Floor Statements

Madam Chair, I would like to begin by thanking Chairman Gordon for all his work on this bill and on the cybersecurity issue in general. This is, as the chairman said, a good bipartisan bill. I also want to thank Ranking Member Hall for his work and Dr. Ehlers, as we worked on the Research and Science Education Subcommittee on this bill.

Almost a year ago, President Obama called for a comprehensive 60-day review of U.S. cyberspace policy. This call and the expert recommendations contained in the resulting report led to a series of hearings in my Research and Science Education Subcommittee as well as the full Science and Technology Committee. We heard in these hearings about the various aspects of cybersecurity R&D, including the state of research programs, partnerships with the private sector, the IT workforce, and how both NIST and the NSF are responding to the review.

H.R. 4061 is built upon what we learned in these hearings and addresses some of the critical issues raised in the 60-day review. Specifically, it aims to build strong public-private partnerships, improve the transfer of cybersecurity technologies to the marketplace, train an IT workforce for both the public and private sectors, and coordinate and prioritize Federal cybersecurity R&D.

Information technology is an integral part of all of our daily lives. Computers, cell phones, and Internet have greatly increased our productivity and connectivity. Unfortunately, this connectivity and dependence of our critical infrastructure on information technology have increased our vulnerability to cyberattacks. One month ago, we saw a coordinated foreign attack on Google's Web site. Last week, we also saw an infiltration on our House Web site. Last year, the Pentagon reported more than 360 million attempts to break into its network.

But it is not just the Pentagon or House of Representatives that needs to worry about cybersecurity. Cybercrime is a problem for businesses, large and small, and for every single American. The FTC estimates that identity theft costs consumers about $50 billion annually, and that, even more alarmingly, it is the fastest growing type of fraud in the United States. And these aren't just individual criminals. Increasing globalization in the Internet means that sophisticated organized groups can mine information, selling it both nationally and internationally.

Improving the security of cyberspace is of the utmost importance and will take the collective effort of the Federal Government, the private sector, our scientists and engineers, and every American to succeed, and this bill takes an important step forward in doing this.

Last fall, as Chairman Gordon said, under the leadership of Congresswoman Clarke, we passed a resolution recognizing National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Among other things, this resolution contributed to an important education and awareness campaign, a national effort to make people aware of the problem and to make them think about what I like to call practicing good computer hygiene. However, Federal leadership is not only needed to increase public awareness, but also in research, education and in demonstrating how to secure our systems.

Chairman Gordon gave a very good summary of what is in this bill. I want to focus on one particular aspect a little bit, on education. By that, I mean educating individuals, educating companies, and educating the next generation of IT professionals. H.R. 4061 addresses this by building on existing partnerships, such as the NSF-sponsored Center for Systems Security and Information Assurance at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills, Illinois, in my district. This single school in my district has trained more than 600 cybersecurity faculty since 2003. Individuals are now teaching at community colleges and technical training programs nationwide.

In order to realize the full benefits of information technology, we not only need a highly skilled IT workforce, but also advances in basic R&D. Cyberthreats are constantly evolving, and cybersecurity R&D must evolve in concert through a combination of near-term fixes and long- term projects that build a more secure foundation. And because people are perhaps the weakest link in many IT systems, our research strategies need to include the social and behavioral sciences that can help us better understand how humans interact with technology. This is something that is often overlooked but is contained in this bill.

So, in closing, I just again want to thank Chairman Gordon for his work on this. I am very proud to be the author of this bill, and I urge its passage by the full House.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of people fall victim to Internet fraud so it's really clear we need to improve our cybersecurity awareness and education.

There are some who are especially vulnerable to falling victims to this fraud. So I think that this amendment by Mrs. McCarthy and Mr. Kratovil is a very good amendment.

I know that certainly I have seen and have had experience with people, especially those who are elderly, falling victim to crimes. I've had them come to my office and have problems about that and trying to clear that up.

So I think this is an especially good amendment, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. Chairman, I want to commend Ms. Sanchez for her work on this amendment and also on cybersecurity in general on the Homeland Security Committee. From my time as a university professor, I understand the importance, first of all, of the cooperation between the private sector and universities. It is something that I feel very strongly about. We need to improve that; and certainly in cybersecurity, it is especially important.

