Floor Statements

Mr. Chairman, I regret that I could not be present today because of a family medical situation and I would like to submit this statement for the record in support of H.R. 1684, the Department of Homeland Security Authorization for Fiscal Year 2008.

Since its creation in 2003, the Department of Homeland Security has been one of the most mismanaged departments in the Federal Government. Failing to learn from the severe preparedness gaps exposed by the failed response to Hurricane Katrina, the Administration has proposed deep cuts to vital, core programs that assist local communities in responding to disasters. For example, the Administration requested a 52 percent funding cut for the State Homeland Security Grant Program and no funding for the Metropolitan Medical Response System, MMRS, program--the only Federal program that helps first responders, medical personnel, emergency rmnagement workers, business and other stakeholders develop effective, integrated capabilities to minimize causalities in the event of a terrorist attack using a weapon of mass destruction, natural disaster, or public health emergency. Eliminating funding for MMRS would have grave implications for 125 municipal authorities, in 43 States, including Connecticut.

In comparison, the Democratic-led House has put forth a bill that invests in securing the homeland and ensures accountability within the Department of Homeland Security. The bill authorizes $39.8 billion for the Department of Homeland Security for fiscal year 2008. This funding would provide our local communities with the tools to respond to terrorist attacks and natural disasters and improve the Government's ability to prevent terrorist attacks through greater information sharing. The bill also authorizes $63 million annually for the MMRS program through fiscal year 2011. Most importantly, the bill includes accountability provisions and provisions to strengthen and streamline management of the Department.

We must remain vigilant in protecting the American people and in preparing to respond to terrorist attacks, major disasters, and other emergencies. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the underlying bill.

Madam Speaker, I would like to submit this statement for the Record and regret that I could not be present today, Wednesday, May 9, 2007 to vote on rollcall vote Nos. 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317 and 318 due to a family medical situation. Had I been present, I would have voted:

``Yea'' on rollcall vote No. 310 on ordering the previous question on H. Res. 382;

``Yea'' on rollcall vote No. 311 on agreeing to H. Res. 382, the rule providing for consideration of H.R. 1684, the Fiscal Year 2008 Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act;

``Yea'' on rollcall vote No. 312 on agreeing to H. Res. 383, the rule providing for consideration of H.R. 1873, the Small Business Fairness in Contracting Act;

``Yea'' on rollcall vote No. 313 on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 890, the Student Loan Sunshine Act that establishes requirements for lenders and institutions of higher education in order to protect students and other borrowers receiving educational loans;

``Aye'' on rollcall vote No. 314 on the amendment H.R. 1684 that would strike some provisions of the bill, add reporting requirements, revises annuitant provisions, and require a GAO report on law enforcement retirement systems;

``Aye'' on rollcall vote No. 315 on the amendment to H.R. 1684 that would remove section 407 of the bill, which requires that identification cards, uniforms, protective gear, and badges of Homeland Security personnel be manufactured in the United States;

``Yea'' on rollcall vote No. 316 on the amendment H.R. 1684 that would strike some

provisions of the bill, add reporting requirements, revises annuitant provisions, and require a GAO report on law enforcement retirement systems;

``Nay'' on rollcall vote No. 317 on the motion to recommit H.R. 1684 with instructions;

``Aye'' on rollcall vote No. 318 on final passage of H.R. 1684, the Fiscal Year 2008 Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act.

Mr. Chairman, I regret that I could not be present today because of a family medical situation and I would like to submit this statement for the record in support of H.R. 1873, the Small Business Fairness in Contracting Act.

All too often mega contracts are too large for small business to compete for in the federal marketplace. Last year, the federal government spent more than $417 billion on goods and services in over 8 million contracts in 2006, of which small businesses won about $80 billion (22 percent). Of the $80 billion for small business contracts, $12 billion was actually awarded to large businesses, not small businesses.

