamite blasting of the nearby canal and a 1991 tornado that did serious damage to the church building. In doing so, the parish has established itself as a symbol of endurance and the church stands as an important heritage site. St. James at Sag Bridge and its neighboring cemetery are registered as parts of the Illinois and Michigan Canal Heritage Corridor, and in 1984, were listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

St. James' current pastor, Fr. Thomas Koys, maintains not only strong, faithful leadership of the parish, but has also founded the St. James Historical Society to celebrate the history of the church as well as the American history that the church has lived through. In July 2014, I had the honor of welcoming Fr. Koys as the Guest Chaplain in the House of Representatives where he delivered the day's opening prayer.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring St. James at Sag Bridge Church and its parishioners on the 185th anniversary of the parish's establishment. I look forward to joining in the celebration.