Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the numerous achievements of the band Chicago and congratulate them as they celebrate their 40th anniversary with a concert event at the Chicago History Museum on December 4, 2007. Over the last four decades, Chicago has become one of the most successful and longest lasting musical groups in history, and their music has touched hundreds of millions of listeners around the world.

The band was originally formed in 1967 as the Chicago Transit Authority by saxophonist Walter Parazaider, trombonist James Pankow, trumpet player Lee Loughnane, guitarist Terry Kath, keyboardist Robert Lamm, drummer Danny Seraphine, and bassist Peter Cetera. Within 2 years, this band composed mostly of Loyola University music students was signed to Columbia Records and released their first album.

During the next four decades, Chicago would go on to sell over 120 million records while releasing over 30 albums, 19 of which went gold. Among their many great singles, Chicago reached the top of the charts with favorites such as ``If You Leave Me Now,'' ``Hard to Say I'm Sorry,'' and ``Look Away.'' In addition to their incredible commercial success, Chicago has garnered considerable respect among critics and has won numerous awards, including three Grammy Awards as well as a Favorite Rock Group award at the American Music Awards.

Awards and honors aside, Chicago has a special gift for bringing people together, something I have personally experienced. My wife, Judy, and I are long-time fans of the band, and I will always remember that I proposed to Judy while we listened to the Chicago song ``Beginnings.'' Chicago also employs their fame to connect with others by supporting a number of charities including World Hunger Year. In addition, Chicago donates a portion of their ticket sales to the Ara Parseghian Medical Research Foundation which seeks a cure to the fatal children's disease Neimann-Pick Type C and also to Charlie Weis's Hannah & Friends Foundation which helps improve the quality of life for children and adults with special needs.

Madam Speaker, it is fitting that we honor the band Chicago as they celebrate their 40th anniversary, and I encourage all those who appreciate the band to visit an exhibit at the Chicago History Museum honoring the band's musical legacy. I wish the members of the band the best as they continue into their fifth decade.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address one of the darkest events of the 20th century, an event that we must not let be forgotten.

During the First World War and in the final days of the Ottoman Empire, one of the worst atrocities in human history occurred. Even among the chaos and violence of World War I, this atrocity stood out, horrifying foreign witnesses, and prompting Theodore Roosevelt to call it, ``the greatest crime of the war.'' This crime against humanity was the Armenian genocide.

Although large-scale violence against Armenians had previously occurred, the events from 1915 to 1918 were truly unprecedented. During this period, approximately 1.5 million Armenians were systematically killed by the Ottoman Government, while the surviving Armenians were left without homes, jobs, possessions, and, most importantly, their loved ones.

Yet, despite overwhelming evidence that the Ottoman Government actively sought to destroy the Armenian population, this genocide, the first of the 20th century, has been overlooked by the United States. This is simply wrong. Because, to end genocide, we must stand up to it whenever and wherever it occurs. If we do not, we only embolden those who would commit genocide elsewhere.

In 1939, while explaining his plan to destroy the Polish population, Adolph Hitler stated, ``Who, after all, today speaks of the annihilation of the Armenians?'' And many of my Polish brothers and sisters died.

Mr. Speaker, today we have the opportunity to speak of the annihilation of the Armenians. We can finally characterize the systematic murder of 1.5 million Ottoman Armenians as genocide, and rightfully condemn those atrocious killings that occurred 90 years ago. The prevention of future genocides may depend on it.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 12-year-olds of the Western Springs All-Star Little League team for their success in capturing the state championship title of 2007 as well as all of their other momentous achievements during the 2007 season. Their commitment and dedication, never giving up in the face of adversity, set them apart from their competitors and made their community proud.

The 2007 Western Springs All-Star team, featuring neighborhood standouts Jack Toner, Peter Swanson, Christopher O'Reilly, David Reed, Tim Goldrick, Jake Elliot, Bret Cunningham, Matt Aikens, Charlie Netzel, Andrew Hinds, Eddie Gengo, and Keith Lehmann, began their season with high expectations after winning a state title the year before. They did not disappoint. As they finished their season 15-1, they continued living by their motto: ``Never Give Up, Never EVER Give Up.''

This winning attitude brought the Western Springs team to another state championship and gave them the inspiration to persevere even in tough times. I would like to recognize the diligence and commitment which have characterized the Western Springs Little League, rising to a consistent high level of perennial success as district champions, and now State champions two years in a row.

