Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 789) honoring public child welfare agencies, nonprofit organizations and private entities providing services for foster children, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and insert material relevant to H. Res. 789 into the Record.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the public welfare agencies, nonprofit organizations, private entities and compassionate individuals that work tirelessly to support foster children.

Since May is National Foster Care Month, it is appropriate that today we salute the many individuals and organizations that provide foster care services to over 500,000 children currently in foster care nationwide.

National Foster Care Month originated in 1988 and has served to heighten awareness for the issue since that time. By increasing visibility of this important issue, organizations are better able to reach out to the community and recruit individuals to support children throughout the year. By connecting foster youth with caring adults we can ensure that children do not face life's challenges alone.

Child welfare issues are present in families of all races, ethnicities and cultures. However, children of color make up a disproportionate number of children in foster care. Without a stable home, these young people confront many challenges. Although some of these young people are able to overcome the challenges of abuse and neglect, others continue to deal with their effects long into adulthood.

Research finds that just 54 percent of foster care youth complete high school and 25 percent will face homelessness at some point in their lives. Additionally, research has shown that children in foster care are more likely than their peers to deal with poverty, unemployment, incarceration, poor health and other hardships.

We must do what we can to support these young Americans and help them cultivate the necessary skills to live successfully and independently. More than 20,000 young people age out of foster care each year, and today we recognize the many individuals, families, neighborhoods, communities and organizations that work collectively together to ensure that all children can grow up with the support they need to be healthy and safe.

So, Mr. Speaker, once again I express my support for H. Res. 789 and recognize the hard work so many put in on a daily basis to help children in foster care reunite with their parents, be cared for by relatives or to be adopted by loving families. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I would reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I just want to be associated with the comments of Mr. Castle, and I also want to commend Mrs. Bachmann and her family, her husband, for the outstanding role modeling which they display. I was taught that you can't lead where you don't go and you can't teach what you don't know, and they demonstrate the very best of what it means to be associated and involved with caring for children who are not necessarily your own. And so I certainly commend them for the outstanding service they provide.

I urge passage of this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of our time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1096) commending the University of Kansas Jayhawks for winning the 2008 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I basketball championship.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert relevant material to H. Res. 1096 into the Record.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume.

Mr. Speaker, all of us know of the tremendous importance of the game of basketball to the United States of America and all that it provides for all of us in terms of the thrills everybody shares when they're watching their favorite team.

I rise to congratulate the University of Kansas Jayhawks for their win in the 2008 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I men's basketball tournament.

On April 7, 2008, the University of Kansas won their fifth men's national basketball title by defeating the University of Memphis Tigers. College basketball fans and players were treated to an exciting national championship game, with victory coming to the Jayhawks after an amazing effort which pushed the game into overtime.

I want to extend congratulations to Head Coach Bill Self, Athletic Director Lew Perkins, University of Kansas Chancellor Robert Hemingway, and Kansas' student athletes on an excellent season. While securing their first national title in 20 years, the Jayhawks also won the Big 12 Conference championship title. The Jayhawks also set a school record for all-time season wins with a 37-3 record.

I also wish to extend congratulations to the University of Memphis Tigers and their student athletes for a great season. The Tigers' loss in the finals was only their second loss of the season. Memphis also won Conference USA with a perfect 16-0 record.

Winning the 2008 national championship has brought national attention and acclaim to the University of Kansas' outstanding basketball program. I know that the fans of this university will remember this very special moment for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, it's my pleasure to yield such time as he might consume to the gentleman from Kansas, Representative Dennis Moore.

Mr. Speaker, it's my pleasure to yield now such time as she may consume to the distinguished cosponsor of this resolution, the gentlewoman from Kansas (Mrs. Boyda).

Mr. Speaker, I want to again join with all of the residents of Kansas and also indicate that they have a tremendous recruitment program because Mario Chalmers, the young fellow that people have been talking about as the outstanding player, grew up in my neighborhood, in my community, went to Crane High School. It just happened that I talked to the principal of that school this morning about something else, and I didn't know that I would get an opportunity to congratulate them on the floor this afternoon.

And so I join with all of America in congratulating the great Jayhawks on an outstanding season and urge passage of this resolution.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1100) congratulating the University of Iowa Hawkeyes Wrestling Team on Winning the 2008 NCAA Division I National Wrestling Championships, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may insert material relevant to H. Res. 1100 into the Record.

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as he may consume to the sponsor of this resolution, the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Loebsack).

