Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay great honor to

William A. O'Neil, who passed away on November 24, 2007. Bill O'Neill was Governor of the State of Connecticut from 1980 until 1991. Before he held Connecticut's highest office, during his Governorship, and after, he was a mentor and friend.

I had the great honor to serve in Connecticut's General Assembly with Bill O'Neill when he was Governor of the State of Connecticut. Bill and Nikki O'Neill were long time friends of East Hartford. Nikki was an educator in my hometown of East Hartford and Bill and I shared a longstanding political friendship from his time in the House of Representatives, where he rose to majority leader, to State party chairman, Lieutenant Governor, and then, of course, Governor of the State.

He was the embodiment of decency and humility. When my father passed away in 1988, Governor and Nikki O'Neill stood in line for more than 2 hours to pay their respects. Though offered countless times to come to the front of the line, he said politely, ``I'll stand here with others who are waiting to pay their final respects.'' His actions made him forever revered in the Larson family and were legendary in East Hartford.

It is a great honor for me to submit for the Congressional Record the words spoken at the funeral services of Connecticut's Governor who, like the sweater he wore in his television ads, made us feel comfortable and at home with a man who understood the everyday problems of the citizens he served so nobly.

The eloquence of the funeral remarks captures the sentiment in St. Patrick's Church that day in East Hampton and all across Connecticut. I submit them as a tribute to Governor O'Neill and his loving wife Nikki. The following are the eulogies of Governor Jodi Rell, James Wade, George Hannon, and the lyrics to the song ``We'll Meet Again,'' during which the entire congregation joined Nikki in a final goodbye:

In Memory of Governor William A. O'Neill

To Nikki and to all of Governor O'Neill's family and

friends, on behalf of the State of Connecticut I certainly

want to offer our deepest condolences.

Nikki, you and Bill were truly a team, a real team. It was

always Bill and Nikki, Nikki and Bill. You shared an

incredible love; you shared so much, including the ups and

downs of life and politics. You shared laughter, memories and

friends, and a beloved hideaway home right here. You were

fortunate to have each other, and to share your lives with

each other. And you were blessed with a great many friends,

true friends, real friends--not just acquaintances--that

became a family.

The Governor's Irish Gang, including Wade and Hannon is

legendary. In fact, some of those tales told at the Capitol

of their exploits have become bigger and bigger. A lot of

them were told this week, like fish stories, they do keep

getting bigger and bigger with each retelling. But like all

of us we continue to laugh at the end of each, as if we had

never heard them before.

And that's how many of us will remember Bill O'Neill, with

a fond smile and a little wry laughter. We will also remember

his humanity, his common touch, and his uncommon leadership.

He steadied the state at a time when its heart was broken. He

led us through difficult financial times and he blazed many a

path for equity and advancement. He made a lasting

contribution to our education system, our transportation

infrastructure, healthcare and veterans issues.

His accomplishments were many and they were far reaching

and they were lasting. And he never lost himself in the glare

of being Governor.

He was simply Bill O'Neill, he was someone who loved

politics and loved public service. A guy from East Hampton

who was honored to be elected to office by his friends and

neighbors. A guy who fiercely protected that public trust

throughout his entire career. He was a man of his word and he

was a man of integrity. Someone who too often was

underestimated and frankly too often underappreciated.

Someone who never ever dreamed of being Lieutenant Governor

or Governor of this great state of Connecticut, but was

both and was darned good at it.

His legacy will last for generations and his successes and

contributions will last for longer, much longer than that. I

received a card this morning in my mail and it really just

kind of hit me and it was someone who knew Bill O'Neill

briefly; I just wanted to share a couple of points with you.

He said dear Governor Rell, I was greatly saddened with the

passing of Governor O'Neill this past weekend. I will never

forget how gracious and passionate he was during my ten years

as a summer tourism supervisor for the Dept. of Economic

Development. I remember especially an August day in 1990 when

I had a photo session with him, saluting my ten years with

the State of Connecticut as just a part timer. I remember he

had unusually large hands as he squeezed my right hand, the

bond we shared during those ten years was both real and

present at that moment. I only hope that I am so gracious as

the Governor was to me in his retiring year, just as his loss

is huge I salute both him and the Office of the Governor on

this day.