I rise today, Madam Speaker, to commend the hard work and talent of the 2007 Western Springs All-Star team, their calm under pressure, and their sportsmanship even in defeat. The Western Springs Little League All-Stars of 2007 have made a great accomplishment of which they can all be proud. I send my congratulations to them and their families, as well as my thanks for their hard work and for the tradition of excellence, which they have established in the Third District of Illinois.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor St. Germaine Catholic School of Oak Lawn, Illinois as they are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a prime example of excellence in education.

Since the establishment of St. Germaine Parish by Fr. Walter Sheridan in 1962, education has been a priority for this community. With the diligent support of the Sisters of the Presentation, the parish school opened in 1964 and began a tradition of exceptional education in not only academics but also the teachings of faith.

In the years since its founding, St. Germaine has consistently been noted for its achievement in bringing quality education to its students. On October 2, 2007, St. Germaine was designated a national Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Secretary of Education, Margaret Spellings.

This distinguished award, given to those schools that are either academically superior or have demonstrated dramatic gains in student achievement, was presented to only 287 schools throughout the country. This award places St. Germaine in the top 10 percent of our Nation's schools.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend St. Germaine Catholic School on this extraordinary achievement. I am proud to have in my district a school that does so much to produce the educated and moral citizens who will lead our Nation in the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor George David, Jr. of Western Springs, Charles Cech of Burbank, Carl Sandrik of Oak Lawn, and William Stevens of Chicago for their induction into the United Parcel Service Circle of Honor.

In 1955, UPS created the elite Circle of Honor award to commend its safest employees. Circle of Honor drivers, who now number more than 4500, are recognized only after completing 25 years without accidents. On October 2, 2007, UPS inducted 785 new drivers into the Circle of Honor. These extraordinary employees were honored with a ceremony as well as an advertisement in USA Today.

I am proud to report that among this year's inductees were four residents of my district. These four individuals are exemplars of responsible and conscientious driving habits, and as such contribute greatly to the safety of our Nation's roads and highways and all those who use them.

I rise today to join UPS in congratulating Mr. David, Mr. Cech, Mr. Sandrik, and Mr. Stevens for their wonderful 25-year achievement. I applaud their successful efforts to make safety a top priority while they perform their jobs and wish them a safe journey on the miles ahead.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Gene and Charlotte Gray on their 50th wedding anniversary.

Married in 1957 at Sacred Heart Church, the Grays are long-time Chicago residents and the proud parents of four children. Gene worked as a machinist before starting his own corporation, G7G, Inc. and owning the Family Pride Laundromat in Summit, Illinois. After their children were grown, Charlotte returned to work and eventually retired from the Tootsie Roll industry.

Gene and Charlotte have been active members of their community, where together they have served as coaches in the Clear Ridge Baseball Association as well as treasurers of the Southwest Senior Citizens Program. I will always think of Gene as ``coach'' because he was my coach when I played baseball in Clear Ridge Little League. As a program manager for the Community Economic Development Association, Gene has been instrumental in assisting low-income senior citizens throughout the district to receive gas and electric services. Gene has also ably served the community of Chicago as a volunteer in my district office for a number of years.

It is my honor to recognize Gene and Charlotte Gray and provide my heartfelt congratulations to them on this wonderful event in their lives. Together they exemplify the ideals of strong family and community involvement. I would like to extend my best wishes to the Grays as they and their family celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Dorothy Chiero, recipient of the 2007 Charles E. Piper Award for exceptional business achievement. Dorothy Chiero has worked for Bellair Expediting Service for the last 31 years and currently oversees 23 offices through the United States as a corporate office manager. Her outstanding leadership has greatly impacted the local community and its businesses.

As a long-time resident and proud member of the Berwyn business community, Dorothy Chiero has been very active in promoting local businesses. Dorothy played an essential role in the formulation of the Historic Depot District Special Events Committee of the Berwyn Development Corporation. This committee has hosted a number of successful events which have brought attention and notoriety to the business district in the Depot area.

Dorothy's leadership in the community also extends to the two area businesses that she owns with her husband, Cabin Fever and AWESOME Pest Service, as well as her participation in many other local organizations. She is currently serving on The Berwyn Development Corporation's Ogden/Depot District TIF Committee and the Transit Oriented Development Steering Committee and is an active member of the Democratic Citizens of Berwyn and the Women's Club of Berwyn.

