Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Congressman Hunter and Congressman Skelton for introducing this important resolution. Now more than ever it is time to recognize and commend all our members of our armed forces for the excellent job they have done, and will continue to do in the war against terrorism.

As the situation in Iraq continues to develop, it is expected that by mid-March more than 250,000 brave American men and women military personnel will have been deployed to the Persian Gulf region. We currently have troops in all of the Persian Gulf states except for Yemen. In addition, tens of thousands of dedicated National Guard personnel and reserve employees have been called to active duty. While it is not yet known where all of these men and women will be deployed, it is known

that they are a key component in the overall force structure.

While the recent focus has and will continue to be on Iraq, it is important to remember that are U.S. armed forces are serving admirably all over the world, and more and more is continually asked of them. Members of the armed forces have been serving for the past seventeen months in the ongoing operations to root out terrorism, and their continued work in Afghanistan, South Korea and other hot spots are just part of their service. Whether providing vital counter-narcotics assistance, training the militaries of other nations in counter- terrorism measures or serving the United States at home, our men and women have made sacrifices that go beyond the call of normal duty.

In conclusion, as we move forward in this war against terrorism, let us remember those who have served us in the past, those who have lost their lives while protecting our nation, and the sacrifices the families of military personnel have made. All members of the U.S. Armed Services, in my State of Delaware and around the world, must be recognized for their outstanding and courageous service in these uncertain times. With passage of this resolution today, we express the gratitude of our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to congratulate Dr. Samuel W. Gwinn of Newark, Delaware on his induction into the National 4-H Hall of Fame. His long-time service to the Cooperative Extension and 4-H programs has touched the lives of numerous children in Delaware.

Dr. Gwinn, 83, served as Director of the Delaware Cooperative Extension for 22 years before retiring in 1984. His legacy with 4-H began when he joined the club as a 10-year-old. After participating in the club's activities as a child, he decided to help the club serve the future generations of children. In 1949, Dr. Gwinn established an overnight 4-H camp at Camp Barnes in Frankford, Delaware. To this day, the camp continues to attract hundreds of 4-H campers in the summer. In the 1970's, Dr. Gwinn helped create the Delaware 4-H Foundation that raises money to support 4-H activities for children. Throughout his career of service, Dr. Gwinn has served as a mentor to many colleagues who refer to him as the ``Dean of Extension'' and ``Mr. 4-H.''

Dr. Gwinn performed a great service by dedicating his career to enriching and giving back to Delawareans the experience that was given to him. It is people like Dr. Gwinn who ensure that the State of Delaware and the nation will continue to keep the American Dream alive and growing. I am proud to honor Dr. Gwinn's achievements and congratulate him on being the first Delawarean to be inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame. His recognition, Mr. Speaker, is duly deserved.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 106) congratulating Lutheran schools, students, parents, teachers, administrators, and congregations across the Nation for their ongoing contributions to education, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Res. 106.

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

I rise today in support of H.R. 106. This resolution honors Lutheran schools and their students, parents, teachers, administrators and congregations for their ongoing contributions to education.

I would like to thank the sponsor of the legislation, the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter) and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner), the Chairman of the Committee on Education, and the Workforce for bringing this resolution to the floor today.

In 1524, Martin Luther said that a city's best and greatest welfare, safety and strength consists rather in its having abled, learned, wise, honorable and well-educated citizens. Lutheran churches and schools have long been active in meeting this mission by providing education opportunities as early as 1640 in what is now Delaware, my home State.

In Delaware, I am proud of the contributions of the nine Lutheran schools, the names of which I will submit here for the Record.

Concordia Lutheran Preschool, 3003 Silverside Rd,

Wilmington, DE 19610, 302.478.3876.

Faith Lutheran Preschool, 2265 Red Lion Rd, Bear, DE 19701-

1849, 302.834.3417.

Our Redeemer Preschool, 10 Johnson Rd, Newark, DE 19713,

302,737.617.

Little Ones Lutheran Preschool, 7 Bay Vista Road, Rehoboth

Beach, DE, 302.226.7860.