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

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join with my colleague, Representative Loebsack from Iowa, and the entire Iowa delegation, as well as all of the Members of the House in congratulating the University of Iowa Hawkeyes wrestling team for their victory in the 2008 NCAA Division I national wrestling championship.

On March 22, college wrestling fans were treated to an exceptional wrestling match as the top-ranked University of Iowa won its 21st national team title and crowned two individual national champions, Mark Perry and Brent Metcalf. Three of the Hawkeyes' seven All-Americans competed in the finals in St. Louis for a combined team score of 117.5 points.

I want to extend my congratulations to coach Tom Brands, who returned to his alma mater and led the team to a perfect 8-0 conference record in his second season as head coach. Impressive feats such as these are why Coach Brands was named Coach of the Year by both the Big Ten Conference and the National Wrestling Coaches Association.

Congratulations also are in order for senior Mark Perry, who overcame a knee injury to win his second national title. He is only the 14th University of Iowa wrestler to earn two national titles. Additionally, Perry rounded out his final year with his fourth All-American honor.

The other individual national title winner was sophomore Brent Metcalf. Metcalf ended the season on an impressive 23-match winning streak and earned many accolades, including the Dan Hodge Trophy, Big Ten Wrestler of the Year, and Outstanding Wrestler at both the NCAA and Big Ten championships.

The University of Iowa Hawkeyes wrestling program began in 1911 and has produced a rich history of champions. With 32 Big Ten conference championships and 21 NCAA Division I national championships, the Hawkeyes wrestling team is a premier program. The extraordinary achievement of this season is a tribute to the skill and dedication of the many wrestlers, coaches, students, alumni, families, and fans that have helped to make the University of Iowa a wrestling powerhouse.

Winning the national championship, finishing the season with a 21-1 overall dual record, and winning the Big Ten conference championship for the 32nd time has brought national acclaim to the University of Iowa. I know the fans of the university will revel in this accomplishment as they look forward to the 2009 season.

So, Mr. Speaker, once again I congratulate the University of Iowa for their tremendous success.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1130) recognizing the roles and contributions of America's teachers to building and enhancing our Nation's civic, cultural, and economic well-being.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the important contributions that teachers make to our Nation. Next week is National Teacher Appreciation Week. The National PTA created Teacher Appreciation Week in 1984 to show gratitude to the many teachers in the United States. It is a chance for us to thank those individuals who have contributed greatly to society in ways that cannot be measured. It is a chance for us to recognize the selflessness and dedication of teachers and to show our respect for the teaching profession.

Mr. Speaker, we know that good teachers make a tremendous difference to our Nation's youth. During the last decade, a body of evidence has grown to support the notion that teacher quality is the single most important factor outside of the home in affecting student achievement. Teachers serve as excellent role models and instill a love for knowledge and lifelong learning in our students.

We know that teaching is an important profession that deserves our support and respect. Teachers have the important job of helping to shape tomorrow's leaders. Those in the teaching profession work tirelessly for little reward, and good teachers constantly reflect on their lessons and modify instruction to reach the diverse needs of the students in their classrooms. Quality teachers hone their skills and are experts not only in the subject matter, but also in connecting with young people and making learning come alive.

Unfortunately, research has also shown us the negative impacts of teacher shortages. It is important and imperative that schools and communities support teachers. National Teacher Appreciation Week is an opportunity for all of us to pursue and recognize the selfless dedication of our educators. It is also an opportunity for us to recognize the importance of education and make absolutely certain that every child in America has the greatest opportunity to achieve this commodity that we call education. So we have to search our budgets, stretch our imagination and find the resources that are necessary to attract the best and the brightest individuals into the teaching profession.

Yes, there is no greater profession in our country than that of teaching. I call teachers the salt of the Earth, the pillars of the universe, those individuals who give of themselves each and every day so that others will have the opportunity to connect with this vast reservoir of knowledge that we have to be spread around.

I am indeed pleased, Mr. Speaker, to join with all of those who urge passage of this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve.

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

Mr. Speaker, in closing I want to thank Representative Platts and Representative Poe for their comments relative to this resolution, and certainly join with them in expressing again tremendous appreciation for all of those in the teaching profession.

