Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, today we salute and honor the life of Casimir Pulaski. Casimir Pulaski was born in Poland and gained extensive military experience there before moving to the United States in 1777. At that time, the U.S. was in the midst of the Revolutionary War, and George Washington's army was in need of experienced commanders. Casimir Pulaski bravely volunteered to serve with the American troops, famously stating, ``I came here, where freedom is being defended, to serve it, and to live or die for it.'' Casimir Pulaski soon distinguished himself in battles at Brandywine and Charleston before being fatally wounded during the Battle of Savannah. However, his military legacy lives on, as he is still known as the ``Father of the American Cavalry''.

As Illinois celebrates Casimir Pulaski Day today, it is my honor to join in recognizing the life and achievements of that great patriot. In Congress, I am working with many of my colleagues to pass legislation that would make Casimir Pulaski a citizen posthumously. I believe this is a fitting tribute for a man who did so much to win the independence, rights and liberties that Americans enjoy today.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlelady for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution and in support of a new policy in Iraq. Up until this point, the Bush administration's Iraq policy over the last 3\1/2\ years appears to be one of America's worst foreign policy blunders. More than 3,100 of our brave men and women in uniform have been killed and more than 24,000 have been wounded, many very seriously, and hundreds of billions of dollars have been spent and in some cases wasted. This has resulted from the tactical mistakes, errors in judgment and other major missteps by the Bush administration.

It is painfully clear that a change in strategy in Iraq is needed now. We need a plan for bringing stability to Iraq and bringing our troops home. Unfortunately, the President's plan to add over 20,000 additional troops does not provide this, and, therefore, I must support this resolution.

I see three main flaws in the President's plan.

First, the administration has not provided convincing evidence that this surge will succeed after many similar plans have failed. After almost 4 years in Iraq, the American people are asking, why should we have faith in this plan and place more troops in harm's way?

Second, by failing to provide clear benchmarks for success or a time frame by which we can expect the surge to yield positive results, the President's plan appears to commit our country to a ``stay the course'' strategy with no clear end in sight. Aid should be tied to a deadline for progress by the Iraqi Government.

Third, and most importantly, the President continues to place too much emphasis on a military solution, when it is clear that force alone will not solve this crisis. Solutions must support broad international engagement to promote stability and reconstruction in Iraq and must address political, economic and religious issues.

Because of the need for such a plan, earlier this year I laid out a set of recommendations, and this week I introduced H.Res. 152 based on these. My proposal consists of three core recommendations.

First, encourage achievement of important goals and national reconciliation, security and governance by arranging a peace conference for Iraq's ethnic and religious factions, similar to the conference that led to the Dayton Accords. One venue for this would be El Salvador, which has shown a strong commitment to stabilizing and rebuilding Iraq and has gone through its own recent history of a bloody civil war and ensuing reconciliation.

But wherever and however it is done, the political, economic and religious issues must be addressed if peace and security are to be established in Iraq. And it is essential that more pressure be put on the Iraqi Government and all interested parties in Iraq to find and accept real solutions so the American forces can begin withdrawal.

The second recommendation is to seek international cooperation to develop solutions for Iraq. This should include calling an international conference that will work on putting together a peacekeeping force and setting up an international reconstruction program.

Iraq's strategic position in the volatile Middle East, its potential to become a terrorist safe haven, its large supply of oil and the great potential for a humanitarian catastrophe make security in Iraq a critical international issue. It is time for America to engage the nations of the world to encourage them to address this international crisis.

The final recommendation is to require the administration to give Congress detailed reports on the situation in Iraq so that we can make informed decisions regarding funding for reconstruction and deciding when American forces can be redeployed. This new Congress has been vigorously conducting oversight after 3\1/2\ years of congressional neglect, but we must have the full cooperation of the administration.

If the recommendations laid out in my resolution are followed, I believe American troops can begin redeployment in 2007, leaving a secure, stable Iraq.

As the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops stated, ``The search for genuine justice and peace in Iraq requires moral urgency, substantive dialogue and new direction.'' Unfortunately, the President does not give us this. That is why his plan is discouraging to many Americans who are weary of this war.

