Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to pay tribute to the 2007 University of Delaware Men's Lacrosse team. In 2007 the Blue Hens' record was 13-6 in intercollegiate play, posting its finest season in school history and advancing all the way to the NCAA national semifinals.

The Blue Hens opened up the season with five straight wins, but began to struggle and by mid season they were just 6-5. In mid-April the Blue Hens rallied in the final quarter to defeat Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) foe Villanova 19-18, thus igniting the Blue Hens into winning seven straight games before the national semifinal loss.

Upon entering the tournament, the Blue Hens defeated the defending National Champions and the No. 2 ranked University of Virginia. Delaware then defeated the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) in the national quarterfinals at Navy to earn a spot in the Final Four.

The Blue Hens are coached by Bob Shillinglaw who has coached at Delaware for more than 30 years and is one of the Nation's most respected and successful coaches. This past year Coach Shillinglaw's team was led by a strong senior class, which included 2 All-Americans, Alex Smith and Jordan Hall and All-CAA selections Adam Zuder-Havens, Dan Deckelbaum, and Rob Smith.

I congratulate Coach Bob Shillinglaw and the 2007 University of Delaware Men's Lacrosse team for their success, and the pride they have shown as representatives of the University of Delaware and the First State.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 2499, the Medicare, Medicaid, and State Children's Health Insurance Program Extension Act of 2007. The measure includes an important, albeit limited, delay of the scheduled 10 percent cut to Medicare's physician payment rates, which will help ensure quality care and access for Medicare patients without the cuts to vital Medicare programs I opposed previously. While not the expansion to reach an additional 4 million children I had hoped for, S. 2449 also extends the authorization for the State Children's Health Insurance Program until March 31, 2009, ensuring the needs of the 6 million children currently enrolled are met. I hope Congress will again forge ahead and continue negotiations to reach more of these eligible and uninsured children.

As co-chair of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus, I was extremely pleased to see the reauthorization of the Special Diabetes Program to fund type 1 diabetes research and type 2 treatment and prevention programs for Native Americans and Alaska Natives included in S. 2449. I am the lead Republican sponsor, with my colleague Representative Diana DeGette, of legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives, H.R. 2762, to reauthorize the Special Diabetes Program for Type I Research and the Special Diabetes Program for Indians for 5 years and to increase the authorized funding level to $200 million annually for each program. While a long-term extension is needed, in this difficult budget environment a short-term extension is a step in the right direction and I will continue to work next year with my colleagues to finish the job and secure a multi-year renewal so the critical long- term projects supported by this program can continue.

Since their creation in 1997, the Special Diabetes Programs have led to research breakthroughs through the Special Diabetes Program for Type 1 Research and have increased diabetes treatment and prevention programs for Native Americans and Alaska Natives through the Special Diabetes Program for Indians. Before this time, efforts on both fronts were in short supply. The Special Diabetes Programs have been reauthorized twice and have enjoyed broad bipartisan support in both the House and Senate; and H.R. 2762 continues in this spirit with 225 cosponsors.

The reauthorization of the Special Diabetes Programs is vitally important and an extension to September 30, 2009 is welcome.

With over 20 million adults and children in the U.S. affected by diabetes, the cost to the U.S. economy is estimated at $132 billion per year in direct and indirect medical costs alone. Continued funding of the Special Diabetes Programs will ensure that the Federal effort to combat diabetes remains strong, as we ardently work to ensure that accelerated diabetes research, treatment, and prevention efforts with on the ground results in improving the lives of millions of people burdened with diabetes continue. I will continue to push for a longer extension of the Special Diabetes Programs.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 2082, the conference agreement on the Fiscal Year 2008 Intelligence Authorization Act.