Many people talk about Bill O'Neill just the common man,

here's a man who met him just once for a photo-op, shook his

hand, had his picture taken with him and remembers it this

many years later. That's the kind of man Bill O'Neill was.

I'm just going to tell you one quick story, and I promise I

will never try to compete with Wade and Hannon. I had the

occasion to meet Governor O'Neill at an event after I was

sworn in as Governor; and I said to him, Nikki was there, I

said,``Governor, I just want to tell you, I want to apologize

for anything I ever said bad about you, or to you, because

you don't know what it's like being Governor until you're on

that side of the desk, and he looked at me and said, Jodi,

you never said anything bad about me, that I can remember.

And I know that you never said anything bad to me. Good

luck.'' And I thanked him.

I want to say thank you to you Nikki, for sharing him with

us, he absolutely adored you and that is evident in his life

and love of you.--Governor M. Jodi Rell

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay great honor to Randall ``Randy'' Smith who passed away on April 14, 2008. A longtime sports editor and columnist for Manchester, Connecticut's Journal Inquirer, Mr. Smith was a community mainstay and will be sorely missed.

It seemed incomprehensible when I learned of the sudden passing of Randy. Manchester and the Journal Inquirer's gift to the world of sports journalism had a following far beyond its readership.

It seems like yesterday we honored him in the Senate Chamber at the State Capitol for a record seventh time being named Sportswriter of the Year.

I said at the time he was a combination of Red Smith, Jimmy Breslin, and F. Scott Fitzgerald rolled up into a regular guy's man of sports. He had great insight into the human condition, the spirit of competition and the heart required of its participation. He explained his stories in a way that those who regularly assembled at Auggie & Ray's or Cavey's appreciated and talked about.

His column was the column that was the one we talked about, with regular favorites like ``Once around the Block'' and ``To You Wanna, Bet . . . '' he held you captive. He provided us a credo, not only applicable to sports, but to life, a refrain he often used in his columns: ``Honor the game and in return the game will honor you.''

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the life of Randy Smith. Certainly, we pause today and reflect on his passing knowing that he honored his craft, and in return we honor him with a final thanks for a job well done. I only hope there's a Saratoga in heaven.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and honor that I submit for the record comments on the life of a great citizen of East Hartford, Connecticut.

Rosemary Margaret Foran passed away on April 5, 2008. She was a remarkable lady and the matriarch of an even more remarkable family. I've known the Forans all my life. They exemplify everything that is rich in the human experience, and they learned that from their mother, Rosemary, and their father, Tom.

The Kennedy family is known for its compound in Hyannisport, Massachusetts. Its rival in Connecticut is the Foran compound on Goodwin Street. The family Rosemary raised is at the heart of what makes the community of East Hartford a great place to live. The truth is without the vaunted Foran Legion, the Little League, the school system, and town athletics in general would suffer. Rosemary and Tom raised a family of nine who gave back to the community more than they have ever received. For the first time in their lives the Forans are orphans, but the love and devotion of their mother and father live on and the Foran Legion continues to grow, and continues to give to our hometown of East Hartford in a way that has enriched all of our lives. Their oldest son, Tony, wrote this obituary for his brothers and sisters, which says it all:

[From the Hartford Courant]

On Saturday evening (April 5, 2008), the day of the ancient

Sabbath, Rosemary Margaret (Donlon) Foran (80) fulfilled her

baptismal promise, turned her spirit ship to home and leapt

to celestial joy. She was born, raised, lived and died in

East Hartford. She was the living embodiment of the thought

that treasure is measured not in personal wealth but in the

warmth of a home.