I rise today to congratulate Dorothy Chiero, recipient of the 2007 Charles E. Piper Award, for her efforts and positive influence on the Berwyn business community. It is my privilege and pleasure to congratulate Mrs. Chiero on this award and acknowledge her contributions to the community. Her unique approach, dedication, and determination serve as an inspiration to the business community, as well as all citizens.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the VFW Rhine Post 2729 of Chicago as they celebrate their 75th anniversary. Through their dedicated and unwavering service to their community and their country, the veterans of the Rhine Post continue a strong tradition of patriotism and duty.

When the Rhine Post received its charter on October 29, 1932, it was made up of a group of 21 World War I veterans. With great determination and hard work, this handful of men managed to keep the organization afloat through the Great Depression, distinguishing themselves with their patriotic events and displays.

After World War II, the Rhine Post experienced an influx of veterans as the remaining 16 members focused on recruitment and membership. When the group was over 100 strong, they realized the need for a new hall. With industry and diligence, they purchased vacant property and in 1955 completed their new building. The Rhine Post on South Archer Avenue continues to serve today as a community landmark and as a place of camaraderie for our Nation's heroes.

Throughout their long history, the veterans of Rhine Post 2729 have taken pride in their championship senior rifle and drill team, which won seven consecutive championships. Service to their community has also been a great source of pride, as the Rhine Post hosted Memorial Day Parades along Archer Avenue for many years. The Rhine Post continues their worthy tradition of community service by sponsoring the Voice of Democracy scholarship program, visiting hospitalized veterans, distributing American flags, and assisting senior citizens whenever possible.

I rise today to recognize the Veterans of Foreign Wars Rhine Post 2729 on their 75th anniversary. Through their staunch patriotism and outstanding contributions to their community, the veterans of the Rhine Post nobly continue the legacy of service they began when they first answered the call of duty. I commend them for their ongoing community work and their courageous service to our country in time of war. I am honored that my district is home to such an exceptional organization, and I am proud to congratulate them on their 75th anniversary.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the American Hungarian Federation on their 100th anniversary. This group, formed in 1906 as a vehicle to advance and protect the interests of Hungarian- Americans, is one of the oldest ethnic organizations in the United States.

Hungarians have been outstanding contributors to our republic since the days of its inception, when Col. Commandant Mihaly Kovats, the Hungarian officer who led the first American cavalry into battle, died fighting the British at Charleston, S.C. in 1779. Their exceptional service and patriotism were again exemplified in 1906 when Hungarian- Americans raised funds for the erection of a statue of George Washington in Budapest, one of the first acts of the newly-formed American Hungarian Federation.

Since its creation, the Federation's noble mission has expanded greatly to assist Hungarians on both sides of the Atlantic as well as advance worldwide the causes of freedom and democracy. They have worked tirelessly to unite those of Hungarian descent, celebrate their shared culture, assist the needy members of their community, and provide relief and shelter to victims of Communist oppression.

In a powerful expression of solidarity with those all over the world who have suffered under Stalinist regimes, the American Hungarian Federation played a pivotal role in the creation of the Victims of Communism Memorial. This monument was dedicated on June 12th by the President of the United States and it honors the more than 100 million people killed worldwide by totalitarian communist regimes.

It is my privilege to honor the American Hungarian Federation on their 100th anniversary and extraordinary contributions to America. Their efforts and labors ensure a brighter future for Hungarians, at home and abroad, as well as for all those who yearn for freedom in our world.

Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairman of the committee for yielding and for all his tireless efforts on behalf of rail safety.

Mr. Chairman, today I rise in strong support of the Federal Railroad Safety Improvement Act. As the chairman says, I represent part of Chicago, which is the rail hub of the Nation. I understand just how important railroad traffic is, railroads are to this country, both passenger and freight. In all transportation, safety is key.

This bill makes crucial improvements in safety for rail employees, passengers and all Americans who live, work, travel along rail lines. I would like to commend Chairman Oberstar, Subcommittee Chairwoman Brown, Ranking Member Shuster, and Ranking Member Mica for their work on this bill.

Mr. Chairman, among the other important improvements that come in this bill, H.R. 2095 works to strengthen the integrity of our Nation's rail system, encourages the implementation of new technologies, such as positive train control systems, known as PTC. I am especially pleased that, at my request, the committee included language in the bill that provides Federal funding to expedite PTC installation. PTC systems can drastically reduce collisions, derailments and other accidents, while at the same time improving efficiency. It's clearly a much-needed advance.

