Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 643rd Military Policy Company of the Connecticut National Guard, based in Westbrook, Connecticut. Over the weekend, I joined Connecticut's Adjutant General, MG Thaddeus Martin and other elected officials as a ``Freedom Salute'' in honor of the 643rd's recent return from a deployment in Germany in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, the longest of any Connecticut National Guard unit in support of ongoing military operations.

In February 2006, 130 members of the 643rd MP, commanded by Captain Santo Pizzo of Glastonbury, deployed to Germany where they provided security and military law enforcement at U.S. military facilities in Hanau, Darmstadt, and Baumholder. While there, the unit helped track terrorists suspected of planning attacks against military facilities, including the military barracks in Hanau.

In addition, the 643rd MP also tackled other challenges, such as drug and alcohol related crimes and domestic disturbances. Specialist Ryan Maynard of Franklin, Connecticut, was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for saving a 2-month old child from choking. While this is a notable achievement worthy of praise, Specialist Maynard noted in the New London Day that: ``It's not one individual that makes a unit. It takes everyone coming together to make the mission successful.''

Any military deployment is hard not only on our men and women in uniform, but also on their families and loved ones waiting at home for them to return. The 643rd's deployment was especially tough, as they saw their deployment in Germany extended twice--leaving them abroad for nearly 3 more months than they expected.

Extended deployments such as this have real consequences for our National Guard, not only in their readiness to respond to threats at home and abroad, but also in the strain it places on the families who selflessly support our men and women in uniform. This weekend's ``Freedom Support'' was a testament to their strength during this long deployment and their continued support for their loved ones in uniform.

I ask my colleagues to join me in welcoming the men and women of the 643rd MP home, and congratulating them on a safe and successful deployment.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the military service of Sgt Justin Clough, the most recent recipient of the USO's Marine of the Year award.

Although Justin is only 22, he has demonstrated bravery and leadership beyond his years. Since joining the U.S. Marine Corps, Justin has served two tours of duty and led more than 100 combat missions in Iraq as the squad leader of the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. During these missions, his squad was frequently attacked by direct and indirect fire. His dedication to leadership and training would ensure the safety of his fellow marines and ultimately prove to save his own life. On December 26, 2006, Justin was wounded by an insurgent sniper while on a routine patrol in Fallujah. Following the attack, his comrades, which included Justin's twin brother Nathaniel Clough, swiftly brought him to safety.

On September 20, the usa recognized Justin with one of its most prestigious honors, the Marine of the Year award at the 66th annual USO World Gala. In addition to the Marine of the Year award, Justin was chosen as the top marine in his company and battalion, awarded with the Purple Heart, and recommended for the Bronze Star with Combat ``V'' for valor.

Since returning to Stonington, CT, Justin has balanced physical therapy and volunteer work with the local high school football team. Upon receiving his medical discharge papers, he hopes to attend a university or work on a military base as a civilian.

While his presence will certainly be missed in the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, his leadership will undoubtedly yield success in future academic and work endeavors. I ask my colleagues to join with me and my constituents in saluting Justin's service to the Marines and our Nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to salute the charitable donations of Pfizer and its employees.

A corporate leader in southeastern Connecticut, Pfizer's world research and development headquarters is located in my congressional district in Groton, Connecticut. In the August 23 edition of the Chronicle of Philanthropy, Pfizer was recognized as the largest corporate charitable donor in the United States. The Chronicle's study, which encompassed 150 of the largest U.S. businesses outlined in Fortune magazine, examined the amount of cash and product donations during the past 3 fiscal years.

During this period, Pfizer and its employees donated more than $1.7 billion, with pharmaceutical products composing nearly 95 percent of the total. In 2006, Pfizer donated nearly $800 million to charities abroad, an increase of 92 percent from the previous year. These donations have greatly contributed to emergency and long-term health needs in developing nations.

Corporate citizenship and philanthropy have filled a significant role in assisting needy groups in our society. As a highly educated, compassionate group of people who are devoted to finding cures for disease and ailments, it is not surprising that Pfizer's employees are leading the way nationally in support of charitable causes.

As philanthropy becomes an increasingly integral component of business practices, we must recognize the importance of corporate charitable endeavors and the positive impacts on local, national, and international communities. I ask my colleagues to join with me in recognizing Pfizer's charitable contributions that have supported health and social objectives domestically and abroad.

