Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize the success of ``Operation Cookie Share,'' a collaborative effort of the Girl Scouts of Central Illinois and the State Farm Military Affinity Group. This year, customers purchasing Girl Scout cookies were able check on their order form whether they wanted to donate extra boxes of cookies to our troops. As a result of this effort, over 86,000 boxes of Girl Scout cookies were sold and delivered to our troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, military hospitals in the U.S. and overseas, and USO hubs at major American airports for deploying and returning troops.

Our sons and daughters fighting for us overseas put their lives on the line every day and everything we can do to make their lives easier helps. These cookies aren't just a treat; they're a simple reminder of home and a simple gesture of thanks from a grateful community. I'm proud to support the great members of the Girl Scouts of Central Illinois and the State Farm Military Affinity Group, and honor the work done by so many in our community to thank our troops.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today for those veterans who can't. I rise today for the catastrophically injured veterans who have to battle their injuries and their rising health care costs. I rise today for those caregivers who dedicate their lives to supporting our wounded warriors and our military families. I rise today to support S. 1963 and the two provisions in the bill that I was proud to author.

The first provision, H.R. 1335, would relieve the burden of costly copayments from catastrophically disabled veterans who receive medical or nursing home care from the VA. This was the first piece of legislation that I introduced when I came to Congress because I knew that there are men and women who have served honorably that need our help. These are brave men and women who have sacrificed so much so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we have every day. These are men and women who struggle through their routines in life that we take for granted, and they should not have to struggle to make their copays.

Passing this measure into law would be a great way to show our support for our wounded warriors and to show that we are truly dedicated to making their lives better.

However, it is not just our injured veterans who need our help. Every day in districts across the country caregivers provide essential services to our veterans. When my stepson, Jay, was injured in Afghanistan and recuperating at Walter Reed, I spoke to so many of these families who just began their second battle, the battle to rehabilitate. That is why I worked to include in this bill H.R. 2898, the Wounded Warrior Caregiver Assistance Act, to provide support services to those taking care of our wounded warriors. Just as it is our duty to care for a disabled soldier, passing this provision would help care for those who work tirelessly every day to look after our injured veterans.

I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring those who have sacrificed for us by supporting this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, the House will soon take an important step by approving a motion to go to conference on H.R. 2194, the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability and Divestment Act. Last December, the House voted overwhelmingly in support of this bipartisan legislation. Now we need to act quickly on the conference report so that we can send a bill to the President. Every day we delay is another day that Iran grows closer to acquiring a nuclear weapon.

A nuclear Iran is an unacceptable scenario that would be a threat to the State of Israel, our trusted ally, and could destabilize the entire Middle East. It would also be a threat to our own national security. Enacting strong, crippling sanctions on the Iranian regime will send a clear signal to the international community that we need to work together to prevent a nuclear Iran. I look forward to working with my colleagues and the administration to make this happen.

Madam Speaker, I want to just say that now that the health care bill has passed and the rhetoric and the politics and the noise can be set aside, now we will have an opportunity to let the American people know about what is in it.

This is going to be about accountability, about choice, and about lowering costs. And now, as we are able to let everybody know what this is about, the American people are going to finally be able to see through all this noise.

I thank Chairman Filner for yielding.

Madam Speaker, it was truly a privilege to introduce H.J. Res. 80, which recognizes and honors the Blinded Veterans Association on its 65th anniversary. Madam Speaker, this simple resolution helps to honor the service and sacrifice of the more than 165,000 blind or visually impaired veterans.

The resolution helps us to remember that on March 28, 1945, 100 blinded members of the Armed Forces who served in World War II formed the Blinded Veterans Association in order to help veterans and their families meet and overcome the challenges of blindness. The following year, in 1946, General Omar Bradley of the Veterans Administration, appointed the BVA as the first official representative for blinded veterans for the filing of claims and appeals to the Veterans Administration. This made the Blinded Veterans Association only the eighth Veterans Service Organization to receive such distinction and responsibility.

In 1958, Congress followed General Bradley's lead and echoed his recognition of the BVA by officially approving the BVA congressional charter. Since that time, the BVA has encouraged and assisted blinded veterans to take their rightful place in the community with their fellow men and work with them towards the creation of a peaceful world.

Their leadership continues to advocate for the war-blinded to regain independence, confidence and self-esteem through rehabilitation and training. Almost 13 percent of the evacuated wounded servicemembers in Iraq and Afghanistan have suffered a serious eye injury of one type or another. This means that the Blinded Veterans Association's services are just as crucial today as they were 65 years ago.

H.J. Res. 80 recognizes the extraordinary members and work of the BVA, and the good that they do for America's visually impaired veterans. I thank the members of the BVA for their service and strongly encourage my colleagues to do the same by voting in favor of this resolution.

Throughout this entire health care reform debate, two numbers have concerned me more than others: 130 and 60. These numbers represent the health insurance costs that small businesses are facing and the effects on those who work for small businesses. Small businesses have seen their premiums go up 130 percent over the last decade. And of all of those Americans who are uninsured, 60 percent of them are small business owners, employees, and their families.