For the past six years, the federal government has failed to meet its 23 percent small business contracting goal. The bill before the House today would create a fair and open federal contracting system, that would ensure all small businesses have an equal opportunity to secure government contracts. This bill would increase the government-wide goal for small-business participation in federal contracts, limit the ability of federal agencies to bundle small projects into large contracts, and require the Small Business Administration to take steps to reduce erroneous entries in the government's contractor registry. The Small Businesses Fairness in Contracting Act would require no less than 25 percent, an increase from 23 percent, of all contracts be awarded to small-business in a fiscal year. It would also increase the government-wide goal for procurement for small disadvantaged and women- owned businesses to 8 percent from 5 percent.

This bill is a vital step for America's 26 million small businesses, including Connecticut's 341,000 small businesses. It is an investment in our nation's small businesses. For every $1 invested, small businesses will contribute $7 to the economy. I call upon my colleagues to join me in supporting a bill that supports a vital national interest--America's small businesses and economy.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in strong support of H.R. 1592, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which would address the appalling crimes that continue to occur today simply because of a person's race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, gender, disability or sexual orientation.

I am proud to be an original cosponsor of H.R. 1592 because it is the government's responsibility to defend the civil liberties of every American and prosecute acts of aggression directed at a specific group of individuals. Current federal law provides for enhanced sentencing for hate crimes, however, the vast majority of these crimes are not tried in federal court. This bill would make it a federal crime to cause, or attempt to cause, bodily harm to another person through the use of fire, a firearm, or an explosive device because of the victim's actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender or sexual orientation. Opponents of this bill claim that it would chip away at First Amendment rights. On the contrary, H.R. 1592 would protect First Amendment speech and is only intended to prosecute acts of violence.

The bill would also provide federal assistance to states and local jurisdictions to prosecute hate crimes. Specifically, the measure would authorize the Attorney General to make grants available to state and local law enforcement agencies that have incurred extraordinary expenses associated with the investigation and prosecution of hate crimes. Currently, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) collects statistics on crimes based on race, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and disability. This legislation would require that the FBI collect statistics on gender and gender identity-related bias crimes.

I applaud Chairman Conyers and members of the House Judiciary Committee for their tireless efforts and leadership on this landmark legislation. I would also like to single out the efforts of the gentlewoman from Wisconsin, Ms. Baldwin, and the gentleman from Massachusetts, Mr. Frank, for their leadership on this issue. During my tenure in the House of Representatives and as a father of three children, I have been a consistent supporter of this measure and believe it is a tragedy that terrible injustices continue to occur in the 21st century. Our nation was founded on the principles of liberty and justice for all and these hate crimes run counter to our national conscience.

I believe Robert F. Kennedy spoke most eloquently on this issue while commenting on the loss of Dr. Martin Luther King: ``What we need in the United States is not division; what we need in the United States is not hatred; what we need in the United States is not violence or lawlessness; but love and wisdom, and compassion toward one another, and a feeling of justice toward those who still suffer within our country * * *'' Today's legislation takes us one further step towards the kind of nation Senator Kennedy and Dr. King worked for and I encourage my colleagues to join me in voting for it.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of the Congressional Research Service's (CRS) finest employees; Paul E. Dwyer, who will retire on May 3, 2007, from his position as Specialist in American National Government after a distinguished career of 39 years service to Congress and the Nation.

A native of Texas, Paul Dwyer received a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from Baylor University, in Waco, in 1967, and went on to earn a Masters in Political Science from George Washington University, here in Washington, in 1968. While finishing his course work at GW, Paul worked part time in the office of Congressman W. R. (Bill) Poage, one of the legendary Texans who served with such distinction in the House of Representatives in the 20th century. Paul's work experience on Capitol Hill convinced him to enter the profession of public service, and he applied for a position with what was then known as the Legislative Reference Service shortly after graduation. He began his career at the Library of Congress, on October 8, 1968 as analyst in American National Government.

Paul Dwyer began his CRS career with the basics--his first years constituted an apprenticeship during which he received assignments in a wide range of policy issues. He identified and progressively mastered the sources of information needed to respond to requests for information and public policy analysis by Members and committees of Congress and their staff. This was in the pre-internet era, when the instant desktop availability of information resources was a futuristic dream, and research often meant hours of digging for obscure sources in the Library's great collections, in other libraries, executive branch agencies, the National Archives and non-governmental organizations, as well. It took dogged persistence, careful organizational skills, plenty of shoe leather, and a limitless supply of number two lead pencils to do the work.

