Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Victoria Manfredi on the occasion of her retirement from St. Louis de Montfort School in Oak Lawn, Illinois. An outstanding educator and a resident of Oak Lawn, Illinois, Vicky now celebrates over 35 years of involvement in her school and community.

Today, with the support of family: Frank, Lisa, John, and Anna Victoria, we honor Vicky for her outstanding contribution to the field of Catholic education. Over the past 35 years, Mrs. Manfredi has proven a trusted colleague, an active volunteer, a Christian role model, and a teacher who has opened hearts, touched lives, and enlightened the young minds of countless students.

Vicky Manfredi began her work while her daughter attended St. Louis de Montfort over 30 years ago. Vicky served as a volunteer coach, instructional aide, and Eucharistic minister. Seven years ago, Vicky accepted a new challenge: working as a kindergarten teacher. In her new role she earned the praise of the administration, colleagues, parents and students alike. Her classroom was a happy place, a safe haven for children and an environment where students excelled academically.

Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Mrs. Victoria Manfredi, an exceptional teacher and pillar in my community. I am honored to

have such an exceptional educator in my district. We offer heartfelt congratulations to Vicky for a job well done as we wish Vicky and her family a joyous celebration of this milestone as she begins a new chapter in her life.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Paul Gattuso, the Mayor of the Village of Westchester and an outstanding citizen of Illinois' Third Congressional District, for his recent appointment as President of the West Central Municipal Conference (WCMC) in west suburban Cook County, Illinois. Throughout his distinguished career, Mayor Gattuso has served his community with excellence and intelligence and I am pleased to recognize this most recent of his many accomplishments.

Mayor Gattuso has a longstanding tradition of service to his community. He has served with distinction as the Mayor of Westchester since 2005. Prior to his election, he spent 10 years as a Village Trustee. He also supports a variety of local organizations, such as the Kiwanis Club and the Westchester Chamber of Commerce.

In addition to his dedicated service to the community, Mayor Gattuso is a successful businessman. He has owned and operated a thriving restaurant, Pauls's Pizza and Hot Dogs, in Westchester for over 20 years. The restaurant, a favorite among residents, proudly sponsors numerous youth and athletic organizations.

The West Central Municipal Conference is a membership-supported association representing 36 municipalities and one township within west suburban Cook County. As President of the WCMC, Mayor Gattuso will use his passion for helping people to assist the WCMC in serving the needs of its various communities and providing valuable services to the citizens who work and live in the region. I am confident that under his leadership the WCMC will continue to be a successful council of governments.

Mayor Gattuso is also a proud husband and father. His son is studying pre-law at Marquette University, while his daughter has a wonderful career in design.

It is my great privilege to recognize Paul Gattuso as he begins his term as President of West Central Municipal Conference. His experience, knowledge, and commitment to the community will undoubtedly contribute greatly to a successful tenure.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of H.R. 5940, legislation reauthorizing the National Nanotechnology Initiative known as the NNI. I want to congratulate Chairman Gordon and Ranking Member Hall for their hard work in crafting this legislation. I also want to acknowledge all the members of the Science and Technology Committee on both sides of the aisle for their contributions to this bill and for helping to move it expeditiously and unanimously through the committee.

Nanotechnology, or the science and technology of building devices from single atoms and molecules, soon will impact nearly every sector of our economy. In just 6 years, the global market for nanoscale materials and products is expected to reach $2.6 trillion and to be incorporated into 15 percent of global manufacturing output. I firmly believe that nanotech represents one of the most important, if not the most important, technological keys to improving our Nation's future economic growth and improving our way of life, from medical applications, to green nanoenergy, to nanoelectronics, which will be critical as we reach the limits of current materials.

The NNI has been effective in supporting productive, cooperative research efforts across a wide spectrum of disciplines. The initiative has established a network of state-of-the-art national facilities that are conducting groundbreaking work in nanoscale research and development. These centers have helped the U.S. maintain a strong presence in the development and expansion of nanotechnology, which has been vital to economic development and essential to the creation of innovative jobs, leading to a stronger and more competitive America. The committee stated in the bill's report language the need to expand the current centers that we have as necessary to meet future research needs.