As I listened to them, I couldn't help but be reminded of important teachers during my life. I began school in a one-room school, as a matter of fact, in your home State of Arkansas, where one woman, Ms. Beadie King, taught eight grades plus the little primer and the big primer all by herself. But then I was fortunate because, later on, she was the high school English teacher. And there are individuals who would suggest that I sometimes use poems and poetry and pithy words in expression, and practically all of that really came from Ms. Beadie King. She was unbelievable. As a matter of fact, she walked at least seven, eight miles to school every day to teach.

There are a lot of teachers who give that kind of dedication today. They don't necessarily walk 7, 8 miles, but they go into their pockets and buy materials; they purchase clothing for their students when they don't have the appropriate things to wear; they purchase lunch for students; buy materials for their classes. They give the very best of everything that it is that they have.

I don't think that we can ever express--I use the opportunity to express appreciation to my wife who taught for more than 30 years, members of my family, my sister who just retired as a principal, my sister-in-law who just retired. And so there are many teachers that all of us stand on their shoulders. Like you, Representative Platts, I know that had not it been for those individuals that I came into contact with growing up, there is no way that I would be standing here this evening expressing myself as a Member of the greatest body that exists in the world, the United States House of Representatives.

Again, I thank all of the teachers in America and urge passage of this resolution.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1119) supporting the goals and ideals highlighted through National Volunteer Week.

Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days in which Members may have the opportunity to insert material relevant to H. Res. 1119 into the Record.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the designation of April 27 to May 3, 2008, as National Volunteer Week, and to laud the efforts of volunteers who serve without reward to support America's communities.

National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to engage individuals throughout the Nation in a common goal of service to better our Nation. This year's theme, Volunteer to Change the World, hopes to inspire all people to connect with their community and truly make a difference through working together to effect positive change. In addition to many volunteer opportunities, the week will recognize deserving volunteers with the President's Volunteer Service Award and other significant signs of thanks.

Next week, volunteers across the Nation will work on a wide variety of projects. Activities range from community arts projects, school renovations, park rehabilitation, and many more equally engaging projects. With a large force of volunteers working together, National Volunteer Week will demonstrate the power of volunteerism and highlight the strength of compassion. The large number of volunteers will continue to inspire the Nation to mobilize for positive change and help people discover their ability to make a difference.

Volunteering has far reaching positive impacts on the community as a whole, and even on individual volunteers themselves. Research has shown that communities with high levels of social capital have a higher quality of life. Communities with strong volunteer networks, therefore, are healthy and dynamic places to live and work. Additionally, data shows that individuals who volunteer live longer than those who do not. Individuals and communities reap numerous constructive benefits from volunteering and can be the center of positive social change.

So, Mr. Speaker, once again I express my support for National Volunteer Week, and recognize all the hard work that volunteers put in on a daily basis. I encourage more people to become volunteers and recognize the fact that, by working together, we can more effectively meet the challenges our Nation face. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this resolution.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1149) expressing support for the designation of April 2008 as National Sarcoidosis Awareness Month, and supporting efforts to devote new resources to research the causes of the disease, environmental and otherwise, along with treatments and workforce strategies to support individuals with sarcoidosis, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert material relevant to H. Res. 1149 into the Record.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 1149, commemorating April 2008 as National Sarcoidosis Awareness Month.

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, tens of thousands of Americans nationwide are afflicted with this disease. However, currently, there is no cure, no definitive identification of exactly what causes sarcoidosis, no known measures to prevent it, and many people who have sarcoidosis do not exhibit any symptoms. So one might ask the question, what is sarcoidosis?

Sarcoidosis is characterized by the inflammation associated with the production of tiny lumps of cells in various organs of our bodies called granulomas because they look like grains of sugar or sand. These grain-like cells grow and clump together in an organ, affecting how the organ works.

The increase of these growths can inflame vital organs like the lung, brain, skin, eyes and nervous system, causing seizures, blindness, disfiguring lesions, heart failure and sometimes even death.

Sarcoidosis is overrepresented among African Americans compared to other races and ethnic groups, and afflicts African Americans more severely than other races in this country.

By documenting the prevalence of sarcoidosis among fluorescent light bulb workers in the 1940s and among U.S. Navy deck grinders, and recognizing that sarcoidosis disproportionately affects factory workers and was the first diagnosis for an overwhelming majority of rescue workers in New York after the September 11, 2001, attacks, researchers at the American Lung Association have uncovered a link between certain types of occupations and this disease.

More careful monitoring of a sarcoidosis diagnosis can dramatically improve public health, including the health of civilian and military workers. It is my hope that by passing this legislation, we will promote more careful examination and investigation of sarcoidosis diagnosis, and lead to the reduction of morbidity and mortality of workers, as well as reduce costs.

