Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 978) expressing support for the designation of the week of March 3-7, 2008, as ``School Social Work Week'' to promote awareness of the vital role of school social workers in schools, and in the community as a whole, in helping students prepare for their future as productive citizens.

Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may insert material relevant to H. Res. 978 into the Record.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 978, a resolution to recognize the week of March 3-7 as National School Social Worker Week.

School social workers have long played a critical role in schools in the community as a whole. They are professionals with training in social mental health intervention who work with youth to address their emotional, social, and developmental needs. For example, students in elementary school are just beginning to develop their academic self- concept and their feelings of competence. School social workers help students build their confidence as learners.

In middle school, many new challenges arise. During this passage from childhood to adolescence, middle school students are characterized by a need to explore a variety of interests connecting their learning into the classroom to its practical application in life. For these students, school social workers provide proactive leadership that engage all stakeholders in the delivery of programs and services to help students navigate the challenges and achieve success.

And in high school, students begin separating from parents and exploring and defining their independence. They face increased pressure regarding risk behaviors involving sex, alcohol, and drugs, while exploring the boundaries of the more acceptable behavior and mature, meaningful relationships. School social workers help make them concrete and compounded decisions.

On top of this, school social workers must be responsive to the range of challenges that young people face every day such as poverty, disability, discrimination, abuse, addiction, bullying, divorce of parents, loss of a loved one, and other barriers to learning.

School social workers are also on the front lines when disaster strikes, such as the Southern California wildfires or Hurricane Katrina, as well as other traumatic incidents such as the atrocities on 9/11. There is a documentation of the growing need for school districts to expand mental and student support services in schools. The numbers indicate that only 1 in 5 of the 17,500,000 children in need of mental health actually received those services.

Many students go underserved primarily because the national average ratio of student-to-school social workers is far beneath the 400-1 ratio recommended by the School Social Work Association of America.

Mr. Speaker, this resolution serves to recognize the treasure that is the school social worker and acknowledge the priceless role that they play in guiding our students' success in the ever-changing world of the 21st century.

I urge my colleagues to resoundingly pass this resolution.

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

I would just say in conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I would join the gentleman from Utah in support of this resolution which recognizes an important group in our country and salutes the work that they perform. And I would urge all Members to support 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. 930) supporting the goals and ideals of ``Career and Technical Education Month,'' as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may insert material relevant to H. Res. 930 into the Record.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 930, which will designate February 2008 as ``Career and Technical Education Month'' and recognize the important role career and technical education plays in the instruction of America's students.

Today, over 15 million students participate in career and technical education programs. Career and technical education programs offer diverse courses in subject areas that support the development of a competitive economy, and the courses are constantly evolving to meet the needs of the global market. For example, the Cisco Networking Academy has focused on giving students across the Nation hands-on activities within its 18 programs to prepare students for career opportunities in telecommunications and continuing their education.

Another such institution is Marshall Academy. This CTE program at this Fairfax, Virginia, high school strives to expose students to various career paths through a full line of technical and professional courses. Classes in business management, auto services, criminal justice, and culinary arts are bolstered through business partnerships with companies such as Microsoft, Sheridan Hotels, and Ford Motor Company. Career and technical programs like these are responsive to the business needs of the community and set students on a successful path for the future. These programs can be found throughout communities across the country and are integral to ensuring America's place in the global economy through the integration of science, math, and literacy in technical course work.

The success of CTE can be seen in the data that we have in students who participate in CTE courses. We know that students who take career and technical education courses are more likely to stay in school and, while there, obtain higher grade point averages than their peers. And we also know that when a course combines rigorous academic content with technical subject matter, students are encouraged to actively engage with their studies.

Additionally, career and technical education programs are an effective means of linking high schools with community colleges. These links introduce students to future learning opportunities and ease the transition to a post-secondary education.

Lastly, programs such as these help foster a highly educated and skilled workforce through internships, job shadowing, and other cooperative work experiences. These courses provide a foundation of skills that prepare students for gainful employment in the United States.

Studies have shown that students who participate in career and technical education programs have better employment opportunities and earn more than their general education counterparts.

I am encouraged by the many gains students have made through career and technical education programs and believe that a skilled workforce is paramount when competing in a global economy. In my district, there are four CTE school programs and I think like all Members across the country, they are extremely impressive institutions with great committed faculty and students who are totally motivated and engaged in the special skills that they have the opportunity to get a head start in terms of their future job growth and their job opportunities.