I am proud that my home State of Illinois is one of the leaders in nanotechnology research. Illinois boasts two national labs. It is home to numerous cutting-edge businesses and some of the Nation's preeminent research universities, such as my alma mater, Northwestern University, and the University of Illinois, which are conducting groundbreaking work in this field.

To keep the U.S. ahead of other nations, who are now making substantial investments in nanotech, this reauthorization makes three significant adjustments, as mentioned by the chairman.

First, it strengthens the planning and implementation of research on the environmental, health and safety aspects of nanotech. Not only is public safety paramount in its own right, but public confidence in these new technologies is also necessary for the success of nanotech industries.

Second, this bill requires the NNI to place increased emphasis on technology transfer; that is, moving basic research results out of the lab and into commercial products, materials and devices. From my own experiences in Illinois with our national labs and research universities, I understand that technology transfer is not simple, but it is critical to ensuring that R&D investments serve the public.

Third, H.R. 5940 creates a new nanotechnology education program to attract secondary school students to science and technology studies to help prepare the nanotech workforce of the future. As a former teacher, I understand the importance of education in promoting not only the success of individual Americans, but also promoting the success of American innovation such as nanotechnology.

Mr. Speaker, as nanotechnology moves from a multibillion to a multitrillion-dollar industry, there is great promise in store, but it is critical that we do all we can to ensure that America leads the way in nanotech innovation. H.R. 5940 will keep the U.S. in a position to drive the development of nanotechnology and go a long way towards ensuring that America reaps the benefits of our research investment.

I urge my colleagues to support passage of H.R. 5940.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the resolution that we are right now talking about on the floor, and I want to commend my colleague from Texas for introducing this legislation. My constituents certainly understand that we need to both look at problems that are facing us right now, today, and also we need to plan for the future or else we wind up in situations like we're facing today.

As vice chairman of the House Science and Technology Committee, as well as a former college professor and engineer and husband of a credentialed actuary, I became aware of the need to invest in STEM education for young Americans. Providing high-quality jobs for hardworking Americans must be our top priority. In order to accomplish that, we must be proactive.

The necessary first step is an improved STEM education in schools because an educated workforce is the foundation for economic strength. For generations, science and engineering have been the base of America's economic growth. We were leaders in the industrial revolution, and we initiated the Internet age. Today, these fields continue to have great potential for growing our economy and employing more Americans.

Between 1983 and 2004, the percentage of the U.S. workforce in science and engineering occupations almost doubled. Ground-breaking discoveries in innovative technologies are continually creating new industries and opportunities. Nanotechnology, which we just discussed in the reauthorization of the NNI, is just one of the many exciting industries that are revolutionizing the international economy.

However, if we are not careful, America will be left behind in future technological revolutions. This fact was highlighted nationally when the National Academy of Sciences released its ``Rising Above the Gathering Storm'' report which emphasized the need for the government to improve science, technology, engineering, and math for STEM education. In the 110th Congress, we confronted this challenge head on by enacting the America COMPETES Act. But additional measures to improve our global standing are still needed.

The resolution before us today will assist the United States in dedicating its resources to the STEM field and in promoting science education policy by educating a broad pool of Americans in these critically important fields. These areas are vital to America's economic competitiveness, and this resolution will help to ensure a vital future for next generation of Americans.

Mr. Speaker, we have challenges ahead of us, but the American people have always succeeded in conquering their greatest challenges. With this resolution, we will get that and ensure that all American students receive the skills and knowledge required for success in the 21st century workforce.

I urge my colleagues to support this important resolution to plan for the future and plan for a brighter future for America. This resolution helps us to do that.

Madam Speaker, sixty years ago today, as the world was still recovering from the horrors of the Second World War and the devastation of the Holocaust, the modern state of Israel was founded.

In the sixty years since its founding, Israel has overcome numerous security threats while serving as a model democracy in the Middle East and a beacon of freedom in the region. Importantly, Israel has also been one of America's strongest and most steadfast allies.

In fact, the strong relationship between our two countries dates back to Israel's very founding.

Within eleven minutes of Israel's declaration of Independence, President Harry Truman formally recognized the new nation and established America as Israel's first and closest friend.

Today, the strong partnership between our two countries continues through commerce, educational links, familial ties, and joint efforts to stabilize and bring peace to the Middle East.