It was during this period that Paul also had an active role in supporting Congress as this body investigated the greatest political scandal in 20th century American history--Watergate--and undertook the ensuing impeachment inquiry that led to Richard Nixon's resignation as President of the United States. Paul served on the CRS teams that provided assistance to the Senate Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities, Senator Sam Ervin's famous ``Watergate Committee.'' He and his colleagues again provided invaluable assistance to the Judiciary committee of this House of Representatives as it pursued its impeachment inquiry. CRS added further laurels when it provided crucial information on the nominations of Gerald R. Ford and Nelson A. Rockefeller as Vice President, the historic first implementations of Section One of the 25th Amendment. These were, to borrow from Doris Kearns Goodwin, ``no ordinary times,'' and Congress came to depend again and again on the accuracy, dedication and professional skill of the Congressional Research Service and staff members like Paul Dwyer.

Paul Dwyer's research portfolio was broad in those years, and included many diverse areas, including presidential elections and the Electoral College, the presidency and presidential terms of office, American political history, U.S. political parties, and voting trends in Congress, to name a partial list. Beginning in the early 1970s, Paul moved into the area for which he would become justly respected throughout Congress and the Capitol Hill community. He learned and mastered the many elements of the internal governance of the Congress and its supporting agencies and organizations. His areas of unquestioned expertise include an intimate knowledge of the legislative branch budget in all its many ramifications; salaries, benefits and retirement programs for Members of Congress and their staff; congressional support agency budgets; contingent expenses in both the House and Senate; Member memorials; committee funding; the Capitol Visitor Center, and the all-important area of Capitol security and the safety of those who work in the Capitol Complex, and the millions of citizens who visit the Hill every year.

He has become the ``go-to'' staff person at CRS on the legislative budget, where the depth and breadth of his knowledge, his attention to detail, judgment, and perspective are universally recognized. This trust has been well-earned--Paul has worked professionally and amicably with Members and staff of both political parties, and is respected by all his clients. The House Committee on House Administration, the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, and the legislative branch appropriations subcommittees of both chambers have benefited from his keen analytical skills. He has worked closely with the office of the Architect of the Capitol, the Sergeants at Arms of the House and Senate, the Chief Administrative Officer of the House, and the Chief of U.S. Capitol Police. As coordinator of and primary contributor to the CRS annual Report to Congress on legislative branch appropriations sinceits inception, he has provided a valuable source of record for over a decade.

Aside from hundreds, if not thousands, of personal meetings, telephone briefings and email colloquies over the years, the volume and scope of his written work is impressive. He is the author or co-author of 21 active or archived CRS Reports for Congress, and during the 39 years of his career, he has written over 450 additional CRS Reports, Issue Briefs, and confidential memoranda for Congress. On a personal level, in the past decade, he has also provided expert and sensitive mentoring to a new generation of CRS analysts, generously sharing his knowledge and perspective with them, and helping them develop their own interests and expertise.

Paul's fine work and dedication first came to my attention soon after I was appointed Ranking member of the Committee on House Administration in 2003. As the Representative from the Nation's insurance capital, Hartford, and as the former owner of an insurance company, I wanted to be sure that the House was getting the maximum possible advantage from the money spent on insurance and other benefit programs for members and staff. Paul quickly assembled a team of CRS experts from the various CRS divisions which were assigned to cover these issues to bring me, the Committee staff, and the other members of the Committee up to speed on the programs and helped us analyze their merits. Paul was also an invaluable resource for us when we were dealing with the myriad of other issues which came before the Committee, especially the funding of the other House committees. He has also played an instrumental role in helping to write the story of the Committee, which was one of my first requests of CRS upon becoming Ranking member. Paul has continued to be a primary resource for me in my new position as Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus and has provided me with superior reports and memos on member compensation, Legislative Branch appropriations, and the duties of the House officers, to name a few. While I wish Paul well in his retirement, my staff and I will certainly miss his prompt and thorough responses for research and information.