Mr. Speaker, once again, I express my support for Career and Technical Education Month, and I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Baird) as much time as he shall consume.

Just to close, Mr. Speaker, again, Congressman Baird, who is a passionate advocate on this issue, I think said it all. For all the reasons that he stated and Mr. Bishop from Utah, I would urge all Members to support this resolution and its passage.

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. 944) honoring the service and accomplishments of Lieutenant General Russel L. Honore, United States Army, for his 37 years of service on behalf of the United States, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the resolution under consideration.

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

I rise today in support of H. Res. 944, honoring the service and accomplishments of Lieutenant General Russel L. Honore, United States Army, for his 37 years of service on behalf of the United States.

And let me first take a moment to thank Representative David Scott of Georgia for helping us to recognize General Honore and getting this resolution to the floor here today. And I want to certainly allow him the spotlight in terms of talking about this extraordinary gentleman.

Very briefly, he is a native of Lakeland, Louisiana, graduated from Southern University and A&M College in 1971. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army.

During his career, General Honore has served a number of infantry command positions in the Army, including tours in Germany and as commanding officer of the Second Infantry Division in Korea. He had also seen action in Iraq and Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm and served as Vice Director for Operations for the Joint Chiefs of Staff here in Washington, DC.

Through his efforts and command, he was responsible for the training and deployment of a half million National Guard and Reserve members. In addition, he led the Joint Task Force Katrina following the hurricane's destruction of the gulf coast in 2005, where he commanded all active duty troops from all branches dedicated to storm recovery operations.

This Nation owes a debt of gratitude to General Honore for his commitment to the defense of our great Nation.

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

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to yield 5 minutes to my friend and colleague, the sponsor of this resolution, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Scott).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Jefferson).

Mr. Speaker, at this time I have no further requests for time. Again, I urge passage of the resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, dreams of higher education have become increasingly elusive for thousands of well-qualified students from low- income and disadvantaged backgrounds. On February 7, 2008, the House passed the College Opportunity and Affordability Act, legislation that will move our Nation one step closer to expanding higher education opportunities for all. I rise today to celebrate this achievement and recognize the role that Dr. Maria Martinez, the University of Connecticut's director of the Center for Academic Programs, has served in delivering higher education outreach services to Connecticut's most vulnerable communities.

For the past four decades, TRIO programs, including Talent Search, Upward Bound, and Student Support Services, have facilitated access to higher education opportunities for disadvantaged students in Connecticut and across the Nation. Dr. Martinez is charged with implementing TRIO and similar programs at the University of Connecticut. On March 22, 2007, in light of pending reauthorization of these programs under the College Opportunity and Affordability Act, Dr. Maria D. Martinez testified before the House Committee on Education and Labor.

Perhaps the most poignant of her testimonials included a reference to one of UConn's TRIO alumni, Dr. Franklin Chang-Diaz. She stated that Franklin struggled with English in high school and was recruited into UConn's Student Support Services program. Upon completing his undergraduate degree, Franklin earned a doctorate in plasma physics at MIT, was recruited by NASA, and became America's first Hispanic astronaut. He currently holds the world record for most space missions flown.

The College Opportunity and Affordability Act strengthens these programs and brings hope to thousands of students just like Franklin. In Dr. Chang-Diaz's words, ``TRIO is one of the ways this country really becomes the land of opportunity.''

Madam Speaker, education systems form the pillars for potential prosperity and health of any society. Our Nation must remain vigilant of these systems and continue to improve them until they reflect our highest aspirations. Continuing to support programs like TRIO is necessary to ensure these worthy objectives. I ask my colleagues to join with me and my constituents in recognizing the importance of TRIO programs and Dr. Martinez's role in delivering these services to underprivileged students in Connecticut.

Madam Speaker, for decades the United States has looked towards Australia as one of our closest of cultural, economic and security partners. This is true not just between the two governments but among Americans and Australians who have crossed the Pacific to visit with or work with each other. I am pleased to rise today to recognize the Uni-Capitol Washington Internship Program, which annually delivers some of Australia's best and brightest university students to a bipartisan and bicameral array of congressional offices for two-month internships.

