Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Stephen Pifer of Edwardsville, Illinois for winning the Triple Crown in Illinois high school long distance track.

Last November, Stephen won the Class AA cross-country championship for the State of Illinois. Then, at the 109th annual Illinois High School Association track and field State finals held in May, Stephen won the Class AA 1,600-meter and 3,200-meter runs to secure the Triple Crown. Winds gusting up to 30 miles per hour made stable running tricky for all competitors at the State finals, but Stephen's determination and spirit kept him head and shoulders above the rest of the field at Eastern Illinois University's O'Brien Stadium that night.

Just five other runners in State history have won the Triple Crown. Stephen joins names like Craig Virgin, David Merrick, Tom Graves, John Jacobsen, and Donald Sage; each Illinois track stars in their own right. Stephen's uncle and Edwardsville assistant coach Tim Flamer praised his nephew saying, ``It's admirable for Stephen to come through time and time again. He's now among the legends of State track. He carved that out today.'' Three-time Olympian and two-time World Cross Country champion Craig Virgin calls Stephen the best runner to come out of Illinois since him, and not many disagree.

The mayor of Edwardsville has given Stephen the key to the city, but that will definitely not be the last of the awards he receives. Stephen has represented Southern Illinois well in his years at Edwardsville High School, but his time there is over as he graduated last May. He plans to move on to the University of Colorado, where he will undoubtedly continue performing well in competition. Stephen's future looks incredibly bright, and I wish him the best in all he does.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2312.

This bill is very straightforward. H.R. 2312 amends the ORBIT Act and gives the satellite company, Inmarsat, a little more time to complete their Initial Public Offering (IPO). Specifically, this legislation gives Inmarsat a 12-month extension from their pending June 30, 2003, deadline. It also gives the FCC the discretion to grant Inmarsat an additional 6-month extension on top of that if the company can demonstrate a legitimate need.

This legislation is necessary because the ORBIT Act--which was enacted in March 2000--did not anticipate the collapse of the IPO markets, especially in the telecommunications sector. In today's economic climate, Inmarsat cannot complete an IPO.

Without swift action by Congress on this bill, American farmers will face disrupted service of their precision farming technologies that rely on Inmarsat-distributed signals at the end of this month. Currently, many farmers, including many in my home state of Illinois, are utilizing GPS-based guidance systems to improve their productivity and efficiency. These systems enable farmers to more accurately apply seed, fertilizer and other inputs, reduce fuel use, and increase yields while reducing costs.

I want to emphasize that H.R. 2312 does not reopen the battles over the ORBIT law or challenge its underlying public policy. Rather, it simply makes this law workable as we suffer through this continuing down market.

I urge my colleagues to vote for this important and time-sensitive legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. David Harmon of Jerseyville, Illinois for being honored as the Illinois Family Physician of the Year.

Inspired by a family doctor's kindness and compassion, Dr. Harmon went to medical school at Southern Illinois University in Springfield and Carbondale, then did a residency in Davenport, Iowa, spent some time in Roodhouse, Illinois, and moved to Jerseyville in 1987. He has treated patients there ever since.

Nominated for the award by both patients and colleagues, Dr. Harmon is now well known for his kindness and compassion, as well as his dedication to the community. Not only is Dr. Harmon a medical doctor, but he has also served as a professor at Saint Louis University and at the family practice department at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. He is the medical director of the Jerseyville Manor Nursing Home, vice president of the Jersey County Board of Health, a volunteer with the Jerseyville Fire Department, an assistant hockey coach at Jersey High School, and a Sunday School teacher and board member at First United Methodist Church.

Dr. Michael McNair, one of his former students and now one of his partners at Illini Medical Associates praises Dr. Harmon in saying, ``He taught me that medicine is not about the technology. It's how you treat people and how much you listen to them.'' This commitment to the people is exemplary, and could be applied to almost every job in society.