Paul Dwyer has been recognized by CRS and the Library of Congress again and again for the quality of his work. His performance evaluations routinely noted his commendable and outstanding level of performance. He has been honored with 13 Library of Congress Special Achievement Awards during his career.

In a sense, Paul's career coincides with the era in which CRS came to maturity, evolving, under congressional guidance and stewardship, into the world's finest legislative policy institute, the envy of world parliaments and our

own executive branch, and the close adviser and trusted resource of the United States Congress. Paul exemplifies the best characteristics of this tradition: knowledge, perspective and judgment, and a commitment to providing Congress with information and analysis that is correct, complete, balanced and non-partisan. CRS, Congress, and in the larger sense, the American people, will lose a tireless and dedicated public servant when Paul E. Dwyer retires. Madam Speaker, I would like to urge my colleagues to join me in thanking Paul for his 39 years of exemplary service, and in offering him every good wish as he begins his retirement.

Madam Speaker, 4 years ago, the President declared victory onboard the Abraham Lincoln.

Indeed, our troops have performed valiantly and achieved military victory. There is no question about that or their performance. But 4 years later, we find ourselves still in a quagmire, a quagmire that even the head of the CIA said was now all trumped up with misinformation, misled the country, sacrificing brave men and women and their lives in Iraq.

What we need is for the President to step up and recognize what the American people are calling for: a new direction. Refocus on Afghanistan, go after the terrorists where they are, go after Osama bin Laden, the people who actually took down the tower, and end this quagmire. And the only reason that we are there and continue to lose lives, because there is no mission other than arrogance and hubris that has led this President to stay this course in spite of the sacrifice by our brave troops and men, when 61 percent of the Iraqi people say it is okay to kill Americans, that sectarian violence is okay, and in the midst of the civil war is not where we belong.

Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Democratic Caucus, I offer a privileged resolution (H. Res. 323) and ask for its immediate consideration.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. George David, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of United Technologies Corporation, who received the Leadership in Human Capital Practices award at the Third Annual CNBC Executive Leadership Award ceremony on January 31, 2007. While this prestigious award seeks to honor executives ``who best exemplifies leadership in human capital practices within their organization by cultivating highly productive and satisfied workforces,'' no award can fully appreciate the impact that his leadership has had on the lives of thousands of American citizens across the country.

The Employee Scholar Program he created has allowed UTC employees to obtain more than 20,000 academic degrees free of charge. Since 1996, Mr. David's advocacy of the $600,000,000 investment by United Technologies Corporation in this program has not only enriched the lives of his fellow employees, but has benefited every corner of our great country. The United States of America is more vibrant, dynamic, and competitive because of the Employee Scholar Program he created more than 10 years ago. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in congratulating George David for receiving this prestigious award.

Mr. Chairman, I am proud to rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 99, the House Budget Resolution for fiscal year 2008. This bill proves that a responsible budget can both reflect the values of our country and ensure the growth of our economy.

For all too long the voice of the American people has not been heard in this Congress. Today, I am proud to say that the new Democratic-led Congress is listening and we are delivering. We have brought a budget to the floor that begins to reverse six years of harmful cuts and reckless fiscal policy, and invests in the Nation's future. This budget supports programs that help more working families help themselves. It keeps our promises to our children, seniors, and veterans.

Unlike the Administration's budget, this carefully crafted budget brings down the deficit by $234 billion over the next 5 years and balances it by 2012. It supports middle-class tax cuts and sets up a reserve fund for a long-term fix for the AMT--a tax that will effect over 580,000 Connecticut families in 2007. The bill also creates a reserve fund of up to $14 billion over 10 years for investments in clean, renewable alternative energy that is paid for by redirecting oil company subsidies.

This budget refuses to leave children behind--it provides $7.9 billion more in funding for education, which means more funding for No Child Left Behind, special education, and aid to help students afford college. The bill also includes a $50 billion reserve fund to expand the State Children's Health Insurance Program, SCHIP, to cover the more than 9 million children without health insurance, including the nearly 73,000 uninsured children in Connecticut. In addition, this budget ensures veterans receive the care that is worthy of their sacrifice. It provides $3.5 billion more this year to provide quality health care for veterans, repair VA health care facilities, and improve the accuracy and time of processing disability claims.

