Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to Corporal Phillip J. Brodnick, a courageous young soldier who died in Iraq on August 22, 2007. As we mourn his loss, we use this time to honor his life and express our gratitude for his dedicated service.

Phillip Brodnick was born in Mokena, Illinois, and lived in Burbank until he was 8. He then moved to Frankfurt, Illinois and graduated in 2000 from Lincoln-Way High School. After graduation, Brodnick's desire to serve his country led him to enlist in the Army, and he soon served a 2-year tour of duty in Kosovo before being discharged in 2002.

However, the country's need and Brodnick's desire to serve led him to re-enlist in the Army in 2005.

In August of 2006, Brodnick was deployed to Iraq as part of the 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division based out of Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. His excellent service, leadership and ability were soon recognized, leading to a recent promotion to the rank of corporal.

Although initially scheduled to return home in June, Corporal Brodnick dutifully accepted a 4-month tour extension in Iraq. Tragically, on August 22, Corporal Brodnick and 13 other soldiers were killed when the Black Hawk helicopter they were on crashed. He was only 25 years old.

Aside from his military service to our Nation, Corporal Brodnick is remembered as patriotic and as a great friend and also as an animal lover who always looked out for his family. He aspired to one day follow in his father's footsteps and become a police officer.

While attending his wake last week, I was moved by the large number of lives that Corporal Brodnick had touched in his 25 short years. Today I ask my colleagues to join me in mourning the loss of Corporal Phillip J. Brodnick. We will never forget his sacrifice and are forever indebted to him, as well as all of our soldiers who have died for making the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies are with Corporal Brodnick's family and friends in this difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, I'd first like to thank Chairman Gordon for all his work on this bill and also Ranking Member Hall.

As vice chairman of the Science and Technology Committee, as an engineer, as a former professor, and just as an American who's concerned about our future, I stand today in strong support of H.R. 2272.

Today, America faces an enormous challenge. Two years ago, the National Academies warned us of a gathering storm that threatened our Nation in the 21st century. Their report told us that without immediate action the U.S. could lose its competitive technological edge in the world, meaning a dimmed future for our Nation. This bill will give us the jolt that we need to keep America in the lead, increasing our support for American researchers, scientists, engineers, educators and, most importantly, students, all of whom will turn their ideas into innovative new technologies which will advance our economy and ensure a brighter future for our Nation.

Dr. Ehlers very eloquently talked about how important investment is and what a great investment this bill is. As a former educator and researcher, I understand the immense value of investing in our future but especially in our children's education.

This bill provides $150 million for K-12 science, technology, engineering and math education, ensuring that American children won't be left behind as the world moves forward with new technology. These critical investments will create and equip thousands of new teachers and give current teachers the skills they need in order to be effective teachers of science and math.

The Competitiveness Act also creates an Advanced Research Projects Agency for Energy, which will invest in high-risk, high-reward R&D to help us overcome the technological barriers in the development of new energy technologies. These revolutionary new technologies will play a major role in securing our national energy security and protecting our environment.

And, finally, increasing NSF funding is a great advance and investment, and I urge my colleagues to support this conference report.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Kevin Fournier, an outstanding native of Beverly in my congressional district, who will graduate from the United States Capitol Police Training Academy today, July 27, 2007.

Kevin Fournier grew up in Chicago's Beverly neighborhood and graduated in 2002 from Brother Rice High School. Kevin then attended the University of Iowa where he studied political science, earning a degree in 2005. From an early age, Kevin displayed the qualities of a scholar and a leader, and has always been determined to positively influence his community and society at large.

Kevin's dedication, in addition to his outstanding academic and physical performance credentials, enabled him to enter the ranks of one of the finest law enforcement organizations in our Nation, the United States Capitol Police. Like all successful Capitol Police recruits, Kevin completed extensive courses at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and at the Capitol Police Training Academy. Kevin's exceptional interpersonal skills, professionalism, and technical proficiency in firearms and police procedures will enable him to protect and serve Members of Congress, staff, guests, and the general public with distinction.

Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Officer Kevin Fournier and all of our new Capitol Police officers as they begin careers on Capitol Hill. I have confidence that these fine new officers, like Kevin, will serve as an example to other police officers around the country, following in the great tradition of the Capitol Police. As Members of Congress, we are grateful for the commitment of these new officers, and are forever indebted to all the men and women who have served or currently serve in the United States Capitol Police.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the Davis- Kirk amendment.

The current sugar program has cost American workers tens of thousands of jobs, and it's cost American families $1.9 billion per year, according to the GAO. It will cost taxpayers $1.3 billion over the next 10 years, according to CBO. Unfortunately, a provision of this bill threatens more harm.

While I support this bill overall, we need this amendment, which prevents an increase in price supports for sugar, if and only if the Secretary of Agriculture determines that these changes contribute to a loss of jobs in the food and beverage manufacturing. The least we can do is ensure that changes in the sugar program do not kill good American manufacturing jobs. It's done harm in the Chicago area and across the Nation. We do not want to see more harm done.

I'd like to thank Mr. Davis for his leadership on this issue and encourage all my colleagues to support this amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer an amendment which would provide $1 million in funding for the Law Enforcement Tribute Act Program. This program provides one-time grants to help State and local governments complete permanent tributes that honor law enforcement and public safety officers who have been killed or seriously injured in the line of duty.

There are currently 17,917 names engraved on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, including 928 from my home State of Illinois. But many communities also want to honor their law enforcement heroes with local memorials or permanent tributes. The Law Enforcement Tribute Act Program provides support to States and localities to help them do this. Without this support, many communities would not be financially able to provide these worthy tributes.

The Law Enforcement Tribute Act Program was authorized in fiscal year 2002 at $3 million per year, but no funding has been appropriated since 2003.

Last year, this Chamber approved a similar amendment by voice vote when I offered it with Representatives Adam Schiff and Tom Davis. Unfortunately, that amendment, like the appropriations bill it was included in, never became law. Today, we have an opportunity to once again approve funding that will help communities honor all of those local heroes who have given so much to protect us.

This amendment has the strong support of law enforcement groups all over the country, including the National Association of Police Organizations.

Mr. Chairman, law enforcement and public safety officers dedicate their career and their lives to protecting us. Tributes provide us with a constant reminder of the sacrifices that they have made. The least we can do is help local communities honor these brave men and women.

I urge my colleagues today to support this amendment.

Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. Chairman, with that assurance, with the agreement that you will work, and I know that you see the great value in the program, to work in the conference on providing funding for this, I will withdraw the amendment.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution and in support of protecting one of America's most critical natural treasures, the Great Lakes. I thank Chairman Oberstar, Mr. Emanuel, and Mr. Ehlers for their work on this issue in helping to protect the lakes.

Through Federal regulations and State and local cooperation, we have made great strides in cleaning up the Great Lakes. Right now we cannot step back. I am deeply troubled by BP's plan to significantly increase their dumping of ammonia and other pollutants into Lake Michigan. All of these pollutants can cause harm to the environment and to public health. Over 40 million people in the Chicago area get their drinking water from Lake Michigan, and it is critical to tourism, recreation and the fishing industry. We should not be doing less to protect the Great Lakes. We should be doing more, such as passing legislation I introduced with Mark Kirk to stop municipalities from dumping waste into the lakes.

While it is good to increase our national energy security and to create new jobs, this cannot come at the expense of public health and the quality of our environment. That is why BP must do everything possible to lower pollution emissions into Lake Michigan. BP talks the talk about protecting the environment. It is time for BP to walk the walk and protect the lake. The step forward today is to pass this resolution and send BP this message.

Madam Chairman, I want to commend Chairman Olver, Ranking Member Knollenberg and Chairman Obey for their hard work in crafting this bill.

One thing I want to specifically focus on here is the provision of $35 million for the Rail Line Relocation and Improvement Program. This was authorized under the SAFETEA-LU transportation bill, but has not been funded up until now.

Under this program grants would be provided to a wide range of rail projects throughout the Nation that would fill various critical needs, including safety improvements, congestion mitigation, quiet zone creation, and the facilitation of local economic development.

For far too long our Nation's rail infrastructure has gone without adequate investment, and the needs continue to mount. By funding this program, we are taking an important step toward modernizing our Nation's antiquated rail system and helping communities who are dependent on rail lines. Any community with a rail line in it knows the good and the not so good with having that line there. This bill will help them to do more with the good that these rail lines can provide for communities.

