Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the January 1, 2012 unification of the Transportation Communications Union (TCU) and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW).

These two distinguished unions, with railroad roots, are on course to become one strong voice for hundreds of thousands of middle-class working men and women across America.

In 1888, 19 machinists meeting in a locomotive pit in Atlanta, Georgia formed what is now IAMAW, commonly known as the ``Fighting Machinists.'' Throughout their 123 year history, the Fighting Machinists have grown to represent workers in several industries, including: aerospace, transportation, government, automotive, defense, and woodworking.

Today's TCU is also one union made of many. At its core is the union founded in 1899, which became the Brotherhood of Railway Clerks. In 1919, the union became the

Brotherhood of Railway and Steamship Clerks, Freight Handlers, Express and Station Employees. To further reflect the diversity of the union's membership, the delegates to the 1987 Convention voted to become TCU.

By joining the ranks of the Machinists, TCU will help strengthen the organization's membership and the overall labor movement. For more than a century, both TCU and IAMAW have stood for the welfare and prosperity of their members. Today, these unions continue to fight on behalf of their members who exemplify the values of hard work, faith, family, and community.

This unification not only brings together two unions, but also two dedicated presidents--Tom Buffenbarger and Bob Scardelletti. Tom Buffenbarger began his career as a journeyman tool and die maker at General Electric's jet engine plant in Evendale, Ohio. In 1997, he became the youngest IAMAW President in its history. Bob Scardelletti, a life-long railroader, started out as a yard clerk in Cleveland with the New York Central Railroad in 1967. In 1971, he took on his first union position and by 1991 was elected TCU president and has been re-elected four times.

TCU and IAMAW were fundamental in building the American middle-class, and have a vital role today in preserving the American dream for working families. Their combined strength will provide continued leadership throughout the labor movement, particularly in the transportation industry. It is my pleasure to honor this historic event and congratulate their members as they join forces under the new TCU/

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of St. Linus School, an exemplary Catholic elementary school in Oak Lawn, Illinois, for receiving the prestigious 2011 U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon School Award.

In 1982, The Department of Education established the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program to recognize public and private schools boasting high or significantly improved achievement. The program's goal is to identify aspects of thriving American schools in order to replicate their success. This year there are 19 National Blue Ribbon Schools in the State of Illinois, and I am proud that one of these exceptional schools is located in my district.

The school's namesake, Saint Linus, is perhaps best remembered for his steadfast loyalty to his mentor, St. Peter the Apostle. Linus succeeded Peter as the second Pope of the Roman Catholic Church and dedicated his life to teaching Peter's story.

The mission of St. Linus School is ``to educate and inspire each child with Christ-centered values through challenging education and community involvement.'' Since 1956, the school has offered a rigorous and engaging curriculum that emphasizes mathematics, social studies, science, technology, language arts, and religion. In the last decade, the school renovated its campus to install a state-of-the-art technology center, as well as an updated gymnasium, science lab, and weather forecast camera. St. Linus School has made a concerted effort to improve student performance, striving to guide every pupil to their full potential. I am delighted that the exemplary work of the teachers, support staff, and priests at St. Linus School, as well as that of the parents and students, has been acknowledged on a national stage.

Please join me in celebrating the accomplishments of St. Linus School and the other 304 National Blue Ribbon award winners. Their pursuit of academic excellence is inspiring, and I hope that their success can be replicated across the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lance Cpl. Josh Misiewicz, a Marine from the Third District of Illinois who was injured serving our country in Afghanistan. He was awarded a Purple Heart after he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED) and lost both of his legs. While I am sad for his loss, I am proud he served our country bravely and I know he will continue to live a life of great achievement.

Lance Cpl. Misiewicz's achievements before the Marine Corps were remarkable. A well-rounded young man, he was a standout student-athlete at Lyons Township High School, was recognized by the state of Illinois for his athletic achievement, and went on to play hockey for St. Mary's University of Minnesota. He knew, however, that he wanted to serve his country and embarked upon one of the greatest challenges an American can face: joining the Marine Corps. Demonstrating bravery and leadership, Lance Cpl. Misiewicz chose to join the infantry and rose to become a squad leader.

After being deployed to Helmand Province in Afghanistan, his unit was in charge of continuing efforts to drive out Taliban insurgents and promote peace in the area. On July 20, 2011, in a patrol around that remote region, Lance Cpl. Misiewicz's life would change forever when an IED detonated near him and he lost both of his legs and much of his hearing. Four days later he was transferred to Walter Reed Military Hospital where he continues recuperating.

