Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 630) congratulating the Warner Robins Little League Baseball Team from Warner Robins, Georgia, on winning the 2007 Little League World Series Championship.

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

Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the author of H. Res. 630, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Marshall).

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

Madam Speaker, realizing that I will not have an opportunity to call the Chicago Cubs champions this year, I am pleased to join my colleague in the consideration of H. Res. 630, a bill that congratulates the Warner Robins Little League baseball team. H. Res. 630, which has 55 cosponsors, was introduced by the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Marshall) on September 4, 2007. H. Res. 630 was reported from the Oversight Committee on October 4, 2007, by a voice vote.

Madam Speaker, Georgia's Warner Robins Little League team beat Tokyo 3-2, to claim the world championship title on August 26, 2007. This is the second year in a row that a Georgia team has won the Little League Baseball World Series Championship game.

Dalton Carriker hit a dramatic home run in the bottom of the eighth inning to beat the Japanese baseball team for the championship. Carriker said, ``I felt like I was flying, like Peter Pan. I didn't know what I was doing.'' This was a stunning home run that gave the United States its third straight Little League Championship.

Madam Speaker, I commend my colleague from Georgia (Mr. Marshall) for congratulating the Warner Robins Little League baseball team from Warner Robins, Georgia, on winning the 2007 Little League World Series. I know that oftentimes individuals wonder why these things are done and what relevance they are, but the reality is that as young people grow to function with each other and learn the value of teamwork and learn what it means to win not just a game of baseball, but what it means to win in the game of life, all of the things that it takes to be successful as a Little League baseball team, those same principles can be applied to everyday life.

When we congratulate these young people, we are also encouraging other young people. I would love to see a Little League baseball team on every square mile, in every neighborhood, in every block, so that as many young people as possible would get the opportunity to experience what the youngsters from Warner Robins, Georgia, have been able to experience.

Madam Speaker, again, I commend the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Marshall) for his introduction of this legislation.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 687) celebrating the 90th birthday of Reverend Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., president emeritus of the University of Notre Dame, and honoring his contributions to higher education, the Catholic Church, and the advancement of the humanitarian mission, as amended.

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

Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Donnelly).

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

Madam Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleagues in consideration of H. Res. 687, a resolution amended in committee, which recognizes Rev. Ted Hesburgh for his contributions to the civil rights movement in America, his tireless work to reduce the threat of nuclear conflict, and for seeking the peaceful resolution of international conflict.

H. Res. 687, has 103 cosponsors, was introduced by Representative Joe Donnelly on September 27, 2007. H. Res. 687, was reported from the Oversight Committee on October 4, as amended, by voice vote.

Madam Speaker, Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh is president emeritus of the

University of Notre Dame. He retired from active service as the 15th president of the university in 1987. During his 35 years as an educator, he oversaw the growth of the university and the admission of women to the undergraduate program. Rev. Hesburgh's public service was recognized when he received the Congressional Gold Medal in July of 2000. The leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives gathered in the rotunda of the Capitol as President William Clinton presented Rev. Hesburgh with the Congressional Gold Medal. Rev. Hesburgh has held 16 Presidential appointments pertaining to many social issues.

Living 90 miles from Notre Dame, it was as if Father Hesburgh was the pied piper for Notre Dame University. During his tenure in office, young people, especially from throughout the entire Midwest, clamored for a spot at Notre Dame. High school students, especially those at many of the top Catholic schools throughout the country, their greatest hope was to get an opportunity to go to Notre Dame. And so I am pleased to join with my colleagues in paying tribute to a man who is difficult to describe. Yes, he was an educator. Yes, he was a priest. Yes, he was Catholic; but he was so many things until there is no way that you can pigeonhole him. You can only say here is a great American who has contributed significantly to the development of the world order. And so I urge passage of this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 697) commending Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre for establishing a National Football League record for most career touchdown passes, and for other purposes.

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

Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as he might consume to the author of this legislation, Representative Steve Kagen.

Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he might consume to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Stupak).

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

Madam Speaker, I can assure everybody that the Chicago Bears have a great deal of respect for Brett Favre, and I don't intend to get into Central Division football, but I do rise in strong support of this resolution, a bill that commends Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre for establishing a National Football League record.

Football is an American pastime, and even people who don't know a great deal about the game oftentimes get caught up in what takes place, what goes on and what is happening. And so when one can rise to the top of the list in his profession, throw more passes than anybody else has ever thrown, thrill more audiences than perhaps anyone else thrilled, keep people coming and enjoying and interacting and being proud of not only the areas that they come from but proud of the contribution that one makes not only on the field but off the field, all of the charitable groups and organizations of which Brett and his family are a part of, gives us further reason to commend Representative Steve Kagen for his introduction of this legislation.