I also want to speak right now in strong support of the Napolitano amendment, which broadly ensures Mexican trains entering the U.S. continue to receive proper brake, mechanical and hazardous material inspections by highly skilled American personnel.

Mr. Chairman, this bill is essential for continued safety of our railways. I urge adoption of the Napolitano amendment and passage of the underlying bill.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a distinguished physician in my district, Dr. Adina Galich, M.D., who celebrated her 80th birthday this past summer. For 50 years, Dr. Galich has ably served the people of Berwyn and has been a true pioneer for female doctors throughout Illinois.

From an early age, Dr. Galich overcame great adversity. She grew up in Nazi-occupied Belgrade, where she remembers her family running through burning streets after their home was bombed. After her father's death, Dr. Galich took over the family real estate business at the age of 15, which was soon confiscated by the postwar communist Yugoslav Government.

In 1952, Dr. Galich graduated magna cum laude from medical school. Dr. Galich was finally able to obtain a visa and immigrate to the United States after the Yugoslav Government branded her and her family ``class enemies.'' When she arrived in Chicago, she became the first woman at Chicago Mount Sinai Hospital to specialize in internal medicine, though only permitted to teach and not practice. Dr. Galich was the lone female physician in her 1956 class.

Throughout Dr. Galich's career, she has committed herself to treating those most in need. While training in internal medicine she also worked at the Chicago Board of Health's Infectious Diseases Department. Later, Dr. Galich was among a group of physicians who founded the Union Health Service, an organization created to provide health care to members of the Janitors' and Doormen's Union.

Dr. Galich continued to be a trailblazer for female physicians into the 1960s, when she became the first female internist on the staff at MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn. Later, she became the first female physician to open a private practice in the city.

It is my honor today to commend Dr. Adina Galich, M.D., for her outstanding service to the Berwyn community for over half a century. Dr. Galich has triumphed over great adversity, challenged the perceptions of female physicians, and opened the doors for countless women to follow.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor David Schulz, a devoted public servant, who passed away this week on October 7, 2007. As we mourn his early passing, we express our gratitude for the contributions that he made to Chicago as a public official and educator who was always committed to use his many talents to better his community.

Universally known as a charismatic, brilliant individual, Mr. Schulz was a man whose ambition and talents led him to hold an array of impressive positions in public service. After graduating from Purdue University with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, Dave devoted his next few years offering his talents to the communities of Milwaukee and Chicago, holding a series of transportation, public works and budget positions for local government agencies in both cities.

His unyielding devotion to his community paired with his gift of an exceptional intellect led him down a bright path, becoming Budget Director for Chicago and later holding the same position in Milwaukee. In 1988, Dave embarked on a new journey to give to the community through public office. As Milwaukee County Executive, Schulz prided himself on making significant contributions to the people of Milwaukee through building a county jail, upgrading Mitchell International Airport, and overhauling social services.

Schulz's other major achievements included his position as founding Executive Director of the Infrastructure Technology Institute at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. Through his work with Northwestern, Schulz became known for his leadership and ability to bring faculty together to achieve a common goal. Dave contributed further to the academic community by passing on his extraordinary gifts of experience and knowledge to the students of Northwestern as an adjunct professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Today I ask my colleagues to join me in mourning the loss of David Schulz, a creative and dynamic individual who used his brilliance to contribute to the communities in which he lived and worked. I am grateful for his contributions and mourn the passing of a devoted public servant. Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathies are with David Schulz's family and friends in this difficult time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Susan E. Cox, an outstanding attorney, who was appointed as a United States Magistrate Judge for the Northern District of Illinois on August 27, 2007. A resident of LaGrange, Illinois, in the Third Congressional District, Judge Cox has demonstrated outstanding integrity and intelligence throughout her distinguished career. I am pleased to congratulate her on this well deserved appointment.

Before her designation as Magistrate Judge, Ms. Cox held a wide array of positions within the field of law. Most recently, she practiced both civil and criminal law in her own private practice, and she also spent 8 years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, as well as 3 years as a law clerk to U.S. District Judge Wayne R. Anderson. During her 11 years of civil practice, Ms. Cox gained expertise in cases regarding employment, commercial, and patent infringement. Ms. Cox's many experiences and talents led her to be appointed by the federal court to assist in monitoring the employment actions of the City of Chicago. She also has devoted her valuable time to sharing her knowledge with others by serving as an adjunct professor at DePaul University College of Law.