The other thing that I understand is the need to have information, and the more information sharing that we can have, the better we can do with cybersecurity.

This amendment helps accomplish both of those things, so I strongly encourage my colleagues to support and vote for this amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the gentlelady from New Hampshire for her amendment. It certainly ensures that we retain individuals who are trained at government expense, making sure the Scholarship for Service program provides the best value for taxpayers, and it is certainly also a good value for those who are receiving their education. It is a good, commonsense amendment, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

This is a very good and thoughtful amendment, and I thank Ms. Clarke for helping to ensure that the Federal workforce assessment that we require in our report is complete and thorough in its analysis. I would like to also thank Ms. Clarke and her staff for working with the committee on this language, and I strongly support this amendment and urge my colleagues to vote for it.

I want to commend the gentleman from Virginia for his amendment. Obviously, as the gentleman talked about, the Internet is great for children, young adults, provides so many opportunities, but we need to be very careful because we all know the dark side and the down side. So much more can be done and should be done to protect children, young

adults. And Mr. Connolly's amendment does that. So I want to urge my colleagues to support the amendment.

I'd like to thank Mrs. Halvorson and Ms. Shea-Porter for their amendment and more broadly for all the work that they do on behalf of our veterans. It certainly is an issue of great importance. Last night, I had a father come to me and tell me that his son had come back from Iraq and was having trouble finding a job and was actually faced with re-enlisting because of his struggles in trying to find something. This amendment will certainly help there. Many of our veterans have technical backgrounds already. With some additional training, they are well positioned to continue serving their country by joining our Federal cybersecurity workforce, including at civilian agencies.

So I want to, again, commend Mrs. Halvorson for her amendment, and strongly urge my colleagues to support it.

First off, I want to commend Mr. Kratovil for his amendment. We have certainly seen Centers for Excellence do some very good work not only in the science and technology field, but I also know that in the transportation field, we have also seen that. I think this amendment that would establish a merit-based and a competitive-based Center for Excellence for Cybersecurity will be a great addition to our IT research in the country. I think it could be a very good enhancement to this bill, so I strongly support this amendment. I urge my colleagues to vote for this amendment.

As the designee of the gentleman from Virginia, I rise to offer the amendment.

Mr. Chairman, Mr. Nye's amendment calls on the GAO to examine key weaknesses within the Nation's cybersecurity infrastructure and to offer recommendations on how the Federal Government should address those weaknesses, and calling on the GAO will help to find those areas that are especially insecure. We certainly have heard enough times of where we have seen attacks, and attacks come from many different places, and there are attacks on many different cybersecurity systems. So I want to thank Mr. Nye for this amendment, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Nye).

I yield back the balance of my time.

I would like to thank Mr. Heinrich for working with the committee on amendment language. I have visited Sandia. We also have great work going on in my own backyard at Argonne National Lab on cybersecurity. There is a lot of great work going on at all of our labs and contributing so much behind the scenes to things that we don't see. So I want to thank Mr. Heinrich for his amendment. I urge my colleagues to support it.

But in closing, on their last amendment here, I also would like to thank Mr. McCaul for all of his work. This is the way the American people want to see us work, work together, Democrats and Republicans. We work very well together on the Science and Technology Committee. It's an important issue that impacts people in their everyday lives. The amount of time that all of us spend on the Internet, the vulnerabilities that are out there, hopefully through this work, I know that we can really make things better, make the Internet more secure so we have fewer problems with attacks not just on the government but on individuals.

Again, I would like to thank Mr. McCaul, Chairman Gordon, and everyone who has worked together on this.

I yield to the gentleman from Texas.

I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. McCaul), and I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and to support the bill.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Bob Bures on being named the 2009 Western Springs ``Man of the Year.'' Mr. Bures was selected by the Citizen of the Year Committee from nominations sent in by community organizations and residents. He will be honored on January 30, 2010, at a dinner I will be attending with my wife, Judy.

Bob Bures, a resident of Western Springs since 1975, has dedicated his life to the service of others. Mr. Bures worked in the Chicago Public School system for 30 years, and has remained a fixture in the community through his many involvements. He has served as executive director of the Retired Teachers Association of Chicago and on the Western Springs Village Board. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Western Springs Masonic Lodge 1136, the Affairs Committee and Education Subcommittee for the Union Club of Chicago, and the Western Springs Business Association. Mr. Bures is also involved with the West Suburban Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation and helps to transition special education students into local jobs. Currently he is the auditor for the Czech & Slovak Genealogy Society of Illinois, and previously served as treasurer of the Thomas Ford Memorial Library Foundation. And in 2008, Mr. Bures was appointed to the Lyons Township Mental Health Commission.