But no one is wearier than our troops and their families. This past weekend I spoke to a soldier who spent 13 months in Iraq and will likely be returning. He told me that it is important to make sure that we let our troops know that they have our complete support. We cannot let anything in this debate be construed otherwise. If this surge occurs even after we pass this resolution, we must continue to support our troops and pray for them every day, so that by God's grace they can succeed in their mission.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an outstanding educator in my district, Mrs. Dawn Gasior. For 27 years, Mrs. Gasior has tirelessly served her students and the entire St. Symphorosa Parish community. As a result of her dedicated and enthusiastic efforts, she was recently nominated for the Archdiocese of Chicago's ``Heart of the School'' Award.

A long-time Clearing resident and student at St. Symphorosa from 1963 to 1971, Mrs. Gasior returned to the school in 1980 to establish a Kindergarten program and began teaching the second grade in 1984. Mrs. Gasior still teaches the second grade today and especially enjoys teaching the Sacraments. She not only provides valuable insight and moral guidance in the classroom, but also offers support to the parish through her work as a Eucharistic Minister.

The Archdiocese of Chicago's ``Heart of the School'' Award annually recognizes 14 teachers for their outstanding, unique, and innovative accomplishments. This year, the Archdiocese is acknowledging Mrs. Gasior in the area of Catholic School Identity and Mission for her work in the design and implementation of effective catechetical approaches in the curriculum and for her commitment to promoting peace and justice. Mrs. Gasior's nomination is a tribute to her work and a reflection of the

Chicago Archdiocesan pledge to develop educated, thoughtful, and moral students.

It is my honor to commend Mrs. Dawn Gasior for her achievements as an outstanding teacher and advocate of Catholic education. She, along with countless other educators, serves to enhance our overall education system--impacting one student at a time. I thank Dawn, along with all of our Nation's teachers, for their dedication, passion, and noble service.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 59) supporting the goals and ideals of National Engineers Week, and for other purposes.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks, and to include extraneous material on H. Res. 59, the resolution now under consideration.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today to support H. Res. 59, supporting the goals and ideals of National Engineers Week.

National Engineers Week takes place this year February 18 through February 24. This is not a random week that is chosen; it is chosen because this is the week that we celebrate George Washington's birthday. George Washington is widely recognized as our Nation's first engineer.

Engineers have helped make our country great from their service in the American Revolution to developing key modern industries, such as aerospace and energy. I would like to honor and recognize the more than 2 million engineers in the United States and the contributions that they have made to our country.

Engineers are at the forefront of human advances because engineers combine imagination and 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.

Engineers in the past have helped build the boats to cross the seas, railroads to take us west, and the Internet to communicate with the world. We need the innovative capability of engineers to confront the problems and challenges before us today. Engineers will help Americans develop energy independence, find solutions to confront global climate change, and make our Nation more secure.

I have a unique perspective as only one of a handful of engineers in Congress. Besides my Master's degree from Stanford, I earned a Bachelor's degree

from Northwestern University in mechanical engineering. I have seen that America is falling behind other countries in this discipline. U.S. students continue to score below international averages on math and science tests. It has been reported that in 2004 China graduated more than six times the number of engineers that graduated in the U.S.

On a recent tour of Northern Illinois University's college of engineering and engineering technology, I again heard how few Americans are getting engineering degrees, especially graduate degrees. It is great that America has such top universities that we are attracting some of the brightest minds from around the world to come to study here, but we are beginning to lose more and more of these students when they graduate and they go back home. This is harmful to America's future.

In 2005, the National Academy of Sciences released a report entitled, ``Rising Above the Gathering Storm,'' which raised questions about America's future technological competitiveness. This report echoed by the President of the United States in the State of the Union address last year emphasized the need for government to take a number of actions, including addressing the potential for a shortage of engineers.

We must act quickly to take up this challenge. We cannot let another year go by and we cannot afford to let our economic future falter, and that future requires continuing technological innovation supplied by our Nation's engineers.

