Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6151) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 216 Oak Street in Farmington, Minnesota, as the ``Hamilton H. Judson Post Office''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, Hamilton H. Judson was appointed postmaster of Farmington, MN in 1884. He worked diligently to give the town free rural delivery, making it the second town in the U.S. to receive this service. Just a few months after Judson established the system, local newspapers deemed it a success,

Judson was also known for working tireless hours. He was at work by 7 every morning, and waited on the mail train to arrive at 9 every night. And during the harvest season, he kept the Post Office open late so the farmers could collect their mail.

After almost 30 years of service, he retired, leaving behind a rural mail system as well as city post roads upon which the community of Farmington depended. I urge all members to join me in supporting H.R. 6151, honoring Hamilton Judson's ingenuity and his dedication to serving his town.

I yield to the gentleman from Minnesota.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the passage of H.R. 6151, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5736) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 101 Palafox Place in Pensacola, Florida, as the ``Vincent J. Whibbs, Sr. Post Office Building''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5736, offered by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Miller), would designate the facility of the United States Post Office in Pensacola, Florida, as the Vincent Whibbs, Sr. Post Office Building.

Mayor Emeritus Vince J. Whibbs passed away on May 30, 2006, having left a long legacy of public service in his country, and to the hometown of Pensacola, Florida.

During World War II, Mr. Whibbs left his job at the Pontiac Motor Division of General Motors to join the Army's Air Corps, serving as a fighter pilot and then a fighter flight trainer. After the war, he returned to his job at Pontiac and rose quickly through the ranks until he decided to take over a Pontiac dealership in Pensacola. It was there that he came to love the city that would become his permanent home.

Mr. Whibbs was very giving of his time to the community. He was elected to the city council, and served in many organizations such as the Navy League, the United Way, and the Rotary Club.

In 1978 he was appointed to a 2-year term as mayor of Pensacola. He did such a good job, that he was asked to serve through June of 1991, making him the longest serving mayor in Pensacola history.

In honor of his distinguished service, the city bestowed the title of Mayor Emeritus upon Mr. Whibbs.

I support H.R. 5736 in recognition of the many contributions he made to the community. And I hope all Members will join me.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5929) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 950 Missouri Avenue in East St. Louis, Illinois, as the ``Katherine Dunham Post Office Building''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

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

Katherine Dunham was born in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, in 1909, and from a very early age, she was passionate about the arts. She attended Chicago University and went on to earn a master's and doctoral degree in anthropology. In 1931, she opened her first dance school, and in 1948, she participated in a tour that was the first to bring African American dance to the European public.

Upon returning from Europe, Dunham directed a production on Broadway, and in 1963, she became the first African American to choreograph for the Metropolitan Opera. Perhaps one of the most defining moments of her career, however, was receiving the Albert Schweitzer Music Award for a life's work dedicated to music and devoted to humanity at New York's Carnegie Hall.

In recognition of her countless achievements and contributions to the arts, I urge all Members to join me in voting for H.R. 5929.

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

Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the passage of H.R. 5929, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1472) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 167 East 124th Street in New York, New York, as the ``Tito Puente Post Office Building''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, a 5-time Grammy winner, Tito Puente was one of the most influential Latin jazz musicians of his time. He began playing the drums professionally as early as the age of 13 and went on to study composing, orchestration, and piano at Julliard and the New York School of Music.

Puente released 120 albums over the course of his 60-year career. His fans loved him for both his music and his showmanship. He will always be remembered for keeping his music fresh and current through the decades.

I support H.R. 1472 in recognition of the remarkable gift for music that Mr. Puente joyously shared with the world and hope all the Members will join with me.

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

Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the passage of H.R. 1472, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 973) recognizing Financial Planning Week, recognizing the significant impact of sound financial planning on achieving life's goals, and honoring families and the financial planning profession for their adherence and dedication to the financial planning process, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, there is no question that a sound financial foundation can provide people with more opportunities and a better quality of life. H. Res. 973, as amended, recognizes the importance of thorough planning to the achievement of financial aspirations, and it commends the millions of Americans who are already working and planning to achieve their personal goals.

In the past year, proclamations have been made in several States, as well as the District of Columbia, recognizing this fact, and I am pleased to support H. Res. 973 designating the week of October 2, 2006, as National Financial Planning Week.

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

Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the adoption of H. Res. 973, as amended, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5989) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 10240 Roosevelt Road in Westchester, Illinois, as the ``John J. Sinde Post Office Building''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill now under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I am pleased to support H.R. 5989 introduced by the distinguished gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis).

John J. Sinde began his political career in 1949 when he joined the Material Service following 3\1/2\ years of service to the United States Navy. In 1973, he became the president of the Westchester Park District Board, where he remained until being appointed president of Westchester, a position he maintained for 24 years.