Madam Speaker, from June 29 to August 1, 2007 I asked members of the Suffield, CT, community to share their opinion on changing the name of the local post office to honor Cpl Stephen R. Bixler. During that period, my office received over 170 letters, calls and e-mails in overwhelming support of the idea. The comments I received described a thoughtful and compassionate man who wanted nothing more than to serve his Nation and make a difference for his community, and I wanted to take a moment and share some excerpts with my colleagues.

``Being the very proud and saddened grandmother of Cpl

Stephen R. Bixler, renaming the Suffield Post Office in his

honor would be a special tribute, keeping his memory alive

for all who knew, loved, and respected him. He gave his life

to secure our freedom.''--Cpl Bixler's grandmother.

``Stephen Bixler was a close friend of mine, in which I

served with during Operation Iraqi Freedom with 3rd Battalion

8th Marines. During this period, Stephen showed what it meant

to be a Marine through his hard work and dedication to the

Marine Corps and in making the quality of living for the

Iraqi people better. From when he was a Boy Scout, Stephen

went out of his way to provide service to others. Being part

of the Boy Scouts, Stephen was able to excel in all that he

did leading him to earn Eagle Scout. Stephen decided to serve

his country and protect others by joining the United States

Marine Corps. In the Marine Corps, Stephen utilized his

outstanding qualities of selflessness, determination, and

dedication to the job at hand. Stephen strived to be the best

at everything that he did. When 3rd Battalion 8th Marines

returned state-side, Stephen volunteered to return with 2nd

Reconnaissance Battalion for a second tour of duty in Iraq.

He successfully completed his first of many schools when 2nd

Recon Battalion asked for volunteers to leave to go back to

Iraq. Stephen jumped at the opportunity and did it

courageously. Before Stephen left, he told me that he did not

think that he would make it back this time. Stephen went to

many schools in Suffield, CT, when he was home and loved to

talk to the students about his experiences. Stephen went on

the deployment and lost his life in Fallujah, Iraq doing what

he loved.

During the time I knew Stephen, I saw that he was a

courageous and selfless individual by his actions. He changed

the life of everyone whom he came in contact with. His

service in the Marine Corps and in Boy Scouts made a lasting

impression on Suffield, Connecticut residents, and on to all

those who knew him. Stephen's loss has deeply impacted his

family and those who had the pleasure of voting for him.''--A

fellow marine who served with Cpl Bixler.

Stephen gave his life selflessly while serving his second

tour of duty in Fallujah, Iraq on May 4, 2006. Stephen served

our country proudly knowing that the risk to himself was of

the highest level and yet he went straight for the front

lines. It is important to note that Stephen was given the

Medal of Valor for his final act which saved the lives of

his fellow marines traveling through a desperate area of

the Al Anbar providence. It was Stephen who noticed the

danger along the route and who stopped his caravan to

investigate and mitigate the danger.

Stephen was a valuable member of our community as a young

person who was always willing to give of himself as a Boy

Scout (Eagle Scout rank), a member of the St. Joseph's

Church, and as a friend who was filling to volunteer to help

whenever the opportunity arose.

Stephen's willingness to help his community was not limited

to Suffield, CT. His devotion to the Marines was Stephen's

way to serve our country on behalf of us all.

Just before he returned to Iraq for his second tour of

duty, I asked Stephen why he felt he needed to return. His

response was simple. He said that the Iraqi people needed his

help. He told me that after a few days of the Marine presence

in the small towns of the Anbar Province that children

returned to play and that people were back at work in the

shadow of security provided by Steve and his fellow marines.

Steve was humble in his view of his profound work.''--Friend

of Cpl Bixler.

Stephen Bixler was a close friend to both my husband and I,

whom my husband served with during Operation Iraqi III 04-06.

I had the privilege of knowing Stephen outside the United

States Marine Corps. Stephen was a hardworking, dedicated and

thoughtful individual. He always thought of others before

throwing himself into the mix. His family and friends always

came first. He exemplified what it meant to be a great

friend, a great Marine, and a great leader. I only know the

stories from Iraq either from my husband or his brother. They

talked nothing of greatness and leadership. Stephen knew what

he was doing, loved what he was doing and was passionate

about being a Marine. Stephen became like a brother to me.

Staying at our house and helping my husband out when

something needed to be fixed. He was never afraid to get his

hands dirty. He always came with a smile and left with one.

His attitude was always positive even on those tough days at

work.

