Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, pursuant to standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information for publication in the Congressional Record regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2638, Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009:

Fiscal Year 2009 Department of Defense Appropriations bill, Navy RDT&E account, Warfighter Sustainment Advanced Technology, R-1 Line 18, PE 0603236N. The entity to receive funding for this project is the Rochester Institute of Technology, Center for Integrated Manufacturing Studies at 111 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, NY 14623. It is my understanding that this $5,000,000 would be used for the Defense Modernization and Sustainment Initiative to develop systems to detect equipment malfunctions and ensure equipment readiness. I certify that this project does not have a direct and foreseeable effect on the pecuniary interests of me or my spouse.

Fiscal Year 2009 Department of Defense Appropriations bill, Army RDT&E account, Medical Advanced Technology, R-1 Line 30, PE 0603002A. The entity to receive funding for this project is the Infotonics Center of Excellence at 5450 Campus Drive, Canandaigua, NY 14424. It is my understanding that this $2,000,000 would be used for the Smart Technologies for Electro-mechanical Prosthetic Systems research and development effort. I certify that this project does not have a direct and foreseeable effect on the pecuniary interests of me or my spouse.

Fiscal Year 2009 Department of Defense Appropriations bill, Army RDT&E account, Medical Advanced Technology, R-1 Line 30, PE 0603002A. The entity to receive funding for this project is Integrated Nano- Technologies, LLC at 999 Lehigh Station Road, Henrietta, NY 14467. It is my understanding that this $2,000,000 would be used to complete an automated, portable field diagnostic system for the rapid detection and diagnosis of diverse existing and emerging diseases. I certify that this project does not have a direct and foreseeable effect on the pecuniary interests of me or my spouse.

Fiscal Year 2009 Department of Defense Appropriations bill, Army RDT&E account, Sensor and Electronic Survivability, R-1 Line 6, PE 0602120A. The entity to receive funding for this project is Vuzix Corporation at 75 Town Centre Drive, Rochester, NY 14623. It is my understanding that this $1,000,000 would be used to develop prototypes for modern wearable gyro-compensated personnel tracking devices for use during GPS interference. I certify that this project does not have a direct and foreseeable effect on the pecuniary interests of me or my spouse.

Fiscal Year 2009 Department of Defense Appropriations bill, Air Force RDT&E account, Intelligence Advanced Development, R-1 Line 33, PE 0603260F. The entity to receive funding for this project is ITT Corporation, Space Systems Division at 1447 St. Paul Street, P.O. Box 60488, Rochester, NY 14606. It is my understanding that this $2,000,000 would be used for the Broad-area Multi-Intelligence Ubiquitous Surveillance Enterprise project. I certify that this project does not have a direct and foreseeable effect on the pecuniary interests of me or my spouse.

Fiscal Year 2009 Department of Defense Appropriations bill, Navy RDT&E account, Shipboard System Component Development, R-1 Line 35, PE 0603513N. The entity to receive funding for this project is Dresser- Rand Company at 37 Coats Street, WeIlsville, NY 14895. It is my understanding that this $1,600,000 would be used to develop a new steam turbine to be used on the existing Virginia Class and future submarines. I certify that this project does not have a direct and foreseeable effect on the pecuniary interests of me or my spouse.

Fiscal Year 2009 Department of Defense Appropriations bill, Army RDT&E account, Combat Vehicle and Automotive Advanced Technology, R-1 Line 33, PE 0603005A. The entity to receive funding for this project is the General Motors Fuel CeIl Activities Research Center at 10 Carriage Street, Honeoye FaIls, NY 14472. It is my understanding that this $1,600,000 would be used for the U.S. Army Next Generation Non-Tactical Vehicle Propulsion initiative, which will continue research in fuel ceIl propulsion for non-tactical Army vehicles. I certify that this project does not have a direct and foreseeable effect on the pecuniary interests of me or my spouse.