National Engineers Week seeks to raise public awareness about engineers' contributions to society and our quality of life. It has inspired future engineers for more than 50 years. Founded by the National Society of Professional Engineers, including more than 100 society, government, and business sponsors and affiliates, including Boeing, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and the American Council of Engineering Companies, National Engineers Week draws upon local and regional experts to promote high levels of math, science, and technology literacy. Annually, it reaches thousands of parents, teachers, and students in communities across the country.

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

If we are going to produce more American engineers, one needed step is to improve STEM education, that is science, technology, engineering and math education. But we must also do more to inspire our children to become interested in engineering.

When I was growing up in Chicago, I was fascinated in learning how things work, as most kids are. I remember it was Father Fergus who taught me physics in high school at St. Ignatius, and in that class he took my childhood fascination with how things worked and got me interested in engineering. He spurred me to follow up on that when I went to college.

We need events such as National Engineers Week and things that go on within the week to help encourage and inspire more kids to go into engineering. We have to do everything we can to inspire future engineers so that America continues its leadership in this increasingly competitive world.

I would like to thank the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Inglis) for his involvement also with this National Engineers Week resolution. And I would like to especially thank the engineers that contributed so much to America and to honor them for their commitment to continue working to better our society.

I ask my colleagues to support H. Res. 59 in its deserved recognition.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson).

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Holt), the distinguished plasma physicist.

Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California, a new member of the Science Committee and an engineer himself, Mr. McNerney.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. We have no more speakers besides myself.

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

I thank Mr. Inglis, Mr. Gingrey and Mr. Hall for their support on this resolution. As an engineer but also as a former political science professor, I do not want to disparage political science whatsoever. However, it is clear that America does need more engineers, and to do this we have to value engineers and engineering much more in this country.

I am very hopeful that this resolution is going to be the first step that this Congress takes to not only honor our current engineers but also inspire more American children to become engineers and to find the solutions to the challenges that we face today.

We need to do more. We need to take more steps. We need to improve science, technology, engineering, math, known as STEM education. We need more R&D funding; but today, let us just take this first step and urge my colleagues to take this first step. Vote for H. Res. 59 and honor engineers during National Engineers Week.

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

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 521, the Lane Evans Post Office Bill. By naming this Post Office after our distinguished former colleague, we pay tribute to Lane Evans and recognize his long, distinguished career of public service.

Prior to being elected to the House of Representatives in 1983, Lane Evans served in the Marine Corps at the time of the Vietnam War. His experience in the military and his firsthand knowledge of veterans' issues led Lane to become a leading advocate for veterans during his time in Congress. On issues such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, homelessness among veterans, and the aftereffects of exposure to Agent Orange, Lane Evans consistently took the lead in crafting real policy solutions. Lane's leadership on veterans' issues was formally recognized in 1995, when he was named Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs.

In addition, Lane always dutifully served his constituents and the state of Illinois. He was a strong advocate for working Americans and was one of the first to see the need for renewable forms of energy such as ethanol.

With Lane Evans' decision to not seek reelection last year, Congress, Illinois, and the nation lost a great public servant. Now, by naming a Post Office after our former colleague, we can say thanks to Lane, and lift up his impressive legacy of service as an example for others to follow.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 51 honoring National Catholic Schools Week and the tremendous contributions that Catholic schools make to our country. 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 as my first resolution of this new Congress, and I would also like to thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Fossella) for his work on this resolution. Unfortunately Mr. Fossella today has been unable to make it. He is stuck in New York today. But he would like to be here also to speak of his support for this resolution on Catholic Schools Week.

This year's theme of Catholic Schools Week is ``Catholic Schools: The Good News in Education.'' This theme has multiple meanings for Catholic schools. At the center of Catholic education is the ``Good News'' or Gospel of Jesus and salvation. Jesus taught love and service. And the history of Catholic schools reveals an ongoing emphasis on the Gospel values of reaching out and serving others.

But the ``good news'' in Catholic education is also the news of success in shaping the lives of so many young men and women. Nationally about 2.4 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 of the NAPT test. The graduation rate for all Catholic high school students is 95 percent, and 83 percent of Catholic high school graduates go on to college. 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 just come from selectivity. On average, Catholic schools accept about nine out of every 10 students who apply.

One of the reasons for the ``good news'' of Catholic schools is that 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 lived in the 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.