By supporting House Resolution 1149 designating April 2008 as National Sarcoidosis Awareness Month, we as the House of Representatives of these United States of America will demonstrate our acknowledgment of and commitment to the importance of raising awareness for the purpose of uncovering the causes of sarcoidosis disease, environmental and otherwise, and the promotion of strategies to support and protect our thriving workforce. I urge passage of this resolution.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve.

Mr. Speaker, I was very pleased to be the sponsor of this resolution, and I want to commend and thank all of the sarcoidosis activists who have visited my office, who have called me, who have written letters and telegrams and e-mails urging that we do something to further promote and raise awareness around this illness. I am pleased we have this resolution on the floor today. I urge its passage.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1154) supporting the mission and goals of Workers Memorial Day in order to honor and remember the workers who have been killed or injured in the workplace.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert material relevant to H. Res. 1154 into the Record.

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as she might consume to the sponsor of this resolution, the distinguished gentlewoman from the State of Texas, Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to close.

Mr. Speaker, I want to commend Representative Johnson from Texas for introducing this resolution, and I am pleased to join with her and with Representative Platts in supporting its passage. I rise in support of the mission and goals of Workers Memorial Day.

Workers Memorial Day allows us to honor and remember the many workers who have been injured or even killed in the workplace. Unfortunately, while the United States loses about 5,500 workers each year, more than 2 million people die worldwide from workplace-related accidents and disease.

According to the National Safety Council and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job fatality rate has been cut by 78 percent since 1970. While direct comparisons of injury data for 2006 and years prior to 2003 are not possible due to a change in classification systems, in general, declines in workplace fatalities and injuries have been much greater in those industries where the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has targeted its standards and enforcement activities.

So, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, which encourages OSHA industries, employers and employees, to support activities that increase awareness of the importance of preventing illness, injury and death in the workplace.

I would also like to thank all those who took the time on Monday to remember those Americans who were injured, or those who have lost their lives due to a workplace accident.

And so, again, Mr. Speaker, I commend Representative Johnson from Texas for introducing this timely and important resolution.

I also thank Mr. Platts, the gentleman from Pennsylvania, for his support. But I also thank him for the opportunity to work with him this afternoon. It's been a pleasure, as it always is. He is one of the most pleasant Members of this House, and it's always a pleasure to interact and work with him.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, there's entirely too much violence in our country perpetrated by the use of handguns. I come from a rather large city with about 3 million people, but I can tell you there were 22 shootings in Chicago over the weekend. Six individuals were actually killed because of the presence of handguns.

We must find a better way to regulate the distribution of handguns so that kids growing up can learn to practice peace and not war.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5479) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 117 North Kidd Street in Ionia, Michigan, as the ``Alonzo Woodruff Post Office Building''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume.

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I stand for the purpose to move H.R. 5479, which seeks to pay tribute to a Civil War veteran and hero, Mr. Alonzo Woodruff, by designating the North Kidd Street Post Office Building in Ionia, Michigan, after this forgotten soldier.

H.R. 5479's introduction came on February 25, 2008, introduced by Representative Vernon Ehlers of the great State of Michigan and is cosponsored by the State's entire congressional delegation. The measure was considered and approved by the Oversight and Government Reform committee on March 13, 2008, which brings us to this morning's discussion on the measure.

History reveals that Alonzo Woodruff was a Union soldier during our country's Civil War and received the Medal of Honor for his courageous acts of service at the 1864 Civil War Battle of Hatcher's Run in Virginia.

Mr. Woodruff's story of heroism and service provides an interesting glimpse into 19th century history. According to legend, Alonzo Woodruff was only 22 years old and recently married when the Michigan farmer joined the Union cause at the end of 1861. Two years later, Woodruff risked his life in hand-to-hand combat when he charged into Confederate lines to rescue a fellow soldier.

Mr. Speaker, in honor of Mr. Woodruff's heroism and dedication to preserving the United States, I would urge that we pass H.R. 5479 without reservation.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge passage and yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5528) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 120 Commercial Street in Brockton, Massachusetts, as the ``Rocky Marciano Post Office Building''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as he might consume to the gentleman who introduced this legislation, Representative Lynch from Massachusetts.