Fiscal Year 2009 Department of Defense Appropriations bill, Navy RDT&E account, Force Protection Advanced Technology, R-1 Line 16, PE 0603123N. The entity to receive funding for this project is the General Motors Fuel CeIl Activities Research Center at 10 Carriage Street, Honeoye FaIls, NY 14472. It is my understanding that this $1,600,000 would be used for the U.S. Navy/USMC Future Fuel Non-Tactical Vehicle initiative, which will continue research in fuel ceIl initiatives for non-tactical Navy vehicles. I certify that this project does not have a direct and foreseeable effect on the pecuniary interests of me or my spouse.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of New York Farm Bureau President John Lincoln.

Throughout his career, John has proven time and again his commitment to bolstering our agriculture industry here in New York State.

During his 12 years as President of the New York Farm Bureau, John has made a significant impact on our State's agricultural industry at every level. He has been a tireless advocate for the industry and he has never failed to communicate his enthusiasm for agriculture. As a member of many boards and task forces, John is one of the most respected and devoted members of our agricultural community.

In the words of John himself, ``farming is a challenging business, and without farm bureau working for farmers, farmers simply wouldn't have a voice. We're too busy farming.''

Yet, through it all he remained a farmer, operating a dairy farm with his wife Anne.

The farm has expanded over the years to include his daughter Julie and son Mike, ensuring that the next generation will keep farming in upstate N.Y.

John Lincoln has been an outstanding leader and advocate for strengthening the agriculture industry in New York and across the Nation, and for that, I thank him and wish him the best in his retirement.

Lincoln to Retire as Farm Bureau Chief

(By Julie Sherwood)

East Bloomfield.--John Lincoln will retire in December as

president of the New York State Farm Bureau after 14 years as

head of the agriculture advocacy organization that includes

52 county farm bureaus statewide.

``I am so honored to have been a part of this wonderful,

farmer-driven organization for all of these years,'' stated

Lincoln, an East Bloomfield dairy farmer. ``It's been a place

where, working together, we've been able to positively

advocate for real changes in public policy which have made a

difference in the ability of family farmers to live and farm

and thrive in New York.

``Farming is a challenging business, and without Farm

Bureau working for farmers with a constant presence in Albany

and D.C., farmers simply wouldn't have a voice. We're too

busy farming,'' he added.

Delegates from each of the 52 counties in the bureau will

vote for a new president at a two-day meeting in Albany in

December.

Lincoln, who served 29 years on the state Farm Bureau's

board of directors, said he thinks it's time for ``the next

crop of farm leaders to take their turn'' leading the

organization.

During his tenure, Lincoln took part in major victories for

farmers including revisions to the agricultural-assessment

program, the beginning of the farmland-protection program,

passage of the farmers' school property-tax credit,

authorizing interstate shipment of wine, incentive programs

to encourage on-farm production of renewable energy and the

recent boost of funding for specialty crops through the

federal Farm Bill passed this year.

``John has been a great asset for New York agriculture,''

said Laura Pedersen, president of the Ontario County Farm

Bureau. ``We will miss him representing us'' at both the

state and national level.

In addition to being president of the state Farm Bureau,

with its 30,000 member families, Lincoln also serves on the

American Farm Bureau Federation's board of directors. In that

role Lincoln has been involved in numerous immigration,

trade, and environmental policy issues.

Lincoln ``has played a key role in improving the financial

well-being and quality of

life for New York farmers,'' stated American Farm Bureau

Federation President Bob Stallman. New York State Agriculture

Commissioner Patrick Hooker said Lincoln leaves ``a legacy on

agricultural policy that will remain for decades.''

Prior to becoming president in 1994, Lincoln was state Farm

Bureau vice president for nine years and also served as the

county president for Ontario County Farm Bureau.

Lincoln owns and operates Linholm Dairy LLC with his wife,

Anne, and their children, Mike Lincoln and Julie Pellett.

Madam Speaker, in fan the fall of 1833, the Chemung Canal Trust Company opened its doors to the public and has continued to serve the Chemung community through banking, loans, and investment opportunities.

Over the last 175 years Chemung Canal Trust Company has continued to grow and now includes three of the counties that I represent in 29th district of New York including Chemung, Schuyler, and Steuben counties.

From providing the funds for a family to purchase their dream home to allocating loans so a student can pursue a higher education degree, Chemung Canal Trust has made a difference in New York for 175 years. And through the last 175 years, they have not lost their commitment and dedication to this community.