This is the first year that I have been privileged to participate in the Uni-Capitol Washington Internship Program. A student emissary to my office, Anthony Bremner, has added first-hand value to our understanding of global issues and perspectives as seen from Australia. Anthony, who visits us from the University of Queensland, is a text- book example of the high caliber of this program. Over the past two months, he has applied his volunteer experiences from the constituency office of Australia's newly elected Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, to my office. During this time, Anthony has attended committee briefings, drafted constituent correspondence, and assisted my staff with research. His Australian accent frequently sparked conversations with my constituents interested to learn where he was from and to share their international experiences with him. This international exchange has demonstrated that through sharing our American and eastern Connecticut values and experiences we foster greater understanding and appreciation of the United States.

Anthony is not alone in this effort. This year, a record 13 students from all across Australia were matched with as many congressional offices. They were drawn from seven Australian universities in four different states and the Australian Capital Territory. Far from a solely academic exercise, the Uni-Capitol program is a practical investment in our global community, given the diverse array of congressional participants and an equally diverse array of student interests ranging from law to commerce, from the environment to communications, from international affairs to American studies.

Including this current group, 81 Australian students will have interned in Washington since the program's inception nine years ago. For launching and directing this effort here in Washington, much credit is due to its founder Eric Federing. Eric is a former senior House and Senate Congressional staffer who has worked to bridge the wide geographic distance between the U.S. and Australia through his efforts at the Uni-Capitol Washington Internship Program.

Madam Speaker, I would encourage all of my colleagues to seek connections with members of our global community. Similarly, I would encourage American university students to seek established and creative ways to connect with their counterparts around the globe. On this note, I ask my colleagues to join with me in recognizing the contributions of the Uni-Capitol Internship Program and, again, thank Anthony Bremner for his participation and hard work.

Madam Speaker, for the past 50 years LEGO has transformed childhood play and provided invaluable academic and economic contributions to local communities around the globe. On January 29, 2008, LEGO celebrated its 50th anniversary. I rise today to recognize 50 years of LEGO innovation and contributions.

LEGO USA headquarters is located in my district in Enfield, Connecticut. Over the past three decades since headquarters moved from Brookfield to Enfield, Connecticut in 1975, the company has made substantial contributions to the local community. Today it remains the town's largest employer. Although the Enfield offices have struggled in recent years in light of increasing globalization pressures, I remain hopeful that it will continue to innovate and thrive as part of Connecticut's economy. Education and family programs, which have been highlights of the corporation in the past, will continue to have positive lasting impacts on the community in the future.

The LEGO Creative Child Care Center KinderCare@Work program, which accommodates children ages 6 weeks to 12 years of age, has received national accolades for quality childhood development services. LEGO's KinderCare@Work program incorporates an engaging, thought-provoking curriculum into a healthy and safe environment for children from the local community. Quality early education programs, like LEGO's KinderCare@Work, are essential for promoting academic and professional success in latter years and should be a model for other private and public early education programs.

Programs geared towards middle and high school students, such as the FIRST LEGO League (FLL), also provide impetus for academic success and an environmentally and socially conscientious society. FLL programs encourage students to look at problems currently affecting global communities from a pragmatic and analytical perspective. LEGO USA has been a regular host of FLL tournaments. In 2007, students from Enfield and all of Connecticut joined students from around the globe in addressing a fundamental question that continues to be the focus of leading environmentalists, engineers, scientists, and politicians: the economic, environmental, and social impact that our energy consumption choices have on our global community.

From, simple yellow and red blocks to black knights and ninjas, the iconic toy has remained a classic, thought-provoking source of play for children around the world. For providing positive academic and economic development in communities around our globe and inspiring generations of artists, architects, and engineers, I ask my colleagues to join with me and my constituents in honoring LEGO's 50th anniversary.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to recognize the heroic efforts of four members of eastern Connecticut's community: Robert Butler, John Roberts, and Shelly and Greg Erb. These individuals' selfless and quick, smart actions saved the lives of two kayakers from the frigid waters of the Noank River. On Friday, February 7, 2008, Robert Butler and John Roberts will be presented with a Meritorious Public Service Award by Rear Admiral Timothy Sullivan and Captain Dan Ronan. Shelly and Greg Erb will be presented with a Certificate of Merit.

On January 30, 2008, Shelly Erb was driving to her home in Noank, Connecticut, when she spotted a stranded kayaker on the bank of the Noank River. Once home, she immediately notified her husband, Greg Erb who called 911 and the Noank Village Boatyard. Shelly and Greg's quick, decisive actions to notify both emergency responders and the Noank Village Boatyard would ultimately prove to save both kayakers' lives.

