Floor Statements

Madam Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3999, National Highway Bridge Reconstruction and Inspection Act. This legislation is in response to the bridge collapse that occurred on August 1, 2007, in Minneapolis, MN. That incident was a tragedy and serves as a reminder to all that we must properly invest in our infrastructure.

The United States transportation system is the envy of the world. We have an extensive system of highways, ports, locks and dams, and airports. Yet, we have neglected to upgrade and modernize our infrastructure over the years.

For example, currently, the National Bridge Inventory contains information on 594,101 bridges. Of the bridges in the inventory, 73,784 bridges were structurally deficient and over 80,000 were functionally obsolete. Those numbers are astounding and troublesome.

We should not build our infrastructure and then walk away without maintaining it and modernizing it as it becomes antiquated. HR 3999 authorizes an additional $1 billion in FY09 for the Highway Bridge Program and requires updates and changes to be made to the inspection program.

Madam Chairman, we must find a way to make the necessary improvements to our roads and bridges to make sure the highest level of safety is maintained and that the U.S. economy remains strong. That is why I support H.R. 3999 and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 655, a resolution honoring

the life of an innovative and influential artist and civil rights leader of the 20th century, Ms. Katherine Dunham. Ms. Dunham has left a remarkable legacy behind, from her ground breaking work in studying dance and anthropology to becoming an internationally recognized dancer. While her renowned dancing and choreography entertained people around the world, she always kept in mind the plight of the less fortunate and was strongly committed on issues of social justice. In just one example, at the age of 82, she held a 47-day hunger strike to bring attention to the situation of Haitian refugees.

In addition, I would like to point out the strong connection she had to the community where she lived part of her life, East St. Louis, IL, which lies in my congressional district. Her contributions to the community are immeasurable. She established the Performing Arts Training Center and the Katherine Dunham Museum and Children's Workshop in the city to help revitalize the are and also founded a dance anthropology program at Southern Illinois University--Edwardsville. It was my great pleasure to introduce a bill that became law during the 109th Congress to name a post office after Katherine Dunham within East St. Louis.

Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to honor this compassionate and gifted individual who contributed so much to her community and our Nation and I ask the House to join me in paying respect to an honored American, Katherine Dunham, by supporting H. Res. 655.

I thank my friend from Illinois, Chairman Davis.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6061, legislation designating a post office building in West Frankfort, Illinois, as the ``Kenneth James Gray Post Office Building.''

I would like to thank Chairman Waxman and Chairman Davis for working

with me on this legislation and for bringing the legislation to the floor today.

Congressman Gray was born and raised in West Frankfort, Illinois. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1954, serving through 1974. In 1984, Ken ran again and was elected to the House and served two more terms.

When I was elected to the House of Representatives in 1988, Kenny Gray was very helpful to me. We worked together and fought to improve housing, education, and to bring jobs to southern Illinois. We, of course, continue that fight today with my colleagues in the Illinois delegation.

Prior to his tenure in Congress, Congressman Gray earned three Bronze Stars for his service in World War II. He also owned a car dealership and operated an air service in Benton, Illinois.

After retiring in 1988, Ken remained active in community affairs, serving on several boards and heading up many local projects to further economic growth in our region. Naming this post office after Kenny Gray will serve as a lasting reminder of his accomplishments in Southern Illinois.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring our former colleague and friend by supporting this legislation.

I thank my friend for yielding his time and for his kind words.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6327, the Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act. I want to thank Chairman Rangel and Chairman Neal for bringing this to the floor today, as well as Chairman Oberstar and Ranking Members Mica and Petri.

The Aviation Trust Fund was established to help the fund to develop a nationwide airport and airway system and to make critical investments in our air traffic control facilities.

The trust fund provides funding for the Airport Improvement Program, which provides grants for construction and safety projects at airports; the Facilities and Equipment account, which funds technological improvements to the air traffic control system; and a Research, Engineering, and Development account. The fund also partially pays for the salaries, expenses, and operations for the Federal Aviation Administration.

This trust fund is currently operating under a short-term extension that expires on June 30, 2008. Congress must act before June 30 to ensure that critical safety and capacity improvement funds are provided to our airports and our entire aviation system. Further, without action, the FAA will be forced to lay off 4,000 employees on June 30 of this year.