Our budget rejects the President's proposed cuts to Medicare and homeland security grants. Our budget refuses to increase the deficit. Our budget refuses to ``stay the course'' of the Bush Administration.

Mr. Chairman, I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting the underlying bill, a budget that reflects the values and priorities of the American people.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Tuskegee Airmen on receiving the Congressional Gold Medal. ``Tuskegee Airmen'' refers to all who were involved in the so- called ``Tuskegee Experiment,'' the Army Air Corps program to train African Americans to fly and maintain combat aircraft. The Tuskegee Airmen included pilots, navigators, bombardiers, maintenance and support staff, instructors, and all the personnel who kept the planes in the air and bravely served our Nation during World War II.

In July 1941, 13 men started the first aviation cadet class at Tuskegee Army Field in Tuskegee, Alabama. After 9 months of vigorous flight training, 5 men successfully completed the program and graduated from the Tuskegee Flying School. These 5 airmen included CPT Lemuel R. Custis of my home State of Connecticut, who went on to become one of the first members of the 99th Fighter Squadron. The United States sent the 99th Fighter Squadron to North Africa and later Europe, where the Tuskegee Airmen proved to be valuable to the Allied Forces. In total, the Tuskegee Airmen of the 99th, 100th, 301st, and 302nd Fighter Squadrons distinguished themselves with 1,578 missions. Also, the 332nd earned a Presidential Unit Citation for ``outstanding courage, aggressiveness, and combat technique'' while escorting heavy bombers over Germany, The next generation of these outstanding individuals featured another constituent of mine, Flight Officer Connie Nappier, Jr., of Hartford, Connecticut. Nappier strived to excel at his work and passed every navigation exercise. Despite his accomplishments, he and others were constantly accused of cheating or denied credit for their outstanding achievements, which went directly to the white instructors. Connie Nappier and 100 other men were even thrown in prison for attempting to use the segregated Officer's Club at Freeman Field in Indiana, only to be released at the order of President Truman. The brave efforts of men like Connie Nappier, Jr., paved the way for African American aviators in the military.

Finally, these outstanding individuals will officially receive the award and credit that they have long deserved. Unfortunately, my constituent, Lemuel Custis passed away in February of 2005 at the age of 89, and will not have the opportunity to receive the honor he long deserved for his brave service to our Nation. Custis himself recognized in his own words that the Tuskegee Airmen ``were fighting a war on two fronts. They were fighting the enemy in Europe and Africa and they fought a Jim Crow society at home.'' Lemuel Custis was a hero and a true patriot, but is widely remembered to be a ``humble man who loved his country.'' Lemuel Custis, Connie Nappier, Jr., and the rest of the Tuskegee Airmen bravely rose above the obstacles set by the rampant discrimination of the period, and courageously defended a democracy that had not yet embraced them as true citizens.

Madam Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to join me today in honoring the Tuskegee Airmen for their outstanding service to our Nation. I feel privileged to assist in honoring heroes like Lemuel Custis and Connie Nappier, Jr. who stood up to defend our Nation in the midst of World War II, and helped to break down the racial barriers of the United States military. We all owe them our appreciation and respect for their valiant contribution to this county.

Mr. Chairman, today I rise in strong support of H.R. 1538, the Wounded Warrior Assistance Act, which would be the first step in addressing poor patient care and problems experienced in navigating the military's medical bureaucracy.

In February 2007, the media uncovered the grotesque living conditions, inattentive care, and bureaucratic hassles experienced by some of the wounded soldiers staying at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. However, the situation at Walter Reed is not an isolated case, but a systemic problem that plagues the veteran health care system. A recent review by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of 1,400 hospitals and other veterans' care facilities found ``more than 1,000 reports of substandard conditions--from leaky roofs and peeling paint to bug and bat infestations.'' In Connecticut, approximately 2,500 veterans are waiting for benefits. The military health care system is understaffed and drowning in a backlog of cases and unable to provide our veterans with the benefits and resources they sacrificed a great deal to earn.