Employees of the Noank Village Boatyard, Robert Butler and John Roberts received the call from Mr. Erb. The waters were near freezing, and understanding that prolonged exposure posed serious life- threatening risks, the men immediately launched a boat to find the kayakers. Soon after, Robert and John were able to locate the kayakers, one of whom remained in the water, nearly unconscious. Robert and John rescued the kayaker from the water and helped both to a waiting ambulance. Both kayakers survived.

The events that unfolded on January 30 could have very possibly ended in tragedy. Instead, our community witnessed the very best of its neighbors. I ask my colleagues to join with me and my constituents in recognizing and saluting the heroic efforts of Robert Butler, John Roberts, and Shelly and Greg Erb.

Mr. Chairman, I want to start by first of all thanking Chairman Grijalva who during this 110th Congress has shown that he is a true friend of the State of Connecticut with his advocacy on the 8-Mile River bill and now for the MMM Scenic Trail bill.

I also want to recognize Congressman Olver for his hard work on this issue, and Congressman Murphy and the other cosponsors of this legislation.

People are extremely excited who live in the area that will be affected by this trail. Again, I think it will be a wonderful step forward for New England. And as Chris said, reconnecting with its terrific natural beauty and natural heritage.

Four of the towns which this trail goes through touch Connecticut's Second District. Suffield, Durham, Haddam and Madison, at various points on the map that Congressman Murphy presented, are part of the national scenic trail.

This is a system, to sort of get back to the bill before us today and maybe away from some of the global issues which were just discussed, it was a system created in 1968. Twenty-three trails have been given designation by Congress during the last 40 years in a very nonintrusive way with no damage done to people's property rights, but in a way that is a partnership relationship between the Federal Government and local landowners and communities.

It is my understanding that the Governor of the State of Connecticut, Governor Rell, a Republican, is supporting a letter in support of the legislation. I think that is indicative of the feeling of the communities that are touched by it, certainly in the State of Connecticut, and particularly by the private, nonprofit Connecticut Forest and Park Association, which Mr. Bishop gave great praise to, and they deserve it for the work that they have done over the many years.

But I think it is important that when we talk about the work that they did, they are vigorous advocates and supporters of this legislation because they see it as consistent with the mission that they have carried out for 75 years, to keep the trail accessible to families, to individuals from all over the world. They deserve, I think, the biggest credit for their support for this legislation over the last few years.

Finally, I want to say in response to the prior speaker, the Members of the U.S. Senate from the State of Connecticut did support production of new sources of energy in the energy bill which was sent to the Senate. Production tax credits for geothermal wind and solar were paid for by taking away tax breaks for oil companies. Unfortunately, the opposition party in the Senate stripped those critical, important, necessary changes that our country is yearning for. We in the Northeast are as committed as any part of the country in terms of the need to transform our energy system so we will have a thriving economy that will be there for our children and our grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of former Governor William O'Neill, who passed away on November 24, 2007.

Bill O'Neill is today recognized as one of the giants of Connecticut history. He served as Governor from 1980 to 1982, and was a leader who had a commonsense, compassionate vision of government, raising teachers' salaries, rebuilding our roads, and creating a pathbreaking prescription drug benefit for seniors.

In Connecticut over the last 2 weeks, there has been an outpouring of affection for the Governor and his wonderful surviving wife, Nikki, partly because of his great work for the people, but also because of the plainspoken, humble way he carried himself in the State's highest office.

As the Irish would say, Bill O'Neill never put on airs. And that is why last week, at a funeral service at St. Patrick's Church in his beloved East Hampton, the same church he served as an altar boy and the same church he faithfully attended for over 70 years, people from all walks of life came to pay tribute to him and Nikki and honor a man who set a beautiful example for us all, of service, decency and compassion.

I ask my colleagues to join with me in honoring Governor O'Neill's contributions to Connecticut and offer sincerest condolences to his family and friends.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Maureen Festi of West Hartford, CT, for her outstanding achievement in the field of education. After 29 years of educating youth, Ms. Festi was honored with the 2007 Preserve America National History Teacher of the Year Award on November 16, 2007.