As a Magistrate, Judge Cox will employ the same insightfulness and passion for the law that she has acquired in her many past experiences and accomplishments. Some of her duties will include presiding over civil cases and misdemeanor criminal cases with the consent of the parties, conducting preliminary proceedings in criminal cases, and assisting the District Court Judges with pretrial motions, evidentiary proceedings, and settlement negotiations.

It is my honor to recognize Susan E. Cox as she takes a new step in her career as a Magistrate Judge for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Her integrity, experience, and passion for the law will greatly benefit the U.S. District Court. It is also my privilege and pleasure to congratulate Magistrate Judge Cox for this milestone in her life and commend her on her many contributions to the field of law.

Mr. Chairman, I am in strong support of this bill and commend Chairman Oberstar and Chairman Costello for their work on this bill and Ranking Members Petri and Mica for their work.

This is a very important bill for modernization and safety improvements, which are critical, and also passenger rights.

I also want to speak about three specific provisions. I would like to thank the chairman for working with me on two provisions to invest in R&D for new, cleaner fuels in aviation.

The first is a provision for an FAA Center of Excellence focused on alternative jet fuel research and development, as we work to address global warming and cut down on our use of foreign fossil fuels.

Second, R&D funding for alternative avgas for piston engine planes. Piston engine planes currently use leaded gas. It's important that we work to find an alternative. I want to thank Chairman Gordon also for working with me on that in the Science Committee.

And, third, I'm pleased with the inclusion of report language on the Qualification Based Selection process for PFC-funded airport projects. I look forward to working with the big four on this issue as the bill moves forward in conference.

I urge support for this legislation.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of this very important legislation reauthorizing the Federal Aviation Administration, and urge my colleagues to join me in voting for its passage.

I also rise to commend Chairman Oberstar and Ranking Member Mica on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure as well as Chairman Costello and Ranking Member Petri of the Subcommittee on Aviation for their excellent leadership on this bill and for their continued dedicated service on transportation issues.

This bill contains a number of critical provisions that will improve our nation's transportation system. In particular, this legislation will go a long way towards modernizing and improving our nation's air traffic control capabilities by providing $13 billion to accelerate the implementation of the Next Generation Air Transportation system. Through modernization and increased use of technology, this system will enable our air traffic control system to meet two to three times the amount of current demand, allowing us to keep pace with the ever- increasing number of flights. This technology will also allow us to more accurately track flights, preventing collisions in our increasingly congested skies. In addition, the FAA will be given the resources to make necessary improvements and replacements of facilities and equipment, ensuring the highest degree of air traffic support.

I would also like to thank the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the full Committee and Subcommittee for including report language on the potential application of Qualification Based Selection for Passenger Facility Charge funded airport projects. Qualification Based Selection is a process that works well with Airport Improvement Program funded projects and some other federally-funded transportation projects. It has been a process that has saved time and saved money in other transportation projects. Consequently, taking a closer and more comprehensive look to see how it could be effectively implemented with PFC-funded projects seems to be a logical step.

This reauthorization also takes some important steps towards protecting flight crews and passengers. For example, OSHA requirements are finally extended to aircraft crewmembers under this bill, helping to ensure their on-the-job safety. This legislation also directs the FAA to conduct a study on pilot fatigue, and based on the findings of that study, update their regulations regarding flight time limitations and rest requirements for pilots. Furthermore, airlines and airports will be required to have contingency plans in place to take care of passengers affected by long delays, including providing food, water and medical care. This provision is a welcome relief to all of us who have ever experienced long and painful flight delays.

Furthermore, this reauthorization includes $570 million to increase the number of aviation safety inspectors by more than one-third. These inspectors develop, administer, and enforce safety requirements for all aircraft being developed and flying today. Increasing the number of these inspectors will help ensure that our skies are as safe as possible.

I am also pleased that this reauthorization includes a number of provisions that will improve our environment. It directs the FAA to work to develop lower energy, emissions and noise engine and airframe technology. This type of technology will help to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, improve our air quality, and combat climate change. This bill also contains measures to improve the environments of airport lands, including addressing water and air quality issues, and reduce aircraft idling time to reduce emissions and fuel consumption.

In addition to these environmental provisions, I would also like to thank Chairman Oberstar and Ranking Member Mica of the full Committee and Chairman Costello and Ranking Member Petri of the Aviation Subcommittee for working with me to include two provisions increasing R&D for environmental improvements related to aircraft fuel.