As a former member of the House Select Committee on Intelligence, I believe it is vital that we provide the United States intelligence agencies with the tools and resources necessary to ensure our security. Therefore, I strongly support funding in this bill for human intelligence activities, intelligence analysis, and training, infrastructure, and global intelligence improvements. I also support the authorization in the bill providing emergency funding for counterterrorism operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Furthermore, I support language in the agreement prohibiting the use of any interrogation techniques not authorized by the U.S. Army Field Manual on Human Intelligence Collector Operations against any individual in the custody or effective control of any element of the intelligence community. Our soldiers and interrogators need to know exactly where the line is when engaging prisoners and there should be absolutely no question about what is acceptable behavior and what is not. In fact, I recently cosponsored legislation to require the anti- torture provisions included in this conference agreement.

Nevertheless, I will oppose this bill because it fails to implement the 9/11 Commission's recommendations for reforming congressional oversight of intelligence funding. In its final report, the 9/11 Commission concluded that: ``Of all our recommendations, strengthening congressional oversight may be among the most difficult and important. So long as oversight is governed by the current congressional rules and resolutions, we believe the American people will not get the security they want and need.''

Earlier this year, the Democratic leadership attempted to apply a ``Band-Aid'' to this problem by creating a powerless Intelligence Oversight Panel that has very little control over actual funding decisions. This is clearly not what the 9/11 Commission recommended. In fact, its report plainly states that ``tinkering with the existing committee structure is not sufficient.'' In May, I offered a simple amendment to the bill before us, calling for Congress to implement these crucial recommendations--but it was prevented from being considered for inclusion in this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, the American people have insisted that we implement all of the 9/11 Commission recommendations--even those that are difficult. We will be doing this country a disservice until we put in place an effective committee structure capable of giving our national intelligence agencies the oversight, support, and leadership they need.

Mr. Speaker, with ongoing high oil and gasoline prices and the conference on global climate change taking place in Bali, the time for making investments to secure our energy future is now.

H.R. 6 is a strong first step toward reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, which is a real security concern, addressing climate change, and protecting public health, while saving consumers money on energy bills and providing business opportunities in the energy market, which will stimulate economic growth and create new jobs. But we must not stop short of addressing climate change. Scientists say that if we are to have a good chance of avoiding potentially catastrophic repercussions of climate change, we must reduce emissions 60% to 80% by 2050. Through cap-and-trade, based on a sound energy policy foundation, Congress can deliver the kind of reform business and industry need to grow the economy, stabilize the climate, and create more diverse and secure sources of energy. I sincerely hope the Speaker keeps her commitment to address this critical issue.

The Energy Independence and Security Act, includes many provisions that I have previously supported in earlier iterations of the legislation in January and August. It increases the fuel economy for automobiles to 35 miles per gallon by 2020, requires that 15% of our electricity come from renewable energy sources by 2020, includes important energy efficiency provisions for buildings and appliances, a renewable fuels standard with safeguards under the Clean Air Act with specific incentives for cellulosic biofuels, and continues and makes new investments in renewable energy production through the repeal of subsidies for the oil and gas industry.

For the first time in 30 years, the bill ensures that our automobiles go farther on a tank of gas by raising fuel efficiency, or CAFE, to 35 miles per gallon by 2020, which is both aggressive and something manufacturers feel they can achieve. This is an historic achievement. With close to $100/barrel oil, $3.00 a gallon gasoline, and a nearly one billion dollar deficit in our balance of trade from oil imports makes increasing our fuel economy so critical. I have long believed that reasonable CAFE standards are both achievable and practical and would have a positive impact on fuel consumption in this country. While the issue of raising CAFE standards is not new and the proposals for how it should be achieved have differed greatly, I am pleased to support the agreement Congress has reached.

Another key measure is the requirement of a 15 percent national renewable electricity standard, which will help lower energy costs, create new jobs and help diversifying our energy portfolio with clean, renewable sources,

like wind and solar energy. This standard will hopefully begin to ease pressure on natural gas prices and help reduce carbon emissions quickly. While I am a cosponsor of legislation to create a 20 percent national renewable electricity standard, complimenting Delaware's recently adopted standard and effort to harness offshore wind energy, this compromise will go a long way in helping to keep our air and water clean and in our effort to address climate change.