Knowing Stephen made me a better person today. There is not

a day that goes by that I do not walk past the pictures we

have hanging in his memory or a night that I fall asleep that

I am not thinking of him. He was a loved individual with so

much to offer. His loss will always leave a lasting

impression not only in Suffield but everyone that he reached

out to.''--Friend of Cpl Bixler.

Stephen Bixler was a close friend of both my brother and I,

whom my brother served with during Operation Iraqi Freedom

III 04-06. I also had the privilege of serving with Stephen

Bixler in Camp Fallujah during this deployment. During this

period, Stephen exemplified what it meant to be a Marine and

a citizen soldier through his hard work and dedication to

helping to improve the standard of living for numerous Iraqi

families.'' ``During the short time that I knew Stephen,

I learned that he was a caring and selfless individual by his

actions. His life impacted those he came in contact with,

extending beyond his friends and family. His service to

others made a lasting impression not only on Suffield,

Connecticut residents, but it extended to the citizens of

Iraq and fellow service members within the armed forces.

Stephen's loss has deeply impacted those that knew him and

his family.''--Friend of Cpl. Bixler.

``We knew him as a wonderful friend, student, track

teammate, and overall outstanding citizen. Please help

facilitate this honor to his memory.''--Friends of the Bixler

Family.

``A unique way of remembering our own and the tremendous

price families pay for something others may take so

lightly.''

``Steve was an exceptional young man that my wife and I

knew well. He attended our church and was an altar boy. His

dream was always to be a Marine and he gave his life in the

service of his country doing what he wanted to do. We have

shared many moments with his mom and dad, Linda and Richard,

grieving over the loss of someone so young.''--Friend of Cpl.

Bixler.

``In my opinion, there would be no better way to honor both

Stephen and his family than by renaming the Post Office.

Stephen is a hero, and I believe this is the very least he

deserves for the sacrifice that he has made for his country.

It is now our turn to repay our respect and honor by renaming

the Suffield Post Office in Cpl. Bixler's name.''--Friend of

Cpl. Bixler.

``My senior year I attained a car for the first time and I

would drive Steve to practice and home at the end of the day.

We got along great, we could always make each other laugh at

the littlest things and others on the tram would laugh with

us. We used to hang out so much the athletic director didn't

realize I was two years older than Steve. I had a great time

with him and I will truly miss him. Steve was a great

student and enjoyed by everyone, he was a talented young

man.''--Friend of Cpl. Bixler.

``Stephen Bixler was one of my older brother's closest

friends. They ran cross-country and track together in high

school and I remember always going to the meets and watching

them compete. Steve was quite possibly one of the nicest guys

on the team, if not the entire high school. Stephen entering

the Marines and defending his country was something he felt

passionately about. I support your idea to rename the Post

Office in memory and honor of Stephen Bixler. What he did for

our country may not be known to many people throughout the

country, but it is widely known throughout our town and I

believe that this renaming would be an honor in his family's

eyes.''--Friend of Cpl. Bixler.

``Stephen graduated from Suffield High School in 2003, 2

years after our son and one year before our daughter. He and

our son Jon were good friends, having competed together in

Cross Country and Track & Field at Suffield High. During the

years that Jon had his license, and Steve was still too

young, Steve was the one exclusive passenger who was picked

up each morning on the way to school and returned home each

evening after a meet or practice. The two of them, and the

old truck they rode in back and forth to school, were men on

a mission who could only be deterred by the chance to do

`donuts' in an empty high school parking lot with a fresh

covering of snow!

``During the summer, they were part of a small group on the

Cross Country team who attended running camp in Vermont. They

always enjoyed entertaining us with the stories they brought

home about the camp antics and the occasional practical

jokes.'' ``Steve was a model student, with a warm personality

and a great sense of humor. He was also quiet and serious

with a great respect for his family and country. All during

high school, Steve's friends knew his first dream was to be a

U.S. Marine. When many of his friends left for the

`footloose' life of being new college students, Steve left

for the most difficult job--Marine training. As a marine,

Steve's assignments throughout the world had one cause and

that was to assist people in need. Steve was a young man that

any parent would be honored to have as a son.''--Parents of

one of Bixler's close friends.

``The Iraq war is not a subject that comes and goes--it is

always on the air. Its everlasting presence reminds me of

Stephen Bixler--in my studies, watching the news, even

conducting research at work.

``Naming the post office after Steve would not just be an

honor to Steve but also a gift to the people of Suffield.