In that home and around that round table a family shared

the smell of fresh baked bread, the sounds of babies cooing,

the laughter of the carefree young with friends, the tears

and sorrows of all as the siege that is life went on. She

welcomed any and all to the round table, providing sustenance

for the body, mind or soul as each one needed. A cup of tea,

a bite to eat, an ear to listen or a hand to help, our

daunting obstacles shrank around that table. ``Bonitam, et

Disciplinian, et Scientian, Doce Me, Domine.'' Life is a

home.

Her nurturing skills were taught to her by her beloved

mother and father, Mary Ellen (Berry) and Thomas J. Donlon,

Sr. She in turn passed those nurturing skills on to her

daughters-in-law, Lynne Masiuk (who predeceased her), June

Jaskulka, Nikki Samela, Christine Niziankiewicz, Mary Jo

Quinn, Marie Mullaney, Evelyn Owens, Rachel Elder, and Mary

Margaret Maleskis, all of whom she loved as her own and who

loved her with tenderness as if she was their own mother.

Rosemary had many monikers in life, Blondie, Mame, Liz, Big

Lou, Bun, Pumpkin, Gramma, but none so dear as Ma.

Before efficiency became important in the workplace,

Rosemary had perfected this skill. With a brood of children

that numbered nine, Anthony, Joseph (who predeceased her),

Patrick, Stephen, Michael, Thomas, Gregory, Nicholas and her

best friend, constant companion and unwavering advocate and

caregiver, Mary Ellen, she managed every minute of her daily

double shift. Every movement during her day was with purpose

and a daily task to complete. The tasks were many for such a

large family. And yet, her efficiency allowed for three meals

a day for all. Thomas R. Foran, Sr., her sweetheart and

husband (who also predeceased her) had lunch at the round

table with Rosemary every day of his healthy life. He praised

and flattered her with this inscription on a pizza board he

made in 1963: ``Charm is deceptive, Beauty fleeting, A good

cook lives in a man's memory, From one meal to the next.

Love, Tom. El Gourmet.''

A special blessing came to Rosemary's table in 1998, with

the arrival of her new and only son-in-law, C. Gary Knell,

with whom she shared her home. Gary's work ethic matched in

every way his new mother-in-law's. As Rosemary's health began

to fail over the last five years, Gary became a sentry for

her every need. Rosemary's earthly remains will be lovingly

enclosed in a casket made by her son, Tom, and her son-in-

law, Gary, wrapping her in the same love which she gave to

all of her family.

The precious jewels of Gramma's life number 25, each and

every one of them nurtured at the round table and on her

knee: Daniel and his wife Becky, Gregory and his wife Tricia,

Stephanie and her husband Eric Barrett, Kathryn and her

husband Steve Borla, Michael and his wife Malinda, Matthew,

Danielle and her fiance Matthew Currey, Nicholas, Emily,

Will, James, Joseph, Rosemary, Mary Ellen, Laura, Annie,

Thomas, Katherine, Rebecca, Benjamin, Lynne, Sarah, Patrick,

Stephen and Luke. Rosemary's DNA of love also runs in the

veins of 6\1/2\ great grandchildren: MaKayla, Dylan, Michael,

Matthew, Gavin, Devin and one soon to be born. She was

blessed with many nephews and nieces of the Foran and Donlon

families.

Rosemary, born on December 26, 1927, and graduated from

Mount Saint Joseph's Academy in 1946, was the youngest of

five children: Thomas J. Donlon, Jr. and John P. Donlon

predeceased her; her sister Ann Rita Thayer and her brother

Joseph G. Donlon will cherish her memory in the deep recess

of their hearts. She also leaves beloved brothers-in-law,

Nicholas A. Foran, Jr. and his wife, Doris, and John Foran

and his wife, Pat, sisters-in-law, Mary ``Bette'' (Meskell)

Foran, Mary (Sauve) Foran, Elizabeth (Anderson) Foran, and

cousins Richard, Walter and Jack Foran.

When her children or grandchildren asked Rosemary about

what gift she might like for a birthday or Christmas, her

answer was always, ``The grace of God and a holy and happy

death.'' The Good God answered her prayer on Saturday

evening, as she was enveloped in the web of love she created.