Finally, I strongly support the key tax provisions, such as the 4- year extension of production tax credit for qualified renewable energy, like wind, and credits for residential efficiency measures, that will help us make strong investments in clean, renewable energy sources, and help address affordability and availability.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. Scott D. Miller, the esteemed President of Wesley College for the past ten years. The College's Board of Trustees Chairman recently described Scott Miller's service as ``a legacy of accomplishment. During Dr. Miller's tenure, the College's enrollment has tripled, fund raising has been remarkable, the endowment has doubled and the institution has been named to the prestigious Regional Best Colleges list of the U.S. News & World Report list for the fourth consecutive year.''

A native of western Pennsylvania, Dr. Miller's career has been dedicated to higher education. Although he is only forty-eight years old, Dr. Miller has already served a remarkable seventeen years as a chief executive officer at institutions of higher learning--a testament to his leadership skills and unique vision. In my years of working with Dr. Miller on a variety of issues, I have found him to be an insightful and energetic man with a genuine passion for education.

Dr. Miller's impact on education is certainly not limited to his leadership of Wesley College. He is actively involved in the local community and in higher education at a national level. He was recognized by the American Council on Education in 2004 as among only seventeen college presidents who have advanced their institutions through entrepreneurial leadership. I have no doubt that we will continue to hear great things about Dr. Miller for many years to come.

I congratulate Scott Miller for his years of exemplary service to Wesley College and his countless contributions to the City of Dover and its surrounding communities. On behalf of all Delawareans, I would like to thank Scott and his family for their commitment during the past decade. We wish him all the best as he continues to excel in his career and assumes another important leadership role as President of Bethany College in Bethany, West Virginia.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 4156, the short-term war supplemental appropriations bill. Although I plan to oppose this bill, I am also pleased that its authors included several provisions meant to improve transparency and ensure U.S. troops are adequately trained and mission capable. Hopefully, the inclusion of these provisions

signifies the beginning of real progress, and I plan to work with my colleagues to develop a unified approach to address the challenges we face in Iraq.

Our soldiers in Iraq continue to do tremendous work and it is critical that we provide them with the resources they need to improve security. Unfortunately, the bill before us today would delay important troop-protection and equipment funds requested by the Pentagon. According to Department officials, delaying these funds would also force the Pentagon to begin borrowing from its regular defense budget, which in turn could impact important operating funds for troops and military bases.

Additionally, I am concerned that this legislation would condition troop funding on the initiation of an immediate redeployment from Iraq. Although I strongly support a responsible strategy for bringing U.S. troops home, these decisions should not be mandated by Members of Congress without close consultation with our military and foreign policy leaders in the field. Furthermore, the U.S. commander in Iraq, GEN David Petraeus, has already set forth a plan to bring home a full combat brigade this month and at least five brigades by July of next year. Congress should perform strong oversight with respect to the redeployment process, but placing restrictions on our military commanders is not helpful in their efforts to achieve stability and bring troops home.

Still, I support language in the bill that would improve accountability and increase transparency by requiring regular reports on the status of the military's redeployment plans. In the same way, I support sections of the bill that would ensure military units are properly trained and prepared for deployments. Embracing a comprehensive regional security plan and prohibiting torture are also key provisions which I continue to support. In fact, I recently cosponsored legislation identical to the anti-torture provisions included in H.R. 4156.

The leaders of the U.S. Senate have already made clear that this legislation does not have the votes necessary for passage and therefore many of these important provisions will be left on the table. Therefore, I call on my colleagues to embrace the substantive areas of this bill where we can find agreement, and join me in committing to a bipartisan approach for achieving stability.

Mr. Speaker, the Bipartisan Compact on Iraq Debate, of which I am an original author, identifies the areas where Democrats and Republicans have found agreement. Let us embrace these points of agreement and move forward in supporting our troops serving in combat.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4134, the Internet Crime Prevention Education Program Act.

In recent years, the Internet has grown to be a thriving educational resource. Adults and children alike have become dependent upon the Internet to provide an abundance of information at their fingertips. However, this wonderful educational resource may also expose young people to new dangers, such as the 750,000 online predators children may encounter every time they surf the web. In fact, one in five children received an online sexual solicitation last year alone.