Though we can never bring Steve back, and no building can

compensate for his death, feeling like we have paid tribute

to Steve is a necessary part of the community's healing.''

``I graduated High School with Stephen Bixler and

considered him a friend. I remember going to Stephen's house

to play when I was very young and I remember riding the bus

with him for as long as I can remember. For all of my years

as a student in Suffield, I can remember Stephen's house was

always extensively decorated by his mother. When these

decorations went from hoping for his return, to mourning his

loss, the effect was well felt throughout the community in

the deepest, most heartfelt way. Stephen was well liked and

greatly respected, and will forever be appreciated. As long

as Stephen's family supports the honor then I believe nothing

should stand in the way of this.''--Classmate and friend of

Cpl. Bixler.

``Stephen was my cousin. He lost his life fighting for us

in Iraq. Stephen loved what he did, being a Marine. He lost

his life doing what he loved. Growing up, Stephen emulated

the ``All American Kid''. An athlete, a scholar and Eagle

Scout. He defined what all Marines should strive to be. Aside

from all these things, Stephen was a son, a brother, and a

friend to many. He has made our family proud, and anyone who

knew him. Anyone who didn't know him missed out on a

wonderful person.''--Cousin of Cpl. Bixler.

``As a former classmate and teammate of Corporal Stephen R.

Bixler, I can attest to his deserving the honor of the

Suffield Post Office name. Steve was a valued member of every

team, class, and organization that he participated in. He was

always there to encourage creativity, determination, and

strength in the people around him. Steve lived his dream by

joining the Marines. He seemed to have found a home in his

service. As a Marine, he was able to stand out from the

crowd, just as he did as an athlete and intellectual. Steve

deserves this honor because he gave his life for his country.

Steve deserves this honor because he was one of America's

finest soldiers. However, Steve mostly deserves this honor

because of who he was as a person. He was kind and sought out

the best in those around him. He was an inspiration to

everyone and that is why the Suffield Post Office should be

named the Corporal Stephen R. Bixler Post Office.''--

Classmate of Cpl. Bixler.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to discuss a very serious issue facing the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut.

On July 15, 2007 aboard the United States Coast Guard barque Eagle training vessel, a Third Class male minority cadet returned from watch to his stateroom to find a small noose in his bag. The next morning at an all-hands muster, the cadet stepped forward to show the entire crew the noose and make clear that he was offended by it. Although the person responsible could not be identified, the commander of the Eagle held an ``all hands'' meeting to outline the clear standards of conduct and expectations for Coast Guard cadets. The Academy followed up by conducting race-relations training for all cadets. Alarmingly, the officer conducting the training later found a noose in her office as well.

I recently had the opportunity to speak to the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, Admiral Thad Allen, to express my concern over these incidents. Racism and hate have no place at our military academies, on our academic campuses or in our society. Our discussion made it clear to me that the Coast Guard takes this matter seriously, and is working to get to the root of the problem and identify the perpetrators. The Coast Guard Investigative Service is currently reviewing this matter and I am confident that they will do all they can to ensure that those responsible for these hateful acts are held accountable for their actions.

We must make clear that actions like this have no place at the Coast Guard Academy--a facility that is shaping future officers responsible for the protection of our nation. The image of the noose is an enduring symbol of the brutal lynching that occurred in the south during the civil rights era and its powerful effect should not be taken lightly nor its evocation tolerated. It is important that the Coast Guard, and our society, sends a strong message to these misinformed individuals that there is zero tolerance for racism and hate.

The Coast Guard Academy has always held the highest standard of academic excellence and world-class training for those who protect our shores. The Coast Guard's core values of honor, respect and devotion to duty are more than simple words--they are a way of life that the Academy strives to en grain in every cadet.

A vast majority of the cadets represent the best the Coast Guard and our nation have to offer: bright, dedicated young men and women who demonstrate tolerance and respect for each other, regardless of race or background. Those who do not meet the Coast Guard's core values simply have no place at its Academy.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Mohegan Indian Chief, Ralph W. Sturges. Chief Sturges died on September 30, 2007.

Chief Sturges was a renaissance man whose commitment to community and Nation knew no bounds. In 1938, following the devastation of the New England Hurricane, Chief Sturges contributed to cleanup and relief efforts in eastern Connecticut under the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). After his work in the CCC, Chief Sturges joined the Army's intelligence division, serving in World War II in New Guinea and the Philippines, ultimately earning a bronze star for his service. In subsequent years, he became the Director of Public Relations for New England divisions of the Salvation Army and a board member for the Directors for Connecticut Hospice.