Mr. Speaker, I regret that I was not present to vote on rollcall votes Nos. 178, 179, 180, and 181 due to a family medical matter. Had I been present, I would have voted:

``Yea'' on rollcall vote No. 178 on the Journal vote; ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 179 on agreeing to H. Res. 1083, providing for consideration of the bill H.R. 2537, Beach Protection Act of 2008; ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 180 on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1038, recognizing the fifth anniversary of the Department of Homeland Security and honoring the Department's employees for their extraordinary efforts and contributions to protect and secure our Nation; and ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 181 on agreeing to H. Res. 1092, relating to the consideration of the bill H.R. 5274 to implement the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay great honor to United States Marine Corps Cpl. Ryan T. Dion, a true American hero from Manchester, CT. On April 25, 2007, while serving in Unit

216 Echo Company at Camp LeJeune in Fallujah, Iraq, Ryan was injured in an IED explosion. On December 11, he was awarded the Purple Heart, recognizing his great sacrifice for the defense of our country. The story of Ryan's bravery inspired the following poem, written by United States Capitol Guide, Albert Carey Caswell:

A Patriot

A Patriot...

A young man who goes off to war....

But, for his country his burden bore!

Lock and Load,

A man who so lives by a code....

Is that not but what heaven is for?

A fine Marine!

Who on battle fields of honor, with but his courage seen!

When, heartache would so intervene!

When, his new battle would begin

To rebuild where none lies left, all in courage's quest... as

he so intervenes!

Without a leg as seen, when so comes within his inter being.

The Proof!

The Truth! Of what his heart and soul has willed. The Truth!

As all around him, he brings people to tears to so instill...

As we watch him rebuild...and fight the fears!

With his patriotic heart so filled, to our children to so

instill...so dear!

Of All The Best, yes nothing less! As this patriot climbs

this hill with no fear!

To Teach Us,

To Reach Us....To So Beseech Us....

As has Ryan so been seen, as where patriotism so

stands....for all of us to understand!

The real Neon Dion!

Shining far . . . Patriotism's Star . . . Shining way beyond!

Shining far!

Ooh Rah . . . you've come so far . . . so fast . . . Marines

Do, They do no ask!

For in this, Our Country Tis A Thee!

Has come throughout her very history, such fine men and women

as he!

Who are but her very soul, her very fabric of gold so indeed!

As why we are free!

Ryan, March On You Patriot. We see!

Dedicated to Ryan Dion . . . all the fine men . . . and

women just like him!

Mr. Speaker, I regret that I was not present to vote on rollcall votes 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, and 177 due to a family medical matter. Had I been present, I would have voted:

``Yea'' on rollcall vote No. 164 on ordering the previous question on H. Res. 1084, Providing for consideration of the bill H.R. 2016, to establish the National Landscape Conservation System, and for other purposes.

``Yea'' on rollcall vote No. 165 on H. Res. 1084, Providing for consideration of the bill H.R. 2016, to establish the National Landscape Conservation System, and for other purposes.

``Yea'' on rollcall vote No. 166 on H. Res. 1077, calling on the Government of the People's Republic of China to end its crackdown in Tibet and to enter into a substantive dialogue with His Holiness the Dalai Lama to find a negotiated solution that respects the distinctive language, culture, religious identity, and fundamental freedom of all Tibetans.

``Yea'' on rollcall vote No. 167 on agreeing to the amendment to H.R. 2016, to reiterate that nothing in the bill shall impede efforts by the Department of Homeland Security to secure the borders of the United States.

``No'' on rollcall vote No. 168 on agreeing to the amendment to H.R. 2016, to strike the purposes of the National Landscape Conservation System.

``No'' on rollcall vote No. 169 on agreeing to the amendment to H.R. 2016, to strike the existing management objectives of the National Landscape Conservation System and inserts language directing the Interior Secretary to manage the system in accordance with each applicable law (including regulations) relating to each component of the system included under subsection (b).