Previously a recipient of the City of Chicago Superior Service Award and the Excellence of Service Award from the Aquin Guild of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Bob Bures is very deservedly being honored for his dedication to Western Springs.

I ask you to join me in honoring Bob Bures for his outstanding service to his community and his recognition as the 2009 Western Springs Man of the Year.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Linda Johnson on being named the 2009 Western Springs ``Woman of the Year.'' Ms. Johnson was selected by the Citizen of the Year Committee from nominations sent in by community organizations and residents. She will be honored on January 30, 2010, at a dinner I will be attending with my wife, Judy.

A lifelong resident of Western Springs and the owner of Village True Value Hardware, Linda Johnson is a fixture of the community who is always there in her store helping customers. In 2005, Ms. Johnson started the ``Glory Days'' project, which enables students to deliver small American flags to each home in Western Springs every July 3rd.

Linda Johnson's many commitments make her a fixture in the community including serving as chair of the Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital Foundation and events chair of the Western Springs Business Association. She is a member of the Western Springs Rotary Club, Lyons Township High School Alumni Board, West Suburban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, La Grange Area Business and Professional Women, and Earlham College Alumni Council. Ms. Johnson also served as president of the Western Springs Business Association and on the Village of Western Spring's Economic Development Commission.

Previously honored as ``A Person of Distinction'' in 2005 and a recipient of the State of Illinois Volunteerism Award in 2007, Linda Johnson will very deservedly being honored for her dedication to Western Springs.

I ask you to join me in honoring Linda Johnson for her outstanding service to her community and her recognition as the 2009 Western Springs Woman of the Year.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1008, honoring Catholic Schools Week and recognizing the outstanding contributions that Catholic schools have made to America.

As a proud graduate of St. Symphorosa Grammar School and St. Ignatius College Prep and as a strong supporter of Catholic education, I am honored to sponsor this resolution again this year. I would like to thank the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) for joining me in working on this resolution as well as on many other important issues.

Since 1974, Catholic Schools Week has celebrated how Catholic schools have positively impacted our country, and it has recognized their outstanding contributions in providing a strong academic and moral education, as well as teaching the importance of responsibility to one's family and community.

The National Catholic Educational Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops have provided exemplary leadership in conceptualizing and organizing Catholic Schools Week. This year's theme is timeless in scope and universal in its values. ``Catholic schools-- dividends for life: faith, knowledge, discipline, morals.''

This theme perfectly embodies the call of America's Catholic schools, always emphasizing the necessity of a well-rounded educational experience. Nearly 95 percent of Catholic schools have a service program, and the average student completes approximately 80 hours of public service. My desire to serve was fostered by the dedicated teachers whom I had in 12 years of Catholic school.

Today, almost 2.2 million elementary and secondary students are enrolled in nearly 7,500 Catholic schools. By maintaining an excellent student-teacher ratio and through dedicated efforts, Catholic school students, on average, surpass other students in math, science, and reading in the three grade levels tested by the NAEP test. The graduation rate for Catholic high schools is 99 percent, and 97 percent of Catholic high school graduates go on to college or to technical school. In a country where poor educational reports have sadly become an annual tradition, these statistics are truly remarkable and should be greatly commended.

Catholic schools are known for embracing students from all walks of life and are highly effective in providing excellent educational opportunities for minority students and disadvantaged youth. Almost 15 percent of students in Catholic schools are not Catholic, and over the past 30 years, the percentage of minority students enrolled in Catholic schools has more than doubled. Despite exceptional results, the success of Catholic schools does not depend on selectivity, accepting nine out of every 10 students who apply.

In addition to producing well-educated students, Catholic schools save American taxpayers billions of dollars every year by lessening the number of students in already overburdened public schools. In fact, it is estimated that taxpayers save over $1 billion from students attending Catholic schools in the Chicago area alone and $20 billion nationwide. The importance of this savings is undeniable to American taxpayers.