In 1992, prior to federal recognition of the Mohegan Nation, he was elected ``Chief for Life'', which he dutifully filled until his passing on September 30, 2007. In 1994, his legacy was solidified with the federal recognition of the Mohegan Nation, a cause that he inherited from his mother and tirelessly saw through to fruition. In 1996, Chief Sturges secured development plans for the Mohegan Sun, which is now one of the world's largest and most successful casinos. At every step of the way, Chief Sturges was careful to reach out to his community and neighbors making the success of Mohegan Sun a harmonious addition to southeastern Connecticut.

In addition to his military accolades, philanthropy work, business endeavors, and leadership roles, Chief Sturges was a notable artist. His sculptures have graced the halls of the Connecticut State Capitol, Montville High School, and the Mohegan Sun.

While his passing brings sadness to the Connecticut community, his legacy and contributions will be remembered for generations to come. I ask my colleagues to join with me and my constituents to honor his life and offer condolences to his family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Mohegan Indian Chief, Ralph W. Sturges. Chief Sturges died on September 30, 2007, in New London, Connecticut, at the age of 88.

A lifelong resident of Connecticut, Chief Sturges was a renaissance man whose commitment to community and Nation knew no bounds. During his early life, he worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps and joined the U.S. Army's intelligence division during World War II, where he subsequently earned a Bronze Star for his outstanding service.

After the war, Chief Sturges worked tirelessly for Federal recognition of the Mohegan tribe, which finally occurred in 1992. Because of his efforts, he was elected ``Chief for Life,'' which he faithfully worked as an ambassador of goodwill during the extraordinary growth of Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino as a world-class destination.

While his passing brings sadness to the Connecticut community, his legacy and contributions will be remembered for generations to come. I ask my colleagues to join with me and my constituents to honor his life and offer condolences to his family.

Madam Speaker, I thank Congressman Clay. I also want to thank Congressman Westmoreland for his kind words in support of H.R. 3325, which I'm the sponsor of, to name the post office at 235 Mountain Road in Suffield, Connecticut, after Corporal Stephen R. Bixler, who at the age of 20, on a second deployment in Iraq, lost his life serving our Nation.

As the prior speakers have indicated, this young man was not with us long, but made an extraordinary mark on all who knew him and served with him, particularly in his home of Suffield, Connecticut, which is a small Connecticut town of 14,000 people. It was founded in 1749 before our Nation even was born, and his family on his mother's side goes back three generations. As you can imagine, in a tight-knit, small community, he was well-known despite being a quiet young man because of his work in the community as an Eagle Scout. He was a varsity track athlete and an outstanding student.

He had a twin sister, Sandra, who graduated with honors from the University of Connecticut; and, clearly, Stephen could have followed that same path. But he followed a road less traveled, and he enlisted for the Marines before he even graduated from Suffield High School and, as I indicated, was on his second tour of duty when he lost his life on May 4, 2006.

His funeral at Sacred Heart Church in Suffield, which was attended by Archbishop Mansell from the Hartford Archdiocese, was an extraordinary outpouring of support from his community. And all I can say is that event was not the end as far as the town was concerned. They have held many ceremonies in memory of Stephen. They named a stretch of road in Suffield in his memory.

And it is fitting that the post office, which is the only Federal building in Suffield, should be named in his honor. His father has been a letter carrier for 35 years in the United States Post Office; but to be sure, our office solicited requests from the community to make sure that there was actual support in town. We had an outpouring of support: 170 letters came in, again, people who knew him as a young child all the way up through his time in the Marines, and I will submit letters from the Governor on down in support of this measure at this point.

State of Connecticut,

Executive Chambers,

July 20, 2007.

Congressman Joe Courtney,

Cannon House Office Building,

Washington, DC.

Dear Congressman Courtney: I am writing to encourage you to

pursue legislation in the United States Congress that will

change the name of the U.S. post office on Mountain Road in

West Suffield, Connecticut to honor Marine Corporal Stephen

R. Bixler.

As you know, Corporal Bixler was killed in Fallujah, Iraq

on May 3, 2006 while on foot patrol. Corporal Bixler was

proud of his service to the nation, and believed that he was

able to make a difference in the lives of the Iraqi citizens

he encountered. In addition to

being a valiant member of our armed forces, Corporal Boxler

was a Suffield native and an Eagle Scout. Renaming the post

office in his honor would be an especially fitting tribute to

Corporal Bixler because it will be a lasting reminder of his

selfless service to our nation.