For the past 15 years, Ms. Festi has dedicated her life to teaching the children of Earl M. Witt Intermediate School in Stafford Springs, CT. Her dedication to her field and her passion for her students are apparent in her creative and imaginative approach to the American history curriculum. Ms. Festi has devoted her life to ensuring that her pupils do not simply memorize history, but also identify its relevance in their lives today. By extending her lessons beyond the four walls of the classroom, Ms. Festi adds contemporary meaning to a study that is focused on the past. A leader and an innovator in her field, Ms. Festi is truly deserving of this national recognition.

I ask all my colleagues to join with me and the people of Connecticut in congratulating Ms. Festi for this honor and thanking her for her continued commitment to the education of the children of Connecticut.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate 200 years of Vernon, Connecticut's rich history. Beginning in 2008, the Vernon community will commence a yearlong second centennial celebration, the ``Countdown to 200'', that will reflect on the past and welcome the future.

In the early 18th century, settlement began with families from East Windsor cultivating the land and laying groundwork for future development and eventual incorporation of Vernon in 1808. Throughout the 19th century and diminishing with the end of the World War II, textile factories would serve as the main economic lifeblood for the region, especially in Rockville, a town that would later be incorporated in Vernon. During the Civil War, these mills would produce textiles that would clothe Union soldiers.

While textiles formed the most notable industry in the region, agriculture had strong roots since settlement in the early 18th century. In 1965, agricultural and industrial communities were linked with the consolidation of the city of Rockville and Vernon.

Vernon has produced a number of notable figures, including Gene Pitney, ``The Rockville Rocket'' as well as four-time Super Bowl football champion, Bill Romanowski. Charles Ethan Porter, a renowned still life painter and former Virginia Governor, Mark Warner, also call Vernon their hometown.

The relics of earlier settlement and production, including the keystone arch tunnel on Tunnel Road, the Tower on Fox Hill, and the old textile mills, serve as a reminder of the versatility of our quaint New England town. Vernon and its residents have faced a number of problems that have notoriously afflicted small industrial towns. The Vernon community has weathered this adversity, and has and will continue to adapt and endure. I ask my colleagues to join with me and my constituents in celebrating two centuries of Vernon's history, and welcome many more to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Professor Marc Zimmer of Connecticut College for his outstanding achievements and contributions to local, national, and international academic communities. Marc was honored with a Professor of the Year award by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and The Carnegie Foundation in Washington, D.C. on November 15.

Upon completing his undergraduate degree in chemistry at the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa, Marc moved to the United States where he earned his doctorate at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and worked as a postdoctoral fellow at Yale University. Marc remained in the academic community, continuing original research in the fields of chemistry and joining the Connecticut College faculty in 1990. Throughout this period, he served on numerous boards and committees in chemistry and related fields and was a featured lecturer at some of the most prestigious colleges and universities in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

His publications in pioneering chemistry subjects have promulgated technological innovation, but just as importantly, inspired student involvement and interest. His most recent publication, ``Glowing Genes'', simplifies complexities of chemistry and biotechnology to a pedestrian relevancy and understanding. ``Glowing Genes'' explores the potential of green fluorescent protein (GFP), a glowing component in the Aequorea victoria jellyfish species, with detecting biological weapons, combating cancer, and improving agricultural production.

Academic faculties provide the foundation for education systems, and in turn, potential health, safety, and prosperity of our society. Professor Zimmer has proven to be an exemplary academic leader at Connecticut College, and more broadly through his contributions to international chemistry curriculum. These contributions will undoubtedly ensure a healthier, safer, and more prosperous society for all. I ask my colleagues to join with me and my constituents in recognizing Professor Zimmer's outstanding accomplishments and contributions and welcome many more to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize John P. Casey, President of Electric Boat in Groton, Connecticut, who has been honored by the Eastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce with its William Crawford Distinguished Service Award.

Each year, the William Crawford Distinguished Service Award is awarded to an individual in eastern Connecticut who exemplifies the spirit of service to their neighbors and who has worked to improve the quality of life in eastern Connecticut. Any who know him should have no doubt that John Casey meets the criteria for this award.

As President of one of the largest employers in the region, John Casey is, by definition, a pillar of the communities of southeastern Connecticut. However, John's impact goes far beyond his role as a corporate executive. Throughout the years he has risen through the ranks at Electric Boat, he has demonstrated a unique brand of leadership which recognizes that more can be achieved when all elements of the workforce are summoned tackle a challenge. This approach is helping to streamline the submarine construction process and reduce the costs to the taxpayer--both critical milestones to increasing our submarine production rate.