I want to congratulate all of the employers, patrons, and everyone associated with Chemung Canal Trust Company for this amazing accomplishment. I know that this company will flourish for another 175 years and will continue to be a strong contributor to the people of my district and to businesses in New York.

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

I am pleased to stand in support of this resolution, which will help us commemorate June 2008 as National Safety Month.

The summer season brings with it great fun and excitement, as we all know. From family vacations to time spent at pools and water parks, millions of Americans look forward to enjoying the season. However, with many of these summer activities comes a greater risk of preventable injuries.

Preventable injuries and death can also take place in the home, on the job, while driving, or really almost anywhere as we all know. That is why it is so important that we take the time to support efforts to promote safety in all aspects of life.

The National Safety Council is just such an organization with a vision of making our world safer. The mission of the National Safety Council is to educate and influence people to prevent accidental injury and death.

The council was founded in 1913 and chartered by Congress in 1953. It is the only organization promoting safety in the workplace, in the transportation arena, and in homes and in communities. Members of the council include 18,600 companies of all sizes from a broad spectrum of industries representing 33,300 locations and about 8.5 million employees around the world.

I appreciate the work of the National Safety Council along with that of employers, schools and community leaders, and all Americans who are working to make safe environments.

Later today, in just a couple of minutes, we will consider another bill under suspension that promotes safety, the Josh Miller HEARTS Act, which will help to place automated external defibrillators in schools around this country.

I am proud to stand in support of these and other efforts to promote safety, prevent injury and to protect the lives and the well-being of Americans. However, Mr. Speaker, I'm a little disappointed that we are not taking this opportunity today to promote another type of well-being for our citizens, their economic well-being. Over the weekend, our Nation reached a dubious milestone. The average price of a gallon of regular gasoline has now topped $4. This once-unthinkable figure has become the new norm unfortunately, wreaking havoc on the lives and livelihoods of millions of Americans.

From filling the tank, to filling the shopping cart, Americans are being crushed by the high price of energy and its ripple effect on our economy. Our constituents are crying out for help. But to date, this Congress has refused to embrace the comprehensive energy solutions needed to wean our Nation from its dependence on foreign oil.

Republicans have proposed an energy plan that incorporates all the critical elements of energy independence and freedom. We are supporting the production of American-made energy, which will create jobs here at home, while being conscious of our environmental impact. We are promoting the development of new sources of fuel and we are promoting conservation. Taken together, the Republican energy plan will help finally ease the pain at the pump.

So while I urge the support of H. Res. 1225, I also urge action on the much-needed energy reforms.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Westmoreland).

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4926, the Josh Miller Helping Everyone Access Responsive Treatment in Schools Act of 2008. Also, fortunately, we refer to it as the Josh Miller HEARTS Act.

This legislation would authorize the United States Secretary of Education to make grants to public and private elementary and secondary public schools to purchase automated external defibrillators, also known as AEDs, for school grounds and to train employees and volunteers on how to use these devices, which have saved thousands of lives all over the country.

An AED is a portable, computerized medical device that can check a person's heart rhythm to determine whether he or she is in cardiac arrest and having a heart attack. It can recognize a rhythm that requires an electronic shock and advise a rescuer when a shock is needed.

The AED uses voice prompts, lights, and text messages to tell the rescuer the precise steps he or she needs to take to operate the device.

Just as hundreds of students have found out, it is an extremely accurate and easy device to use. As such, the device is widely credited for saving hundreds of lives a year.

I firmly believe that expanding the availability of AEDs in schools will save the lives of thousands of students and teachers, and so I want to thank the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Sutton) for taking a leadership role on this vital issue and for introducing this important bill.

This effort is a deeply personal one to me, as I have been involved in the effort to install AEDs in public and private elementary and secondary schools since before I came to Congress.

When I was in the New York State Senate, I heard about a young man who Mr. Yarmuth mentioned earlier by the name of Louis Acompora from Northport, Long Island. Louis was playing lacrosse at Northport High School. Like many high school students across the country, he played sports every day. He did exactly what he was trained to do, he blocked a shot on goal with his chest. Unfortunately, it was the wrong time, and after receiving the blunt impact to the chest, Louis went into cardiac arrest and died from that particular blow, a syndrome that affects healthy young athletes as a result of low energy, non- penetrating blows to the chest.