The success of students in archdiocesan schools is phenomenal, with the high schools having an amazing graduation rate of over 99 percent, and 95 percent of graduates from Catholic schools go on to college. This is certainly a record to be proud of.

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; myself in Chicago 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 provide 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 it was 35 years ago that I started school, I can still fondly remember all my teachers, from first grade, Sister Mildred; second grade, Miss Ivers; and on and on. And I will never forget Sister Diane, my coach on the Student Congress in high school. And to this day, when I speak to a crowd, I always remember her sitting there nodding her approval as I gave my speeches, as I was a nervous young kid in high school. Millions of other Americans have similar memories of teachers who gave their heart and soul and made such a big difference in the lives of their students.

Mr. Speaker, as an important complement to public schools and other private institutions, Catholic schools contribute a great deal to America. They have made a big difference in my life and in the lives of countless others. As Father William Davis, Interim Secretary for the Conference of U.S. Catholic Bishops, said, ``High achievement rates, high retention rates, high moral values, and high student and parent satisfaction are the distinctive marks of a Catholic school. That's the good news and we want to share it.''

For this good news, 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, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution honoring Illinois State University on its 150th anniversary. I thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Weller) for sponsoring this resolution.

I want to add my voice as a Representative who has many hundreds of students and alumni from Illinois State University. I want to congratulate all of those associated with the university through those 150 years.

With all of the years of success that they have had, it is a great value, a great part of our public university system in the State of Illinois. As a former college professor, I understand the importance of an education. I know how difficult it is today, especially, to pay for education. Schools like Illinois State give the opportunity for students in Illinois to get a great education at a great value and allow them to pursue so many things as they move forward.

So today I just want to congratulate the students, the alumni, the teachers, the administrators, everyone at Illinois State University on their 150th anniversary.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Agnes Flaws Husak on her 100th birthday. Mrs. Husak is an outstanding resident of the Third Congressional District of Illinois and has dedicated her life to public service.

Mrs. Husak was born January 12, 1917, on Union Street, in Chicago, IL. There, her family was at the technological forefront of the era-- having the first house on the street with electricity, as well as a telephone. Mrs. Husak continued the family's innovative tradition while working for the GSA in 1940, utilizing revolutionary card punching equipment--the predecessor to the modern computer.

At the GSA, Mrs. Husak rose through the ranks and ultimately became head of her department. In retirement, Mrs. Husak has been an active member of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association and continues to play an integral role in this organization today.

When asked the secret of living a long life, Mrs. Husak once responded, ``Where's your calendar? Show me your calendar.'' She believes it is important to stay active and certainly does this herself--attending the Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, tending to her rose bushes, and playing Scrabble with her son. It is my honor to recognize Mrs. Agnes Flaws Husak on the celebration of her 100th birthday, an exceptional lady and an inspiration to all generations.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlelady from Colorado for yielding me time, although today I rise in opposition to H.R. 3.

Mr. Speaker, no one likes to see another human suffer or struggle. This bill intends to provide hope. I can personally appreciate hope because I have juvenile diabetes. I take at least four shots a day and draw blood at least five times a day. But the bigger struggle is steering myself through the shoals of high and low blood sugar levels, and the very serious long-term and short-term consequences of both of those.

I want a cure for diabetes and for other diseases that are far more devastating, but I don't believe this bill is the way to get there.

I sit on the Science Committee because I believe a key to our better future is scientific research, especially in medicine. Last year I helped introduce and get signed into law the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act that provides for the collecting and researching of human cord blood stem cells.

This week it was reported that a hospital in my district, Hope Children's Hospital, cured a girl suffering from leukemia using cord blood stem cells.

This year we need to pass the Alternative Pleuripotent Stem Cell Therapies Enhancement Act that recognizes that there are many forms of stem cells that offer great promise. Very recently, we were shown great promise that amniotic stem cells are pleuripotent, and this feature gives them the same advantage as sought in embryonic stem cells. But amniotic cells avoid not only the ethical pitfalls of embryonic cells; they also have been shown to be much better because they do not tend to produce tumors as embryonic stem cells do.

This is all in addition to adult stem cells that are being used today in clinical trials and clinical practice to treat 72 diseases.