The prevalence of online predators is a frightening reality and it is clear to me that something must be done. For this reason, it is essential that we provide our schools and law enforcement agents with the necessary tools to teach children how to protect themselves from these Internet dangers.

The bill before us today provides grants for Internet crime prevention education and takes us one step closer to making the Internet a safer place for kids. It is important that we support programs like i-SAFE, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting youth online through developing the resources to teach internet safety. The competitive grant program created by H.R. 4134 will provide funds to organizations dedicated to Internet crime prevention education. Through education and awareness, we can ensure a more hospitable web environment, so that children may be free to utilize the benefits of the Internet without being exposed to its dangers.

Mr. Speaker, I intend to support the legislation before us and I call on this body to vote in favor of Internet crime prevention.

I would like to thank the gentleman from Florida for yielding, and I apologize for returning to such a mundane subject as the rule before us, but that is what I am here to do.

I do rise in support of this rule, and I would like to thank Chairman Miller along with Mr. McKeon and Mr. Kildee, as well as their staffs, for the work they have done over the last several Congresses to strengthen and improve the Head Start program.

Since 1965, the Head Start program has given economically disadvantaged children access to the same educational, health, nutritional, social and other services that were enjoyed by their more affluent peers. The goal of the program was, as it remains today, to provide children a solid foundation that will prepare them for success in school and later in life. As the centerpiece of the Federal Government's efforts to support quality early childhood education for our Nation's most disadvantaged youth, Head Start has served nearly 20 million low-income children and their families. Currently, Head Start serves over 900,000 children every day and has over 1,600 grantees across the United States. In my home State of Delaware, Head Start programs serve over 2,000 children with over 800 additional 3- and 4- year-olds receiving assistance through State Government funding.

Although we can agree on the need for Head Start and its successes, we must also recognize that the Head Start program is capable of producing even greater results for our children. Students who attend Head Start programs do start school more prepared than those with similar backgrounds who do not attend Head Start. Head Start students continue, however, to enter kindergarten well below national norms in school readiness. By moving to close the school readiness gap, the bipartisan Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act will improve results for almost a million Head Start students across the Nation.

I believe strongly in the Head Start program, particularly because of how the program helps children later in their academic lives. Despite the positive reputation of Head Start overall, however, there have been reports which have unfortunately uncovered the fact that some individuals have taken advantage of the taxpayer dollars that fund the program to line their own pockets. Along with the expertise of the Government Accountability Office and through reforms made in this bill, changes will be made to avoid these issues in the future. I feel this is the right step to take for the benefit of the program, and I thank everyone for finding what I hope will be a resolution to the pockets of abuse.

As I said at the outset, Head Start is an important and very popular program. The importance of early childhood education and services cannot be overstated. I believe strongly that the reforms sought with this bill will go a long way to institute needed reforms to an already successful program.

I support passage of this rule and the conference report to H.R. 1429.

I thank the distinguished gentleman from California for yielding and for his work on this legislation.

I do rise to ask my colleague to support this bipartisan conference report before us today. Like almost every other Member of this body, I believe strongly in the benefits of this program. I trust that the conference report on H.R. 1429, the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act, will improve Head Start by emphasizing that every child, regardless of his or her economic status, should have the best possible chance to succeed.

As Mr. McKeon stated, this report is a byproduct of bipartisan collaboration and compromise. I would also like to thank Chairman Miller, along with Mr. Kildee and Mr. McKeon, as well as the committee staff for their work on Head Start. I see Ms. Woolsey in the room. I have worked with her on this issue before, too, and thank her.