If an AED had been available on the field at the time, perhaps Louis's mother and father would not have watched him die on the field.

In response to this tragic event, I worked with my colleague, then State Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg, to introduce legislation that required all public schools in New York State to have at least one AED on the school grounds. Fortunately, the State legislature adopted this law, and as a result, I am proud to say that 38 lives in New York schools have been saved since its passage back in 2002.

As I said on the floor last week in support of the first annual CPR and AED Awareness Week, communities with comprehensive AED programs have achieved survival rates of over 40 percent where the normal survival rate is roughly 5 percent.

With this in mind, I believe schools are the logical place to put defibrillators since as many as 20 percent of the community population passes through its school's doors on a daily basis.

This bill would require that local educational agencies that receive a grant under the program to provide at least 25 percent match from non-Federal sources. It ensures that local paramedics and other emergency services personnel are notified regarding where the actual AED is located on the school grounds in case they ever have to respond to a situation on the school campus.

H.R. 4926 is an important piece of legislation that will help save lives all across the country. I compliment Ms. Sutton again on her leadership role on this issue, and I strongly urge my colleagues to support the bill.

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

Mr. Speaker, in closing let me say that this bill is a bill that makes a difference between life and death. It is one that all of our colleagues should be supporting, and I recommend its support.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1243, recognizing the immeasurable contributions of fathers in the healthy development of children, supporting responsible fatherhood, and encouraging greater involvement of fathers in the lives of their children, especially on Father's Day.

Pope John Paul XXIII once stated: ``It is easier for a father to have children than for children to have a real father.'' The truism of those words is exceedingly relevant today.

The presence of two committed, involved parents contributes directly to better academic importance, reduced substance abuse, less crime and delinquency, fewer emotional and other behavioral problems, less risk of abuse or neglect, and lower risk of teen suicide.

The research is clear, fathers factor significantly in the lives of their children. There is simply no substitute for the love, involvement, and for the commitment of a responsible father.

Fathers today have a responsibility to set aside quality time with their children, such as attending their children's school events, games and activities. They also involve their children in their lives and the adult world by taking them to work, or taking them along when the car needs to be repaired, or involving them in decisions that affect the family.

As advisors and role models, fathers help their children to understand the difference between right and wrong and to recognize how the decisions they make today can affect the rest of their lives.

Fathers instill important values and prepare their children for challenges and opportunities ahead by demonstrating true leadership. Their love and their devotion inspire the future generation of Americans to achieve their dreams, and demonstrate their true spirit of our country.

A father is one of the most important influences in a child's life. And on Father's Day, and every day, we honor our fathers who celebrate this special bond between a father and a child.

And so as fathers and children all across the country prepare this Sunday to mark that special day in which fathers are honored for all they do, I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this resolution.

Father's Day celebrations are a time of great happiness and family bonding. Many families will try to escape for a day, perhaps taking a trip to a favorite landmark or to the ball park, building precious memories for dad and children alike.

Unfortunately, for many families, these joyous celebrations will not be an option this year. With the price of gasoline reaching $4.02 per gallon just recently, for the first time in history, Americans are struggling to put fuel in their cars. They're struggling to make everyday purchases. And they're sacrificing the types of celebrations that would normally mark the occasion of Father's Day.

Although the majority has thus far refused to unveil its long- promised plan to bring down the price of gasoline, Republicans are not willing to stand by while our families suffer. That's why we've offered a plan of our own to increase production here at home, thereby creating American jobs, while also encouraging the development of energy alternatives and promoting conservation.

We owe it to the American families, including the fathers, who just want to be able to spend quality time with their children, to finally deliver solutions to the current energy crisis. We need to bring down the price of energy sources that fuel our lives.

I would like to reserve the balance of my time at this point, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Sullivan) as much time as he may consume.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would just thank and compliment the gentleman from Oklahoma for bringing this resolution to the floor, and for bringing awareness to the people who are fathers, and reminding them of the tremendous role that they have in America and the youth development of our children, and to thank them for their participation in that role.

I yield back the balance of my time.