The Wounded Warrior Assistance Act would restore the process of integrity and efficiency

in our nation's military health care system. This bill would create a new system of case managers, advocates, and counselors for wounded service members returning from combat overseas to help them get the care they need and to help navigate the military's health care bureaucracy. The legislation would also require the establishment of a toll-free hotline for reporting deficiencies in facilities supporting medical patients and family members. Under H.R. 1538, the Department of Defense (DoD) and the VA would conduct a joint study on the disability evaluation systems operated by both departments in order to improve the consistency between these two systems.

I applaud the leadership of Chairman Skelton and the honorable members of the House Armed Services Committee who crafted the legislation before us today. Congress has an obligation to be a watchdog for our veterans and ensure they receive appropriate care. These men and women have sacrificed their lives for our freedoms and they deserve the best health care and resources our country can provide.

Madam Speaker, I will like to submit this statement for the Record and regret that I was unavoidably detained with legislative business on March 20, 2007 on the vote for rollcall vote No. 164 and on March 22, 2007 on the vote for rollcall No. 181.

Had I been present, I would have voted:

``No'' on rollcall No. 164 on the amendment to H.R. 1227 that would require recipients of rental assistance under the bill--those displaced from their homes, many of whom lost their jobs as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita--to perform 20 hours per week of approved work activities.

``Yea'' on rollcall No. 181 on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H. Con. Res. 66, permitting the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for a ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to submit this letter from Connecticut Governor Rell for the Record. This letter to Chairman Skelton echoes the sentiment that has been debated in this Chamber and reaffirms why the bill before us today is so important. As we move forward with a new direction in Iraq, we must address the readiness of our military; we must provide the necessary support and equipment to our troops--this includes the National Guard in Connecticut and across the country.

State of Connecticut,

Hartford, Connecticut,

March 21, 2007.

Hon. Ike Skelton,

Chairman, House Armed Services Committee,

Washington, DC,

Hon. Duncan Hunter,

Ranking Member, House Armed Services Committee, Washington,

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this legislation, and I commend Chairman Obey, Chairman Murtha, and Speaker Pelosi for putting it before us today.

I come here also to speak to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. With all sincerity, no one questions your patriotism or love of country. And yet we hear you come down here and belittle the proposal that we have before us and call Democrats defeatists, when it is you who have surrendered your judgment. You surrendered that judgment when you didn't listen to Scowcroft or Eagleberger or Baker or Kissinger or even Powell or Shinseki.

When you don't listen to the generals or even the soldiers in the field, you mock men when they stand up here and in principle, like Jack Murtha, who you know have always stood on behalf of the troops of this country, and today offers more than $4 billion more that the President has put forward. But because of your blind, myopic allegiance to a failed policy, you have surrendered your judgment to what is the right thing.

Chairman Dreier asked us what is victory. Victory is joining with us in this proposal. Victory is once again standing on the Capitol steps hand in hand, as we all were against the war in Afghanistan, and once again fighting terrorists by going after the guys who actually took down the buildings, who hit the Pentagon.

Stand with us in the war against terrorism. End this God-awful situation in Iraq. Provide the Iraqis with the back bone that they need to stand up by giving them the tough love and the deadlines that this legislation requires.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for pointing out my age, but I am here primarily to salute you for continuing to do this kind of work.

I think, as Mr. Perlmutter pointed out, that the American public, who is always further ahead than the Congress is, found its voice in the November election, and you have given voice to the American people here in the people's Chamber, especially in the area of accountability. Because, quite frankly, as we debate today and throughout the remainder of this year, what we hear from our colleagues on the other side, and I don't question their patriotism or their love of country, and hopefully they don't question ours, but I do question their judgment.

Prior to you getting here, there has been a surrender of judgment on issues of oversight and review. So you are a breath of fresh air. You are the sunshine that needs to shine into every corner of this great institution of ours, because the people you are sworn to serve and who you have come here to represent, we are clearly proud in the leadership, of the efforts of this majority-making class that has set a new direction and a new course for this great country of ours.

I thank each and every one of you. Thank you for the opportunity to speak here.