Madam Speaker, I believe America is facing a health care crisis, and I believe that we need to act to bring down costs for regular families and hold health care and insurance companies accountable.

Too many Americans are denied care because of preexisting conditions. Too many businesses are being priced out of affordable health care. We need health care reform that addresses these issues.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Army Sergeant Justin Sikma, Bourbonnais resident and member of the 317th Engineer Company.

While working to clear a swampy field in Iraq, an extra vigilant Sergeant Sikma, spotted a live fragmentation rocket in the path of a piece of machinery being operated by a fellow soldier.

Sikma's keen eye protected the nine other men at his squad's work site.

America is fortunate to have brave soldiers like Sergeant Sikma in our armed forces keeping us safe and protecting our freedoms here at home and abroad. We all owe a debt of gratitude to Sergeant Justin Sikma and the millions of those who have served and will serve the great United States of America.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize the Minooka Community High School Boys Varsity Wrestling Team for becoming the 2009-2010 Illinois High School Association Class 3A Dual Team State Wrestling Champions.

Through relentless practice and commitment to their sport, the team captured Minooka Community High School's first ever team state championship title. I congratulate the hard work, dedication, and long hours that everyone involved put in to make this title possible; the coaches for their patience and working with these young athletes, to the parents for believing in their students, to the competitors for believing in themselves and their team.

The members of the championship Indian squad are: Kevin Akers, Mitchell Brozovich, Clayton Charland, Brandon Collofello, Jacob DeKlerk, Zachary Friant, Joseph Govednik, Brandon Haase, Kalvin Hill, Alex Hoshell, Cody Jones, Sean Kenny, Matthew Meyer, Matthew McEvilly, Michael McNulty, Blake Montella, Mitchell Morris, Colin Nielsen, Corbett Oughton, Jacob Potts, Josh Pullara, Jacob Residori, Daniel Ruettiger, Leo Ruettiger, Kevin Ruettiger, Matthew Stevens, Timothy Wright and Robert Zabel; and are led by head coach Bernie Ruettiger; and the assistant coaches; Jeff Charlebois, Mike Butterbach, Paige Schoolman, Stan Tischer, and Jon Ryan.

Congratulations on a season to be remembered.

Madam Speaker, on April 3, 2010, friends, family, and colleagues of Robert Fronek will gather to celebrate his 35 years of service to the New Lenox Fire Protection District. Today, I join the chorus of praise for Robert's service.

Robert, or Bob to his friends, began his service to the New Lenox Fire Protection District on June 14, 1973. When he first began, Bob gave his time for little or no pay. He gained a Master's Degree in Fire Science and his role in the fire department grew as he devoted his time and effort to the Fire Protection District.

Over the past 35 years Bob has worked for the New Lenox Fire Protection District. He has served as Lieutenant, Captain, Deputy Chief, and Trustee. He currently serves as District Operations Manager. Bob is the only person to have held every office on the district's Board of Trustees, serving as President, Treasurer, and Secretary. Bob has also been awarded the honor of Firefighter of the Year. During his time with the Fire District, Bob was an advocate for the businesses in New Lenox by making sure that the Fire District received bids from local businesses whenever possible. Bob is known to his colleagues as a very meticulous worker and a great friend.

Bob is also a loving grandfather, father, and husband. Bob and his wife Mary have been married for 37 years, all but one of which have been spent living in New Lenox. Bob and Mary have five children and ten grandchildren.

The 11th Congressional District of Illinois and the community of New Lenox owe Robert Fronek a debt of gratitude. I am proud to represent him and all the wonderful firefighters who serve the 11th District. I congratulate Robert on being honored by his colleagues and wish him continued success.

Madam Speaker, on April 3, 2010, friends, family, and colleagues of Glen Krohn will gather to celebrate his 50 years of service to the New Lenox Fire Protection District. Today I join the chorus of praise for Glen's service.

Glen, a 70 year resident of New Lenox, began his service to the New Lenox Fire Protection District on December 8, 1960. When he first began, Glen gave his time for little or no pay. His role in the fire department grew as he devoted additional time and effort for what he viewed as a great cause.

Glen began his life of service to our country with three years in the US Army. He then began a half century of service to the New Lenox Fire Protection District. He has served as Lieutenant Engineer, Chief Engineer, and, since 1997, as Trustee. Glen has twice been awarded the honor of Firefighter of the Year. He is known to his colleagues as the historian of the fire district and is said to possess a heart of gold.

Glen is also a loving grandfather, father, and husband. Glen and his wife, Doris, have been married for 56 years and have three children and seven grandchildren.

The 11th Congressional District of Illinois and the community of New Lenox owe Glen Krohn a debt of gratitude. I am proud to represent him and all the wonderful firefighters who serve the 11th District. I congratulate Glen on being honored by his colleagues and wish him continued success.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Mayor Chris Koos of the Town of Normal, for being named by Governor Patrick Quinn as an ``Environmental Hero'' by the State of Illinois. The award is given in recognition of a strong commitment to the health and protection of the environment in Illinois.

Through strong leadership and commitment to sustainable practices, Mayor Koos was at the forefront of creating a pedestrian-friendly community that has attracted Fortune 500 companies and over $200 million in private investment. In addition, Uptown Normal is the first neighborhood in the United States to require Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for new buildings.