I would also like to thank Ms. Matsui, my colleague from California, for her work in moving this provision forward.

I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to Sergeant Eric A. Lill, a courageous young soldier and father, who died in Iraq on July 6, 2007. As we all deeply mourn his loss, we use this time to honor his life and express our gratitude for his dedicated service.

Eric Lill grew up in Chicago's Bridgeport neighborhood and graduated in 1997 from St. Lawrence High School in Burbank, IL. He then attended Marshall University where he played hockey and studied criminal justice. From an early age, Eric desired to serve the public and our Nation, and he felt called to enlist in the U.S. Army.

Eric's determination and outstanding performance enabled him to attain the rank of sergeant and become a mentor to other soldiers. Most recently, Sergeant Lill served under the 2nd Infantry Division and was deployed to Iraq in October 2006. During this time, Sergeant Lill utilized his background and interest in criminal justice to help train Iraqi police officers. Although this mission was hazardous, Sergeant Lill always downplayed the danger to his family so that they would not worry. Two days after Independence Day, an improvised explosive device detonated near Sergeant Lill's vehicle during combat operations in Baghdad. The injuries sustained by Sergeant Lill resulted in his death--he was only 28.

Aside from his military service to our Nation, Eric Lill was dedicated to his family as a loving father and son. He is survived by his two children, Cody and Mikayla, affectionately known to him as ``Bug'' and ``Lala;'' his parents, Charmaine and Tony; his sister, Kortne; and his maternal grandparents, John and Marlene Alvarado.

Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in mourning the loss of Sergeant Eric A. Lilt. We will never forget his sacrifice and are forever indebted to him, as well as all of our soldiers who have died, for making the ultimate sacrifice for our country. My thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathies are with the Lill family in this difficult time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Thomas and Beverly Shaughnessy on their 60th wedding anniversary.

The Shaughnessys are long-time residents of Berwyn, Illinois and are the proud parents of two children. Thomas served the town of Berwyn as mayor for three terms, retiring in 2005. Beverly retired in 1999 from a career in public service working in the Cook County Circuit Court. Both Thomas and Beverly have been deeply involved in the community and continue to be to this day. Thomas belongs to the Knights of Columbus, VFW, the American Legion and the Claddaugh Ring, while Beverly is a member of the Berwyn Women's Club and the Red Hats.

It is my honor to recognize Thomas and Beverly Shaughnessy and provide my heartfelt congratulations to them on this wonderful event in their lives. Together they exemplify the ideals of strong family and public service. I would like to extend my best wishes to the Shaughnessys as they and their family celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an exceptional professor and scientist at Northwestern University, Dr. Jan D. Achenbach. His seminal contributions in the area of wave propagation in solids and his pioneering work in quantitative non-destructive evaluation have earned him the 2005 National Medal of Science, the Nation's highest award for lifetime achievement in fields of scientific research. As a graduate of Northwestern University with a degree from Dr. Achenbach's Department of Mechanical Engineering, I am especially proud to recognize his accomplishments and thank him for his years of dedication in the field.

Dr. Achenbach, who joined Northwestern in 1963, serves as the Walter P. Murphy Professor and Distinguished McCormick School Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering and Engineering Science, and Applied Mathematics. For more than 40 years, Dr. Achenbach has devoted his time and energy to the research of solid mechanics and quantitative nondestructive evaluation, making major contributions in the field of propagation of mechanical disturbances in solids. He has developed methods for flaw detection and characterization by ultrasonic scattering methods. He also has achieved valuable results on earthquake mechanisms, on the mechanical behavior of composite materials under dynamic loading conditions, and on the vibrations of solid propellant rockets.

In addition, Dr. Achenbach is founder of Northwestern's Center for Quality Engineering and Failure Prevention, a state-of-art laboratory for quality control in structural mechanics, with profound impact on the aircraft industry, particularly the monitoring of aging aircraft.