I certainly would urge its passage.

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

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3308) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 216 East Main Street in Atwood, Indiana, as the ``Lance Corporal David K. Fribley Post Office''.

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

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

As a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleague in the consideration of H.R. 3308, which names a postal facility in Atwood, Indiana, after Lance Corporal David K. Fribley.

H.R. 3308, which was introduced by Representative Mark Souder on August 1, 2007, was reported from the Oversight Committee on September 20, 2007, by voice vote. This measure has the support of the entire Indiana congressional delegation.

Madam Speaker, Marine Lance Corporal David K. Fribley was killed in action on March 23, 2003, near Nasiriyah, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

Mr. Fribley earned a degree from Indiana State University in recreation and sports management. He was working at a retirement home in Fort Myers, Florida, a job he loved, when the terrorist attacks occurred on September 11, 2001. Mr. Fribley joined the Marines. He wrote in a letter to his parents: ``Right now, I'm sure I'm where God wants me to be.''

Lance Corporal Fribley served his country with honor and distinction. He gave the ultimate sacrifice, and America is eternally grateful.

I commend my colleague, Representative Mark Souder, for introducing this legislation and urge its passage.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 654) congratulating the Phoenix Mercury for winning the 2007 Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) Championship.

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

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

Madam Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleague in the consideration of H. Res. 654, a bill that congratulates the Phoenix Mercury basketball team for winning the 2007 Women's National Basketball Association Championship.

H. Res. 654, which has 53 cosponsors, was introduced by Representative Ed Pastor on September 17, 2007. H. Res. 654 was reported from the Oversight Committee on October 4, 2007, by voice vote.

On September 16, 2007, the Phoenix Mercury beat the Detroit Shock 108-92 to win the Women's National Basketball Association Championship. This was the first national championship for the Phoenix Mercury basketball team.

The Phoenix Mercury team was led by three aggressive players, Ms. Cappie Pondexter, Ms. Penny Taylor and Ms. Diana Taurasi, who scored 73 points of the team's 108 points to dominate the Detroit Shock team.

I commend my colleague, Representative Pastor, for congratulating the Phoenix Mercury basketball team for winning the 2007 Women's National Basketball Association Championship. I urge swift passage of this legislation and would just like to extend personal congratulations to Ms. Cappie Pondexter, who lived in the community where I lived, attended school there, and, of course, went on to become a great female basketball player.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, I was unable to cast votes on the following legislative measures on September 25. If I were present for rollcall votes, I would have voted ``yea'' on each of the following bills:

Roll 895, September 25, 2007: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to the Resolution. H.R. 1400, To enhance United States diplomatic efforts with respect to Iran by imposing additional economic sanctions against Iran, and for other purposes.

Roll 896, September 25, 2007: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to the Resolution. H. Res. 584: Supporting the goals and ideals of ``National Life Insurance Awareness Month.''

Roll 897, September 25, 2007: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to the Resolution. H. Con. Res. 210: Supporting the goals and ideals of Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month.

Roll 898, September 25, 2007: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to the Resolution. H. Res. 663: Supporting the goals and ideals of Veterans of Foreign Wars Day.

Roll 899, September 25, 2007: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to the Resolution. H. Res. 548: Expressing the ongoing concern of the House of Representatives for Lebanon's democratic institutions and unwavering support for the administration of justice upon those responsible for the assassination of Lebanese public figures opposing Syrian control of Lebanon.

Roll 900, September 25, 2007: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to the Resolution. H. Res. 642: Expressing sympathy to and support for the people and governments of the countries of Central America, the Caribbean, and Mexico which have suffered from Hurricanes Felix, Dean, and Henriette and whose complete economic and fatality toll are still unknown.

Roll 901, September 25, 2007: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to the Resolution. H. Res. 557: Strongly condemning the United Nations Human Rights Council for ignoring severe human rights abuses in various countries, while choosing to unfairly target Israel by including it as the only country permanently placed on the Council's agenda.

Roll 902, September 25, 2007: On Motion to Table the Motion to Appeal the Ruling of the Chair.

Roll 903, September 25, 2007: On Ordering the Previous Question. H. Res. 675--Rule providing for consideration of the SCHIP bill.

Roll 904, September 25, 2007: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to the Resolution. H. Res. 675--Rule providing for consideration of the SCHIP bill.