Yes, I desperately want to be cured of diabetes, and I want to see the suffering end for so many other people; but science continues to demonstrate we don't have to choose between advancing medical techniques and contentious life issues.

So, today, I urge my colleagues to reconsider this bill and defeat it.

Madam Speaker, President Bush's misadventure in Iraq may be the worst foreign policy disaster the United States has ever been involved in. It is good that Saddam Hussein is out of power, but it has come at an incredibly high price. More than 3,000 of America's soldiers have been killed and thousands more have been wounded, many very seriously. And hundreds of billions of tax dollars have been spent, and in some cases wasted, in Iraq. This has occurred because of the errors in judgment, tactical mistakes, and other major missteps by the Bush administration that have plagued this endeavor since the brave men and women in our military ended the tyrannical reign of Saddam Hussein.

In addition to the high cost in lives and dollars that we have suffered, the reasons for going to war in Iraq in the first place have proven faulty. Furthermore, as the recent report from the Iraq Study Group, ISG, states, the situation in Iraq is ``grave and deteriorating,'' with violence among sectarian groups increasing. Threats to security come from many sources, including the Sunni Arab insurgency, Shiite militias, and al Qaeda, not to mention widespread organized crime. Millions of Iraqis have either fled Iraq or are displaced within their country. Given all of this discouraging information, we need to ask--Why are our soldiers still in Iraq and why should they not come home immediately?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to turn back the clock 4 years and start again. The United States and the rest of the world, not to mention the Iraqi people, have to construct a policy that deals with the current conditions that have created new threats. If Iraq did not occupy such a critical place in the world, it might be the best policy for America to simply pull our troops out as soon as safely possible and leave the Iraqi people to work out a solution. But, Iraq is in one of the most important locations in the world, and although the situation in Iraq is dire, it could get much worse.

First, Iraq sits on the world's second largest oil reserves. While I have been working hard to bring about an energy policy that will wean America and the world off our dependence on this fossil fuel, it will continue to be an extremely valuable commodity for whoever controls it. That is why we must ensure that Iraq's oil does not fall into the hands of radical groups. Oil revenue could be used to fund the spread of radical Islamist revolution to other countries as well as threaten the rest of the world with terrorist attacks. The United States abandoned Afghanistan after the Cold War ended and that country became a haven for terrorists who planned the 9-11 attacks. Iraq would likely become an even worse terrorist training ground.

Second, Iraq is wedged between two countries that have shown themselves to be belligerent, Syria and Iran. Iran is working on building a nuclear weapons capability and has threatened to destroy the state of Israel. Syria has continuously meddled in the affairs of Lebanon and provides ongoing support to terrorists in Palestine. Both of these countries have been active in supporting groups in Iraq who are wreaking havoc and both seek to increase their power by exploiting the situation in Iraq. Leaving Iraq immediately would only embolden these regimes and allow them greater influence throughout the Middle East. Consequently, a stable Iraq is necessary to limit the power of these two dangerous countries.

Third, an immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops would create regional instability that could result in a large-scale war. If Iraq falls into complete chaos, Iran and Syria will likely get more directly involved in the fighting. In addition, Saudi Arabia has said that they may intervene militarily in Iraq if they believe it is necessary to stop a widespread slaughter of Iraqi Sunnis. If chaos in Iraq propels Iraqi Kurds to attempt to break away and form their own country in the north of Iraq, Turkey may feel the need to intervene so as to quell any nationalist uprising of Kurds within their own borders. And these are only a few of the likely scenarios for a larger conflict. Clearly, the prospect of a multi-nation war is even less appealing than the current situation, and the United States must act to try to head-off conditions that may lead to such a catastrophe.

As long as there is still hope that we can serve a positive role in Iraq, the U.S. must not abandon Iraq and leave the situation to deteriorate. However, a new strategy in Iraq is needed now. This new Iraq policy must be based on the understanding that the keys to a solution in Iraq are political and social. Although it is important to recognize that an enforcement capability is necessary for security at any given place and time, peace and stability in Iraq cannot be won and maintained simply through military force. Therefore, the United States should implement a new Iraq policy based on three important components:

(1) Bring the world community together to seek solutions in Iraq, including calling an international conference that will work on putting together a peacekeeping force and setting up an international reconstruction program.