John is also a fighter for the causes important to eastern Connecticut. In 2005, he was a key figure in the fight to save Submarine Base New London. His arguments in favor of the synergy that is achieved by locating the ``Submarine Capital of the World'' next to the nation's premier builder of submarines helped keep the base open. His voice rose above many others in convincing key decision makers that the Sub Base was too vital an asset to Connecticut and our Nation to lose.

John Casey is a true leader in eastern Connecticut, and one I have had the honor and pleasure to work closely with over the past year. I commend the Eastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce for recognizing his great work on behalf of his employees, the region and our Nation, and I ask my colleagues to join with me in honoring him.

Thank you, Congressman Lynch, for letting me join in on today's resolution.

I come from the southern end of Red Sox Nation in eastern Connecticut. We are still closer to Fenway Park than we are to Yankee Stadium or Shea Stadium, so it's still safe for me to publicly speak out on this resolution.

As someone from a multigenerational Red Sox family like Mr. Capuano, we suffered and worried and have terrible memories, but obviously this is not our fathers' Red Sox any more.

This is a great team that combined a lot of new players, Dustin Pedroia, ``Jake'' Jacoby Ellsbury, Daisuke Matzusaka, along with the 2004 veterans of the last World Series, to again have another great exciting season, particularly the ALCS where they came back down 3-1.

As Mr. Capuano said, Red Sox Nation extends far and wide. Last March I was on board the USS Alexandria, a nuclear submarine out of Groton, Connecticut, under the ice in Alaska. I spent a day driving around with a great crew, professional and just so impressive in the work they do for our Nation. Sat down for breakfast after sleeping onboard the ship and was immediately confronted by the sailors who said they had only one question for me. I figured it was the war on Iraq, health care. And the one question was, Yankees or Red Sox? I was able to reassure them that I was a Red Sox fan, since they all were as well.

But one of the sailors indicated to me that he was coming up for re- enlistment and his dream was to do it in Fenway Park in front of the Green Monster. When I came back to Washington, we contacted President Lucchino of the Red Sox, who bent over backwards for this sailor and his family, his fiance, and they did, in fact, stage a re-enlistment ceremony in front of the Green Monster, wearing the 2004 ring as he signed the papers, committing himself again to our Nation. And I just want to read from the Boston Globe the comment of Petty Officer Vecchione who said, ``It's a sacred place. I had the ring on my finger as if I was married to the Red Sox for a few minutes.''

And I think really what that incident showed, though, is that we have a management who sees that it's a two-way street in Red Sox Nation. We love our players, but they love their fans; and that's why we have such a great fan base who are so passionate about this incredible team that goes back to the early days of baseball.

And I appreciate again the bipartisan support and even the support from some Members who root for other teams in this resolution and urge its passage.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and service of Army Sergeant Jason M. Lantieri, a twenty-five year old young man from my district who died on October 10, 2007 while serving in Iraq. Family, friends and the Killingworth community gathered last Thursday to honor, and say goodbye, to this special young man.

Jason was a bright, talented, and outgoing student-athlete at Haddam- Killingworth High School in Higganum, Connecticut. There, Jason's athletic abilities were undeniable as he played on the school's soccer, basketball, and baseball teams. In addition to his athletic prowess, Jason's commitment to his school and fellow classmates was solidified through his active role in student council.

Following graduation in 2000, Jason enrolled in Western New England College in Springfield, Massachusetts. In subsequent years after earning his business degree, Jason joined the Army and was assigned to the 725th Brigade Support Battalion of the 25th Infantry Division based in Fort Richardson, Alaska. During the next two years, he proudly, and bravely, served our Nation in Iraq.

On October 9, 2007, Jason was injured in a vehicle accident outside of Baghdad in Iskandaryah, Iraq. He passed away from his injuries the next day.

Earlier this year, Jason was able to fulfill his passion for travel and adventure on a break from Iraq in Europe. He wrote about his travels, stating, ``Europe is a great place to just live for the day and for the moment.'' Although I did not know Jason, it is clear to me that he lived his life to the fullest, and made the world a better place for his family, friends and all those who knew him.

Jason's passing brings a profound sadness to the southeastern Connecticut community. His memory and contributions, however, will live on in our hearts and minds. I ask my colleagues to join with me in honoring Jason's life, his service and ultimate sacrifice to our Nation, and offer condolences to his friends and family at this difficult time.