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

House Concurrent Resolution 311, sponsored by the majority leader, Representative Hoyer, authorizes the use of the Capitol Grounds for the 67th Annual Washington Soap Box Derby on June 22, just a couple of weeks away, this year. For many years, Majority Leader Hoyer and Congress have supported this fun event, which allows children to show off their hard work and their creativity as they compete for trophies and the opportunity to race others in competition.

Boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 17 will race down Capitol Hill in homemade cars, hopefully without injury. Winners in each of the three divisions go on to compete in the National Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio. Last year, the Soap Box Derby marked a historic event when racer Kacie Rader won both the District's race and the national title in her division.

I support this resolution, and I encourage my colleagues to do the same.

The authorization of the use of the Capitol Grounds is part of the managerial work that we do here in Congress. But the issues the American people want addressed are being ignored. While Americans struggle, particularly in my district, to put fuel in their cars, we authorize the use of the Capitol Grounds. Gas prices are soaring above $4 in many parts of the country and this Congress must act. We must work to find a way to ease the burden of increasing fuel costs.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Carter).

Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may

consume to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Chabot).

Madam Speaker, at this time I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from California, Representative Doolittle.

Madam Speaker, in closing, I would ask my colleagues to support this bill. It is a very meritorious bill. And while the legislative action of this Congress idles relative to energy legislation, certainly the kids of America should be able to carry on tradition. I support and applaud Leader Hoyer for bringing this resolution to the floor.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume.

This resolution authorizes the use of the Capitol Grounds for the 100th anniversary celebration of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. AKA, Alpha Kappa Alpha, was founded in 1908 on the campus of Howard University, right here in Washington, DC. The sorority performs various community service projects and encourages its members to contribute to the community, while pursuing academic excellence.

The centennial program on the Capitol Grounds will be just one part of the year-long celebration. The event will be free and open to the public.

Alpha Kappa Alpha will assume liability for accidents and will be responsible for event costs in accordance with the policies of the Architect of the Capitol and the Capitol Police.

While we debate this concurrent resolution, which is strictly a managerial responsibility of this Congress, people across the country are worrying about how they will afford their next trip to the gas station, and not about this particular celebration.

Since the Democrats took over Congress, the price of gasoline has increased more than a $1.50 a gallon. It's unfortunate, but Democrats seem to ignore the law of supply and demand.

What you've heard here previously on the resolution before the House dealt with opening up the supply that's immediately available in this country, American energy supply. The current majority has done nothing to increase energy supplies, and then wonder why gas prices continue to soar. It is simply unbelievable that the Democrat majority refuses to debate the skyrocketing costs of fuel.

Madam Speaker, while I do support this resolution and request my colleagues to be likewise supportive, I would reserve the balance of my time at this time.

I yield back the balance of my time.

I yield myself such time as I might consume.

I rise in support of the resolution offered by the gentlewoman from Ohio, Representative Kaptur.

H.R. 3712 designates the Federal building and United States courthouse located in Toledo, Ohio as the ``James M. Ashley and Thomas W. L. Ashley Customs Building and United States Courthouse.''

James Mitchell Ashley was an Ohio congressman who served five terms in the United States Congress where he served for 8 years as the chairman on the Committee of Territories. Representative Ashley had a prominent role in the passage of the 13th amendment, which abolished slavery. Following his service in Congress, James Ashley served as the Governor of the Territory of Montana, as you have previously heard, and helped to construct the Toledo, Ann Arbor and Northern Railroad.

His great grandson, Thomas William Ludlow Ashley, also served as a congressman from Ohio from 1955 to 1981, some 26 years. Representative Thomas Ashley served 13 terms in Congress, and was chairman of the Select Committee on Energy in the 95th Congress. Prior to his service, he served in the Pacific theater during World War II as a corporal in the United States Army.

This bill is a fitting tribute to their service and to their country. I support this measure, and urge my colleagues to do the same.

While this legislation will name a courthouse in Ohio, it is not on the issue or not on the minds of people across the country as they travel to work. They are more worried about the cost of filling up their gas tanks than they are the managerial actions of Congress' naming a building after some very honorable people. The American people are really feeling the pain at the pump, and this Congress has ignored their calls for help. It seems that, every night, the news media proclaims that the gas prices have hit another record high. As Congress idles and as prices soar, the problem is being ignored. This is something that Congress must act on immediately.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I would encourage my colleagues to support this resolution as it is a fine, honorable, memorable tribute to a wonderful family from Ohio.