(Mr. LYNCH asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

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

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to present for consideration H.R. 5528, which seeks to commemorate the life of Rocky Marciano, the undefeated boxer from Brockton, Massachusetts, by naming a United States Post Office in his honor.

Rocky Marciano's story serves as a testament to the American Dream and the endless possibilities that line every street in our great country. His accomplishments remind us of the fact that the United States of America is a place where a poor and disadvantaged young man growing up in the rough neighborhoods of Brockton, Massachusetts, can aspire and achieve greatness.

H.R. 5528 was introduced by Representative Stephen Lynch of Massachusetts on March 4, 2008, and was considered by and reported from the Oversight Committee on March 13, 2008, by voice vote. The measure has the support of the nine members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation and upon passage will pay tribute to a man who demonstrated the limitless potential that lies within each human being. The obstacles Rocky Marciano had to overcome in life, whether they were physical, financial, or spiritual, provide inspiration to us all.

Rocco Francis Marchegiano was born in Brockton, Massachusetts, on September 1, 1923. Weighing 12 pounds and sporting a robust frame, it was obvious, even as a newborn, that Rocky Marciano was not a pushover. Yet his luck was not as healthy as his physique. At 18 months Rocky contracted pneumonia and would have perished were it not for his remarkably strong constitution. Thus starting from a tender age, Rocky learned how to fight back to overcome daunting odds.

His first introduction to boxing came when he and some friends set up a stuffed mail sack in Marchegiano's backyard to serve as a boxing bag. Now, as chairman of the Federal Workforce, D.C., and Postal Service Subcommittee, I wouldn't normally approve of using mail sacks in such an abusive way. But in Rocky's case, I must say that his resourcefulness is quite admirable.

At age 20 Rocky was drafted into the U.S. Army to fight overseas in the European theater. After only 8 months, he was flown back to the States where he awaited transfer to the Pacific in Fort Lewis, Washington. While stationed at Fort Lewis, he volunteered to represent his unit in a ring of amateur fights and eventually won the boxing tournament in 1946. From that point onward, sports history would be forever changed and Rocky Marciano would begin his long career as world champion until he announced retirement in April of 1956.

On the eve of his 46th birthday in 1969, Marciano was aboard a small private plane that went down on its way to Des Moines, Iowa. In memory of Rocky Marciano and in honor of his accomplishment, I urge swift passage of H.R. 5528.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5483) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 10449 White Granite Drive in Oakton, Virginia, as the ``Private First Class David H. Sharrett II Post Office Building''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

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

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I join my colleagues in consideration of H.R. 5483, which renames a post office building in Oakton, Virginia, after one of our country's fallen soldiers: Private First Class David H. Sharrett

Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of H.R. 5483, and yield back the balance of our time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4185) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 11151 Valley Boulevard in El Monte, California, as the ``Marisol Heredia Post Office Building''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

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

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleagues from the State of California in the consideration of H.R. 4185, which names the postal facility in El Monte after Specialist Marisol Heredia, a distinguished and heroic American servicewoman.

H.R. 4185, which was introduced by Representative Solis of California on November 11, 2007, was considered by and reported from the Oversight Committee on March 13, 2008, by a voice vote. The measure has the support of the California delegation, and provides us with yet another opportunity to pay tribute to a member of our country's Armed Services.

Specialist Marisol Heredia was only 19 years old when, on September 7, 2007, she died at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio as a result of complications suffered from a noncombat-related injury she received on July 18 in Baghdad, Iraq. Specialist Heredia was assigned to the 15th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Described as a strong-willed and perceptive young woman, Specialist Heredia held the rank of Specialist 4, and had served for months in war-torn Iraq before being badly burned on July 18 while refilling a generator. Although this special young lady was only 19 years old when she lost her life, her service and faithful commitment to preserving the liberties and freedoms for which our Nation is built upon are sure to live on forever.

And so, Mr. Speaker, let us remember and pay tribute to the ultimate sacrifice made by Specialist Marisol Heredia and pass this measure at hand.

I urge passage and reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of our time, and urge passage of this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1016) expressing the condolences of the House of Representatives on the death of William F. Buckley, Jr., as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

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

Mr. Speaker, I stand to present H. Res. 1016, which was introduced by Representative Tom Feeney of Florida on March 4 of this year, and enjoys the cosponsorship of over 90 Members of Congress. The measure was considered by and voted out of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee on March 13, 2008, after having been amended.