So as we mark this important date and pay tribute to Israel's founding, let us also recommit to a continued friendship and partnership with Israel and a renewed dedication to securing a lasting peace in the Middle East.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Wanda Jensen as she retires from over 40 years of service as Stickney Township Democratic committeewoman. Throughout her tenure, Mrs. Jensen served her community commendably and I am pleased to recognize her for her long and admirable record of public service.

A longtime resident of the Third District, Mrs. Jensen has demonstrated true community spirit with an unwavering devotion to serving the public. Her service to Stickney as a Democratic committeewoman since 1966 is but one example of her deep community involvement. A true pillar of the community, Wanda has served as a Stickney Township trustee for more than 30 years, all the while devoting extra time to organizations such as the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts.

As a testament to her success at bringing the community together, Mrs. Jensen is the proud founder of a local fashion show that has been running for 41 years. Over time, this event has evolved into a popular community gathering that sells out every year.

Amidst her many commendable contributions to the Third District, Mrs. Jensen raised 4 children and now enjoys the pleasure of a large family, which has grown to include 14 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Mrs. Jensen is also a devoted member of St. Albert the Great Catholic Church.

I rise today, Madam Speaker, to commend the dedication and service of Wanda Jensen as she retires from her post as Stickney Township Democratic committeewoman. I am proud to have in the Third District such an exemplary model of a devoted public servant. I deeply appreciate her service and wish her and her loved ones a wonderful celebration as they commemorate her many years of service.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Ma Ying-jeou on his success in the March 22 presidential election in Taiwan, as well as applaud the democratic process that led to his election. The success of the fair and peaceful Taiwanese presidential election and the transfer of power from one party to another demonstrate that Taiwan is a genuine democracy and a shining example of freedom for the rest of the region.

As Mr. Ma is inaugurated on May 20th, I look forward to continuing the exceptional relationship between the United States and Taiwan. Taiwan is one of America's strongest partners in the region and a true friend of the United States. Similarly, I am pleased to know of Mr. Ma's pledged support for strengthening ties with the U.S. and I am confident that our relationship will grow stronger.

I also applaud the president-elect's initiatives to improve relations between Taiwan and China through increased dialogues on proposals that would greatly benefit the people of Taiwan and China. Increased communication and commerce between the people of China and Taiwan will greatly assist in reducing tensions in the region while allowing the Chinese to see firsthand the success of democracy in Taiwan.

I rise today, Madam Speaker, to commend the democratic process that led to the free and fair election of Mr. Ma Ying-jeou, whom I heartily congratulate on his attainment of this high office.

I sincerely hope that the rest of the world has taken note of the historic events that have transpired in these free and transparent elections. May this democratic spirit reach far and wide and inspire a desire to foster democracy all around the world. Again, I congratulate Mr. Ma in his election and wish him the very best.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 917) supporting the goals and ideals of National Engineers Week, and for other purposes.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H. Res. 917, the resolution now under consideration.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 917, supporting the goals and ideals of National Engineers Week.

Founded by the National Society of Professional Engineers and including more than 100 society, government and business sponsors and affiliates, including Boeing and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, National Engineers Week draws upon local and regional experts to recognize the contributions of engineers and to promote careers in engineering.

From national and regional engineering competitions, such as the Future City Competition, to events such as Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day, this week is intended to inspire the next generation of American engineers and scientists.

National Engineers Week takes place next week, just as it does every year, to commemorate the birthday of George Washington, one of our Nation's greatest engineers. Engineers have helped make our country great, from the American Revolution to the development of key modern industries, such as the aerospace industry, as well as various alternative industries. Engineers are at the forefront of human advances because engineers combine creativity with math and science training to solve problems. Engineers are not just builders, as they are sometimes envisioned, they are problem solvers. This is one of the first things I was taught when I was a graduate student at Stanford University in the Department of Engineering-Economic Systems. Engineering is problem solving.

I have a unique perspective in Congress as one of fewer than 10 engineers currently serving. Besides my master's degree from Stanford, I earned a bachelor's degree from Northwestern University in mechanical engineering. It is of great concern that America has fallen behind other countries in producing engineers. When I have toured engineering schools, whether it's been at Northwestern University, Stanford University, Northern Illinois University or the Illinois Institute of Technology, I have heard again and again how few Americans are getting engineering degrees, especially graduate degrees in engineering. It is great that America has such top universities that we are attracting some of the brightest minds from around the world to study here, but we are losing more and more of those students when they graduate and go back home.