This legislation builds upon efforts made in the past several Congresses to address weaknesses in the Head Start program and improves upon language contained in the bill to help make the program even stronger. Specifically, this report preserves and enhances the vital role of parents in ensuring the success of Head Start by establishing both a governing body and a policy council, each with specific detailed responsibilities. This conference report also maintains the current income eligibility requirement to provide services to those who need them the most. Additionally, this legislation ensures that curriculum and other materials used in Head Start classrooms are based on the principles of scientific research and scientifically valid research. Equally important, this conference agreement ensures that a greater number of Head Start teachers are adequately trained and educated in early childhood development, and that applies to Early Head Start as well. Finally, consistent with the motion to instruct I introduced last week, this conference agreement limits the compensation of a Head Start employee to Executive Level II, that of an Assistant Secretary, currently $168,000.

Mr. Speaker, the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act builds upon the success of the Head Start program and will assist in having the program achieve even greater results. I urge my colleagues to support the passage of this conference report.

Mr. Speaker, I offer a motion to instruct conferees.

Mr. Speaker, at this time I yield to the distinguished ranking member of the full Education and Labor Committee from the State of California (Mr. McKeon) for such time as he may consume.

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

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

And let me just start by saying that I'm in total agreement with the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller). I'm also in total agreement with Mr. McKeon. I think we all here who've worked in this area understand the importance of Head Start and understand how it can give young children an opportunity to be able to advance enough in school to be able to succeed in school. And maybe early Head Start could do even more. But we also all agree that we need to be very careful about our dollars and how we manage them. And that is the whole purpose of this motion to instruct conferees.

We have, as Mr. Miller has well indicated, made important reforms for the children who are served in the program. I'm delighted the Senate bill is

very similar to the House bill, and I have high hopes that we are going to be able to pass legislation that we can all agree on in the House and the Senate ultimately.

Here, basically, we're instructing conferees to adhere to the House provisions for a reasonable salary cap prohibiting Head Start executives from collecting a salary higher than an assistant secretary of a Federal agency, which is currently $168,000.

Although the House language contained in H.R. 1429, the Improving Head Start Act of 2007, effectively prohibits any official from receiving compensation above that of an assistant secretary, legislation approved by the Senate leaves open a glaring, lavish salary loophole by allowing programs to divert their own non-federal resources away from other uses in order to pay Head Start programs operators more than top officials. We think that's wrong. We think that money should be used for the kids, for the recruiting and development of the kids, for the students who are going to be in the Head Start program to pay their teachers.

So for all those reasons I think we all agree that executive salaries and other benefits which are out of the ordinary should not be allowed in the Head Start programs; that we should obviously compensate people as well as possible, but make sure that after that is done, that the money that is there, be it State money or local money, is channeled in the direction of helping these young children who need so much help in order to prepare them to get ready for school. And that is something I think we all agree on.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Bishop), and I ask unanimous consent that he be allowed to control that time.

Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to rise today and recognize the Ministry of Caring on its 30th anniversary. Over the past three decades this remarkable charity has done extensive work with underprivileged populations in my home state of Delaware. This important milestone is cause for much celebration.

The Ministry of Caring began when its founder, Brother Ronald Giannone, set out on a mission to provide the poor with hospitality, friendship, and basic needs in such a way that would enable them to become independent and self-sufficient. Brother Ronald was unaware of his impact at the time, but he was actually setting out on a mission that would later become Wilmington's largest charity for the poor. Brother Ronald's vision first took shape in 1977 with the creation of the Mary Mother of Hope House, a shelter for homeless and destitute women. From there, the ministry's vision spread throughout our community at staggering speeds. The Ministry of Caring now operates nearly 30 facilities throughout the greater Wilmington area. Through these facilities, the Ministry runs over a dozen programs geared toward providing the poor with food, shelter, clothes, healthcare, and other essentials. Furthermore, the organization provides tools of empowerment such as job training and placement; resources that address root causes of poverty.

Though the ministry remains focused on helping disadvantaged populations, I can say from personal experience that the Delaware community as a whole is positively impacted by this organization. For many years now, my wife and I have had the privilege of volunteering our Thanksgivings at the Emmanuel Dining Room, serving meals to Delawareans in need. I cherish these opportunities because they allow me, and others just like me, to help less fortunate community members, while also spending quality time with family, friends, and fellow volunteers.