``No'' on rollcall vote No. 170 on agreeing to the amendment to H.R. 2016, to provide that nothing in the bill additionally restricts or hinders energy development within the National Landscape Conservation System.

``No'' on rollcall vote No. 171 on agreeing to the amendment to H.R. 2016, to provide that the bill does not in any way limit access for hunting, fishing, trapping or recreational shooting on the 27 million acres administered by the Bureau of Land Management. It also provides that H.R. 2016 does not in any way infringe on a State's right to manage, control or regulate its hunting, fishing, trapping and recreational shooting activities on these lands.

``No'' on rollcall vote No. 172 on agreeing to the amendment to H.R. 2016, to provide that inclusion in the National Landscape Conservation System does not affect existing grazing rights or operations on those Bureau of Land Management Lands.

``No'' on rollcall vote No. 173 on the motion to recommit H.R. 2016.

``No'' on rollcall vote No. 174 on agreeing to the passage of H.R. 2016, to establish the National Landscape Conservation System, and for other purposes.

``Yea'' on rollcall vote No. 175 on motion to construct the conferees on H.R. 2419, to provide for the continuation of agricultural programs through fiscal year 2012, and for other purposes.

``Yea'' on rollcall vote No. 176 on agreeing to the passage of H.R. 5489, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 6892 Main Street in Gloucester, Virginia, as the ``Congresswoman Jo Ann S. Davis Post Office'' suspension bill.

``Yea'' on rollcall vote No. 177 on agreeing to the passage of H.R. 5472, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2650 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St., Indianapolis, Indiana, as the ``Julia M. Carson Post Office Building'' suspension bill.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize World Autism Day in an effort to increase awareness about one of the most common mental disorders afflicting our country today. Autism is becoming an increasingly common disorder; more and more children in America and throughout the world are born with it every day. The first step toward treating this incurable condition is recognition. Therefore, I rise today in support of World Autism Day and to help shed light on this growing and very serious problem.

The statistics concerning autism are, to say the least, alarming. One in 150 children born today is diagnosed with autism. One in 94 newborn boys is now autistic. In fact, today alone there will be approximately 67 new cases of autism diagnosed. That translates to a new diagnosis every 20 minutes. These are incredibly alarming numbers and we must recognize that this disorder is increasingly common and also that, while there is no cure, the quicker we identify what the problem is, the quicker we can act. We may not yet be able to cure autism, but with a strong commitment from the Federal Government we can create better lives for the growing number of children that are afflicted with this condition.

There is no medical way to detect autism in a child. We must rely on a physician's trained eye to diagnose a child as autistic, and even then we cannot cure it, we can only treat it. There are various symptoms that indicate autism that a physician must recognize. This is why awareness and education are so important.

Today, I would like to recognize the efforts of doctors, advocates and families on World Autism Day and also bring attention to the shocking frequency with which autism is diagnosed. Therefore, I rise today to recognize World Autism Day, to commend those working toward education, treatment and some day a cure and to offer my support for these efforts.

Madam Speaker, throughout the month of March we observe National Women's History Month, which pays tribute to the contributions of women in this Nation. I rise today to recognize the women of our country, who have played an important role in shaping America's history.

During the month of March we have the opportunity to take pause and celebrate the important contributions of all women, past and present. Not only have women been leaders in securing their rights of suffrage and equal opportunity, but they have played a crucial role in the abolitionist movement, labor movements and the Civil Right's movement.

Leading women in history from Abigail Adams, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Sojourner Truth, and Eleanor Roosevelt have paved the way for contemporary figures such as Nancy Pelosi, the first female Speaker of the House of Representatives. Connecticut has been the proud home of significant women such as Americas first female governor to he elected in her own right--Governor Ella Grasso, and the long-serving champion of the First District and my predecessor, Congresswoman Barbara Kennelly--the first woman in American history to serve as a Deputy Majority Whip and to serve on the House Intelligence Committee.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the contributions of Elizabeth Colt, often referred to as the ``First Lady'' of Connecticut. Elizabeth Colt lived in a pre-women's suffrage era, but she refused to surrender to the pervasive gender inequalities of her day. The wife of American inventor and industrialist Samuel Colt, she carried on her husband's dream and life's work after his death and successfully ran their industrial empire. She was an entrepreneur, patron of the arts, philanthropist, and staunch advocate for women's rights--she will long be remembered for her contributions to the Hartford area.