Dr. Achenbach was awarded the 2003 National Medal of Technology, the Nation's highest honor for technological innovation. He was elected a member of the National Academy of Engineering in 1982, a member of the National Academy of Sciences in 1992 and a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1994. In 1999, he was elected a Corresponding Member of the Royal Dutch Academy of Sciences. He is also an honorary member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and a fellow of ASME, ASA, SES, AMA, and AAAS. His awards include the Timoshenko Medal and the William Prager Medal.

Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Dr. Jan Achenbach for his tireless efforts in pioneering scientific research in engineering. He has done nothing less than an extraordinary job in his field and is truly deserving of the National Medal of Science. I congratulate Jan for this outstanding honor.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an exceptional professor and scientist at Northwestern University, Dr. Tobin J. Marks. His pioneering research in the areas of homogenous and heterogeneous catalysis, organo-f-element chemistry, new electronic and photonic materials, and diverse areas of coordination and solid state chemistry, has earned him the 2005 National Medal of Science, the Nation's highest award for lifetime achievement in fields of scientific research. As a graduate of Northwestern University, I am especially proud to recognize his accomplishments and thank him for his years of dedication.

Dr. Marks, who joined Northwestern in 1970, serves as the Vladimir N. Ipatieff Research Professor of Chemistry in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, and Professor of Materials Science and Engineering. He is recognized as a leader in the development and understanding of single-site polymerization catalysis, which is now a multi-billion dollar industry. He designed a co-catalyst that led to what is now a standard process for producing better polyolefins. Found in everything from sandwich wrap to long underwear, these versatile and inexpensive plastics are lighter in weight and more recyclable than previous plastics.

He also is conducting cutting-edge research of new materials that have remarkable electrical, mechanical, interfacial, and photonic properties. In his molecular optoelectronics work, Marks designs arrays of ``smart'' molecules that will self-assemble into, or spontaneously form, structures that can conduct electricity, switch light on and off, detect light, and turn sunlight into electricity. These structures could lead to the world's most, versatile and stable light-emitting diodes, LEDs, and to flexible ``plastic'' transistors.

During his career, Marks has received numerous honors, including the American Institute of Chemists Gold Medal, the John C. Bailar Medal from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the Sir Edward Frankland Prize Lectureship of the British Royal Society of Chemistry, and the Karl Ziegler Prize of the German Chemical Society. He also is a recipient of three American Chemical Society, ACS, national awards and the ACS Chicago Section's 2001 Josiah Willard Gibbs Medal, regarded by many as the highest award given to chemists next to the Nobel Prize. He was elected to the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1993.

Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Dr. Tobin Marks for his tireless efforts in pioneering scientific research in chemistry. He has done nothing less than an extraordinary job in his field and is truly deserving of the National Medal of Science. I congratulate Tobin for this outstanding honor.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an outstanding constituent of my district, Michael J. Czopkiewicz, who will achieve the high rank of Eagle Scout on July 7th. Michael, a senior at Brother Rice High School, has demonstrated great dedication and commitment in the pursuit of this admirable goal.

Joining the Boy Scouts in first grade, Michael has met every test and challenge to pass through the six ranks of the Boy Scouts. Those aspiring to be Eagle Scouts must fulfill requirements in the areas of leadership, service, and outdoor skills. To demonstrate proficiency in certain Scoutcraft skills, each Boy Scout must achieve merit badges in the areas of First Aid, Citizenship in the Community, Environmental Science, Personal Fitness, Family Life, and many more.

As Michael passed through the ranks, he learned the important life skill of self-evaluation through his participation in Scoutmaster conferences. At these conferences, Michael took time to evaluate his past performances and look to the future to create new goals. He also demonstrated the worthy qualities of responsibility and maturity by holding leadership positions within his troop and participating in service projects.

Michael's hardworking nature also extends outside the Boy Scouts. By working three jobs during the summer and one job during school, Michael has demonstrated his ability to successfully take on a variety of responsibilities. As a hardworking intern in my district office, Michael shows great interest in civic affairs and the betterment of his community.

It is my honor to commend Michael J. Czopkiewicz for his achievement of the high rank of Eagle Scout. As a new Eagle Scout, Michael will join the ranks of fellow Eagle Scouts like former President Gerald R. Ford. Michael's devotion to the Boy Scouts for over a decade is laudable, and I congratulate him on his achievement. I thank him for his dedication to the community, and I know we can expect great things from him in the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor St. Symphorosa Parish in Chicago, IL. Two weeks ago, I had the privilege of participating in the 80th anniversary celebration mass at this distinguished parish, which has been a pillar of faith and service in Chicago since 1927. I am especially proud to thank St. Symphorosa for providing me with a strong moral and academic education in church and at the parish grammar school.