Unfortunately, the current economic climate, combined with decades- long travails of the middle class, have been hard on Catholic schools in some areas. Like me, my wife, Judy, attended Catholic schools for 12 years, graduating from St. Patrick's Grade School and Bishop McCort High School in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, last year, St. Patrick's closed. This closing has proven to be a great loss, not just for the students of St. Patrick's but for the entire community of Moxham, demonstrating just how important Catholic schools are to the greater community.

I was born and raised and live in the Chicago archdiocese, which still has one of the most successful school systems in the country. More than 96,000 students attend 258 schools. In my district alone, there are seven Catholic high schools and approximately 50 grammar schools, including one of the best in my home parish of St. John of the Cross in Western Springs.

My experiences have taught me the important spiritual, moral, and intellectual foundations that Catholic schools provide to students. A Catholic education has granted me the knowledge, discipline, desire to serve, and a love of learning that has enabled me to achieve my doctorate degree and become a teacher before being elected to Congress. In recognizing Catholic Schools Week, we pay a special tribute to the dedicated teachers and administrators who sacrifice so much, in many cases working for less than they would earn elsewhere.

Many of my formative memories are of teachers who taught me the values

of faith and service. When I come down to this House floor, I can't help but remember the coach of my Student Congress team, Sister Diane Wiefenbach. I cannot forget in high school the impact that she had on me. That's something that I will always remember. Throughout the United States, millions of others have similar memories of the dedicated sisters, priests and lay teachers who gave their hearts and souls to touch the lives of their students.

Mr. Speaker, American Catholic schools deserve our praise, our support, and our gratitude. I would like to thank everyone who cosponsored this resolution. To share our congratulations in support for Catholic schools, I urge my colleagues to pass this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Garfield Ridge Chamber of Commerce as it celebrates 50 years of service to the community.

Founded in 1959, the Garfield Ridge Chamber has grown to 100 members who work tirelessly to fully embody its motto, ``The Neighborhood that Cares and Shares.''

The chamber takes great pride in being an active member of the community, participating each year in the Patriot Day Parade and Annual Pumpkin Parade, providing Christmas decorations along a major thoroughfare in the neighborhood, delivering a business directory to 17,500 homes in the area, and recognizing a police officer, firefighter, and teacher of the year at its annual dinner dance.

The chamber's largest event, in which it takes special pride, is the ``Snack with Santa,'' at which children are provided with a gift from Santa, snacks, and a puppet show. This year marks the 26th anniversary of the event, which is extremely popular, attracting over 1,300 attendees.

Throughout the year, chamber members show their commitment to the organization and its role in the community at monthly gatherings featuring speakers who keep business owners informed of new developments and innovations.

Through its dedication to service, the Garfield Ridge Chamber of Commerce has contributed immensely to the larger community. As a proud native of Garfield Ridge, I sincerely offer the chamber's many dedicated members my heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of its 50th anniversary.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2194, the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this important bill, and urge my colleagues in the House, as well as the Senate, to enact this legislation into law without delay.

Iran has for decades presented a serious threat to the security of the United States, our allies, the region, and the international community. Its support for terrorism and other belligerent activities has been a particular challenge to the security of Israel and the entire Middle East. Iran's more recent efforts to develop nuclear weapons elevate these security threats, and must be resisted by all the diplomatic and security institutions of the United States. Furthermore, the reports this week that Iran is pursuing technology specific to nuclear weapons should remove any doubts about Iran's intentions with regard to uranium enrichment, and make clear to me that we must contain this threat immediately.

The Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act will provide the United States with a new lever against the Iranian regime in order to deter its dangerous behavior. Specifically, this bill would allow the President to impose sanctions on any business or individual that makes an investment that contributes to Iran's ability to develop its petroleum resources or to import petroleum goods. Iran relies on its oil exports to derive income, and must also import 30-40 percent of its gasoline to meet its needs. Sanctions on petroleum development and the fuel needs of Iran will further cripple its economic development-- focused primarily on the elite class that is closest to the regime, and help to increase the costs of its threatening activities. These far- reaching sanctions, capturing all those who provide a range of associated support to Iran's petroleum needs, will send an important message to the regime that its nuclear weapons ambitions are unacceptable, and that they will be met with serious consequences.