Engineers in the past helped us build boats across the seas, railroads to take us west, and the Internet to communicate across the world. Today, we need the innovative capability of engineers more than ever to confront the new challenges before us.

A few years ago, the National Academy of Sciences report entitled ``Rising Above the Gathering Storm'' raised serious questions about America's future technological competitiveness. This report called for the Federal Government to take a number of actions, including addressing the potential for a shortage of good engineers. I am proud that Chairman Gordon and the Science and Technology Committee on which I serve as vice chairman answered the report's call and took action to bolster America's competitiveness. Last summer, Congress passed and the President signed into law the America COMPETES Act. This groundbreaking law invests more in education, especially in the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and math, and increases investment in critical research and development.

America COMPETES has created new awards for outstanding early-career researchers and new graduate research assistantships in technological areas of national need. These investments will greatly benefit our Nation's engineers, helping America stay at the forefront of innovation and increasing our national, economic and environmental security. Indeed, America's engineers are a critical component in developing and employing the innovative technologies necessary to carry out many of the provisions of the Energy Independence and Security Act, the landmark energy law passed at the end of last year.

Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Inglis) for his work on this resolution, as well as the 45 other cosponsors. And I would especially like to thank the engineers who have contributed so much to America, especially the 2 million engineers in America today.

I ask my colleagues to support H. Res. 917.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Missouri for his work on this resolution. And as a fellow engineer, I could not agree more that we could use a few more engineers here in this body.

I just wanted to say, I mentioned earlier that I have an engineering background, and it really does give a unique perspective. But I think one of the

most important things about National Engineers Week is the inspiration that we are looking to provide.

I remember when I was a kid growing up in Chicago, I was always fascinated by the way things work, especially mechanical things. I remember with my high school calculus and physics teachers, Father Thul and Father Fergus, they were the ones who really helped mold this childhood fascination into an interest in engineering. And I have seen a lot of the work that is done in National Engineers Week to try to provide this inspiration for students who are out there today.

I think this is very critical, as we face so many problems going into the future with energy, that we try and take care of global warming and so many other issues that we face. We need to have more engineers in this country to help us solve these problems. National Engineers Week is a great place to help provide inspiration so we have more engineers. And this resolution provides some more inspiration out there, hopefully, for some students who are watching this, listening to this, reading this later on, that we do need more engineers. I want to encourage that.

I ask my colleagues to vote in support of H. Res. 917.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I would like to express my support for H. Res. 917, supporting the goals and ideals of National Engineers Week.

Engineers are important to Texas.

The petrochemical, space, high-tech and transportation industries are integral to Texans' livelihoods.

In fact, Texas ranks first in the nation in industries such as petrochemical, computer, and organic chemical manufacturing. Engineers have contributed to that success.

As a Member of the House Committee on Science and Technology, I am glad to see my colleague, Mr. Lipinski, offer this resolution. It is important to acknowledge engineers for the valuable work that they do. The Texas Society of Professional Engineers works to foster a diverse and skilled workforce.

I want to commend the Society for its work to empower students by educating them about careers in engineering, providing materials for use in classrooms, participating in after-school programs, disseminating scholarship information, and holding math and science competitions.

I would also like to thank the Chairman of the House Committee on Science and Technology, Chairman Gordon, for his leadership on issues of national competitiveness.

I support this resolution and urge my colleagues to support it also.

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

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1834) to authorize the national ocean exploration program and the national undersea research program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 1834, the bill now under consideration.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1834, the National Ocean Exploration and National Undersea Research Program Act.

I would like to first thank our colleague, Representative Saxton from the Natural Resources Committee, for his leadership on important ocean and Great Lakes issues. This is a good bill that will expand our knowledge of the ocean and provide information about the vast resources of the seas.

The coastal areas of our Nation support a wide variety of significant activities, but in many respects the oceans remain a mystery, with many areas unexplored. Marine scientists tell us that we haven't come close to tapping the resources available to us from the oceans. I hope that my colleagues today from both sides of the aisle will agree that we should steer research dollars to those fact-finding projects so that humanity might one day reap the benefits of our oceanic resources.