There are many women, named and unnamed throughout American history that have broken glass ceilings and gender barriers for the next generation. As the father of two daughters, I honor the historical women of our country and take great pride in the fact my daughters can grow up in a country where anything is possible for them.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the trailblazers who have paved the way for women's equality and recognizing the many contributions that women have made to our Nation and to the entire world by promoting the ideals celebrated in National Women's History Month.

Madam Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to pay tribute to my dear friend, Pedro Johnson, who has recently decided to retire from his service for his tribe, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation.

I have known Pedro Johnson for many years and have seen firsthand how he has dedicated himself to improving the lives of others and this Nation. Pedro honorably served in the United States Air Force prior to joining the University of Connecticut Police Department in 1966. He dedicated over 20 years of service to the UCONN police, holding the positions of department liaison, martial arts instructor, and police photographer, before retiring in 1992 at the rank of sergeant.

Retirement would be short-lived for Pedro, and it would not be long before he continued his life passion of public service. As a member of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, Pedro was elected to three terms on the Tribal Council including one term in the prestigious position of treasurer. During his time on Tribal Council, Pedro worked with his fellow council members on an incredible transformation that has made the Mashtantucket Pequot Tribe into one of the most respected Tribes in the Nation.

Under Pedro's leadership, the Tribe has become a major economic and cultural focal point in the region. They have become one of the largest employers in the State of Connecticut and opened the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center, which contains one of the largest collections of indigenous artifacts in North America. The dedication and commitment of Pedro Johnson has been instrumental in shaping the Tribe's vision for the future.

Pedro has always been involved in public service. Over the years he has sat on the board of directors of the Foxwoods Development Company. Natchaug Hospital, Eastern Connecticut State University, Bushnell Theater, Old State House, and the Savings Institute Bank. He was also a member of the Masons Fraternal Order and held the position as worshipful master of his lodge for several years.

We could not pay proper respects to Pedro without mentioning his lifelong partner, his wife Linda. Pedro and Linda recently celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary, and I know they have been a source of strength and love for each other for nearly five decades. They have two children, Michael and David, who have brought them great joy over the years.

Madam Speaker, it is a great honor to pay tribute to a man who has done so much to improve the quality of life for his Tribe and indeed, the people of Connecticut. I know that Pedro is retiring from his position at the Tribe. but I know he will continue to be an active member of our community and I look forward to working with him in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished Chair, and rise to associate myself with his remarks.

What a remarkable afternoon this has been. What a remarkable journey of two of our colleagues. I rise today to support them for what they have done in the old-fashioned democratic way, reaching out across this country, holding hearings, and bringing back to this body a piece of legislation long overdue. I commend Representative Ramstad and Representative Kennedy. Their work has been extraordinary.

President Kennedy once said that communities reveal an awful lot about themselves in the memorials they create, the people that they honor. This body is about to reveal an awful lot about itself on the legislation we are about to vote on. Two of our colleagues revealed so much about themselves in an effort to bring forth the plight of others less fortunate than they, and unable to be here on this floor to speak. That is the crowning glory of this great democracy that we all participate in.

Patrick Kennedy had it right. This is a certain right. This is a civil right. This is something that goes beyond parity and speaks to the very essence of equality in what we stand for. And two of our colleagues have demonstrated the way to do that beyond the Chambers, beyond the Beltway, and out to the people where it really matters. Thank you so much for bringing their cause here today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my sadness over the untimely passing of Laurie D. Sullivan due to breast cancer. Laurie was a successful female entrepreneur in the world of advocacy. More importantly, she is remembered for her love of life, family, friends, colleagues, and politics. I am grateful for our friendship and the laughs that we shared.