The difficulty of recovering from such an event for Lance Cpl. Misiewicz and his family is beyond comprehension for many Americans. The outpouring of local support from friends and neighbors, however, is a true testament to this young Marine's character. The love and care of his family and the companionship of his fellow Marines will see him through this trying stage of his life. Our men and women in uniform are some of our bravest people and Lance Cpl. Misiewicz is no exception. He makes us all proud to be Americans.

I ask you to join me in honoring Lance Cpl. Misiewicz for his bravery, commitment to his fellow man, and sacrifice. May he have a speedy recovery and rehabilitation. I know that this is not the last time we will hear from this impressive young man.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Captain Jack Wilson of Willow Springs, Illinois, a 100 year-old veteran who landed at Omaha Beach during World War II, who I am helping to honor at a veterans' dinner in Bridgeview, IL on November 13.

Captain Wilson began his military career serving in the Army National Guard from 1931 to 1940. There, he served in the distinguished 202nd Coast Artillery, anti-aircraft division. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, his unit was

activated and sent on the converted Queen Mary to England. A few days after D-Day, he was deployed on a landing craft to Omaha Beach in Normandy. This allied offensive would change the tide of the war.

Following his courageous service, Captain Wilson was discharged from active duty in 1946. He continued in the Army Reserves until his retirement in 1971 when he retired as a Captain at the age of 60.

For over fifty years, Captain Wilson has continued to support the men and women of our armed services through his leadership in the American Legion, serving as the Commander for the William R. Edmondson branch as well as its adjutant. He is currently an honorary member. He has also served the nearby Lemont Veterans of Foreign Wars Post. In both of these positions, he illustrates his dedication to his fellow armed services members and his country. Following his active military service, Captain Wilson was employed as a driver for the Chicago Transit Authority until 1975.

Honesty, integrity, hard work, responsibility, and patriotism are the core principles by which Captain Wilson lives and these are the same principles he has bestowed upon his children, Nancy and Judith. He also was a loving husband to his wife Helen, who passed away in 1978. He is a man who defended our country at a time of tremendous adversity, and who continues to serve his fellow men and women in the armed services. Please join me in honoring his lifetime of service, his bravery, and his dedication to family and neighbor.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a selfless public servant, former Lockport Township Fire Chief Jim Miller. On September 13, Chief Miller passed away at the age of 74. As a firefighter, he dedicated his life to protecting his neighbors. As Fire Chief, he helped steer the Lockport Township Fire Department through turbulent economic times.

Mr. Miller began his remarkable career as a firefighter in 1959. He became Fire Chief in 1979 and served in that capacity until 1987. As Fire Chief, he kept his station afloat despite scarceness of equipment and firefighters. When he became Fire Chief, instead of purchasing the traditional new white helmet, Mr. Miller simply spray painted his old helmet white because of the Department's tight budget. After the economy rebounded, he kept his old white helmet and elected to purchase better equipment for his firefighters instead. This small example of his willingness to do the best for his firefighters and share the hardship of a tight budget made him a model for what a Fire Chief and a great leader should be.

Firefighting was in Jim Miller's blood. Both his uncle and father were firefighters and he passed on much of his wisdom to his son-in- law. He also considered all those at his station to be part of his extended family and treated them as such. He made it a point to visit his station when returning to Lockport Township from his retirement home in Florida to see his old colleagues. During these trips he would marvel at the new technology and increased number of firefighters. Firefighters then and now know that without his courage to keep the station afloat in the 1980s, these improvements might not have been possible.

Mr. Miller was preceded in death by daughter Jodi Miller and survived by his loving and devoted wife of 54 years, Jyme, and his children Jami, Kelly, and Jim.

Please join me in honoring the life of Jim Miller. He was a brave and selfless public servant. His contributions to Lockport Township and his life of service will not be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the opening of the Women's Care Center of La Grange in my home district. The Women's Care Center is a life-affirming crisis pregnancy center, providing non- judgmental guidance and support to women who unexpectedly find themselves with a child.