Roll 905, September 25, 2007: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to the Resolution. H. Res. 95--Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives supporting the goals and ideals of Campus Fire Safety Month, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of H.R. 3432, the 200th Anniversary Commemoration Commission of the Abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade Act of 2007. The transatlantic slave trade was the forcible capture and procurement of more than 12 million Africans. These men, women, and children were transported in bondage from their African homelands to the Americas for the purpose of enslavement between the sixteenth and late nineteenth centuries. The actual

transport is often referred to as ``The Middle Passage.'' During this transition, many Africans suffered abuses of rape and perished as a result of torture, malnutrition, disease, and resistance. If these individuals survived the trip, their fate was a life of slavery.

I recently visited Ghana. During this trip, I toured the former slave dungeon, Cape Coast Castle. I also had the opportunity to stand in the ``Door of No Return'' where captives were held with little light, water, and absolutely no toilet facilities. Over 125 million West Africans died during the Middle Passage, and more than one-third of the people captured died within the first 3 years of their life on a plantation. The importance of this legislation lies in the fact that the slave trade and the legacy of slavery continue to have a profound impact on social and economic disparity, hatred, bias, racism, and discrimination. This legislation underscores the fact that the legacy of the slave trade continues to affect people of African descent today. One of the key purposes of this act is to ensure a suitable national observance of the 200th anniversary of the end of the transatlantic slave trade. By sponsoring and supporting commemorative programs, we raise awareness of the transatlantic slave trade and its effects, as well as recognize the experiences of all people during this period in history. I strongly urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3432 in creating this commission that would not only celebrate the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade, but also educate citizens regarding a significant part of our Nation's history.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 193) recognizing all hunters across the United States for their continued commitment to safety.

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

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I'm pleased to join my colleagues in the consideration of H. Con. Res. 193, a bill recognizing all hunters across the United States for their continued commitment to safety.

H. Con. Res. 193, which has 91 cosponsors, was introduced by Representative Christopher Carney on July 26, 2007. H. Con. Res. 193 was reported from the Oversight Committee on September 20, 2007 by a voice vote.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield to Representative Carney as much time as he would consume as the sponsor of this resolution.

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

Mr. Speaker, in 2006 there were over 16 million hunters in the United States, of which only .0013 percent incurred an injury during the past hunting season. To ensure and raise awareness for hunter safety, there are 70,000 hunter education instructors teaching hunter safety, ethics and conservation to approximately 750,000 students successfully each year.

Hunter safety can be contributed to hunter education training and the role of responsible hunters in the field. This helps to lower the incidence of hunting accidents, improve hunter behavior and restore many species of wildlife abundance.

Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague, Representative Christopher Carney, for introducing this legislation, and urge swift passage of this bill.

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

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 303) expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that a day ought to be established to bring awareness to the issue of missing persons.

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 such time as she might consume to the sponsor of this resolution, Representative Kirsten Gillibrand.

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

As a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleague in the consideration of H. Res. 303, a resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that a day ought to be established to bring awareness to the issue of missing persons.

H. Res. 303, which has 58 cosponsors, was introduced by Representative Kirsten Gillibrand on April 17, 2007. H. Res. 303 was reported from the Oversight Committee on September 20, 2007, by voice vote.

Mr. Speaker, reports of missing persons have increased sixfold in the past 25 years, from roughly 150,000 people in 1980 to about 900,000 this year. The CourtTV's Crime Library estimates that 2,300 people are reported missing every day in America.

I support establishing a day to bring awareness to the issue of missing persons. We should all reflect to remember the victims, their families, and local law enforcement and community volunteers who help search for missing individuals. As a matter of fact, Mr. Speaker, even as we speak, in my city in the area where I live, there is a young woman who has been missing now for several days, and it has created a tremendous outpouring of empathy and sympathy on the part of the people for her parents and other family members who are searching diligently, hoping and praying that she will be found safely.

So, Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague, Representative Kirsten Gillibrand, for introducing this legislation and urge its swift passage.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 584) supporting the goals and ideals of ``National Life Insurance Awareness Month''.

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.

As a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleague in the consideration of H. Res. 584, a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Life Insurance Awareness Month.

H. Res. 584, which has 87 cosponsors, was introduced by Representative Judy Biggert on July 30, 2007. H. Res. 584 was reported from the Oversight Committee on September 20, 2007, by voice vote.