I join with State Representative Ruth Fahrbach, Suffield's

Board of Selectmen and numerous residents of Suffield, in

urging you to pursue this legislation to preserve the memory

of one of our fallen heroes.

Very truly yours,

M. Jodi Rell,

Governor.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contribution of Fire Chief Michael Varney to the citizens of Ellington, Connecticut and the strength of our volunteer corps of first responders. Michael was recently selected by Fire Chief Magazine as the 2007 Volunteer Chief of the Year, a great honor in the field and a testament to the commitment and selfless public service of this citizen hero. The award is made all the more special given that the nomination and selection comes from his peers from across the nation amongst an enviable group of worthy candidates. Our nation owes a great debt to these first responders who voluntarily put their life on

the line to ensure the safety of their community and Connecticut is very fortunate to have Chief Varney as a member of its fire service.

After graduating from high school, Michael followed in his father's footsteps and began his career at the Ellington Volunteer Fire Department where he has now served for 23 years. He quickly moved up the ranks and became chief seven years ago. During that time, Michael has superbly led the 50-person department and has been instrumental in securing almost $500,000 in federal grants to provide the critical life-saving equipment necessary to protect his community. He has led with dedication and poise under extreme circumstances and developed the respect of the region's premier firefighting personnel.

Michael has also contributed to the state and regional preparedness through his involvement with the Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association and the state's Emergency Management and Homeland Security Coordinating Council. He is also a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs committee that has put together a national emergency response network of firefighters, hospital staff, and other emergency personnel. His full-time position with the Department of Information Technology has provided invaluable communication systems expertise not only to his department but also to regional and national organizations.

Chief Varney represents the changing role of our nation's first responders and I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring his life of service and dedication to the protection of our communities.

Mr. Speaker, last week President Bush threatened to veto a bipartisan agreement that will provide health insurance to 10 million of America's children.

Before acting on this threat, the President should talk to our Nation's Governors, 43 of whom support a robust reauthorization of children's health insurance, known as SCHIP, set to expire this Sunday night. Governors such as Republican John Huntsman of Utah, Republican Tim Pawlenty of Wisconsin, Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger of California, and Republican Jodi Rell of my State of Connecticut have all endorsed protecting this program, which the bipartisan agreement will accomplish.

Make no mistake about it; the President's plan will disqualify millions of American children from SCHIP coverage in the future. We already know, in Connecticut, 5,000 children will be kicked off the existing SCHIP program if his plan goes through.

Mr. Speaker, Republican and Democratic Governors together recognize the importance of a strong SCHIP program. It is time for him to listen to these Governors and back off his veto threat.

Thank you, Congressman Sutton, for yielding.

And I just want to follow up with my friend from the Armed Services Committee about the lack of strategic balance that presently is occurring right now in Iraq and Afghanistan. In late August, German authorities arrested three terrorists who were plotting a major attack on an American military installation in Germany. Where were they trained? Well, we know the answer. They were trained in northern Pakistan, in that region of the world where our own military and intelligence officials have identified the real threat to Europe and the U.S. in terms of where future hits are going to take place.

As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I was in Afghanistan in May. We had briefings from military commanders over there who have said that training camps are in full level of activity, and they made a flat prediction that we are going to see attempted attacks emanating from that region of the world.

Let's step back. We have 26,000 troops in Afghanistan; 165,000 troops in Iraq. Is this a strategy that is really aimed at what is in the national interest of this country? I mean obviously if we look at just recent events in terms of where arrests are taking place, where the real training is taking place to hit Europe and the U.S., the fact of the matter is it is in the northern part of Pakistan, which is an area that the Taliban is now pretty much able to move and operate unimpeded because we have a dysfunctional relationship with the Pakistani Government and the Afghan Government is too weak to basically police those borders.

And I think a lot of the debate that is taking place right now after the Petraeus-Crocker report, which is appropriately focused on whether or not the benchmarks that the Iraq Government set forth have been met and what is the level of wear and tear in terms of our Armed Forces, they are clearly important to discuss, but we also need to have an overall strategic vision about what is in the national interest of this country. And the fact is being involved at the level that we are at right now in a civil war in Iraq is not in America's national interest, and for the sake of our military families, as Congresswoman Shea-Porter indicated, and certainly for a safer, smarter foreign policy, we need to have a change in course and a redeployment.