It is very important that Congress pass this bill quickly in order to provide the President the necessary options and legal remedies to deter Iran. There is a point of no-return with nuclear weapons development, and we must engage all available options to prevent Iran from developing those capabilities. Furthermore, as we have learned with Iran's support for terrorist groups like Hezbollah, should Iran acquire nuclear weapon capabilities, it is all too likely that they will share their weapons and knowledge with any number of dangerous actors. Nuclear weapons proliferation, particularly to non-state actors and those who pose the greatest threats to the security of America, Israel, and other allies, must be stopped at all costs.

At the same time, it is vital that we seek the support of the international community to pressure Iran to stop its nuclear weapons pursuit. We must work with our allies in Europe, as well as with China, Russia, and others to address the threat that a nuclear-armed Iran presents to the world. But international efforts should not be an alternative to the United States pursuing the strongest sanctions options possible against Iran.

It will be very important in the upcoming year that we continue to proceed with both U.S. sanctions, and also international diplomatic efforts and sanctions to prevent Iran from proceeding with its dangerous and insular nuclear weapons ambitions. Iran must not be allowed to become a nuclear weapons state, and we must pursue all available options to prevent that from occurring. It is essential to that goal that we pass the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Draugas newspaper on its 100th year of daily publication.

Draugas was founded in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania in 1909 as a Lithuanian language Roman Catholic paper and moved to Chicago in 1916. The location changed a few times in its early years, but Draugas has been located at 4545 W. 63rd St. in Chicago since 1957. Many Lithuanian-Americans live on the Southwest Side of Chicago and in the surrounding suburbs I represent, and they greatly appreciate the reporting and cultural commentary that Draugas provides.

Draugas serves approximately 10,000 daily readers. It is the only Catholic paper to be published daily in both the United States and Canada, and the only paper outside of Lithuania to be published in Lithuanian. In an effort to reach younger generations of Lithuanian- Americans, Draugas plans the publication of an English language edition in the near future.

An event honoring the newspaper's 100th anniversary took place in Willow Springs on October 17 and a Bishops Conference and Catholic Mass were held in Chicago on October 18 to honor Draugas and Lithuania's millennium.

I ask you to join me in honoring Draugas for its dedication to reporting, community service, and the preservation of Lithuanian culture around the world.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Captain Daniel Rhodes of La Grange, Illinois on being named the 2009 Marine Corps Times Marine of the Year. All our service men and women make extraordinary sacrifices and are worthy of acclaim. But the Marine Corps Times has chosen a truly exemplary member of our Armed Forces for this incredible honor.

Growing up in La Grange and attending Lyons Township High School, Daniel Rhodes always knew he would be a Marine. His strong faith and passion for community service are a tribute to his parents, who have spent the last 10 years in Lima, Peru running an orphanage. With their selflessness as his guide, Daniel Rhodes enlisted in the Marines in May 2001 with an uncommon drive and certainty of purpose.

Then First Lieutenant Rhodes served as the commander of Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines in Karmah, Iraq starting in August 2008. With just two years of experience as an officer, he commanded 200 Marines and more than 500 Iraqi militia members, functioning as both a warrior and a mentor. Daniel Rhodes and his men used emergency relief funds to commence more than 30 service projects in the area in and around Karmah. The results included the refurbishment of 21 schools, four bridges, two water treatment plants, two roads, a community center, and two factories, as well as the development of an adult literacy program. These projects helped thousands of Iraqis and are examples of the kinds of critical but often unsung efforts that lie at the heart of our military's work in Iraq.

During his personal time while deployed, Daniel Rhodes authored a book on military ethics that is now used throughout his battalion. He also incorporated discussion of ethics and leadership into his company's weekly routine. Truly, Daniel Rhodes is a man of uncommon ability and unimpeachable character.

Upon his return to Hawaii, Daniel Rhodes was promoted to Captain and named commander of Charlie Company, 1/3. There he developed a relationship with Aloha United Way, and continued to be involved in community service projects, helping to refurbish vacant public housing units and assisting with food drives along with his men.

After eight years, Captain Daniel Rhodes left the service this past July to continue his education and to spend more time with his wife, Marine Captain Elizabeth Jackson. I have no doubt that he will accomplish more great things in life. I ask you to join me in honoring Captain Daniel Rhodes for his outstanding service and recognition as the 2009 Marine of the Year.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Lyons Township men's soccer team on its victory in the Illinois 3A State Championship match on November 7 in Naperville, IL.