(2) Encourage achievement of important goals in national reconciliation, security, and governance by arranging a peace conference for Iraq's ethnic and religious factions, similar to the conference that led to the Dayton Accords.

(3) Require the administration to give Congress detailed reports on the situation in Iraq

so that informed decisions can be made regarding funding Iraq's reconstruction and deciding when American forces can be redeployed.

First, the United States must bring the world community together to seek solutions in Iraq. Iraq's oil reserves, strategic location in the Middle East, and its potential to become a failed-state breeding ground for international terrorism dictate that the entire international community has an interest in Iraq's success. The administration and the State Department must make more of an effort to utilize America's considerable diplomatic resources in order to rally international involvement in Iraq.

In rallying support, the U.S. should start by talking to all of Iraq's neighbors, including Iran and Syria. Iraq's sectarian violence, while rooted in centuries old conflicts, is being at least partially fueled by Iran and Syria. Consequently, the United States must be willing to work with Iran and Syria as well as all other nations in the region and around the world. But talking does not mean ceding to all requests that these countries make. Iran must not become a nuclear power and Syria must not once again move into Lebanon. But the United States should be willing to engage with these and other nations if we are to move forward with international cooperation on Iraq.

As part of bringing the world community together, the U.S. should call an international conference on Iraq. This conference will work on putting together an international peacekeeping force that will replace American and other troops that are currently in Iraq. A second purpose of this conference will be to put together an international reconstruction plan for Iraq. Iraq still suffers from critical shortages in electricity and drinking water, while infrastructure such as oil wells and roads remain in a state of disrepair. Many Iraqis remain unemployed and impoverished, making them easy recruits for sectarian militias and terrorist groups. While Congress must be given more complete information and oversight over U.S. reconstruction aid being sent to Iraq so that American money can be spent more effectively, the international community must also be called upon to provide other aid and plans for Iraq's rebuilding.

Second, the United States should join with other nations to arrange a peace conference--akin to the meetings that led to the Dayton Accords-- that will bring together Iraqi leaders to achieve important goals in national reconciliation, security, and governance. Broad-based pressure from a variety of international sources can make a difference in situations like Iraq's, as evidenced by the 1995 Dayton Accords that ended the war in Bosnia. Much like the current conflict in Iraq, the war in Bosnia was fueled by ethnic and religious divisions. However, after intense pressure from the international community, the warring parties came to the negotiating table in Dayton, Ohio and an agreement was reached. With similar international pressure applied to Iraqi leaders, and promises of international peacekeeping forces and increased reconstruction aid, it is my hope that Iraq's warring factions would peacefully come to the negotiating table. Peace discussions could take place in a country seen as a more neutral arbitrator than the U.S. such as El Salvador, which has proven its commitment to Iraqi stability by providing over 300 soldiers for peacekeeping operations. El Salvador would serve as a good location because it is physically far away from Iraq and provides an easily secured environment. In addition, El Salvador has special standing because it has had experience with its own civil war and subsequent aftermath.

Third, the administration must be required to give Congress detailed reports on the situation in Iraq, especially in regard to security and progress on reconstruction. One of the reasons Iraq has reached this point is that the Republican Congress gave the administration free rein on Iraq policy without asking questions. The Democratic Congress must, and will, act differently. The start will be bringing the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, military commanders, the members of the Iraq Study Group, and other leading experts on Iraq to testify before congressional committees. Also, we must require from the administration a written, detailed report on the current security and reconstruction situation in Iraq with mandatory monthly follow-up reports.

Up to this point it appears that decisions regarding Iraq have been made based upon politics and not facts, political calculation instead of national interest. There is no place for partisan politics when it comes to the use of military force. The lives of our brave men and women should not be affected by political whims. That is why Congress must demand information from the administration. When Congress is fully informed we will be able to make intelligent decisions, based on our national interest, about when U.S. forces can be redeployed from Iraq. I believe that with congressional oversight and greater international involvement, U.S. troops will be able to start redeployment from Iraq in 2007, with or without the President's leadership.