While he admits that the business end of being a doctor has become more difficult in recent years, Dr. Harmon is not ready to retire anytime soon. He plans on being a doctor in Jerseyville for another 20 years, and I would like to wish him the best. The Illinois Family Physician of the Year deserves it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as co-chairman of the House Biotechnology Caucus in strong support of House Resolution 252. Approvals for biotech commodities are critical to the future of biotechnology. By filing a complaint with the WTO, the administration has taken the necessary steps to respond to the European Union's moratorium on biotech food products.

The EU moratorium is a clear violation of Europe's WTO obligations. The policy has cost American farmers hundreds of millions of dollars in export sales and seriously hindered the adoption of an enormously beneficial technology. Moreover, the hysteria brought on by the EU policies has begun to spread beyond European borders. It was time to act.

Specifically, the European Union represents a $1 billion per year market for U.S. soybeans and their products, a $500 million market for U.S. corn gluten feed, and a former $300 million per year market for the U.S. commodity corn.

The U.S. lost its commodity corn export business to the European Union in recent years over issues related to the acceptance of biotechnology-enhanced products.

As the U.S. already exports more than one-third of its agricultural production and farm States such as Illinois export more than 40 percent of their agricultural products, it is essential that the EU model for food safety and precaution is stopped before their policy and attitudes towards biotechnology affect U.S. export markets around the world.

Recently, several Illinois farmers returning from Europe concluded that the U.S. needs to take the EU to the WTO over the current EU moratorium on biotech crops.

I commend the administration for their leadership in taking the necessary steps to end this ridiculous moratorium, and urge my colleagues to support this resolution and send a strong signal to the EU and the rest of the world that the U.S. will not tolerate illegitimate, unscientific barriers to U.S. agricultural exports.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute today to Michelle Bailey of Harrisburg, Illinois, and Kate Evans of Galatia, Illinois, in honor of their achievements.

Michelle Bailey is a student at Benton Middle School who was recognized as a United States National Honor Roll Award Winner. Her picture will be published in the United States Achievement Academy Official Yearbook in order to showcase her accomplishment. Today I would like to recognize Michelle for her commitment to scholarship and academic excellence and also to encourage her to continue along the path to success.

Kate Evans was the top heifer exhibitioner for the 2002 IBA Junior Points Program. She competed against other juniors in 2002 and received prizes for placing in the top 20. I would like to congratulate Kate on her win and wish her good. luck in her future exhibitions.

In closing, I would like to congratulate both Michelle and Kate on their successes. They are excellent examples of the promising youth of today and should serve as role models for their peers and those around them. Our thanks go to the families and teachers for the foundation they have given these young women. God bless.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Braden Christian of Harrisburg, Illinois in honor of his participation in the 76th annual Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee.

Braden was the winner of the Tri-State Spelling Bee held at Bosse High School in Evansville, Illinois on March 15 earlier this year. His win secured him an invitation to the National Spelling Bee.

Today, I would like to congratulate Braden on his victory and wish him luck in the National Competition.

The Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee is held annually and features 251 students from grades five through eight from all over the country. Students are quizzed on a large selection of words from the Merriam-Webster's Third New International Dictionary. I would like to commend Braden for his hard work and dedication to pursuing his goal of winning the National Title.

In closing, I would like to praise Braden for all of his achievements and also thank his parents and teachers who have nurtured and inspired Braden's desire for excellence and love of knowledge. He is a truly wonderful young man and I look forward to hearing of his future accomplishments. God Bless.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to recognize Mr. Ralph Clemings of Troy VFW Post 976, Illinois. Ralph recently presented two protective vests for the dogs of the Illinois State Police K-9 unit from District 11 in Collinsville, Illinois.

Ralph came up with the idea after watching the K-9 units work in the aftermath of 9-11. He thought that since these dogs are now being sent in to risk their lives in dangerous situations, they should have the same type of protective vests that the policemen have. He then contacted the Illinois State Police and found out that the state didn't have enough funding in the budget to purchase any vests for the dogs. After hearing this Ralph set out to raise the needed funds to purchase the vests. It took him nearly 7 months, but he raised the money without ever asking anyone else for help.