I yield back the balance of my time.

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

H.R. 5599 names the new Census Bureau headquarters building in Suitland, Maryland, as the Thomas Jefferson Census Bureau Headquarters Building.

As the first Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson was a strong advocate of a national census, and he supervised the first census in 1790. Early population estimates misjudged the number of Americans in many areas, unfortunately, and it resulted in underrepresentation in many areas of this country in the first Congress. Under Jefferson's leadership, however, the census developed into a more useful and accurate process.

Thomas Jefferson's advocacy for a complete and accurate census land laid the foundation for the Census Bureau we have today. He believed that an accurate census was essential to ensure that the government represented its people effectively. So it is fitting that the new census building bear his name, and I support the bill and urge its adoption and applaud my colleague, Representative Maloney, on bringing it before the House for its adoption today.

But while we debate these matters, the issue persists, and that is the high cost of gasoline. And this Congress continues to ignore the rising cost of gasoline. American workers are struggling to fill up their tanks, and this Congress has done nothing to ease that burden. The Democratic majority has failed to provide the real leadership in addressing the high cost of fuel which requires an increased supply, American supply.

Thank you, Madam Speaker, for an opportunity to speak on this.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time and encourage my colleagues to vote in support of this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, millions of Americans and auto racing enthusiasts around the world look forward to each weekend for the invigorating sights, sounds, and experience of professional sports car racing. These fans owe a great thanks to one of the founding fathers of road racing, Watkins Glen's own Cameron Argetsinger who passed away this last month.

Today I join these fans in mourning the loss of this auto racing pioneer who has left an indelible mark on the automobile world and on the community of Watkins Glen, New York. What Cameron Argetsinger began in 1948 as a road race through and over the streets of Watkins Glen, New York, has grown over the last 60 years to now a private track that has hosted the best drivers in the world, from NASCAR to Formula 1, including the United States Grand Prix.

He has made the small town of Watkins Glen famous throughout the country. Almost every legendary auto racer over the last 60 years has visited Schuyler County to race at the Glen and to pay homage to a man who helped make auto racing what it is today.

Cameron Argetsinger inherited a love for fast cars from his father and in 1947 bought his first sports car so he could become a member of the nascent Sports Car Club of America. With the desire to race his car, he organized a sports car race designed to appear like a European- style road race through the streets of Watkins Glen. That first race in Watkins Glen had only 23 cars participating and followed the route that Cameron Argetsinger laboriously planned on his living room floor.

Ten years later, after the road races moved to a new 2.3-mile course, Argetsinger brought full international races to Watkins Glen. In 1961, he inaugurated the U.S. Grand Prix for Formula 1, which had a successful 20 years' run in the Watkins Glen circuit.

After leaving Watkins Glen in 1970, he was executive vice president of Chaparral Cars and was subsequently director of professional racing and executive director of the Sports Car Club of America, SCCA, from 1971 to 1977. He also served as commissioner of the International Motor Sport Association from 1986 to 1992. Cameron Argetsinger was a member of the inaugural induction class of the Hall of Fame of the Sports Car Club of America in January of 2005. He is also in the Schuyler County, New York, Hall of Fame.

Cameron Argetsinger loved sports cars and never looked back when chasing his dream. He was an attorney, a father, a grandfather, a racer, a husband, and an inspiration. He did what he loved, and he will be missed by the people of Watkins Glen, Schuyler County, and the world.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of National Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automated External Defibrillator Awareness Week, quite a handle. It commenced just 2 days ago on Sunday and lasts until Saturday.

Last year, I introduced legislation to support designating this first week of June as National CPR and AED Awareness Week, and I am pleased that Congress passed my proposal to help bring an important issue to light.

Heart disease continues to be--and I repeat that--heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States. So I believe that we must do all we can to bolster our efforts to combat heart disease and sudden cardiac arrest.

Approximately 325,000 coronary heart disease deaths occur outside of the hospital emergency room every year, and roughly 95 percent of sudden cardiac arrest victims die before even reaching the hospital.