Clearly, America needs a new direction in Iraq. President Bush is scheduled to announce his new plan very soon. Since the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, nothing that this administration has done has yet proven to be successful in Iraq. But I will wait to hear the President and I will listen to the congressional hearings before I make a final decision on his proposal. However, if President Bush were to follow the three-point proposal laid out here, we would truly be moving forward in a new direction that will help stabilize Iraq and bring our troops home soon.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Nancy Roberts Garrity, a teacher at St. John Fisher School and recipient of the National Catholic Educational Association's Distinguished Teacher Award. Mrs. Garrity will receive her award at the NCEA annual conference on April 10, 2007. She was selected out of a pool of more than 100,000 nominees.

The National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), the largest professional association in the world, offers guidance and educational services to its 200,000 members. During the Fall of each year, every member school is invited to nominate one teacher for the Distinguished Teacher Award. This award was established in honor of Sister Miriam Joseph Farrell, who served as executive secretary of the NCEA's Department of Elementary Schools. The NCEA divides the country into 12 geographic regions, with one teacher in each region receiving this award.

St. John Fisher School is located in Chicago's West Beverly neighborhood. This parochial school provides educational opportunities for preschool through eighth grade students, where teachers serve as influential figures in developing students' lives.

Mrs. Garrity is guided by the belief that each student uniquely contributes to her classroom. She utilizes creative teaching methods in order to cater to individual educational needs. For example, when teaching her class about A Christmas Carol, she plays the part of Jacob Marley's ghost, complete with chains and a ghostly voice. During the poetry section of her reading class she dresses up as a hippie. Mrs. Garrity's creative methods of teaching allow her students to reach their full potential.

Mrs. Garrity has been a teacher at St. John Fisher School since 1990. The Catholic educational system has given her the ability to influence her student's lives with her passion for teaching, which is evident in her students' drive to succeed.

It is my honor to recognize Mrs. Nancy Roberts Garrity as a recipient of the Distinguished Teacher Award. Teachers, like Mrs. Garrity, are key to our children's futures.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an outstanding educator in my district, Marianne McGuire, who has been nominated for entry into the 2007 edition of Who's Who Among American Teachers. For over 20 years, Mrs. McGuire has tirelessly served her students and the community at-large.

Currently, Marianne McGuire teaches the fourth and fifth grades at St. Rene Goupil, a Catholic elementary school in Chicago's Clearing neighborhood. A graduate of Quincy University and a veteran teacher, Marianne brings valuable insight and perspective to the classroom. She has the reputation of being an excellent academic instructor who is involved in the lives of her students before and after school-- tutoring, assisting with the TerraNova tests, and coordinating the Geography Bee.

Who's Who Among America's Teachers, first published in 1990, gives exceptional students an opportunity to honor the teachers who have positively contributed to their lives and invested in their futures. It is a great privilege to be included in this publication, which is meant to let teachers know that they truly make a difference. Mrs. McGuire's impact has given her a nomination to be included in this publication.

It is my honor today to recognize Marianne McGuire for her achievements as an outstanding teacher. She and countless other educators serve to enhance our overall education system, while impacting one student at a time. I thank Marianne, along with all of our Nation's teachers, for their hard work, dedication, and noble service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Catherine Lamy, an outstanding young artist from my district and recipient of the Art Portfolio Silver Award. This award, presented by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, recognizes outstanding talent and creativity displayed by young artists and writers.

Under the guidance of her instructor at Stagg High School, Mr. Wesley Gonzalez, Catherine has created a remarkable portfolio, including eight award-winning pieces that are acclaimed by the Alliance. These pieces clearly demonstrate her incredible ability and potential as an up-and- coming artist. As a recipient of this award, Catherine serves as an example to other young students who aspire to advance their creativity as a life path.

This year, the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers recognized a total of 1,448 students in the organization's Scholastic Art & Writing Awards in New York City. The students were honored by their peers at Carnegie Hall, where they had an opportunity to review the work of other students and meet with professional atiists and wliters.