On April 27, 2003, Ralph presented two dog vests to Sergeant Fred Scholl and his K-9 partner ``DAX'' and also to Trooper Rampert and his K-9 partner ``Rogune.'' Ralph also noted that K-9 units have been used to save thousands of lives in the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and most recently in Iraq.

I would like to congratulate and thank Ralph for his hard work on this cause. This selfless act is a prime example of someone giving back to the community and the dedication that makes this country so great.

Mr. Speaker, if I could ask the page class of 2003 to come down and take seats here in the first and second row, maybe spread it out to both sides.

Here we are, about to end a year, and this is a tradition. Unfortunately, a lot of us have to go back to our district and will not be here for graduation. I know the class is having the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Tom Davis) speak. He will represent us well as a former page himself, but this gives us a chance as a collective body to say thank you for all your work and support and friendship and things that you have done over the years.

Obviously, we remember just a short time ago welcoming you and I do not know if you remember some of the comments, but I know what I have said to other classes is that you get an opportunity to observe and work with elected Members of Congress and you will see history in the making. We did not know what that would be, but it has happened every year. Something occurs that you all are a part of, and you all know what those were.

I also asked and you all made a pledge as a class to do well in your duties, do well in your school work, do well in the dorm activities, and for the most part, I think you can say you accomplished your mission well, and I am very thankful as the Chairman of the page board that I did not have to see very many of you very often. So thank you for not only doing your work but upholding the great tradition of the page program because that helps us continue to move the page program forward.

I am going to be able to intersperse comments as I have a lot of colleagues that want to make sure they say a special farewell to you, and so I am going to pause right now. I am going to ask the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Kolbe), my colleague, to come up and

say his farewell as a Member of Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his comments. I want to make sure I hand in the list of the departing pages, the class of 2003, over here. As you know, you will want to make sure you grab your official transcript of the day's proceedings and activities and you will be able to see your name in the Congressional Record, and that is why we do that.

Perhaps one of you will become Speaker of the House, maybe you will be the President; but the really good job is to be the chairman of the Page Board, so that is what you ought to shoot for. Anybody can be President, not very many people can be chairman of the Page Board or a member of the Page Board; and that is what you should be shooting for.

I am pleased today to recognize a true friend of the page program. You are in the 20th anniversary class, the reconstituted page program. This year, my colleague who is on the Page Board, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Kildee), is celebrating 20 years of service to this program. I have only been doing it 5 years, and look at all the gray hair I have; but he has been doing it 20 years.

Mr. Kildee has touched the lives of literally thousands of pages just like you throughout his 20 years. In his early days on the board, he oversaw the creation of the page school and the residence hall. Most recently, he was instrumental in the planning and construction phases of the brand new residence hall. And as I like to say, you all are living in tall cotton compared to the location the other pages resided in. They had to really weather some severe hardships. But the gentleman from Michigan was very instrumental in that planning, and I think you are all pleased with the residence hall. I know I am. And I know you are all grateful to him for that.

Under the leadership of the gentleman from Michigan, the program has grown and flourished to be an outstanding opportunity for bright young people. Today, the program encompasses aspects of academic work and a social life that has made it truly a comprehensive experience. We thank him for his tireless dedication to the Page Board and we congratulate him for 20 years of service.

I am going to ask Mr. Kildee to come up, but what he does not know, and I will go over here now, is that we have a little surprise for him. We are going to present to him this plaque: ``The United States House of Representatives Page Program, Presented to the Honorable Dale Kildee, In Honor of 20 Years of Service to the Page Program, 1983 to 2003.''

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Kildee).

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Michigan for all the work he has done, and I also want to recognize and thank some other folks for their long-time service and who are very special to the program, and you know many of them. Donn Anderson, former Clerk of the House and former page himself, serves on the Page Board as a member emeritus. Of course, he has a 20-year record. Donn, thank you. Barbara Bowen, who has ushered countless students through the confusing worlds of algebra and pre-calculus as the House page math teacher. And Ron Weitzel has instructed bright-eyed pages in the rich and complex history of America as the House page school history teacher. Thank you, Donn, Barbara, and Ron for your dedication and commitment to the page program.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to my friend and colleague, the gentleman from the great State of California (Mr. Lewis), to say a few words. Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank, obviously, the chairman for sharing some time with us. I have a few last things to mention that are more serious, and then we will have a few lighthearted comments.