To address these issues, H.R. 6327 extends not only the aviation taxes and expenditure authority, but also AIP contract authority until September 30, 2008.

H.R. 6327 provides an additional $919 million in AIP contract authority, resulting in a full-year contract authority level of $3.675 billion for fiscal year 2008. These additional funds will allow airports to proceed with critical safety and capacity enhancement projects, particularly large projects that require full-year's worth of AIP funding in order for them to move forward.

On September 20, 2007, the House passed H.R. 2881, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2007, a long-term authorization of the FAA's programs. The other body, as Chairman Neal has indicated, has yet to pass its version of the bill, and until H.R. 2881 becomes law, it is important that we extend the FAA programs on a short-term basis.

Mr. Speaker, aviation is too important to our Nation's economy-- contributing $1.2 trillion in output and approximately 11.4 million U.S. jobs--to allow taxes or funding for critical aviation programs to expire.

As we begin what is expected to be a very busy travel season, Congress must act now on this extension to reduce delays and congestion, improve safety and efficiency, and help our economy.

Mr. Speaker, I urge our colleagues to support the bill.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to discuss the Air Force's decision to award the tanker contract to EADS/Northrup Grumman (NG) instead of Boeing.

I understand that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) is reviewing that award and a decision is expected this week.

I wanted to highlight that the footprint of the EADS tanker is 53 percent larger than the Boeing version, requiring much more military construction money for larger runways, taxiways, and hangars.

Further, Boeing would create 28,707 jobs per year at full production, at least twice as many U.S. jobs as EADS/NG, which would support an estimated 14,353 jobs if it were to win the contract. Boeing's KC-767 would create twice as many U.S. jobs as EADS/Northrop. The EADS award will result in ``loss'' of new jobs.

At a time when unemployment is skyrocketing in the US, I believe we should be fighting to maintain as many jobs here in the US instead of sending them overseas.

It has come to light that the Air Force did not review the impact of the contract award on US jobs and I believe this is an important component given that should the contract go to EADS/NG, we would be sending billions of American taxpayers' money overseas at a time when the US economy is faltering. I question whether the EADS tanker provides the best value for our military and the American taxpayer.

I do not support this contract being awarded to EADS because of its adverse affects on American jobs and I question whether it will meet the long term requirements of our military.

Madam Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 6063, which authorizes the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for fiscal year 2009. As a member of the Science and Technology Committee, I am pleased that this bill has reached the floor with the full bipartisan support of the committee. H.R. 6063 reaffirms the basic principles that NASA is and should remain a multi-mission agency with a balanced portfolio of programs in science, aeronautics, and human space flight, including human and robotic exploration beyond low-Earth orbit.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the dawn of the United States space program. H.R. 6063 honors this accomplishment with an affirmation of the administration's goals of transitioning to new space vehicles, sending astronauts to Mars and repairing the Hubble telescope. I believe this bill makes important investments in aeronautic research and development while continuing NASA's important work to carry us into the next half century of space exploration. Madam Chairman, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6003, the Passenger Rail investment and Improvement Act of 2008.

Since coming to Congress, I have been a strong supporter of Amtrak because of the benefits it brings, including congestion and environmental emissions relief. It continues to produce almost 20,000 jobs, services more than 25.8 million passengers, and provides a significant transportation link for communities in my congressional district and throughout the Nation.

In H.R. 6003, we authorize more than $14.4 billion for Amtrak capital and operating grants, state intercity passenger grants, and high-speed rail over the next five years. Further, we provide $1.75 billion for grants to states to finance construction and equipment for 11 authorized high-speed rail corridors, including the St. Louis-Chicago corridor.

Finally, I want to thank Chairman Oberstar and Chairwoman Brown for working with me to include a provision that allows previous State investments for capital and operating Amtrak to be used toward the required 20% local match. The bill allows for States to use half of what they put into Amtrak in operating and capital investments toward their local match. Illinois has made significant investments in recent years into Amtrak and the language will help Illinois and other states continue to provide and expand service.

Mr. Chairman, I support H.R. 6003 and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in commending the efforts of the Village of Bethalto for their service to the community and the environment by developing green spaces and parks around its community.