In addition to his political commitment, Mr. Sinde was also actively involved with the youth of his community. He found the time to manage the Pee Wee League, umpire the Westchester Girls Softball team, and served as a member of the Westchester Boys Baseball team. John Sinde passed away in November of 2005, and I am pleased to support a bill honoring him as a pillar of his community.

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

Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the passage of H.R. 5989, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5990) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 415 South 5th Avenue in Maywood, Illinois, as the ``Wallace W. Sykes Post Office Building''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill now under consideration.

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

I am pleased to support another bill introduced by my distinguished friend, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis). Pastor Wallace Wyatt Sykes is well known for his accomplishments

within, and devotion to, his community of Maywood, Illinois.

In addition to providing leadership to the Church of God since 1961, Pastor Sykes has played an active role in his church's day care center, music center, talent and tutoring center, as well as the community crisis center.

His contributions to Maywood have greatly been appreciated by its citizens, and I hope all Members will join me in honoring him.

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

Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the passage of H.R. 5990, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill (S. 3613) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2951 New York Highway 43 in Averill Park, New York, as the ``Major George Quamo Post Office Building''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill now under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, Major George Quamo was the youngest member of the Special Forces Unit during the Vietnam War. He was the leader of three reconnaissance teams while serving in Vietnam and was responsible for the safe return of 14 men whose lives would have otherwise been lost.

Throughout his career, the major was awarded 26 medals, including the Distinguished Service Cross and two Silver Stars. He was killed at the very young age of 27 when the helicopter he was flying in went down.

I urge all Members to join me in honoring Major Quamo for his remarkable life and service to the United States. Without the courage, dedication, and talent of soldiers like him, our country would not be what it is today.

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

Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the passage of Senate 3613, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill (S. 3187) to designate the Post Office located at 5755 Post Road, East Greenwich, Rhode Island, as the ``Richard L. Cevoli Post Office''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill now under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, born in 1919, U.S. Navy Commander Richard L. Cevoli was a long-time resident of East Greenwich and a student at what is now the University of Rhode Island. He fought bravely in World War II, for which he was awarded the Navy Cross, as well as the Korean War, in which he served as the executive officer of his squadron.

In addition to these honors, Commander Cevoli's courageousness and commitment to his country earned him eight Air Medals and two Distinguished Flying Crosses. His life was taken far too soon on January 18, 1955, when his plane crashed during a training mission. He was rightfully remembered in the Rhode Island Aviation Hall of Fame, and I am pleased to support this bill honoring his great legacy.

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

Mr. Speaker, I thank the Honorable Mr. Davis. I appreciate having had the opportunity to share these few minutes with him.

Mr. Speaker, I urge that all Members support the passage of S. 3187, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize John Tippets, the president and CEO of American Airlines Federal Credit Union, located in Dallas-Fort Worth on his election to the Board of Directors of the National Association of Federal Credit Unions (NAFCU). John has been an advocate for federal credit unions for over 15 years at the state and local level.

I know John will serve with distinction in his new post, as this is just one more in a long

list of accomplishments. In addition to serving as President and CEO at AAFCU, he previously served on the Board of Directors as well. John previously served on the Filene Institute Advisory Council, the Federal Reserve's Thrift Institutions Advisory Council and Fannie Mae's National Advisory Council. Further, John currently serves on the Aspen Institute's Advisory Board for the ``Initiative on Financial Security'' and on NAFCU's Legislative Committee.

Under John's leadership, AAFCU has continued to grow, serving over 200,000 employees of the air transportation industry. During his time at AAFCU, John has worked hard to ensure that the credit union continue to reflect the original goals of the credit union movement; promoting thrift, encouraging volunteer leadership and cooperative ownership. AAFCU provides helpful, timely, personal service that caters to the needs and financial goals of individual members. It is that service that is the hallmark of AAFCU and the credit union movement.

Again, I wish John good luck in his new position as a member of NAFCU's Board of Directors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in order to honor the flight crew members that lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001.

During the horrific attacks that took place on that fateful date, thousands of innocent people lost their lives at the hands of these terrorists. Among them, 25 flight attendants, 5 captains and 4 first officers were lost on American Airlines flights 11 and 77 and United Airlines flights 93 and 175. Everyone of them acted heroically in the face of the terrorist attacks, the magnitude of which is unparalleled in American history.

In addition, on December 22, 2001, the flight crew members of American Airlines flight 63 responded with courage, determination, and skill, saving the lives of 185 passengers, 12 crew members, and countless people on the ground, by helping to restrain Richard Reid, who was attempting to detonate a bomb in his shoe.

This Monday, September 11, 2006, on the 5th anniversary of the terrorist attacks, the 9/11 Flight Crew Memorial Foundation will hold a candle light vigil and dedication of a new memorial to honor these American heroes in Grapevine, TX.