I would challenge you to find out what motivates yourself. What you have learned as a page going through this program is what is going to serve you well. You have learned a good work ethnic and how to work hard. That is going to be important throughout the rest of your life. You have learned the importance of a good education. That will tide you over as you continue to pursue that.

You have learned how to respect one another. I think what our world needs more of is people learning how to respect one another, and I think the program does a great job in doing that.

Also, do not give up. Whatever happens, do not give up. At West Point, my alma mater, we say much of the history we teach was made by the individuals we taught; and I think that is true, what can be said of the page program and the page school, because much of the history that we know now today has been made by former pages.

You have in essence now a great tradition to follow, and I want to encourage you to make us proud. And you already have made us proud. You all in this group have completed more than 1,400 hours of community service. We need to tell that story. You know it, but this helps us get the message out. That breaks down to an average of 21 hours per page.

Some examples of the things that you have done are Horton's Kids Tutoring Program. That was covered in one of the local papers. The Multiple Sclerosis Walk, Calvary Women's Shelter, Martha's Table, Ronald McDonald House and work at the Congressional Cemetery.

As a class, you have also proven to have the most terrible luck with weather. From the misty Sunday morning you moved in until the misty night of your prom, you have slogged through countless seminars and residence hall trips in the rain. In fact, the sun just came up today after many, many days of overcast skies. You did not even get a reprieve on the day that you were led through the Shenandoahs in the rain. You braved the elements recently on a trip to Six Flags and when you rode the roller coasters despite the rain.

You have proven that rain cannot dampen your enthusiasm and good humor, and it looks like you may be in luck: No rain forecasted for tomorrow's departure ceremony, but, given your track record, I would not count on it. I am going to echo Mrs. Miranda's advice, bring rain gear.

Also, we have discovered that the future President of the United States, Bryce Chitwood, who was in charge of the page auction which raised a record-breaking amount of money for the page prom, $9,000, it looks like his fund-raising skills are well organized for future goals and aspirations.

Our future Major League baseball player, Ben Hanna, who, it has been said, has great baseball player's hair. I have no idea what that means. All I know is what I am reading here.

One future NASCAR driver, Katie Murray, just has to learn to keep all four wheels on the track.

We have one future tycoon, John Malcovitch, who was born to wear a tuxedo and will be in the same league as Bill Gates, who was also a page. And I have also been told that at least three of our pages are going directly to college, skipping their senior year, and congratulations, I think. They are Sam Rykaczewski, Lauren Conn, and Michael Tanner. This is just one example of all the great successes.

But also as exciting is Democratic pages last week participated in the annual ``How many pages can you fit into a cloakroom phone booth?'' That is not a tradition on the other side, and I hesitate to mention it because it might become one. The answer is 11, and congratulations. I do not know if that is a record or not. I will have to talk to your folks and see where the record might be. I cannot imagine getting 11 in one of those phone booths.

You also have discovered the nook between the page desk and the storage cabinet. You all call it the reading corner. Mrs. Ivester calls it the sleeping corner, and Democratic pages rush to work each day in hopes that they will find the secret candy drawer filled. When the drawer is empty, they can always count on the Democratic cloakroom managers feeding them bags of Georgia peanuts throughout the day. Democratic pages often say they work for peanuts.

I know that Helen and Pat back in the Republican cloakroom want to make sure that we have a special thanks for Matt Buckham for all his work carrying groceries for them.

We have talked through the aspect of this point in time in history and you all being involved in that. I think Members have been able to relay our thanks to you for your commitment to the institution. As chairman of the page board, I can speak for my colleague from Michigan and the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Mrs. Wilson) to say we thank you for upholding the honor and the integrity of the program. It makes it a lot easier for us.