This bill provides the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, with the authorities and direction to support a vigorous ocean exploration program. The bill authorizes two programs to be carried out by NOAA. The Ocean Exploration Program will explore and survey the ocean and assess ocean and costal resources. The National Undersea Research Program will operate through a network of regional undersea research centers. Both of those programs have strong education and outreach programs.

Madam Speaker, H.R. 1834 is a good bill. It is a product of a bipartisan effort to promote expanded appreciation

and knowledge of the oceans. I urge my colleagues to support the legislation.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, I want to thank Mr. Saxton for his work on this bill. I'm very happy we were able to work this through the Science and Technology Committee in a bipartisan manner, and I urge all my colleagues to support this legislation.

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

I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 916, honoring the tremendous contributions that Catholic schools have made to our Nation.

Since 1974, Catholic Schools Week has celebrated the important role that these institutions play in America and their excellent reputation for providing a strong academic and moral education, as well as teaching community responsibility and outreach.

I am proud to sponsor this resolution again. And I would like to thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Fossella) for once again working with me on this resolution.

This year's theme of Catholic Schools Week is ``Catholic Schools Light the Way.'' This theme focuses on the leadership that Catholic schools provide to our Nation, producing graduates who light the way for a brighter future for all Americans and for humankind. The theme also highlights the spiritual foundation of Catholic schools by reminding students that they are called to ``light the way'' for others.

Nationally, about 2.3 million young people are enrolled in nearly 8,000 Catholic schools. These schools have more than 160,000 full-time professional staff, boasting a student/teacher ratio of 15:1. On average Catholic school students surpass other students in math, science, and reading in the three grade levels tested by the NAEP test. The graduation rate for Catholic high school students is 99 percent, and 97 percent of Catholic high school graduates go on to college or technical schools. These are amazing statistics in America today.

Catholic schools are also highly effective in educating minority students and disadvantaged youth. The percentage of minority students in Catholic schools has more than doubled in the past 30 years, today representing more than one-quarter of all those enrolled. And almost one in seven students in Catholic schools is not Catholic. The success of Catholic schools does not depend on selectivity. On average Catholic schools accept nine out of every 10 students who apply.

In addition to learning reading, writing, and arithmetic, students also learn responsibility and how to become persons of character and integrity. Community service is a priority in Catholic schools; 94 percent of schools have a service program, with the average student completing 79 hours of service.

I was born, raised, and I live in Chicago Archdiocese, which has one of the most successful school systems in the country. Today more than 106,000 students attend 276 schools. In my district alone, there are five Catholic high schools and 34 grammar schools, including one of the best in my home parish of St. John of the Cross in Western Springs.

My wife and I are each products of 12 years of Catholic education. My wife in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, at St. Patrick's Grade School and Bishop McCourt High School; and myself at St. Symphorosa Grammar School and St. Ignatius College Prep. Like so many others, I understand how important Catholic schools are in providing a spiritual, moral, and intellectual foundation. My 12 years of Catholic education provided me with the knowledge, discipline, desire to serve, and a love of learning that enabled me to go on to earn my Ph.D. and become a teacher before I was elected to Congress.

As we recognize Catholic Schools Week, we must pay special tribute to the dedicated teachers and administrators who sacrifice so much, usually getting paid much less than they could to dedicate their lives to teaching at Catholic schools. I have fond memories of my teachers, who taught me not only the value of a good education but also the values of faith and service. Although I began in Catholic schools 35 years ago, I still can fondly remember my teachers at St. Sym's, from Sister Mildred in the first grade to Sister Xavier in the eighth grade. And I still fondly remember Sister Diane, my coach on the Student Congress Team in high school. Millions of Americans have similar memories of sisters, priests, and lay teachers who gave their hearts and souls and made such a big difference in the lives of their students.

Mr. Speaker, Catholic schools have made a big difference in my life and in the lives of countless others. As an important complement to public schools and other private institutions, Catholic schools contribute a great deal to America. And let us not forget that every student who is taught in a Catholic school saves taxpayers money because they are not part of the local public school system.

America's Catholic schools deserve our praise and our support. And to share our praise and support, I urge my colleagues to pass this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, today is a historic day, as America takes a big step forward in combating global climate change and breaking the grip that ``Big Oil'' companies and OPEC have on our Nation. That is why I am pleased to rise in support of H.R. 6, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007--a bill that will put us on a path to energy independence, while creating millions of new jobs and addressing climate change.