Lyons Township enjoyed immense success this season, posting a record of 26 wins and only three losses. This year marked LT's sixth appearance in the state tournament. But after five previous trips ended in early exits, this

year's team was determined to come home with a different result, and displayed resilience and skill all the way to the end.

Finishing the season on a 15-game winning streak, LT was playing its best soccer coming into the tournament, and that momentum carried over into the playoffs. With excellent coaching and strong senior leadership, LT put together a playoff run that included coming from behind, defeating an opponent that had twice beaten it in the regular season, and knocking off the defending state champions. All this set the table for an intense championship match against Lake Zurich High School. Ninety minutes proved insufficient, as it took overtime for Lyons Township to close out a hard-fought 2-1 victory.

I ask you to join me in honoring the members of the Lyons Township men's soccer team for achieving what every high school athlete strives for--a State Championship.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues, especially Mr. Stupak, for their perseverance as we work together on this amendment. Every year for over three decades, including this past July, we have approved the Hyde amendment.

I ask my colleagues again tonight: do the same thing, and approve the Hyde amendment in this bill.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dennis DeYoung on his recognition as a Great Performer of Illinois. Great Performers of Illinois is an annual celebration of the very best art and culture in the State of Illinois. As both his talents and his humanitarian contributions to the State of Illinois attest, Mr. DeYoung is indeed worthy of recognition.

A musician from his youngest years, Mr. DeYoung found his audience when he formed the band that would later become Styx with a group of friends while growing up in Chicago. Over the course of Styx's storied career, Mr. DeYoung served as lead vocalist, songwriter, keyboardist, producer, and in many other capacities. The band's musical run has included a string of multi-platinum albums, worldwide fame, and top 10 hits in three different decades. That Styx remains one of the biggest- selling performers in the history of recorded music is a testament to Mr. DeYoung's remarkable talent and restless creativity. His numerous hits include such utterly original, distinctive, and memorable songs as ``Lady,'' ``Come Sail Away,'' ``Babe,'' and ``Mr. Roboto.''

Mr. DeYoung's music is only part of his contribution to society. He is a tireless advocate and supporter of the fight against childhood cancer. In keeping with this mission, he performed a benefit concert in Chicago on October 24th, with proceeds going to the cause of childhood cancer research.

I ask you to join me in honoring Dennis DeYoung for his remarkable achievements in both music and society, and his recognition as a Great Performer of Illinois.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church as they celebrate 100 years of community, faith and service. Throughout their history, the parishioners of Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church have strived to embody their calling as members of the community of faith, and in doing so have served commendably as a pillar of the Palos Hills community.

Originally located on South Michigan Avenue in 1909, Sts. Constantine & Helen relocated in 1926 when a fire consumed the building, and then relocated to its new location on the corner of 111th Street and Roberts Road in Palos Hills with an opening ceremony in 1976.

Today, Sts. Constantine & Helen is as vibrant as ever under the faithful guidance of Rev. Nick Jonas, and the parish continues to serve the worship needs of over 400 families. The church is expecting some 1,200 participants at its centennial celebration on October 24, at which time Rev. Byron Papanikolaou will also mark his incredible 50th year with the congregation.

It is my honor to recognize Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church on the occasion of its 100th anniversary. The parish has fulfilled a vision of a proud community that works together, learns together, and worships together. With its legacy of remarkable pastors and committed parishioners, the parish is truly deserving of this recognition.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 266, celebrating 90 years of diplomatic relations between the United States and Poland and recognizing Poland's critical role in advancing freedom and democracy across the globe. We must never forget Lech Walesa's leadership inside Poland and the Polish pope, Pope John Paul II's leadership from the outside which helped lead to the collapse of the Soviet Union and the collapse of the wall separating the East and West and the freedom that that brought to so many hundreds of millions of people around the world.

As a Polish American, as the co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Poland, and as someone who represents part of the most Polish city outside of Poland, I'm especially proud to sponsor this resolution. I would like to thank the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) for working with me on this resolution and on other important issues.