The Women's Care Center of La Grange is affiliated with International Life Services, a non-profit organization that safeguards the dignity of human life while supporting women in their moment of need. Chicagoland women now have the option to seek refuge at the Women's Care Center and receive accurate information and confidential counseling in a comforting environment. Besides offering emotional support, the Women's Care Center provides free and affordable health care for new and expecting mothers. Pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and pre-natal care are offered, as well as medical referrals. After the child is born, the center continues to aid the family. Support is available in the form of baby clothes, diapers, baby furniture, and food assistance. Every mother deserves access to quality medical care, and I am pleased that this facility prioritizes the health of the mother and the child.

I am proud to have this charitable organization in my district and I look forward to its positive impact. I am certain that this new facility will be a gift to the community. Please join me in celebrating the Women's Care Center of La Grange as they pursue their life- affirming mission of improving the health and wellbeing of local women and children.

I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his leadership on this issue.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Protect Life Act, a bill which will apply the decades-old Hyde amendment policy prohibiting taxpayer funding of elective abortion to the Affordable Care Act.

While the discussion in our Nation continues concerning laws governing abortions, there has been a general consensus to prohibit the use of taxpayer money to pay for elective abortion or insurance coverage of abortion. This has long been embodied in the Hyde amendment that annually has been included in an appropriations bill which most of us on both sides of the aisle have voted for.

The Protect Life Act simply applies the Hyde amendment to the Affordable Care Act, just as the House did in 2009 with the Stupak- Pitts amendment during our initial consideration of the Affordable Care Act. At that time, 63 of my Democratic colleagues joined me in voting for that amendment. However, the final bill that became law did not include that language, and the President's Executive order does not implement the Hyde amendment.

The order does not include Hyde prohibitions on taxpayer funding for insurance coverage of abortion, and it can be struck down by courts or overturned by any administration at any time. In addition, what happened last year with State high-risk health plans covering abortion demonstrates the vulnerability that the Executive order has and the need for clarity.

Madam Speaker, today we have the opportunity to provide that clarity and do what a large majority of Americans want and what Congress has done for more than three decades; that is, prohibit the use of taxpayer dollars for abortion. So today I urge my colleagues to support the Protect Life Act.

Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to this job-killing trade bill, and I would like to insert into the Record a letter from the International Federation for Professional and Technical Engineers in opposition to the Korea FTA.

International Federation of Professional & Technical

Engineers,

Washington, DC, February 7, 2011.

Hon. Hilda L. Solis,

U.S. Department of Labor, Washington, DC.

Hon. Ron Kirk,

Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, Washington, DC.

Dear Secretary Solis and Ambassador Kirk: The International

Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE)

applauds the Obama Administration, most notably the

Department of Labor (DOL) and the office of the United States

Trade Representative (USTR) for your willingness to include

labor in last year's discussions preceding the

Administration's announced agreement on the US-South Korea

(KORUS) Free Trade Agreement. That said, and after a long

review and analysis of this FTA, I am writing to express

IFPTE's concerns with the final proposal. While some

improvements compared to the Bush Administration negotiated

KORUS FTA were achieved, IFPTE continues to believe that the

proposed agreement falls short in several key areas and fails

to put US workers and businesses in a better position to

compete.

First and foremost, KORUS does not include enforceable

labor protections. Granted, the language urges the United

States and South Korea to adhere to the International Labor

Organization (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and

Rights at Work. However, like the 2007 Bush Administration

negotiated Korea deal, as well as the Panama, Peru and

Colombia FTAs, the practical implication of this provision is

the exclusion of any enforceable ILO labor protections. The

fact is that the ILO Declaration itself has no teeth and is

not enforceable. Instead, it is the eight ILO Conventions

themselves that are enforceable. Yet, and despite the urging

of labor to include the ILO Conventions, they are not

included in KORUS. The resulting compromise allows potential

FTA panels the flexibility to ignore, or even weaken through

misguided interpretations, the true labor protections called

for by the ILO.

It is IFPTE's long-standing position that any trade

framework should be reflective of a broader US industrial

policy whose foundation is enhancing the rights of workers

not only here in the US, but worldwide. Consequently, the

mere fact that the ILO Conventions are absent from this

agreement is reason enough for IFPTE to oppose the KORUS FTA.

We have many other concerns as well, including our

skepticism with claims of a limited negative impact on

American workers. The basis for these claims stems from an

analysis of KORUS by the United States International Trade

Commission (USITC), which attempts to predict the impact that

specific trade agreements will have on the US economy. The

USITC suggests that KORUS will have no negative impact on US

jobs, and will have a limited impact on the US trade deficit

with South Korea over the

first seven years. However, USITC estimates have historically

underestimated the damage that past trade agreements have had

on US workers and the economy. For example, when China sought

membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO), the USITC

predicted that our trade deficit with China would increase by

$1 billion, and it would have a negligible impact on jobs.