America has always been at the forefront of technological breakthroughs. We have responded to great challenges, perhaps most famously President John F. Kennedy's challenge to land a man on the moon before the end of the 1960s. I am confident that this legislation will provide America with the momentum it needs to move our country into a new energy economy.

Unfortunately, I am disappointed that the other body was unable to retain the House-passed language to repeal tax breaks for the oil and gas industry. Especially at a time of record high gas prices and record high corporate profits, this excessively prosperous industry should be paying its fair share. This revenue is needed to fund clean, renewable energies like wind, solar, and geothermal, as well as other important advanced technologies like plug-in electric vehicles, which will speed our path to energy independence. I will continue this fight against ``Big Oil'' and work to break the death grip that they have on American consumers. And I will continue to push for billions of dollars in tax incentives to jumpstart our cutting-edge renewable energy industries.

I am also not happy with the removal of the Renewable Electricity Standard from the final bill. This provision, which would have required utilities to generate 15 percent of electricity from renewable sources by 2020, would have gone a very long way in reducing America's addiction to fossil fuels. With most States already pursuing renewable electricity portfolios, including an Illinois mandate of 25 percent by 2025, I will work to make sure Congress addresses this issue soon.

As vice-chairman of the Science and Technology Committee, I am pleased to have played an important role in not only getting this bill passed, but also in contributing two important provisions. The H-Prize Act of 2007, a bill I introduced with Representative Inglis of South Carolina, establishes over $50 million in competitively awarded cash prizes to spur innovations that advance the use of hydrogen as a fuel for transportation. While hydrogen-fueled cars already exist, there are significant technical and economic barriers that must still be overcome before we can put a hydrogen car in every American garage. The H-Prize will help expand the possibilities of hydrogen research, promoting people not normally involved in federal research and development to explore one of the greatest challenges facing us today. And when these advances are made, hydrogen can fill critical energy needs beyond transportation. Hydrogen will also be used to provide heat and generate electricity. The future possibilities for this energy source are huge. And most importantly, hydrogen will be a clean, domestic energy source, producing no emissions besides water.

I am also very happy about the inclusion of the BRIGHT (Bulb Replacement In Government with High-Efficiency Technology) Energy Savings Act, which I introduced and shepherded through the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. This provision requires the federal government--the Nation's largest energy consumer--to use high-efficiency light bulbs in 1,800 civilian office buildings. This change will significantly reduce energy consumption--about 75 percent savings for each of more than 3 million bulbs--saving tens of millions of taxpayer dollars, in addition to saving energy and cutting down on the emissions of greenhouse gases.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this groundbreaking legislation. This is not a perfect bill, and I will work to make sure we revisit this issue, especially the repeal of the taxes on ``Big Oil.'' But this is a great step forward for America and for our environment. I am confident that one day we will look back on this bill as that catalyst that led to a better, cleaner, more secure America and world.

Madam Speaker I rise today to honor Mrs. Helena Snyder, an outstanding American, on her 100th birthday. A resident of Riverside, Illinois, for over fifty years, Helena celebrated 100 years on November 7th of this year.

Born in Pekin, Illinois, to Sicilian parents, Helena grew up dreaming of a career in Chicago. After graduating high school, Helena left Pekin to pursue her dream and was hired by the offices of the U.S. District Attorney in Chicago. She remained employed there until 1939, when she married her husband Bernard Snyder.

Shortly after their first child was born, World War II began and Bernard enlisted in the Navy. Helena and their son Brad moved to California with him until he was sent overseas. Upon Bernard's return, Helena became a full-time homemaker and spent much of her valuable time volunteering for a number of different groups in her community. Notably, Helena has held many offices as a member of the Riverside Women's Club and served as president of the organization for two years.

Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Mrs. Helena Snyder, an exceptional woman and pillar in the community, on the celebration of her 100th birthday. I am honored to have such an outstanding individual in my district and wish Helena and her family a joyous celebration.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Coach Gary Korhonen of the Richards High School football team in Oak Lawn, Illinois, for his achievement as the all time winningest prep school coach in the state of Illinois. Breaking the record on September 28th, 2007, with his 301st win, Coach Korhonen has demonstrated a great commitment to his student-athletes. I am pleased to rise today to recognize Coach Korhonen's unyielding dedication and honor this great milestone in his career.