Recently, the Village of Bethalto christened the Culp Lake Park on the northwest portion of the community. This newly opened public space is an inspiration to other cities hoping to brighten their communities and provide their citizens with opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

In the early 1960's, the Village of Bethalto developed a 17-acre lagoon site that, after years of disregard, became connected with the Alton Sewer Treatment Plant in 1972. While village officials sought to transform the lagoon for many years, it was not until Mayor Steve Bryant began the final push that ultimately led to the gorgeous green space there today.

In 1997, Mayor Bryant and village officials established a park plan that envisioned not just a green space, but a versatile area with recreational facilities, picnic pavilions, and beautiful landscaping. With urban sprawl on the rise, Mayor Bryant and village officials decided it was time to turn this blighted area of the village into a family friendly environment.

In order to keep costs at a minimum, village officials acquired grant funding from Madison County and the State of Illinois that led to the clean-up and filling in of the lagoon, the formation of a 4 acre fishing lake, and the ultimate creation of the park.

Not only was this effort championed by the Village Board, residents of the village took it upon themselves to contribute. The Bethalto Boys and Girls club, for example, donated and planted trees at the park.

Thanks to this type of effort, the Metro-East, located across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, Missouri, boasts the largest percentage of green spaces among the top 10 metropolitan areas in the State of Illinois.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending the efforts of Mayor Steve Bryant and the village officials from Bethalto, Illinois for their dedication to environmental conservation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the distinguished career of the Honorable Kenneth Gray and to express appreciation for his years of service to his country and to the residents of southern Illinois.

A native son of West Frankfort, IL, Ken is a man of varied interests and talents. He was both a licensed pilot and auctioneer. From 1942 to 1954, he owned Gray Motors in West Frankfort and also operated an air service in Benton from 1948 to 1954.

In World War II, Ken answered his country's call to service at the age of 18, which took him to North Africa and Italy as well as combat missions over southern France and central Europe. Ken's decorations for his service in World War II included 3 bronze stars.

Upon returning home from the war, Ken became involved in assisting his fellow veterans and it was through these endeavors that he was encouraged to run for the U.S. Congress. Ken won election from the 25th Congressional District of Illinois in 1954 as a freshman member of the 84th Congress and he continued to serve for a total of 10 successive terms. Because of health concerns, Ken did not run for re-election in 1974 but ran again, and won, in 1984 and served another two terms, representing his beloved southern Illinois in the U.S. House of Representatives.

As a U.S. Congressman, Ken was a tireless advocate for the needs of the people of southern Illinois and built a reputation as a member who worked well with his colleagues to get the job done. On a personal note, I have always been grateful to Ken for what he did for me when I was first elected to Congress. I was elected in a special election in August 1988 to complete the term of Mel Price, who passed away that year. Ken resigned his position on the Transportation Committee, which made a seat available for me and gave me seniority over other members who were first elected in 1988 to start the 101st Congress.

Since retiring from Congress in 1988, Ken has continued to work hard for the needs of the people of southern Illinois. He has served on several boards and projects, most notably as a board member of the Rend Lake Conservancy District. He has also worked on a number of initiatives to improve rural health care, especially in Franklin County, IL. Ken is frequently a speaker at local political and charitable events which benefit a number of organizations, such as the Poshard Foundation for Abused Children.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in an expression of appreciation to the Honorable Kenneth Gray for his years of service to this body and to the people of southern Illinois and to wish him and his family the very best in the future.

Mr. Speaker, today, we are considering H. Res. 444, a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of national aviation maintenance technician day, honoring Charles Edward Taylor, and recognizing the essential role of aviation maintenance technicians in ensuring the safety and security of both civil and military aircraft.

This important legislation was introduced by our colleague, Mr. Filner.

Charles Edward Taylor was born in Illinois in 1868 and worked as the machinist for the Wright brothers in their Dayton, Ohio facility. It was here that he built the 12-horsepower engine to power the Wright brothers' first flying machine.

Taylor had an impressive career spanning over sixty years, where he did all of the preliminary engine design work for the Wright brothers and later taught them to build aircraft engines.

As a testament to his skill and this important craft, the Federal Aviation Administration awards the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award recognizing the lifetime accomplishments of certificated mechanics and repairmen who have worked in aviation for at least 50 years.