Laurie grew up in a union household in Connecticut, where her political roots took hold. She was a Democratic activist during high school and college. She represented Connecticut as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1972, serving as the youngest delegate ever at that time. She received her education at the University of Connecticut School of Law with highest honors. Laurie spent a decade doing legal and government relations work at Aetna's corporate headquarters in Connecticut. During this time, she cultivated strong ties to the Connecticut delegation in Congress.

Laurie built her influence through a long history of Democratic Party activism, in Washington, DC, as well as Connecticut. After moving from Connecticut to Washington, DC, she first co-founded Sullivan & Baldick, and then separated from that firm in 2002 to found Avenue Solutions, a small and successful all-female, all-Democratic firm that specializes in health and financial services lobbying. Avenue Solutions is notable for its individual attention and service given to clients. On behalf of those clients, Laurie played a leading role with Democrats on numerous legislative issues, including healthcare reform, Medicare expansion, legal reform, pension relief, and telecommunications.

Today I rise to pay tribute to Laurie Sullivan's outstanding career and life achievements. Laurie combined her commitment to political and legislative advocacy with a love of life and dedication to her family throughout her courageous battle with cancer. She lived by her words, ``It is the quality of life, not the quantity.'' She will be dearly missed for her candor, devotion, and her ability to step back, take a deep breath and smile.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5351, the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008. I commend the Speaker and the Ways and Means committee for their tireless efforts on behalf of this important legislation.

We are at a crucial point in the United States in the development of our alternative energy economy. We are at a point where, without our support, these industries could either grow and prosper or be sent overseas. This bill represents an important step to ensure that alternative energy technologies like windmills and fuel cells are manufactured in Connecticut, not China and in Indiana, not India.

Tax credits for alternative energy technologies are crucial to these industries across the United States, and particularly in Connecticut. Connecticut has become a leader in the alternative energy field, particularly in the area of fuel cell technology. We have succeeded as a result of investment in research and development, partnerships between the industry and the state and federal government and the ingenuity and talented workforce in the state.

The impact of the fuel cell industry on Connecticut's economy has been powerful. The Connecticut fuel cell industry has created over 2,000 jobs statewide and generates $29 million in tax revenues to the state annually.

The Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008 strengthens and extends the tax credits for investment in fuel cell technology for 8 years, providing much needed certainty to the industry. It also extends the production tax credit for alternative energy technologies like wind, solar and geothermal energy.

In a recent New York Times article, a reporter traveled to small towns in Texas that people had all but given up on because of their faltering economies. These same towns are now experiencing a rebirth because the wind industry is bringing jobs back to their community. This is the impact this important legislation can have on towns throughout the Nation and why I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5351.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to one of the oldest and greatest civil rights organizations in our country's history. The NAACP has served for nearly a century to provide help for those who cannot help themselves, to provide justice for the wronged, and to give a voice to the disenfranchised. Though the group formed to fight for equality for minorities and the disadvantaged, the NAACP has vigilantly stood guard for all Americans so that the basic rights of none are infringed upon.

In 1909, six great Americans, Ida Wells-Barnett, W.E.B. DuBois, Henry Moscowitz, Mary White Ovington, Oswald Garrison Villiard, and William English Walling, banded together to produce the ``Call to National Action.'' This founding document of the NAACP laid out the organization's goals--to protect the rights guaranteed by the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the Constitution. From their ever-present task to preserve these rights to the fight to put an end to lynching, the great victory over segregation won in 1954's Brown v. Board of Education, and their continuing crusade to protect civil rights, the NAACP has been an inimitable champion of the cause of equality and social justice in our Nation. Today, under the leadership of Chairman Julian Bond, the organization has grown to over 2,200 branches with over 500,000 members nationwide.

Connecticut is very grateful for the work that the NAACP has done in the State. Headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut and led by chapter president Scot X. Esdaile, the Connecticut NAACP has been a great advocate for civil rights in the State.