Currently, general aviation piston aircraft operate on 100 Octane leaded aviation gasoline, or avgas, which contains four times the amount of lead found in the already-banned leaded automotive fuel and is extremely toxic. Unfortunately, no economical alternative currently exists. Environmental and health concerns over this leaded gasoline will only continue to grow as use of these planes increases.

In order to address this issue, I worked to include in this bill a provision to continue and enhance R&D for alternative aviation fuels. This provision, which authorizes $750,000 for fiscal years 2008 through 2010, will help to expedite the development, testing, and approval of an economical, unleaded alternative aircraft fuel.

Also included in this reauthorization is a provision I authored for a new FAA Center of Excellence focused on alternative jet fuel research. FAA Air Transportation Centers of Excellence provide research on important transportation issues through partnerships between the FAA, universities, industry and state and local government. In conducting transportation research, Centers of Excellence also prepare a new generation of trained professionals ready to meet our nation's transportation needs.

And in the coming years, perhaps no transportation need will be greater than the need for alternative energies. Increasing demand for fossil fuels and continued volatility in many energy supplying nations means that the price of fossil fuels will continue to go up. And, increased emissions from the use of fossil fuels further endanger our global environment.

Jet fuel in particular illustrates the dangers of our current reliance on fossil fuels. Many airlines in this country, already fighting bankruptcy, are particularly vulnerable to higher fuel prices and increased volatility in the energy market. And while jet emissions still constitute only 3% of global emissions, that share is growing rapidly as the number of flights worldwide continues to increase.

Consequently, it is apparent that developing alternative jet fuels is imperative for our Nation's airlines and our environment. Recognizing this need, and witnessing the valuable R&D that FAA Centers of Excellence have provided in other areas such as Airliner Cabin Environment, Noise and Emissions, and Airport Technology, I authored a provision included in this reauthorization which will create an FAA Center of Excellence dedicated to alternative jet fuel research. This Center of Excellence's research will improve the long-term health of our domestic aviation economy and our global environment.

The benefits of this Center of Excellence and all the improvements in safety, efficiency, labor protections and environment provided by

this reauthorization are particularly important to my hometown of Chicago. Chicago is the transportation hub of the Nation and transportation is--metaphorically and literally--what keeps our region moving. Chicago Midway Airport, which is in my District, and nearby O'Hare International Airport, are two of the busiest and largest airports in the Nation. And while thousands of people pass through these airports every day, they are the local airports for my constituents and the surrounding communities. Consequently, any national improvements in our aviation system will be acutely felt by those of us who live under the busy skies of northeastern Illinois. I believe this reauthorization is a good beginning in improving not only the flying experience of my constituents, but also in reducing the amount of aviation emissions and noise that they encounter on a daily basis.

And importantly for my District, this FAA reauthorization provides necessary funding to make our runways safer. This issue is important to the many people in Chicagoland who still clearly remember the tragic accident in 2005 when an aircraft skidded off the runway at Midway Airport and into a passing car, killing a young boy. To address some of the concerns raised by these types of accidents, this legislation provides $42 million over four years for runway incursion reduction programs and $74 million over four years for runway status light acquisition and installation. These runway improvements will not only help to protect flight crews and aircraft passengers, but also the people such as those in my district who live and work alongside our Nation's airports.

In conclusion, this FAA reauthorization contains important efficiency, safety and environmental provisions that will benefit the Nation and Chicagoland in particular, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting its passage.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to Private First Class Omar E. Torres, a courageous young soldier who died in Iraq on August 22.

Omar Torres grew up on Chicago's southwest side and played football at De La Salle High School. After graduating in 2005, Torres received a full ride scholarship to attend The Ohio State University.

During his freshman year at OSU, Torres followed his strong desire to serve his country and joined the U.S. Army Reserves. This decision led to his activation during his sophomore year, and in May of 2007, Torres was deployed to Iraq as part of the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Although his mission was hazardous, Private Torres bravely and honorably

carried out his duties. Sadly on August 22, PFC Torres was killed by an IED while patrolling Baghdad. He was only 20 years old.

Aside from his military service to our Nation, Omar Torres was interested in politics and had a strong desire to work for positive change in our country. While attending his wake last month, I was moved by the large number of lives PFC Torres had touched.

Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in mourning the loss of Private First Class Omar E. Torres. We will never forget his sacrifice and are forever indebted to him, as well as to all our soldiers. Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies are with the Torres family and friends in this difficult time.