Mr. Speaker, studies have found that when an unexpected death occurs, insufficient life insurance coverage can cause significant economic hardship for the loved ones left behind. The lack of sufficient coverage drives many family members of the deceased to work additional jobs, borrow money, prematurely withdraw money from savings and investment accounts, and in many cases to move to less desirable housing. It is estimated that 68 million Americans say they lack the life insurance coverage needed to ensure a secure financial future for their loved ones.

I support the goals and ideals of National Life Insurance Awareness Month because it will make people more aware of their insurance needs and motivate them to seek information about obtaining life insurance.

So, Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague, Representative Judy Biggert, for introducing this legislation and urge its swift passage.

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

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

I will close and just simply reemphasize the importance of this legislation. Again, I want to commend Representative Biggert and yourself, Mr. Speaker, for leading the way.

I think many people think of resolutions like this as a simple something that has taken place; but I am reminded that in the community where I live and work, oftentimes people will die and not have the wherewithal with which to bury themselves.

Our young people will be killed and their families take up a collection to get them buried. And so I think that this is a very important resolution. I commend both of you, once again, for its introduction.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 605) supporting the goals and ideals of Gold Star Mothers Day.

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.

As a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleague in the consideration of H. Res. 605, a bill supporting the goals and ideals of Gold Star Mothers Day.

H. Res. 605, which has 108 cosponsors, was introduced by Representative Peter Roskam on August 1, 2007.

H. Res. 605 was reported from the Oversight Committee on September 20, 2007 by voice vote.

Mr. Speaker, Gold Star Mothers Day is an organization for mothers who have lost a son or daughter in service to our country. In 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt designated the last Sunday in September as Gold Star Mothers Day to recognize and commemorate the tremendous sacrifice these courageous mothers have endured on behalf of our Nation. This wonderful group of women have turned their personal tragedy into patriotism and public service.

Today, numerous chapters of Gold Star Mothers across our Nation offer important programs and services to improve the lives of veterans and their families. They assist veterans of the Armed Forces and their dependents in the presentation of claims to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

I support the goals and ideals of Gold Star Mothers Day. And I have the utmost respect for mothers and fathers that have sacrificed their sons and daughters for peace, freedom and the security of our Nation.

And so, Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague, Representative Peter Roskam, for introducing this legislation and urge its swift passage.

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

Mr. Speaker, I will close by simply stating that I have a very active, passionate and involved chapter of Gold Star Mothers in my congressional district. And so on behalf of them, and all of the Gold Star Mothers and Fathers throughout the country, I would 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 concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 210) supporting the goals and ideals of Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month.

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, today I rise in support of H. Con. Res 210, which pays homage to a tradition that both the Senate and House have honored for over two decades.

In 1983, Congress first recognized September as the month to nationally commemorate sickle cell disease awareness. And it is in that same vein today that I ask for support of H. Con. Res 210.

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder characterized by affected red blood cells that mutate into the shape of a crescent or sickle, and as such are unable to pass through small blood vessels. The horrific outcomes of this condition include considerable pain in one's arms, chest, legs and abdomen, anemia, gallstone, strokes, as well as damaging tissue in the liver, spleen, kidney, and death.

This disease affects over 70,000 Americans and cripples over 1,000 newborn babies each year in the United States. By supporting H. Con. Res 210, we acknowledge the importance of raising awareness for advance in sickle cell disease research, prevention treatment and potential cure.

As the sponsor of H. Con. Res 210, I would urge all of my colleagues to support swift passage of this bill.

I would also just note, Mr. Speaker, that the devastation of this disease on those who are affected by it is, indeed, tremendous. I have had firsthand experience with it by virtue of having run a sickle cell community education project for the University of Illinois in Chicago and came in contact with many of the patients and their families; saw the pain and suffering firsthand. And so I would urge passage of this resolution.

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

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentlewoman from Illinois, Representative Biggert, for her support of this resolution.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 663) supporting the goals and ideals of Veterans of Foreign Wars Day.

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.

As a Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleague in the consideration of H. Res. 663, a bill supporting the goals and ideals of Veterans of Foreign Wars Day.

H. Res. 663, which has 57 cosponsors, was introduced by Representative John Kline on September 19, 2007. H. Res. 663 was reported from the Oversight and Government Reform Committee on September 20, 2007, by a voice vote.

Mr. Speaker, in 1899, veterans of the Spanish-American War and the Philippine Insurrection were upset by the poor treatment they received following their return from America's first major overseas conflict. As a result, the American Veterans of Foreign Service and the National Society of the Army of the Philippines were established to advocate for the rights and benefits then denied to veterans of foreign conflicts.