It is my honor today to recognize Catherine Lamy as one of the outstanding young creative minds in our country, I am also pleased to acknowledge the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers for their work in encouraging the talent of young people. We must continue to encourage, foster, and recognize the skills and abilities of our Nation's youth not only on special occasions, but on a daily basis.

Thank you, Congressman Kirk, for the opportunity to come today to speak about Henry Hyde, who has been a great statesman, who has served his district from Illinois and the Nation in such a great manner for so many years. It is a great honor to rise to recognize his dedication as a public servant and as a skilled legislator, and a real pillar, especially in the foreign policy community.

Since 1975, Congressman Hyde has faithfully served his constituency in the Chicagoland area. And all Americans, now, on his retirement, we take this opportunity to thank Henry for his outstanding contributions and influence on our country.

Before entering the U.S. House, Representative Hyde served in the Illinois General Assembly, beginning in 1966, which I note is the year that I was born. So I don't quite remember that, when Henry first started serving the

State legislature. But he rose in the State legislature to the position of majority leader, and he earned a reputation as an articulate debater.

When he was then elected to Congress, he brought his knowledge, his skills and his passion to the House to serve our country. In the House he has served on the Select Committee on Intelligence, he has chaired the Committee on the Judiciary, and currently chairs the Committee on International Relations.

Because of his work, his tenure and his record, the Chicago Tribune has called Hyde one of the most respected Members of Congress, and an eloquent and intellectual powerhouse.

Now, I remember back in 1983, my father had first been elected to the House. I remember coming here and how thrilled I was to have the opportunity to meet Henry Hyde. He was so well known. Everyone knew what an articulate man he was and how much passion he had, how much knowledge he had; and he was a true statesman. And I really respected his position that he took in his fight against the Soviet Union in the Cold War. That is something I really respected. And because everybody, no matter where they stood on any issue, had so much respect for Henry Hyde, it was a thrill back then to meet Henry.

Now I have had the privilege of serving for 2 years with Henry in the House; and I know I have heard, through my 2 years, stories from Members and their experiences with Henry over the years. And I have talked with Jim Oberstar about the Hyde amendment and how Jim would talk with Henry about this and how they worked together to bring forth the Hyde amendment.

Henry is willing to work together to reach consensus and to reach important goals for our country. No matter what you thought about where he stood on issues, you listened to Henry Hyde because you knew when he spoke he would be eloquent, he would have good arguments, and you should listen to him.

Now, I am very happy that I had this opportunity to serve with Henry. He has served our Nation so well. He has served the State of Illinois so well, and I know that his legacy will certainly reflect his commitment to Illinois, to his district, and to our Nation. His insights, his passion, and his presence will deeply be missed.

He truly was also a man of faith, which he brought here and always used that; it was always important to what he did in the House. We wish Henry all the best in his retirement. And we are all truly grateful for his service.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my colleague from Illinois, Lane Evans, and recognize his long, distinguished career in public service.

From his time in the U.S. Marine Corps to nearly a quarter century in the House of Representatives, Lane has always put his country first, and now with his retirement at the end of the 109th Congress I join my colleagues in thanking Lane for his great service to his district, the State of Illinois and our Nation.

Lane Evans bravely served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. His experience in the military and his firsthand knowledge of veterans' issues led Lane to become a leading advocate for veterans during his time in Congress. On issues critical to veterans, such as post- traumatic stress disorder, the effects of Agent Orange, and homelessness to veterans, Lane Evans was consistently a leader in crafting real policy solutions. Lane's leadership on veterans' issues was formally recognized in 1995 when was named ranking member of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs.

In addition to his great work on veterans' issues, Lane has always dutifully served his constituents and the State of Illinois. He has been a strong advocate for working Americans and was one of the first to see the need for renewable energies, especially for ethanol.

My own experience in the hallowed halls of Congress began more than 20 years ago when I worked as an intern in Lane Evans' office. I will never forget how he was a great example to me. He showed how to be a truly compassionate and effective leader in the House.

Lane Evans' legacy will certainly reflect his commitment to our great Nation. His insight, passion and presence will be deeply missed by all of us.

I wish Lane all the best in his retirement, and we are all truly grateful for his dedicated service, and we will truly miss the man and his dedication and the friend that he was to so many in this chamber.