Over the summer the New York Times did a study on the situation right now in terms of the mid-level officer corps of our Armed Services, our ground forces. In the 2001 graduating class from West Point, which just completed their 5-year tour of duty, 44 percent of the class have left the Armed Forces. That is the highest number in three decades. People need to think about that in terms of what is happening to the best and the brightest in our military. They are voting with their feet. They are leaving the armed services. And many commanders from the Vietnam era, General Shinseki being one of them, the Army chief of staff who had the wisdom and vision to predict that we would need hundreds of thousands of troops if we were going to truly police Iraq after Afghanistan, have spoken all across the country about the fact that what's happening in Iraq today is having the same effect, same negative effect, on our Armed Forces that the war in Vietnam had, which is a hollowed-out mid-level officer corps of our armed services. It took a generation to recover from that, and we are now seeing, with the exodus that is happening right now with, again, the best and brightest of our West Point graduates leaving our armed services, that we, for the sake of our own future, ground forces and military readiness, need to have a change of course in Iraq.

And Senator Webb has an amendment that's coming up, the Dwell Time Amendment, which will require the Armed Forces by law to make sure that our Armed Forces have the same amount of dwell time as they do deployment. I think that is an important step. I am very excited that it looks like we are going to get to the 60-vote number in the Senate and overcome a cloture, that we are going to start bringing some sanity back into our military and defense policy so that we don't destroy the greatest warfighting machine in the world.

And I know Congressman Welch from Vermont, my neighbor to the north and a good Red Sox fan, is also someone who has talked a lot about this issue in terms of the impact on our military families, and I would be happy to hear from Congressman Welch from Vermont.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chief Robert E. Kelley on his retirement after more than four decades of service to the citizens of Vernon, CT, as a firefighter and first responder.

Bob began his career in 1966 at the Rockville Fire Department, where he ascended to the rank of Battalion Chief of the Rescue Squad. In 1980, he was promoted to the position of District Fire Chief and later Chief of the Town of Vernon Fire Department in 1986. Bob's commitment to public service is evident in his dedication to do what is best for the citizens of his town and his fellow firefighters, regardless of the task. As a supervisor and mentor his contribution is immeasurable, but his record speaks for itself. No firefighter has ever lost his life in the line of duty under the command of Chief Kelley, and that speaks to his professionalism, dedication, and commitment to public safety and his comrades.

I have known Bob for almost 20 years in a number of different capacities: constituent, fellow town official, advisor, and friend, and he has served the people of Vernon and Tolland County with integrity and distinction. His duties have covered the gamut; planning, developing budgets, saving lives, and protecting property. He also oversaw the transformation of public safety from a loose group of local volunteers to a sophisticated cutting edge network of first responders. We are lucky to still have a predominantly all volunteer force, and under Bob's leadership they have been trained and equipped to deal with the challenges of the 21st century. Congratulations to Bob, his wife of 47 years, Marilla, and his family on this well-deserved retirement. I hope he still drives a red Ford around town so I will know he's coming down the street.

The Town of Vernon Fire Department will miss his leadership and I ask my colleagues to join with me and my constituents in thanking Bob Kelley for his years of public service and wishing him well in his new endeavors.

Madam Speaker, today I rise in honor of the twenty- first anniversary of the Center for Medicare Advocacy. Headquartered in Willimantic, Connecticut, this national non-profit organization is dedicated to educating, advocating for, and providing legal assistance to older Americans and individuals with disabilities. Navigating the waters of the Medicare system can be daunting. However with groups such as CMA, eligible individuals are able to gain coverage and improved access to our health care system.

The Center for Medicare Advocacy was established in 1986 by Judith Stein, who today serves as the Executive Director. In the decade before the founding of the CMA, Ms. Stein was the Co-Director of Legal Assistance to Medicare Patients. There, she managed the first Medicare advocacy program in the country. That passion for advocacy carried over with the creation of the CMA. Most recently, Judith was appointed by Senator Chris Dodd to the White House Council on Aging, where she served with distinction and was instrumental in crafting the Council's recommendations regarding Medicare improvements.