In addition to marking the 90th anniversary of U.S.-Poland diplomatic relations, this year also marks the 20th anniversary of the fall of communism in Poland, the 10th anniversary of Poland's accession to NATO, and the 5th anniversary of Poland's membership in the European Union.

Ninety years ago, there were already 150,000 Polish immigrants in and around Chicago. The Polish American Association recently noted that following World War II, ``Polish Americans made up a large part of the countless families moving into Chicago suburbs, especially southwest suburbs such as Oak Lawn and Hickory Hills and western suburbs such as Berwyn and Lyons.'' These are all areas I represent, and such communities are one reason our countries are so close.

Poland's struggle against communism and its emergence as a free and democratic nation are a great chapter in the history of the 20th century. In recent years, Poland has strongly supported the United States diplomatically and militarily, helping to combat global terrorism and contributing troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution and in conveying America's thanks to the Polish people. Poland has been one of our Nation's best friends and strongest allies. We must honor this relationship and make sure that we work to continue it and work to strengthen that relationship with great respect.

Mr. Speaker, as a proud Polish American, I rise today to honor the life and service of Casimir Pulaski and ask my colleagues to support the passage of H.J. Res. 26. Pulaski played an instrumental role and gave the ultimate sacrifice in support of the American Revolution and deserves our utmost respect and gratitude.

Casimir Pulaski devoted his life to the cause of liberty around the world. Inspired by the plight of a young nation striving to be free, Pulaski traveled to America to serve under General George Washington.

Quickly distinguishing himself as a brilliant military tactician, Pulaski was entrusted by General Washington with sole command of the fledgling national cavalry. Pulaski was appointed brigadier general 4 days after a heroic performance at Brandywine, where he rescued the cavalry from certain defeat and saved the life of General Washington. General Pulaski also played an instrumental role in conflicts with British forces in the battles of Germantown, Little Egg Harbor, and Minisink before heading south to Charleston and ultimately Savannah. It was in Savannah that General Pulaski was struck with cannon fire while charging into battle. He died a few days later at the age of 34.

In Chicago, we honor Casimir Pulaski with his name on a major road. In Illinois, we honor Pulaski with a State holiday of Pulaski Day. Today, let us do what he is truly deserving of; let us give Casimir Pulaski, this brave, deserving patriot, the rare honor of being named an honorary American citizen.

I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Henry Bienen on his retirement as president of Northwestern University, one of the world's top universities and my alma mater. Mr. Bienen's retirement on August 31, 2009 leaves a legacy of nearly 15 years of academic excellence and relentless institutional improvement at Northwestern.

Mr. Bienen's tenure as president yielded truly amazing results. Under his leadership, Northwestern enhanced its academic excellence, doubling its number of undergraduate applicants, raising the average SAT score for incoming freshmen by 150 points, and vastly increasing the number of National Merit Scholars. Larger investments in undergraduate research and expanded programs continue to present students with engaging and innovative learning experiences. Mr. Bienen surpassed all expectations when he led ``Campaign Northwestern,'' raising $1.55 billion in a five-year period. Mr. Bienen also helped solidify Northwestern's financial stability by quintupling the endowment and raising research funding from outside sources by 140 percent.

Of particular interest to me, Mr. Bienen recognized the need for an even greater commitment to scientific research. He put his efforts behind Northwestern's Institute for Nanotechnology and constructed new research facilities that have made Northwestern a world leader in nanotechnology. Mr. Bienen's commitment to nanotechnology and scientific research at large went far beyond the construction of new buildings, as he was personally invested in the recruitment and hiring of distinguished researchers and instructors. His accomplishments and commitment were recognized in 2005, when Mr. Bienen was one of the first three university presidents awarded the Carnegie Corporation Academic Leadership Award for innovative leadership in higher education.

As a devoted fan of Northwestern athletics, Henry Bienen was proud of the accomplishments of the school's student-athletes. During his tenure, 17 athletic teams won Big Ten championships, including three in football and an unprecedented nine straight in women's tennis. In addition, Northwestern captured five straight NCAA national championships in women's lacrosse and Northwestern's football team went to five post-season bowl games.

I rise today, Madam Speaker, to commend the dedication, service, and indelible legacy of Henry Bienen as he retires as president of Northwestern University. I am proud to have such an exemplary model of a devoted academic and leader as a friend. I wish Henry Bienen great success in his future endeavors.