The Archbishop of Chicago established St. Symphorosa to provide a multi-ethnic, American parish for the Clearing neighborhood on Chicago's southwest side. Under the leadership and guidance of Father J. Leo Sharp, the new parish celebrated its first Sunday Mass on June 19, 1927.

Without a church of its own, the parish initially met in the Clearing Town Hall until construction of a new church could be completed in September 1928. Once the building complex was completed, St. Symphorosa School opened under the guidance of four Benedictine sisters. The parish and school have since changed locations, but the school remains open, educating and serving the community's youth.

The parish rendered noble service during the Great Depression. Although forced to sell some of the parish's land to keep the church open, Father Sharp and the Benedictine sisters ministered to needy families by collecting and distributing clothing. In 1943, the parish received a new pastor, Father Anthony Harte, who presided over the parish's expansion in the wake of World War II. By the time Father Harte retired in 1967, St. Symphorosa had added five buildings to the parish property, the parish population had tripled, and the school had over 1,600 students.

Father Francis Maniola became the parish's third pastor, and brought the changes of the Second Vatican Council to St. Symphorosa. To strengthen the parish's ability to serve its members and the community, Father Maniola added new programs to the parish that included the Super Club, the Altar & Rosary Sodality, and Widows and Widowers. His successors, Father John McNamara and Father Marc Pasciak, encouraged lay participation in the parish and established a parish council and staff.

Today, St. Symphorosa Parish is as vibrant as ever, and the parish continues to serve the worship needs of over 2,400 families in Clearing and surrounding communities. The St. Symphorosa Family Fest, its major celebratory event, has grown into one of the largest parish festivals in the Chicago Archdiocese.

It is my honor to recognize St. Symphorosa on the occasion of its 80th anniversary. The parish has fulfilled Father Sharp's vision of a proud community that works together, learns together, and worships together. With its legacy of remarkable pastors and committed parishioners, the parish has truly become a ``Family Celebrating Faith.''

Mr. Chairman, I thank Mr. Inglis for yielding.

Mr. Chairman, Mr. Inglis and I introduced the Bulb Replacement in Government with High-Efficiency Technology (BRIGHT) Energy Savings Act earlier this year, a bipartisan bill that garnered over 80 bipartisan cosponsors. Last week, it was incorporated into a comprehensive climate change and energy bill that the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee reported.

This amendment is a great step towards this goal of cutting down on the energy used by the Federal Government, cutting down on the emission of global climate-changing gases and saving taxpayers money.

So, I thank the chairman and the ranking member for accepting this amendment. This amendment has been included on every appropriations bill so far that has been brought to the floor, and I hope we can continue this. It is very rare that you can meet all of these goals at once while saving taxpayer dollars.

Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. Chairman, this amendment says that none of the funds made available in this bill may be used to purchase light bulbs for operation in the United States unless the light bulbs have the ``Energy Star'' or the ``Federal Energy Management Program'' designation. What this means is that light bulbs purchased will have to be high-efficiency light bulbs.

Right now, the most common high-efficiency bulbs are the compact fluorescent light bulb, known as a CFL. CFLs use approximately 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs to provide the same amount of light. They also last approximately eight to ten times longer. Replacing an ordinary bulb with a comparable CFL saves up to $74 in energy costs over the bulb's lifetime.

Today, Americans are rightly concerned about the impact of foreign energy dependence on our national security and the effect of global climate change on the future of our planet. This amendment helps us address both of these issues, while at the same time saving millions of taxpayer dollars.

I yield to the chairman.

Reclaiming my time, I would like to thank the chairman for accepting this. This is part of what we are working on.

I introduced a bill to require all GSA buildings to use high- efficiency bulbs. Mr. Inglis and I introduced this earlier this year. It is included in a comprehensive climate change bill which was reported by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee yesterday. I am very hopeful we can get this done through that piece of legislation for all GSA buildings, but this amendment here is a good start.

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