Instead, from the time China entered the WTO in 2001, through

2008, our trade deficit with China ballooned to $185 billion

annually and resulted in the loss of 2.4 million American

jobs. In other words, IFPTE warns against relying on the

USITC metric.

We at IFPTE believe that a more reliable, and realistic,

estimate of the impact of KORUS is outlined by the Economic

Policy Institute (EPI). Contrary to the USITC findings, EPI

found that over the first seven years of implementation,

KORUS will result in 159,000 lost American jobs and increase

the US trade deficit with Korea by $16.7 billion. To put this

into practical terms, an analysis by the United Steelworkers

of America (USW), for example, suggests that KORUS will only

enflame our trade deficit with Korea. In expressing their

opposition to KORUS, the USW issued a statement saying,

``auto parts, petroleum products, tires and iron and steel,

for example--have contended with fast growing imports from

Korea this year, and the FTA will only ensure a continuation

of the negative impact of this import flood on domestic

production and employment.''

Equally troubling is that KORUS mirrors NAFTA when it comes

to foreign investor privileges and Buy America policies.

Among the foreign investor problems with this bill are the

following:

Gives foreign investors the right to enforce FTA privileges

by suing the U.S. government in foreign tribunals for

violations of FTA rights;

Opens up U.S. environmental, health, zoning and other

policies to challenge by foreign investors in foreign

tribunals;

Requires that foreign based companies in South Korea, like

those in all FTA nations, have the same access to state and

federal government contracts as that of U.S. based companies;

and,

Forbids the reinvestment of U.S. taxpayer dollars back into

the domestic economy by governments at the state and federal

levels through, ``Buy America'' policies.

It is worth noting that the Korean Confederation of Trade

Unions (KCTU), South Korean Farmers organization, and civil

and human rights groups have also lined up in opposition to

KORUS. Indeed, our national experiment with free trade

agreements has been negative for workers in America, as well

as those around the world. There has been enough suffering

from one sided trade deals that are great for business, but

are disastrous for American and foreign workers alike.

Therefor IFPTE opposes the KORUS FTA and will encourage

Congress to reject it.

I thank you for your consideration. Should you have any

questions please feel free to contact me, or IFPTE

Legislative Director Matt Biggs.

Sincerely,

Gregory J. Junemann,

President.

I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his leadership on this issue.

Mr. Speaker, I cannot imagine a worse time for this job-killing trade agreement with South Korea. Expanding a NAFTA-style trade agenda that has already destroyed 5 million manufacturing jobs would make no sense in the best of times, but to do it when 25 million Americans are unemployed or underemployed, it is totally absurd now.

Economists estimate that 159,000 American workers will lose their jobs over 7 years if we pass this agreement, most of these good-paying manufacturing jobs. In exchange, we likely get not only more Chinese imports, but we open up our country to imports from the nuclear dictatorship in North Korea. Manufacturers in my district know this. Workers in my district know this. It only seems that Washington is blind to this.

It is well past time that Washington puts American workers and American manufacturers first. We can start by rejecting this trade agreement. We cannot hang our middle class out to dry any longer. We need to support American workers now.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Euginia Milionis, an exemplary citizen of Illinois' Third Congressional District, for her dedicated service to the students of the Villages of Bridgeview and Justice. Ms. Milionis is retiring after forty-nine years as a crossing guard, exercising diligence and commitment to ensuring the safety of the youngest members of our community.

Ms. Milionis served the past twenty-one years stationed at the busy intersection of 79th Street and Roberts Road. In rain, shine, sleet, and snow, Ms. Milionis has always been present with a warm smile and welcoming wave. Her commitment to local children has inspired others to become involved in their community as well. Ms. Milionis' daughter, Dina, has also worked as a crossing guard for several years. In commemoration and gratitude for Ms. Milionis' many years of service, both Lyons Township and the Village of Bridgeview have awarded her plaques of recognition.

I am happy to recognize Ms. Euginia Milionis' efforts and contributions to her community. Her dedication to ensuring a safe commute for students truly serves as an inspiration to others. I am distinctly proud to count her among the fine citizens of the Third District of Illinois, and I wish her a long and happy retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to mourn the passing, and to celebrate the life of Harry ``Bus'' Yourell. Mr. Yourell was a man who loved his family, his community, and his country, and had a general love of life.