CMA, with its staff of nurses, attorneys, legal assistants, and information management specialists, has educated thousands of individuals. Their writings on Medicare are a valuable resource and set a high standard for Medicare related outreach. In Connecticut, the organization also provides legal training and support for the State health insurance and assistance program. Additionally, CMA has utilized their incredible wealth of experience to provide invaluable policy advice to the Connecticut Congressional delegation and Congress as a whole during debate over Medicare reform.

Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring the contribution and public service provided by the Center for Medicare Advocacy and its founder Judith Stein, as the organization celebrates 21 years of support for our Nation's seniors and disabled persons.

Madam Speaker, today I rise in tribute to the life of Judge Daniel F. Spallone. Mr. Spallone passed on August 20, 2007, after a full life of public service to his state and country. He was 85 years old.

As was common for men of his generation, the college career of a young Daniel Spallone was interrupted by the events of World War II. While he was unable to enlist in the armed forces due to childhood polio, he felt the call to duty and volunteered for the American Field Service (AFS) ambulance corps. Members of the AFS drove life-saving ambulances under extremely dangerous conditions on the war front, and Mr. Spallone served bravely with British forces in Burma, India, and Italy from 1942-1945. By virtue of his service to his country, he and other AFS volunteers were awarded an honorable discharge from the United States Army by act of Congress in 1991.

Following his war service, Mr. Spallone returned to the University of Connecticut and received his bachelor's degree in 1949 and obtained his law degree in 1960, also from UConn. Spallone served as town attorney to Deep River, Connecticut from 1965 to 1970 and also served on a number of elected and appointed local boards and commissions. In 1970, he was appointed to the Circuit Court and in 1974 was elevated to the Court of Common Pleas. This was followed by a 1978 appointment by Governor Ella Grasso to the Superior Court bench. In 1984, Mr. Spallone was appointed as a charter member of the Appellate Court where he was noted for his keen ability to focus on the key issues in cases before the court. He served on the bench until his retirement in 1991, after which he continued to work as a trial judge referee.

Mr. Spallone's distinguished record has carried over to a second generation of the Spallone family. His son Jamie is a State Representative from the 36th Assembly District of Connecticut. He does an outstanding job for his constituents and the State of Connecticut, just as his father did.

Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring the life of Judge Daniel F. Spallone and his service to our great nation. His years of dedication to the ideals of the American judicial system has left a lasting legacy for the State of Connecticut and his knowledge, generosity, and dedication will live on in the memory of all those he has touched.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Conference Report to accompany H.R. 2669, the College Cost Reduction and Access Act. I thank Chairman Miller for shepherding this bill through the House so that it can be signed into law by the Prdent.

This legislation marks the single largest investment in higher education since the 1944 GI bill and at no new cost to taxpayers. The investnent is available because this new Congress cut excess subsidies that the federal government pays to the student loan industry.

As I travel around eastern Connecticut, I hear from so many students and families about their concerns with the cost of higher education and the amount of debt they are taking on to finance that education. Unfortunately, students across the country are graduating with about $18,000 of debt upon graduation. This debt can have a crippling effect on young adults as they embark on their career path after graduation.

I often refer to the Connecticut district I represent as the higher education district. For this reason, I am pleased to be a member of the Education and Labor Committee and the Higher Education, Lifelong Learning and Competitiveness subcommittee. My district is home to the University of Connecticut, Eastern Connecticut State University, Mitchell College, Connecticut College and Lyme Academy. In addition, Asnuntuck Community College, Three Rivers Community College and Quinebaug Valley Community College are located in eastern Connecticut.

Students have access to a myriad of educational opportunities in eastern Connecticut and this legislation before us today will expand the Pell Grant program that so many students rely on--the maximum value of the grant will grow by $1,000 to a maximum value of $5,400 in five years. The Pell Grant Program is so important that during committee consideration of H.R. 2669, I offered an amendment to boost funding by $900 million. I am pleased that the Conference agreement invests in the Pell Grant program even more. Further, and of paramount importance to so many families, the interest rate on loans will be cut in half from 6.8 percent to 3.4 percent after four years.

The College Cost Reduction and Access Act also provides loan forgiveness for people after 10 years of public service in areas such as law enforcement, first responders, fire fighters, nursing and early childhood education.

This new Congress continues to keep faith with a promise to chart a new direction for this country. This Congress is showing its mettle by breaking down barriers to affordable education and boosting middle- class families.

If we are to maintain our competitive advantage in the world and ensure that more Americans achieve economic prosperity, we must make higher education attainable and affordable. I urge my colleagues to support the College Cost Reduction and Access Act.