In 1914, these veteran organizations, recognizing their common goals and the importance of unity, merged to form the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the VFW, of the United States. In the 108 years since the VFW's founding, members have proudly carried on the organization's mission of ensuring rights, remembering sacrifices, promoting patriotism, performing community services, and advocating for a strong national defense. The VFW has advocated for our Nation's veterans to include helping establish the present-day Department of Veterans Affairs, creating the Montgomery GI Bill of Rights, developing the national cemetery system, and assisting combat-wounded veterans in receiving compensation for their injuries for service to our Nation. I support the goals and ideas of Veterans of Foreign Wars Day, which honors our veterans' achievements and their service to our country.

Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague, Representative John Kline, for introducing this legislation, and I urge swift passage of this bill.

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

Mr. Speaker, we have no further requests for time. I think there is no doubt there is no greater group of citizens in our country than those who have served and fought in foreign wars. I urge swift passage of this resolution.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1520) to establish the Champlain Quadricentennial Commemoration Commission, the Hudson-Fulton 400th Commemoration Commission, and for other purposes.

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 colleague in the consideration of H.R. 1520, a bill to establish the Champlain Quadricentennial Commemoration Commission and the Hudson-Fulton 400th Commemoration Commission. H.R. 1520 was introduced by Representative Maurice Hinchey on March 14, 2007. This legislation was reported from the Oversight and Government Reform Committee on July 19, 2007, by voice vote.

Mr. Speaker, Henry Hudson was hired by the Dutch East India company to try to find the Northwest Passage. On this trip in a ship called the Half Moon, Mr. Hudson sailed to Nova Scotia and then sailed south. In 1609, he found what is now called the Hudson River. Also in 1609, a French explorer, Samuel de Champlain, was exploring Lake Champlain, as well as the shore of northern New York and Vermont.

These voyages were two of the most significant passages in the European exploration and discovery of America. They led to the establishment of a Dutch settlement of what is now the capital city of the State of New York. Also, it led to the establishment of French trading posts, military posts and settlements as far south as Lake George. These settlements had a great influence on our Nation's history, culture, law, and commerce.

In 1807, Robert Fulton navigated the Hudson River from the city of New York to Albany in a steamboat which successfully began the use of steam navigation on a commercial basis. It revolutionized waterborne commerce on the great rivers of the United States and fostered international relations through transoceanic travel and trade.

The Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Commemoration Act of 2007 establishes two commissions that would ensure a national observance of the Henry Hudson, Robert Fulton, and Samuel de Champlain 2009 commemorations through cooperation with the assistance to the programs and activities of New York, Vermont, and the commemorative commissions formed by these States.

Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague, Representative Maurice Hinchey, for introducing this legislation, and I urge its swift passage.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1389) to establish the Star-Spangled Banner and War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission, and for other purposes, 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 am pleased to join my colleague in the consideration of H.R. 1389, a bill to establish the Star-Spangled Banner and War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission.

H.R. 1389 was introduced by Representative John Sarbanes on March 7, 2007. This legislation was reported from the Oversight and Government Reform Committee on July 19, 2007, by voice vote.

Mr. Speaker, the War of 1812 was fought between the United States and Great Britain from June 1812 to the spring of 1815. During this time, a young lawyer by the name of Francis Scott Key witnessed the last assault by the British against Fort McHenry in Baltimore. He was so inspired by the fort's still standing with its huge flag flying in the breeze of victory that Mr. Key wrote a poem celebrating this battle and the flag. He composed the lines about our great flag, the Star-Spangled Banner, which later became our country's national anthem.

I support H.R. 1389, a bill that will establish the Star-Spangled Banner and War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission to encourage, plan and execute programs commemorating the historic events that are associated with the War of 1812.

Mr. Speaker, I would commend Representative Sarbanes for introducing this legislation.

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

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as he might consume to the author of this legislation, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Sarbanes).

Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve my time.

Mr. Speaker, I support H.R. 1389, as amended, and I want to commend the gentleman from Maryland for introducing this legislation and for bringing to our attention the importance of the War of 1812, the importance of our Star-Spangled Banner.

I also take this opportunity to commend my elementary school teachers, especially Mrs. Beadie King, who taught in a one-room school, who was so good that she could teach about the Star-Spangled Banner and you could feel shivers kind of going up and down your back. I am so pleased that I can still at times feel those and recognize perhaps what Francis Scott Key may have been thinking and what he may have been feeling when he looked up and saw that the flag was still standing.

So I thank the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Sarbanes) again for introducing this legislation and urge its passage.

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