Recently the Ministry of Caring was given the highest possible score from the largest evaluator of charitable organizations in the world. While news of this accomplishment is certainly exciting, it is not at all surprising. The score affirms what many of us knew already: the ministry efficiently manages its finances, is worthy of the public's trust, and is highly regarded within its field.

On this 30th anniversary, I would like to recognize the many accomplishments of the Ministry of Caring. The hard work and dedication of its founder, Brother Ronald Giannone, along with its many employees and volunteers, have made these past 30 years a tremendous success. I highly commend this great organization for their immeasurable contributions to the state of Delaware and wish them all the best on this momentous anniversary.

I thank the distinguished gentleman from Ohio for yielding and for his work on this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3087, legislation requiring the administration to work closely with Congress and our military leaders in communicating a comprehensive post-surge strategy for Iraq.

Since 2003, over 3,800 American military personnel have been killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and more than 27,000 have been injured. These are very difficult times, and it is our duty to do everything possible to support those who have risked so much in service to their Nation.

To this point, however, the U.S. Congress has been consumed by partisan infighting, which has resulted in gridlock and has prevented debate on substantive proposals like the Iraq Study Group Recommendations Implementation Act.

The American people deserve a straightforward understanding of our involvement and long-term objectives in the Middle East. The legislation before us today, of which I am a proud cosponsor, takes an important step forward by requiring the Secretary of Defense to submit regular reports to Congress regarding the status of post-surge planning.

Clearly, the U.S. Congress should not be acting without considering the advice of our military commanders in Iraq, and this legislation will ensure that Secretary Gates, General Petraeus and other senior officials are capable of communicating developments with Members of Congress and the administration.

This information will also provide a greater understanding of progress made on General Petraeus' proposal for the redeployment of U.S. troops, and it will assist Congress in budgeting for the possible missions that may continue in Iraq, such as efforts to disrupt terrorist organizations and train Iraqi security forces.

H.R. 3087 is the first of what I hope will be a substantive, bipartisan effort in Congress to work with our military and foreign policy leaders to achieve stability in Iraq and bring our soldiers home to their families.

Last week, 14 Democrats and 14 Republicans endorsed such an approach by signing the Bipartisan Compact on Iraq Debate. Like Mr. Tanner's proposal, the importance of developing a clearly defined and measurable mission in Iraq is one of eight central principles agreed to in the Bipartisan Compact.

Mr. Speaker, I am hopeful that by finally agreeing to consider H.R. 3087, Members from both parties will signal a willingness to set aside the partisan tactics that have crippled our efforts over the last several months.

The Iraq war provokes intense and genuine feelings from individuals at all points of the political spectrum. However, politics as usual in Washington, D.C. should not be allowed to consume our efforts in lieu of progress.

Bridging this critical political divide in Washington is our only hope for transitioning responsibility to the Iraqi Government and bringing about real substantive change in Iraq.

Let us all join together to support H.R. 3087.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to pay tribute to the Mill Creek Fire Company and its Ladies' Auxiliary for providing the people of Delaware with 80 years of outstanding service. The importance of emergency fire and medical services within our communities cannot be underscored enough. I am proud to represent a state that is home to such selfless and dedicated firefighters, EMTs, and service volunteers as those at the Mill Creek Fire Company here in Delaware.

The Mill Creek Fire Company was born from a tradition of strong community involvement and has kept that tradition alive through the years. The fire company had its humble beginnings in the Social Room of the Marshallton United Methodist Church back in 1927, when seven community members each chipped in one dollar to start the Mill Creek Fire Company Treasury. From that point on, it has steadily grown into a pillar of strength within the community. Residents within its 17 square mile response district have come to rely on the company not only for safety, but also for the social role it plays in bringing the community together. The Mill Creek Fire Company's unique, green fire trucks have become a source of pride, and serve as a reminder of the dedication and spirit which enable the company to excel.