Having had the opportunity to work with Mayor Koos, I know first- hand that this award is well deserved. His dedication to innovative, cleaner and greener initiatives, has improved the quality of life for the citizens of the Town of Normal. For this, I commend him for his efforts and wish him and the Town of Normal continued growth and success for years to come.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize the 20th Anniversary of the McLean County Community COMPACT (Collaborating on Meaningful Partnerships and Careers for Tomorrow). The COMPACT, through a coalition of business, education, community, and government volunteers, offers support to school-aged youth in McLean County, Illinois. The COMPACT helps youth become self-sufficient, contributing citizens, through an effective transition from formal schooling to the world of work.

The COMPACT offers a variety of supportive special programs and services for students, teachers, and educational entities through a collaborative effort among business and community leaders. The COMPACT promotes active exchange of resources among businesses and educational entities, including the participation of students in research projects.

The McLean County Community COMPACT was born in 1989 when a small group of local leaders met to address the high school dropout rate and the number of children in McLean County living in poverty. From these leaders came invitations to colleagues to join the effort and a volunteer organization named the COMPACT was born. Since 1990, thousands of students have participated in the COMPACT's projects and from those projects created awareness, motivation, and direction for many young people.

In November of 1994, the COMPACT entered into a partnership with the University of Illinois Extension in McLean County. The organization continued to move forward, hiring an executive director who coordinates among the COMPACT's 250 members. In its 20th year, the COMPACT focuses on 8 project areas including the original Sixth Grade Business Education Partnerships, Principal for a Day, and Career Preparation Realities. It also serves at-risk youth through Achieving Competence in Education and brings technology to homes of students without it through the Clearinghouse Project. More recently, the COMPACT has developed youth leadership activities through Teens in Prevention and YouthLEADS, offering opportunities for youth to help their peers find the correct path.

I would like to commend the McLean County Community COMPACT staff, volunteers and board of directors for their commitment and innovative collaborative efforts in preparing the youth of McLean County for the world of work. I wish them many more years of continued success.-

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Ms. Kelly Reffett's years of work in community service and disaster relief and to wish her well as she retires from her role as President of the Illinois Valley Federation of Labor.

Ms. Reffett began her career in 1979 as an operator for Ameritech in Canton, IL. After working for Ameritech for twenty years, Kelly joined the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago as Director of Partner Relations and AFL-CIO Labor Participation. For ten years, Kelly worked to expand preparedness education opportunities to diverse populations, served disaster stricken communities, and broadened partnerships with corporations and community organizations.

In this position, she directed teams of nearly 100 people at 23 locations, providing executive guidance and program assistance to onsite supervisors and Volunteer in Service to America members. She also served as Partner Services Manager/Officer and Labor Liaison on 25 national relief operations including Hurricane Katrina and World Trade Center 9/11 operations. She co-developed the AFL-CIO's 2009 handbook outlining guidelines and policies for volunteer disaster relief operations. These accomplishments are only a small sampling of Kelly's impressive career.

In addition to her national service, Kelly was also selected to serve at the state and county level. Since 2003, Kelly has served as a commissioner on the Illinois State Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service. In 2008, she was appointed to serve on the LaSalle County Board. Shortly thereafter, she was elected to that office.

Throughout her long career, Ms. Reffett has also remained dedicated to the cause of working families. Serving as President of the Illinois Valley Federation of Labor for over two decades, she always put the best interests of Illinois Valley workers first.

Ms. Kelly Reffett has had a long and proud career, one that is not ending as she retires from the presidency of the Illinois Valley Federation of Labor. Having worked with her over the years, I am sure she will continue to work to improve her community, as she has done over and throughout her long and successful career.

Where are the jobs? I think we can answer that every time we speak. In my district it is happening quite literally.

Recently I was very proud to announce $1.2 billion in Recovery Act funding being invested in Illinois for high-speed rail lines from Chicago to St. Louis. Two of the towns in my district happen to be stops along the rail line--Joliet and Normal.

There are those who have said, and continue to say, that projects like these will not put people to work, that the stimulus isn't working. But here is the reality: These high-speed rail lines in Illinois alone are going to put 6,000 people to work. This wouldn't have been possible without the investment in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

I am proud that the Recovery Act is putting these people to work and putting our communities back on the track to recovery. We must continue to invest in American infrastructure, build upon the work of the Recovery Act is doing, and continue working to create jobs. The future of our districts depends on it.

Mr. Speaker, it's critical that we get people back to work across this country. Nothing is more important to the American people at this time than jobs. That's why I was proud to announce $22 million in stimulus funds for my district's multimodal transportation center located in the city of Normal, Illinois.

There are those who have said, and continue to say, that projects like this will not put people back to work; who still say that the stimulus isn't working. But here's the reality: The construction of this center is going to put 300 people to work and give access to good transportation options to countless more residents of central Illinois. This project would not have been possible without the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

I'm proud that the Recovery Act is helping those individuals get back to work. We must continue to invest in American infrastructure, build upon the work that the Recovery Act is doing, and continue to work to create jobs.