Mr. Yourell's public service began on December 7, 1941, the day Pearl Harbor was attacked and the day he signed up for the Marine Corps. A proud Marine, he was awarded a Bronze Star for saving an injured friend and he earned three Purple Hearts for his own injuries. Having fought bravely at Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima, Mr. Yourell exemplifies the ``Greatest Generation.''

Mr. Yourell continued his service in 1959 when he was elected Trustee in the Village of Oak Lawn. In 1966, he became a Representative in the Illinois House and went on to serve nine terms. He also served as Worth Township Democratic committeeman, Cook County Recorder of Deeds, and Commissioner for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. He retired in 2006 having won 40 elections without ever losing one. An Oak Lawn street and a Water Reclamation District aeration station bear his name, and he is remembered fondly by tens of thousands of residents of Oak Lawn, Worth Township, and Cook County.

Even as a senior citizen, Mr. Yourell still exhibited a youthful love for life. He bungee

jumped in New Zealand at age 85 and was known for his love of dancing, even at his 90th birthday party. Mr. Yourell is survived by his wife, Millie, three children, five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Please join me in mourning the loss of a model citizen and a loving family man, Harry ``Bus'' Yourell. His passion and commitment to his community and his country will continue to inspire us all for years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to oppose the previous question so we can bring to the floor a bipartisan bill that I reintroduced earlier this year, H.R. 1366, the National Manufacturing Strategy Act.

I know that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle recognize our near-term and long-term economic challenges and understand that the American people want us to help them get back to work. So rather than considering a bill to tie up pending environmental regulations in red tape, we should be bringing to the floor a bill we can agree will improve our competitiveness and help the private sector create good jobs.

The National Manufacturing Strategy Act requires the President to establish a bipartisan public/private manufacturing strategy board. This board would analyze the various factors that affect manufacturing, including trade, taxes, regulations, among others. It would also consider the government's programs, policies, and role in promoting manufacturing and identify goals and recommendations for Federal, State, and private sector entities to pursue in order to achieve the greatest economic opportunity for manufacturers in America.

The strategy will be reexamined every 4 years so it would reflect the implementation of prior recommendations, reassess global markets and technological development, and plot a revised strategy.

The Federal Government already has significant and broad influence on the domestic environment for manufacturing; and certain areas of the government rely greatly on a strong manufacturing base, particularly our national defense. Yet there's little to unify the multitude of programs and policies that exist throughout the government toward the common goals and agenda for promoting our domestic manufacturing base and securing our place in the world's markets.

Unfortunately, the government's promotion of manufacturing has been ad hoc. Instead, we need to be proactive and organized and efficient across our government.

Most of our competitors understand the need for a strategy. Not just China and India but also Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom, among others, have developed and implemented strategies.

This idea enjoys widespread support in America from a wide range of industrial sectors, labor, and the public. A poll conducted last year by Alliance for American Manufacturing found that 86 percent of Americans favor a national manufacturing strategy aimed at getting economic, tax, labor, and trade policies working together.

This public support already has been echoed in this Chamber where last year we passed this bill by a bipartisan vote of 379-38.

I urge my colleagues in the House to join me in calling for action on jobs and the economy. We cannot continue to sit idly as our manufacturing base and quality, well-paying jobs depart for China, India, or elsewhere.

We must take action to provide a competitive and focused foundation for those who will continue to make it in America, and we can do so now by defeating the previous question and then passing the National Manufacturing Strategy Act. The American public is waiting. They need jobs. They want us to act. So let's move forward together on something we can agree to and get Americans back to work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Selfreliance Ukrainian American Federal Credit Union (SUAFCU) which will celebrate 60 years of service on September 21, 2011. This organization has helped countless Ukrainian families and businesses in my district and across Illinois live the American dream.

SUAFCU was founded in 1951 as a financial cooperative whose mission was to benefit local members of the Ukrainian American community. Open to anyone of Ukrainian descent or members of other Ukrainian organizations, SUAFCU stays very focused on its original mission. The democratic tenets to which the Union strictly adheres make it a unique institution that provides an example of what hard working communities can achieve.

During its first 15 years, SUAFCU was incredibly active, providing its members with over $4,156,000 in loans. Thanks to the responsible lending practices of this community, many Ukrainian doctors, dentists, and veterinarians were able to found successful practices. Dozens of other businesses opened thanks to SUAFCU, but just as important, 1200 families were able to purchase homes in the Chicago area. This community came together to exemplify the American dream through smart practices and a closely-knit community.