On this special anniversary, I would like to recognize three individuals for their unprecedented dedication to the Mill Creek Fire Company; Joseph H. Mullins, Sr., Lawrence Mergenthaler, and Catherine W. Jenkins. They have each put forth tremendous effort to make the organization what it is today.

Joseph Mullins joined the company in 1938, from which point he went on to serve as Chief

for 25 years and president for two terms. Lawrence Mergenthaler joined the company in 1953 and assumed the position of Chief after Joseph Mullins in 1976. He has served several terms on the board of directors and among his many accomplishments, he was voted to be a fireman of the year. Catherine Jenkins was president of the Ladies' Auxiliary for 4 years, served on the board of directors, and still remains active in many community organizations.

This brief list of distinctions does not do these honorees justice for all the hard work and sacrifices they have made for the ends of bettering our community. Their efforts will inspire others and I am happy to call attention to the positive influence they have had throughout Delaware and beyond.

I would also like to commend the Mill Creek Fire Company and its Ladies' Auxiliary for its 80 years of exceptional service. The bravery and hard work of all those involved with this outstanding fire company are responsible for making Delaware a safer place to live.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to pay tribute to the A.I. DuPont High School Tiger Marching Band as they prepare for their fifth appearance in the Rose Parade. The school, located in Wilmington, Delaware, has worked hard to create a strong musical program, for which they should be very proud. The band's musical performances, which are selected and designed by the students, are always an exciting event for the entire community.

The band boasts an impressive record worthy of high praise. Their performances have inspired audiences at countless local, national and even international events. Some of these notable appearances include; two Orange Bowl Parades, two Presidential Inaugurations, the dedication of the Vietnam War Memorial, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, a Peace Parade in Vatican City and four Rose Parades--soon to be five. They are currently the most televised high school band in America and have placed first in every marching competition they have entered since 1989. That is why it is no surprise that when I was asked to recommend a band to represent Delaware in the 2008 Memorial Day Parade in Washington, DC, the A.I. DuPont Tigers quickly came to mind.

There are currently 265 members in the Tiger Marching Band, all of whom have worked tirelessly to carry on the strong Tiger tradition set before them. Their efforts are evident, which is why they have been invited to participate in the 119th Rose Parade this January in Pasadena, California. This makes them the only band outside California to march in the parade four times under the same director. I am confident they will represent Delaware well in California on New Year's Day.

I would like to wish the A.I. DuPont High School Tiger Marching Band the best of luck in this exciting period of preparation for the upcoming Rose Parade. The hard work and dedication put forth by all of those involved is truly commendable and I can think of no band more capable of representing Delaware at the Rose Parade this January.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the fire service leadership in Delaware during the Annual Conference of the Delaware Volunteer Firemen's Association.

Thousands of citizens in Delaware participate as volunteer emergency responders and support personnel in our fire companies across the state. They work tirelessly alongside of our career fire service members making our state a safer place to live.

Each year at the Conference, firefighters come to training opportunities, business meetings, and social events. Firefighters display the pride in their company and equipment during the annual parade.

Over the next year the Delaware Volunteer Firemen's Association will be led by President Ron Marvel of Seaford. Ron operates a family business in Seaford where he is a longtime member and Past Chief at the Seaford Volunteer Fire Department. Prior to being elected as the President of the Delaware Volunteer Firemen's Association, Ron served as President of the Delaware State Fire Chiefs Association, the Sussex County Fire Chiefs Association and the Sussex County Volunteer Firemen's Association.

The Ladies Auxiliary President for 2007-2008 is Debra ``Debbie'' Marvel. Debbie is a homemaker and is active in her church as an organist as well being a community volunteer in Seaford. Debbie is a life member of the Seaford Ladies Auxiliary and has held many offices up to and including President. She is active in the Sussex County Ladies Auxiliary Association having held the office of President. Her leadership ability is recognized by the ladies auxiliary members throughout our state who elected her to the office of President.

Fire company leaders like Ron and Debbie exemplify a commitment of service to our citizens not unlike the service provided by all the members of the Delaware Fire Service. I wish them well over the next year as they take on this enormous task of leading our first responders.