The Connecticut NAACP has been a valuable partner in local efforts to ensure civil rights. Our chapter has worked to ensure that minorities are represented in all levels of government as important legislative decisions are being made. The group worked with other local organizations to develop a talent bank of highly qualified minority candidates to fill senior-level positions in the State and combat any discrimination that might exist. The local NAACP has also worked tirelessly with the seven members of the Connecticut Congressional delegation to ensure that our Federal Government secures the blessings of liberty for all. I am proud to have a 95 percent rating from the NAACP. It remains a prevalent voice in the State and a standard-bearer of the principles of equality and justice.

Mr. Speaker, I believe we can honor the work of the NAACP best by continuing to work for the noble cause for which the organization exists: to protect the rights of all persons and eliminate hatred and racial discrimination. I extend to the NAACP my best wishes for a happy 99th anniversary and I commend and thank them for a century of service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of this most important month of February, deemed as Black History Month. Let us join with the rest of the Nation in highlighting the significant contributions that African Americans have made to our great Nation, while celebrating this year's theme of ``Carter G. Woodson and the Origin of Multiculturalism.''

Throughout this noteworthy month, we all should take a moment to reflect on the fact that February was designated to make a national appeal to Americans to make note of the tremendous role that African Americans have played in the development and advancement of our country's rich history. February embraces the birthdays of two distinguished Americans--Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln--whose contributions to our society are immeasurable. Let us remember that not only are we honoring Black history; we are celebrating all of our history, American history.

This month we should remember the legacy of the illustrious Harlem Renaissance and the contributions this period had in shaping America's cultural heritage. African American writers Langston Hughes, Richard Wright, Ralph Ellison, James Baldwin, and Toni Morrison have now become major voices in American Literature. Military achievements, not only by the Tuskegee Airmen, the 54th Regiment from Massachusetts, and the 29th Regiment from Connecticut, but by other courageous Black soldiers, have helped to create the gallant Armed Forces of this country. In this month, let us all work together to ensure a positive future for the 40.2 million African Americans who contribute to this Nation on a daily basis.

In my home State of Connecticut, we make note of Hartford's Black governors who oversaw the region from 1755 to 1800; fearless Connecticut abolitionists James Mars and J.W.C. Pennington who petitioned Connecticut's legislature regarding voting and social rights for blacks in the 1840s and 50s; and of course the survivors of the Amistad slave ship, who spent days seated in a Hartford courtroom awaiting their fate by a U.S. circuit court judge. Through relics such as the Old State House, Mark Twain House, Harriet Beecher Stowe House, the Connecticut freedom trails, and the Amistad Center for Arts and Culture, we are paying homage to the extraordinary African Americans who have resided in our State.

Mr. Speaker, this year during Black History Month, I urge my colleagues and this Nation to remember all of the African Americans who have helped to weave the historical tapestry of America. I urge us all to realize the service, dedication and courage that have emerged throughout the decades. This year, let us truly celebrate Black History as a part of us all. Like our motto says, E Pluribus Unum, Out of many we are one. We are a great Nation formed by the contribution of many, and this month we celebrate one of those outstanding groups.

Madam Speaker, throughout the month of January, we observe National Mentoring Month, which calls to attention the importance of fostering positive, helping relationships with our youth. I rise today to recognize the importance of mentoring to the vitality of our Nation.

According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, there are 3 million mentors in the United States. While impressive at first glance, the reality is, there are far more young people in need of the caring support of an adult mentor that go without one--over 14 million youths across the Nation are still in need of a mentoring relationship.

I would like to commend the many community-based organizations in the Greater Hartford region, in my own State of Connecticut that provide mentoring services and youth focused programs like the Community Renewal Team, Hartford Communities that Care, Mi Casa Family Services and Education Center and Our Piece of the Pie. These groups partner with local, State and non-profit organizations to ensure the positive development of the young people in my district.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the many youths in need of encouragement and support, the many adults who are engaged in mentoring activities, and the organizations that work tirelessly to close the mentoring gap, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking mentors across the country and recognizing National Mentoring Month.