Not only that, but the good work that you have done in volunteering, I think you have set a new standard for future page classes. We are definitely going to miss you, but life goes on. You have great challenges ahead. Always remember this important time in your life will not only be in your memory, but it will be in ours. We look forward to seeing you when you come back to visit.

God bless you all, and may God bless the United States of America.

Departing Pages, 2002-2003

Yvonne Aguilar, Claire Anderson, Candice Armstrong, Harry

Bond, Trisha Belle, Robert Brown, Matthew Buckham, Donald

Burke, Samuel Burke, Simona Burke, Thomas Carroll, Chris

Cantrell, Stephanie Chesnov, Bryce Chitwood, Daniel Clayson,

Kevin Clout, Lauren Conn, Christopher Denton, Ben Fendler,

Susan Forrester, Doug Gill, David Gorgani, Laura Greenwood,

Emily Hagan, Benjamin Hannan, Margaret Hartley, Jane Heaton,

Alicia Hines, Margaret Hobbs, Chris Kataros, James Kotecki,

Jeffrey Lakin, Erica Lally, Julie Leonard, Rong Li, Alejandra

Lopez, John Malcovich, Tania Martinez, Emily McCarthy, Emily

MacMillan-Ladd, Jennifer McDervitt, Laura Meixel, Greta

Meyers, Michael Mullee, Kiera Murphy, Kaitlin Murray,

Kristine Nagle, Amber Nixon, Lauren Noyes, Garrett Payne,

Lisandro Rivera, Alex Rochester, Rene Rosales, Sam

Rykazewski, Matthew Schmitz, Allie Smoot, Neva St. Morris,

Sarah Stafford, Elizabeth Sterling, Annabell Talamoa, Michael

Tanner, Michael Tedori, Emily Toner, Emily White, Rebecca

Williams, Leandra Wilson.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois in honor of their Sesquicentennial Celebration.

The Springfield Diocese is home to approximately 170,000 Catholics in 164 parishes. The diocese is also home to 145 diocesan priests. There are eight Catholic hospitals, one religious seminary, one Catholic university, one Catholic college, seven Catholic high schools, and 54 Catholic elementary schools in the diocese.

Today, I would like to send my blessings to Bishop Lucas and the entire Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois for a joyous celebration of their Sesquicentennial.

The Diocese will celebrate their year of Jubilee with a free fun- filled day on Saturday, June 28, 2003 with a community mass that evening. The day will include activities for children, families, and seniors at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. The day will conclude with a concert from Aaron Neville. I would like to commend the sponsors of the event who are making this day possible for the hundreds of Catholic families in the Diocese.

In closing, I would like to congratulate the Diocese on their Jubilee 2003 Celebration and wish them much success with their events. I know every one who attends will feel renewed in their faith and ready to begin the next 150 years with thanksgiving for all we have been given. God bless.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the city of Litchfield and honor its sesquicentennial this year.

Said to be the highest point between St. Louis, Missouri and Terre Haute, Indiana, Litchfield was founded on August 24, 1853, and was named after Electus Bachus Litchfield, the man that brought the railroad to the area. The Terre Haute, Alton, and St. Louis railroad was essential to the development of early Litchfield, and the town rapidly grew in size.

The village was incorporated in 1856, and when the Civil War came five years later, Litchfield was the first city in the state of Illinois to send men to fight for the Union. One company from Litchfield was used to help form the first regiment in the state of Illinois, the Seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry.

After the Civil War, the discovery of oil, gas, and coal in the area prompted more population growth, and six railroads made their way through the city. The city grew even larger with the introduction of Route 66, the main highway between Chicago and Los Angeles, as tourists and travelers alike became familiar with Litchfield. The highway still runs through Litchfield today, and still brings in tourists from all over the world.

Today, Litchfield is known as the hub of Central Illinois. One hour from both St. Louis, Missouri and Springfield, Illinois, it has become the manufacturing and shopping center of the area. Nineteen manufacturers, sales and distribution centers are housed in the city's two industrial parks. Also, with a newly constructed high school, Litchfield seems ready to continue its growth well into its next 150 years. Lincoln Land Community College now has a center in the town as well, and the future of the area looks bright.