Our aviation maintenance professionals ensure the safety of aircraft each and everyday. By honoring Charles Taylor, we demonstrate our respect and admiration for this important profession.

Mr. Speaker, aviation maintenance professionals continue to keep our civil and military aircraft safe and secure. That is why I support H. Res. 444 and urge my colleagues to do the same.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of the victims of the Armenian genocide.

On April 24, 1915, over 200 Armenian religious, political, and intellectual leaders were murdered in Constantinople by the government of the Ottoman Empire. This event marked the beginning of a systematic mass murder of 1.5 million Armenian people and the displacement of nearly 500,000 refugees. Today marks the 93rd anniversary of the beginning of an 8 year siege against the property, dignity and lives of the Armenian people.

We are here today to fully recognize the impact of this event. More than a dozen other countries including France, Canada, Austria, Sweden, and Greece have acknowledged genocide and passed resolutions similar to H. Res. 106, commemorating those who lost their lives in Armenia between 1915 and 1923. Yet, despite the great suffering of the Armenian people, they have overcome adversity and continue to preserve their culture, traditions, religion and history. The United States and Armenia have had a strong, long-lasting relationship, including U.S. humanitarian and technical assistance to Armenia totaling nearly $2 billion to date. With the recent election of President Serge Sargsian, Armenia continues to demonstrate a maturing democracy. Armenian- American citizens have contributed to our society in countless ways and the memory of their ancestors deserves to be honored. Acknowledging the 1915-1923 genocide as a tragic piece of Armenian history is a stepping stone in preventing future atrocities from taking place around the globe.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join the in paying tribute today to those who lost their lives in this horrible event against the Armenian people and honoring the survivors who continue to commemorate the memory of their lost family and friends.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the outstanding accomplishments of the debate team at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois. Directed by Dr. Todd Graham, the team of Kevin Calderwood, a junior in political science from Chesterfield, MO, and Kyle Dennis, a senior in economics from Blue Springs, MO, won the national championship in the 54-team National Parliamentary Tournament of Excellence.

It is important to note that this was a very select competition. A team must qualify for the national championship tournament by doing well throughout the year. While only 54 teams competed, more than 300 attempted to qualify.

The debate program also entered teams in the National Parliamentary Debate Association tournament. That tournament is held at the end of March at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, and includes over 250 universities and colleges. Among the 500 debaters competing, Kevin won the top spot in the individual awards, solidifying his position as one of the best debaters in the country. Kyle took home third place overall in the individual awards.

In addition, the team of Katie Thomas, from Fort Collins, CO, and Adam Testerman, from Springfield, MO, won fifth place as a team overall. Also participating in the debate program was Nicholas Deml of La Crosse, WI. Graduate students Benjamin Haas, from Poplar Bluff, MO, and Brian Norcross from San Diego, CA, assisted Dr. Graham with team preparation.

Not surprisingly, the debate program's successes throughout the season resulted in a great deal of recognition from peers at other universities. Ryan Lawrence, a debater from the University of California at Berkeley and the top debater last year, commented to Dr. Graham that he would still hold his head high if beaten by Southern Illinois because he and his teammates considered it ``the smartest, hardest-working and best debate team in the country.''

Madam Speaker, Southern Illinois University has a proud tradition in teaching, research and public service. It is widely recognized that graduates who are well prepared become leaders in their fields. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating the debate team, faculty and students at Southern Illinois University for their continuing commitment to excellence.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Edward M. Smith, as he accepts his new position as President of the Union Labor Life Insurance Company, ULLICO, and retires as Vice President, Assistant to the General President, and Midwest Regional Manager of the Laborers' International Union of North America, LIUNA.

Ed Smith was born into a union family. His father was the business manager of Local 773, and would continue in that position until his retirement. His mother was also a 15-year member of the union. So it seemed natural that, at the age of 13, Ed Smith would join Laborers' Local 773, in Cairo, Illinois, and work his way through school as a construction craft laborer.

At the age of 21, when many young men are yet to chart their career course, Ed was elected as business manager of the local union. While serving as business manager, Ed continued to expand his role within the Laborers' Union. In 1981, he was appointed International Representative for the International Union and was later appointed LIUNA legislative director for the State of Illinois. Ed was elected President of the Southern Illinois Laborers' District Council in 1986 and Business Manager in 1990.