William F. Buckley was born on November 24, 1925, in New York City, and even as a young child he displayed a remarkable level of intelligence and awareness. Along with English, Mr. Buckley was fluent in Spanish and French, and was an avid musician and outdoorsman.

After attending the National Autonomous University in Mexico in 1943, Buckley was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. During his tenure, he served as a member of Franklin Roosevelt's Honor Guard until the President passed away. After his military service, Buckley went on to attend Yale, where he was a member of the Skull and Bones Society, a master debater, and editor in chief of the Yale Daily News. He studied political science, history, and economics, graduating with honors in 1950.

In 1950, Buckley married Patricia Alden Austin Taylor, and as a major proponent of marriage, Mr. Buckley practiced what he preached, having been married himself for 57 years. In 1951, he was recruited by the CIA while publishing his first book, God and Man at Yale. He would later go on to write a volume of novels, over 50 more, featuring topics ranging from history to sailing. Most everyone knows him for his hosting of the PBS show, Firing Line, where he displayed a scholarly, light-hearted style.

In February of 2008, Bill Buckley was found dead at his home in Stamford, Connecticut. Let us remember him for his great oratory skills, his admirable journalism, and his overall commitment to social activism. Mr. Buckley is known for a number of views, ranging from drug legalization to opposition of the Iraq war, and whether you agreed or disagreed with him, you must recognize him for being a spirited man, well thought in his opinions, and loyal to his country.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve.

Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve my time.

Mr. Speaker, I would urge adoption, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3721) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1190 Lorena Road in Lorena, Texas, as the ``Marine Gunnery Sgt. John D. Fry Post Office Building''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative dates in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume.

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I join with Representative Chet Edwards and his fellow colleagues from the State of Texas in considering H.R. 3721, which renames the postal facility in Lorena, Texas, after Marine Gunnery Sergeant John D. Fry.

As stated, the measure at hand was first introduced by Congressman Chet Edwards on October 2, 2007, and is cosponsored by all members of the Texas congressional delegation. The measure was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, where it was passed by voice vote on December 12, 2007.

H.R. 3721 would help to remember the life, service and legacy of Marine Gunnery Sergeant John D. Fry by renaming the Lorena Post Office on Lorena Road in his honor. Assigned to the 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group from Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Marine Gunnery Sergeant Fry was working to disarm an improvised explosive device in the Anbar Province of Iraq when he was killed at the young age of 28.

A graduate of Waco Christian Academy, Sergeant Fry will always be remembered by his family, friends, fellow marines, and, of course, by his country, for his bravery and unselfish service in Iraq.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that we pay tribute to the sacrifice made by this great American hero and pass H.R. 3721.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure now to yield such time as he may consume to the sponsor of this resolution, the distinguished gentleman from Texas, Representative Chet Edwards.

Mr. Speaker, I commend Representative Edwards for the introduction of this resolution and for his eloquent, passionate statement. I am pleased to join with him in urging passage.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res 994) expressing support for designation of a National Glanzmann's Thrombasthenia Awareness Day, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

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

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I stand for the consideration of H. Res. 994, as amended, which expresses support for the designation of a National Glanzmann's Thrombasthenia Awareness Day.

H. Res. 994 was introduced by Representative Paul Broun of the fine State of Georgia on February 25, 2008, and has the support and cosponsorship of 57 Members of Congress. The measure was considered by the Oversight panel on March 13, 2008, and was passed by voice vote at that time after being amended for technical purposes.

Mr. Speaker, while many people may not be aware of Glanzmann's thrombasthenia, which is an extremely rare disorder of the blood where the platelets lack glycoprotein, a key element for blood to clot, therefore significantly prolonging bleeding time. While on average there are only 200 cases of Glanzmann's thrombasthenia reported every year, the disease and finding a cure for it still requires our attention, resources and support.

March 1, 2008, marked the inaugural commemoration of the National

Glanzmann's Thrombasthenia Awareness Day. The day was celebrated with events, receptions and our colleagues in the Senate Chamber passed an identical resolution honoring and recognizing the importance of National Glanzmann's Thrombasthenia Awareness Day.

I think it is important that we in this body help to expand research awareness of Glanzmann's thrombasthenia, which is why I rise in support of H. Res. 994. Passage of this measure will help to raise the profile and the general public's understanding of this illness and the corresponding National Glanzmann's Thrombasthenia Awareness Day. I urge passage of the resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve.

Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve.

Mr. Speaker, I would urge passage of this legislation, and yield back the balance of our time.

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