Litchfield's first 150 years have been full of growth. In celebrating its sesquicentennial this year, the city shows great dedication both to its history and to the people of its present. Several events are planned for the week of the Fourth of July, and I wish the city and its people the best in celebrating this significant milestone.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to recognize Chester Connaway of Jefferson County, Illinois. Chet was recently inducted into the Senior Saints Hall of Fame of Jefferson County.

Chet received this honor for his lifelong service to others. Upon his graduation from Mt. Vernon Township High School he joined the Army. He then served forty years in the Illinois Army National Guard. He now is the district director for Veterans Affairs Southern Division where he works to secure benefits for deserving veterans. Chet also is a member of the Field Grade School Board of Education and he served twenty years as treasurer of Wesley United Methodist Church. Chet and his wife Barbara have been married fifty years and have raised three daughters.

I want to congratulate and thank Chet for all he has done and will continue to do for the people in his community. He is a saint to all who know him and is deserving of this prestigious honor.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to recognize Clara Sonsini of Jefferson County, Illinois. Clara was recently inducted into the Senior Saints Hall of Fame of Jefferson County.

Clara received this honor for her lifelong service to others. At the onset of World War II she left home and traveled to San Francisco to work for the government in homeland security. Later, Clara and her husband, Dan, moved to Mt. Vernon where they raised three children. Upon their high school graduation she began work at a local nursing home as a nurse's aid and eventually as activity director. Clara's other numerous community activities include Girl Scout Leader, Cub Scout Den Mother, YMCA volunteer, grade school homeroom leader, president of the PTA, and American Cancer Society and Red Cross volunteer. She remains vigorously involved with the St. Mary's/Good Samaritan Regional Health Center Auxiliary.

I want to congratulate and thank Clara for all she has done and will continue to do for the people in her community. She is a saint to all who know her and is deserving of this prestigious honor.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to recognize Cliff Fields of Jefferson County, Illinois. Cliff was recently inducted into the Senior Saints Hall of Fame of Jefferson County.

Cliff received this honor for his lifelong service to others. Whether it was his service in World War II or his work to bring business and industry to Mt. Vernon, he is known as an unselfish person who works tirelessly for the benefit of others. Fifty years ago Cliff founded the architectural firm of Fields, Goldman, and Magee. He has also served on the Summersville Grade School Board, Mt. Vernon Airport Authority, Economic Development Commission, Director for Mt. Vernon Savings & Loan and First Bank & Trust, and a Trustee for Mitchell Museum.

I want to congratulate and thank Cliff for all he has done and will continue to do for the people in his community. He is a saint to all who know him and is deserving of this prestigious honor.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to recognize Dorothy Baker of Jefferson County, Illinois. Dottie was recently inducted into the Senior Saints Hall of Fame of Jefferson County.

Dottie received this honor for her lifelong service to others. She is a wife and mother who raised three children. Today she is a regular participant in the Sweet Corn & Watermelon Festival, the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, Jefferson County's Crime Watch program, Memorial Day services, the Mt. Vernon City Wide Cleanup, and the National Day of Prayer. She has also assisted with the Emergency 911 Telephone Testing process. Dottie is active in her church where she helps the elderly and assists others in any way possible.

I want to congratulate and thank Dottie for all she has done and will continue to do for the people in her community. She is a saint to all who know her and is deserving of this prestigious honor.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to recognize, Donald Baker of Jefferson County, IL. Don was recently inducted into the Senior Saints Hall of Fame of Jefferson County.

Don received this honor for his lifelong service to others. He served his country for 4 years in the U.S. Navy on the USS Remy during the Korean war. Today he is a regular participant in the Sweet Corn & Watermelon Festival, the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, Jefferson County's Crime Watch program, Memorial Day services, the Mt. Vernon City Wide Cleanup, and the National Day of Prayer. He has also assisted with the Emergency 911 Telephone Testing process.

I want to congratulate and thank Don for all he has done and will continue to do for the people in his community. He is a saint to all who know him and is very deserving of this prestigious honor.