Ed has served on a number of Union entities, including the Laborers' National Pension Fund, as Chairman of the Central Laborers' Pension Fund, Laborers' Home Development Corporation, Laborers' International Federal Employees Credit Union, Southern Illinois Laborers' Fringe Benefit Funds, Railroad Maintenance Health & Welfare Fund, and the Illinois Laborers' & Contractors Joint Apprenticeship & Training Fund.

Ed does not limit his involvement to the Laborers' Union. He was Chairman of the Illinois State Board of Investment, serves as a member of the Illinois Department of Labor Advisory Board, the Democratic National Committee, and is chairman of the National Alliance for Fair Contracting. Ed has also been a major benefactor to the Therapy Center in Carterville, Illinois, an organization that assists physically disabled children, and he serves as a board member of the ``I Can Read Program'' which helps children with reading and learning disabilities.

Ed graduated from Shawnee College with an Associate of Arts degree and, in 1992, he received Shawnee College's first Outstanding Alumni Award. Ed was the first member of the Laborers' International Union to graduate from the National Labor College with a bachelor's degree and, in 1978, he graduated from the Harvard University Trade Union Program.

Ed and his wife, Betty, reside in Olive Branch, Illinois. Ed has two children, a daughter, Jordan, and a son, Matt.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in an expression of appreciation to Mr. Edward M. Smith, a true champion of organized labor, and to wish him our best as he embarks on his new position as President of the Union Labor Life Insurance Company.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the distinguished career and extensive community involvement of Mr. Robert Zerkle of Mascoutah, Illinois.

Bob served in the Mascoutah School District for 38 years, as a math teacher, Business Manager and Assistant Superintendent, before retiring in 2001.

Even after his retirement from the Mascoutah School District, Bob has continued to be a staunch advocate of Impact Aid, the federal program which provides assistance to local school districts that have been impacted by the presence of federal property, such as the impact Scott Air Force Base has had on the Mascoutah School District in the Congressional district I represent. He has received several awards commending his efforts, including the 2008 Friends of the National Association of Federally Impact Schools Award and the Globe Award recognizing his career working on behalf of Impact Aid.

Madam Speaker, as the Representative for Scott Air Force Base, I have witnessed first hand how important the Impact Aid program is to our region and our students. Not only does it provide school districts such as Mascoutah with essential funding otherwise unavailable, it assures the men and women of our fighting forces that their children will receive a great education while they are keeping America safe and secure.

The tireless efforts of individuals like Bob Zerkle are an example of how one individual's dedication to a cause can have a lifetime effect on a community. Bob's wealth of experience and overwhelming devotion will no doubt be missed among his colleagues and his students.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in an expression of appreciation to Bob Zerkle for his years of dedicated service in support of Impact Aid and the students of the Mascoutah School district. I wish Bob the very best in the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the distinguished career and extensive community involvement of Mr. Robert Zerkle of Mascoutah, Illinois.

Bob served in the Mascoutah School District for 38 years, as a math teacher, business manager and assistant superintendent, before retiring in 2001.

Even after his retirement from the Mascoutah School District, Bob has continued to be a staunch advocate of Impact Aid, the Federal program which provides assistance to

local school districts that have been impacted by the presence of Federal property, such as the impact Scott Air Force Base has had on the Mascoutah School District in the congressional district I represent. He has received several awards commending his efforts, including the 2008 Friends of the National Association of Federally Impact Schools Award and the Globe Award recognizing his career working on behalf of Impact Aid.

Madam Speaker, as the Representative for Scott Air Force Base, I have witnessed first hand how important the Impact Aid program is to our region and our students. Not only does it provide school districts such as Mascoutah with essential funding otherwise unavailable, it assures the men and women of our fighting forces that their children will receive a great education while they are keeping America safe and secure.

The tireless efforts of individuals like Bob Zerkle are an example of how one individual's dedication to a cause can have a lifetime effect on a community. Bob's wealth of experience and overwhelming devotion will no doubt be missed among his colleagues and his students.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in an expression of appreciation to Bob Zerkle for his years of dedicated service in support of Impact Aid and the students of the Mascoutah School District. I wish Bob the very best in the future.