Around these businesses, the ``Ukrainian Village'' prospered into a network of interconnected community organizations including cultural and social clubs, and churches. SUAFCU works closely with churches and others to ensure the assimilation process is less difficult for Ukrainian immigrants--a population that brings diversity and new ideas to the area. SUAFCU continues to prosper and help families and businesses under current President and CEO Bohdan Watral and Chairman of the Board of Directors Michael Kos, two strong advocates for Ukrainian Americans.

Please join me in honoring the Selfreliance Ukrainian American Federal Credit Union, a group that has brought immeasurable benefit to Illinois by helping Ukrainians thrive and contribute to the community. I know SUAFCU will continue to help individuals realize their dreams and I wish them prosperity over their next 60 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Aimee Sordelli, who will receive the 26th Annual Charles E. Piper Award in November. The Charles E. Piper Award is presented by the Berwyn Development Corporation to honor achievement in business and service to the community. Since moving to Berwyn in 1995, Ms. Sordelli has dedicated herself to making the community safer, cleaner, and healthier.

During the past 16 years, Aimee Sordelli has amassed an impressive record of service, including sitting on several boards that strive to improve life for Berwyn citizens. Currently, Ms. Sordelli is Chairwoman of the Cook County Senior Advisory Board. She is also a member of the 708 Mental Health Board and the Main Street Board, as well as a Berwyn Township Trustee. There is scarcely a charitable organization in Berwyn to which she does not lend her time. When she is not volunteering for Earth Day clean ups or the Depot Beautification Campaign, Ms. Sordelli is at meetings for Senior Advocate Health Care, the Berwyn Development Corporation, or the Depot District Special Events Committee. In addition to her charitable endeavors, Aimee Sordelli works as an Operations Manager at the Loyola Marymount Hospital in Maywood, Illinois.

Perhaps even more impressive than the many leadership positions Ms. Sordelli holds in her community is the constant generosity and support she offers her neighbors. Ms. Sordelli once saved the life of her next door neighbor by using a baseball bat to fend off an attacking pit bull. On September 11, 2001, she brought a pot of chili to her local Berwyn fire department. As her own act of remembrance, Ms. Sordelli has made feeding her local first responders an annual event. Today, it is a community wide operation with catered meals for Berwyn firefighters, police, and paramedics. It is not only her illustrious achievements, but also her kind and genuine demeanor that make Aimee Sordelli a citizen worthy of distinction and recognition.

I ask you to join me in honoring Ms. Aimee Sordelli on her selection as the 2011 recipient of the Charles E. Piper Award, and may she continue to make a difference in the lives of her fellow citizens for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an exemplary citizen and Illinois' 3rd District constituent, Lt. Col. Terrence J. McCollum. On June 30th, 2011, then Major McCollum was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force. It is a privilege to recognize his many accomplishments and dedicated service to our country today.

Lt. Col. McCollum began his decorated military career upon graduation from the United States Naval Academy in 1994 with a degree in Oceanography. His academic ambitions led him to George Washington University Law School, where he graduated with a Juris Doctor in 2002. Finally, he earned a Masters degree in Business Administration at Colorado State University in 2011.

Upon graduating from the United States Naval Academy, Lt. Col. McCollum was stationed on the USS Peterson in Norfolk, Virginia as a Naval Officer. He has served on several tours abroad, including a recent tour at Kunsan Air Force Base in Korea. Lt. Col. McCollum has pursued a career geared toward assisting his fellow officers with legal matters. A devoted husband and father to three daughters, Lt. Col. McCollum currently serves as Deputy Staff Judge Advocate for Headquarters at the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii.

Lt. Col. McCollum's numerous accomplishments include earning a Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, a Joint Service Commendation Medal, a Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and a Navy/ Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Additionally, Lt. Col. McCollum was consecutively named Deputy Staff Judge Advocate of the Year for the 9th Air Force from 2007-2009. These accomplishments and many others speak to Lt. Col. McCollum's commitment to defending the best interests of his colleagues and preserving the security and well-being of our nation.

Lt. Col. Terrence J. McCollum's notable accomplishments, academic achievements, and dedicated service to his country embody what it means to be an exemplary United States citizen. I am proud to count him among the fine citizens of Illinois' 3rd District, and I wish him the best as he continues to proudly serve our country.