These statistics serve as a clear reminder that we must take action to save lives at the local and the community levels, and an annual National CPR and AED Awareness Week will help us do just that.

CPR more than doubles a victim's chances of surviving sudden cardiac arrest by maintaining the vital flow of blood to the heart and to the brain.

Over 75 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur within the home, so CPR can make a difference between life and death.

Additionally, automated external defibrillators are easy for even bystanders to operate and are highly effective in restoring a normal heart rhythm if used within minutes after the sudden onset of cardiac arrest.

Communities with comprehensive AED programs have achieved survival rates of over 40 percent, as opposed to 5 percent, which is the traditional rate of survival. And I am proud to have sponsored the New York State law that required public high schools to have at least one such device on the school grounds.

As a state senator, I worked with my colleague, Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg, Long Island, who advanced this initiative after a young man named Louis Acompora from Northport, Long Island, died from a blunt impact to the chest while playing lacrosse. He was a goalie and was doing exactly what he was trained to do. Had an AED been available at the time, his life very well might have been saved. Thankfully, our efforts in New York have helped to save over 35 lives in New York State in the 5 years since the law's enactment.

The American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, and the National Safety Council are holding public awareness and training campaigns around the country. And the National Safety Council is also offering a free online course of CPR and AED training all week long. This week, as a result of their efforts, it is our hope to train over 100,000 Americans in CPR and AED treatment opportunities. And Americans will have the opportunity to learn to combat heart disease at the community level and hopefully save lives all across the country.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this week, Mr. Speaker, it's a very important initiative.

Madam Speaker, I submit the following:

Requesting Member: Representative John R. ``Randy'' Kuhl, Jr.

Bill Number: H.R. 5658.

Account: Army Aircraft Procurement, Utility Helicopter Mods.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Elmira/Corning Regional Airport.

Address of Requesting Entity: 1250 Schweizer Road, Horseheads, NY 14845.

Description of Request: Provides a total of $5,000,000 to upgrade UH- 60A Black Hawk helicopters to the UH-60L configuration. Most of the funding will be used to procure and install the upgrades required to increase performance of this aircraft, and a small portion will be used for salaries in support of this effort. The UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter is an essential capability of the Army National Guard. It provides units in every state with a multi-mission aircraft for search and rescue, utility lift, disaster relief and medical evacuation. Funding the UH-60A to L upgrade will significantly improve the Black Hawk fleet and ensure that National Guard units are ready for deployment to protect our national interests at home and abroad.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pioneer Middle School located in Yorkshire, New York. Last month, Pioneer Middle School was recognized as one of two Essential Elementary Schools to Watch in New York State. Pioneer is the first middle school in western New York to achieve this prestigious honor. Presently, only 10 middle schools in all of New York State have achieved this recognition over the past 4 years.

This award exemplifies the talent and dedication that these educators and parents demonstrate every day. The school has shown tremendous progress since being named a School in Need of Improvement by the Department of Education in 2004.

As these teachers, students, and parents gather to celebrate this wonderful accomplishment, I want to offer my sincere congratulations. Let the Pioneer Middle School serve as a beacon for schools around the Nation to see that excellence and success comes from devoted teachers and parents.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of overriding the President's veto of the farm bill.

When I was elected to Congress, I joined the Agriculture Committee because of my district's rich and deep tradition in farming. And as a member of this committee, I am committed to serving not only the needs of my district, but also to preserving our Nation's agricultural vitality. As such, I am extremely disappointed by the President's veto.

I am very pleased, however, by what our committee has been able to do in writing this farm bill. This farm bill fairly and accurately represents the interests of all our farmers and various agricultural industries across the country and was fashioned in a bipartisan manner. Particularly the dairy and specialty crops and conservation programs will be extremely beneficial to New York farmers. But, more importantly, this legislation contains reform.

For the first time in history there will be a hard cap on the adjusted gross income standard to prevent the wealthiest from receiving payments. As such, this farm bill has broad support from a variety of agricultural, nutrition, conservation, and consumer entities. This farm bill is an opportunity to make American farm policy truly comprehensive, competitive and cohesive, and I urge my colleagues in Congress to override this veto.