Considered to be one of the best coaches in Illinois football history, Coach Korhonen's legacy reached a new level this fall when his Richards squad faced Evergreen Park High School. Their 44-0 victory gave Korhonen his record-breaking 301st win as an Illinois head football coach and propelled the Richards Bulldogs into their 23rd consecutive playoff berth. With this win, Coach Korhonen broke the record of 300 wins previously set by Providence Catholic Coach Matt Senffner.

Demonstrating a high commitment to the success of the individual members of his team, Coach Korhonen's understanding of what truly defines success doesn't include the number of games he's won as a coach. Korhonen considers his greatest accomplishment in life to be the fact that he has sent 274 kids to college on scholarships. Always believing in the potential of his team, Korhonen humbly puts the kids first, saying, ``It's not about me, but about everyone else I'm working with.''

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Coach Gary Korhonen for the positive role model that he is to the young men of Richards High School and for his continuing commitment to excellence for his players, both on and off the field. As the Representative of the 3rd District of Illinois, I am proud to say that we are home to the state's winningest coach, and I wish him and his team great success in the coming seasons.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor St. Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Parish as they celebrate 50 years of community, faith, and service. Throughout their history, the parishioners of St. Catherine's have served commendably as a pillar of the Oak Lawn community, and I am pleased to honor their 50th anniversary.

The story of St. Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Parish began in 1957, when the Roman Catholic population of the Ranch Manor District of Oak Lawn began looking for a new place to worship. They petitioned the Archdiocese of Chicago to establish a new church in their area, and on August 21, 1957, St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish was canonically erected.

While men in the parish built a chapel and an office, services were temporarily held at Brother Rice High School. Through hard work and dedication throughout the years, the parish has expanded to accommodate the large increase of worshippers. When the parish was dedicated on November 23, 1958, the parish facilities consisted of the church and an eight-room school for 367 families. Today, there are 12 additional classrooms, a convent, and a rectory to serve the 2200 families who worship there.

From their first pastor, Reverend John M. Kane, to their current pastor, Father Patrick Henry, the parishioners of St. Catherine's have enriched the lives of their fellow citizens by providing community outreach, a strong grade school, and an unwavering commitment to their faith. The members of St. Catherine's continue to develop their community, building gyms, kitchens, and meeting rooms to provide a safe environment for area children and a focal point for their community.

I rise today, Madam Speaker, to commend the hard work, dedication, and faith that have characterized the first 50 years of St. Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Parish. I am proud to have in the Third District such a strong example of the great contributions that Catholic parishes and schools make to this country. My prayers and best wishes are with the parishioners of St. Catherine's as they celebrate their 50th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my deepest condolences on the loss of Congressman Henry Hyde. It is a great honor to have known him and served with Henry, a dedicated public servant whose devotion to his constituency, values, and country was rivaled by few.

Though I only shared a single term in the House of Representatives with Congressman Hyde, I felt privileged to serve with him in the Illinois congressional delegation. A man well-known for his eloquent speeches, Henry Hyde was a legend throughout Illinois and the entire country.

Throughout his 32-year tenure in the House of Representatives, Congressman Hyde proved to be an intellectual powerhouse, commanding respect for the strong arguments and stimulating debate that he brought to the House. A true statesman, Henry was known for his ability to bring opposing sides of a debate together to find a consensus for the good of the country.

In the House, Congressman Hyde was influential on matters of international importance, having chaired both the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on International Relations. I have particularly great respect for his eloquent voice on American foreign policy during the Cold War.

For his public service and great contributions to America throughout his career, not the least of which was his brave service in the Navy during World War II, Congressman Hyde was recently recognized with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Awarded by the President and given only to those individuals who have made an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, this is the Nation's highest civilian honor.

A man who always stayed true to his faith, Henry Hyde was unwavering in defending his values and beliefs with every word he spoke.

In the end, I will always admire Henry for his basic belief that the law exists to protect the weak from the strong, and his willingness to fight for this principle.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today not only to honor Henry Hyde, a great man, but to recognize the impact he has made on our country. America no doubt will feel the loss of this man who so deeply committed himself to his country. I count myself lucky that I had the opportunity to serve with him. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family.