It is my honor for this memorial to be located in my district. It will serve not only as an inspiration to every American because of the courage and fortitude the flight crew members showed in the face of danger on 9/11, but also as a stark reminder of the continuing danger that we all face and the vigilance we must maintain.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the city of Southlake, Texas for it's 50th Anniversary of Incorporation.

In 1956, Southlake was born on the North Texas Prairie as 1.62 square miles of land with less than 1000 inhabitants and now boasts 22 square miles with a population of more than 25,000 Texans.

During the past 50 years, businesses and families alike have migrated to Southlake to plant roots in the stable and warm community. With the growth of the city's size in land and residents, Southlake has worked hard and succeeded at maintaining a comfortable and safe hometown atmosphere.

The American family is thriving in Southlake, Texas with just over 60 percent of families having kids under the age of 18. Whether a faculty member in the accomplished local school system, or a participant in the storied high school athletic programs, these families take great pride in preparing their children for the future. Within these families are hard working employees at locally owned businesses or large corporations who strive for the betterment of the community in which they live.

I commend Southlake's city officials of past and present for their dedication during challenging periods of growth and laud their accomplishments of making Southlake a premier North Texas community for families and businesses.

I give my congratulations to the city officials and private residents of Southlake on their Golden Anniversary of Incorporation. I honor Southlake, Texas upon this milestone and look forward to the future as the city continues to be a shining example in North Texas.

It is with pride that I serve such a distinguished city in my Congressional District and give my sincere congratulations upon this Golden Anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 498) supporting the goals and ideals of School Bus Safety Week.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 498 offered by the distinguished gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Duncan). This resolution would support the goals and ideals of a National School Bus Safety Week.

In our Nation, approximately 22.5 million children ride school buses to and from school each day, which accounts for 54 percent of all students attending grade school. In fact, the more than 440,000 public school buses travel approximately 5 billion miles each year, comprising the largest mass transportation fleet in the country, 2\1/2\ times the size of all other forms of mass transportation, and according to statistics, representing the safest form of highway transportation.

Even so, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, each year for the past 11 years, an average of 35 school-age children have died in school bus-related traffic accidents. This is why it is vital that drivers, mechanics and supervisors, as well as parents and children, observe certain rules and regulations pertaining to all the operations of school bus safety.

The week of October 15 through October 21 will educate children around the country about school bus safety precautions with special activities such as poster contests to help bring the valuable information to our Nation's children.

I urge all Members to come together to encourage the educational importance of a School Bus Safety Week by adopting H. Res. 498.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to my distinguished colleague, the Congressman from Tennessee (Mr. Duncan).

Madam Speaker, I urge all Members to support the adoption of H. Res. 498, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4962) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 100 Pitcher Street in Utica, New York, as the ``Captain George A. Wood Post Office Building''.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill.

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

Captain George A. Wood of New York was killed on November 20, 2003, while fighting the war on terror in Iraq. Wood was on patrol when his tank rolled over an improvised explosive device. At the time, he was assigned to B Company, 1st Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, based out of Fort Hood, Texas.

Growing up in New York's Mohawk Valley, Wood was a football and track star at Notre Dame Junior Senior High School in Utica, New York. He later went on to earn his degree from Cornell and completed his postgraduate work at both New York State University Colleges at Albany and Cortland. His lifelong dream was to teach history and coach football at West Point.

Captain Wood leaves behind his wife and daughter and many lifelong friends. His friends will always reminisce about his wonderful storytelling ability and his goodheartedness that was transparent in everything that he did.

I would urge all the Members to come together to honor Captain George Wood by passing H.R. 4962.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Boehlert).

(Mr. BOEHLERT asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Madam Speaker, I urge all Members to support the passage of H.R. 4962, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 721) supporting the goals and ideals of a Salvadoran-American Day (El Dia del Salvadoreno) in recognition of all Salvadoran-Americans for their hard work, dedication, and contribution to the stability and well-being of the United States.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 721 offered by the distinguished gentlewoman from California (Ms. Solis). This resolution would support the goals and ideals of a Salvadoran American Day.

Currently, thousands of Salvadoran Americans reside in the United States, mostly within California, the Washington, D.C. area, and New York. August 6 marks the date of the celebration of Fiestas Agostinas, an observance that dates back to 1525, paying homage to the cultural festivities of El Salvador, and is widely observed by the Latino community in the United States.

This day has grown in significance over the years as the Salvadoran- American community has matured and adapted the holiday to fit the lives of Salvadorans living in the United States. Living in a country built by offerings from many cultures and nationalities, Salvadorans have brought forth many economic and cultural contributions to weave into the American fabric.

I urge all Members to come together to pay homage to many Salvadoran Americans that are thriving in our society today by adopting H. Res. 721.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I have no other speakers at this moment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I urge Members to support H. Res. 721, and I yield back the balance of my time.