St. John's Elementary School, 1156 Walker Rd, Dover, DE

19904, 302.734.3767.

St. John's Early Learning Center and Day Care, 119 Lotus

St, Dover, DE 19901, 302.734.1211.

Hope Lutheran Child Care, 230 Christiana Rd., New Castle,

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter).

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Shimkus).

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to thank the sponsor of the legislation and the other cosponsors with him, as well as all those who came to the floor to speak today about this subject of a great deal of significance in terms of education in this country; part of the overall global education that means so much to our young people. I encourage everybody to support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I also rise in support of the legislation, for all the underlying reasons that we have here.

I would like to just mention one other aspect, and I will submit a statement in full with respect to this. But the commemorative coin reform language, which required the beneficiary organization to raise private funds matching the surcharge they receive, has been misinterpreted by the Mint in a well-intentioned but unfortunate mix-up that has resulted in two coin program beneficiaries not receiving any surcharge distribution despite their coins having sold respectable numbers and having raised respectable amounts of private matching funds. They interpret the legislation that one had to sell to the maximum amount; and we believe one should have to sell to the minimum amount, to make a long story short.

This is something which we think should be corrected for these groups and long term. We spent a lot of time working with the subcommittee when I headed it, trying to make sure that we did not lean on public funding for these programs, but groups could benefit from it as they made proper sales. To make a long story short, that is essentially what is included in this legislation along with the Lewis and Clark, and I will submit a fuller explanation.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a few minutes to explain why I believe Mr. Cantor's ``American 5-Cent Coin Continuity Act'' is important.

When I served as chairman of the old House Banking Committee's Domestic and International Monetary Policy subcommittee from 1995-98, a central portion of the subcommittee's business dealing with the United States Mint focused on increasing the usefulness of circulating coins and on reforming the nation's commemorative coin program, which had begun to cost taxpayers fairly large sums of money.

When reform of the commemorative coin program, we eliminated the costs to the taxpayer, limited the number of coin programs each year to enhance their importance and desirability, and established the important principle that a group that is the beneficiary of the surcharges from the sale of commemorative coins should not view that as ``free money,'' but should have to raise marching funds from the private sector before receiving the surcharge money.

The second title of this bill clarifies the surcharge-distribution section of any commemorative-coin reform language. That language, requiring the beneficiary organization to raise private funds matching the surcharges they receive, has been misinterpreted by the Mint in a well-intentioned, but unfortunate mixup that has resulted in two coin program beneficiaries not receiving any surcharge distribution despite their coins having sold respectable numbers and having raised respectable amounts of private matching funds. Both the Black Revolutionary War Patriots program and the Leif Ericson program would likely be eligible for surcharge distribution. As before, this involves no taxpayer funds whatsoever.

To make sure there is no further confusion about how the matching is supposed to work, I want to take a moment to illustrate it with an example. In a case where the maximum possible surcharges that could be collected for the commemorative coin was $5 million, but the Mint only managed to sell enough coins to collect $3 million in surcharges, the private matching funds that would have to be raised to collect any portion of the $3 million in surcharges must be $3 million, nothing less. The intent is to set a high bar for matching funds so those programs with the most public support, as demonstrated through their ability to raise private matching funds, receive the surcharges. If the bar for matching funds were set too low, the commemorative coin program would be flooded with programs in search of ``free'' federal dollars.

Mr. Speaker, there is no cost involved in this bill at all. In fact, if our experience with the 50-state quarters is any guide, there may even be a modest gain to the Treasury, as some coins are taken out of circulation permanently as collectibles. So Mr. Speaker, I see this as one of the rare pieces of legislation we handle around here that has bipartisan support and for which there are no losers, only winners. I urge its immediate, unanimous passage.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Katie and Jim Keegan, Catholic Charities 2003 recipients of the Monsignor Thomas J. Reese award.

The award is named for the late Monsignor Thomas J. Reese, the long- time Director of Catholic Social Services (now Catholic Charities), for his commitment to serving those in need throughout our community. As a tribute to Monsignor Reese, each year an honoree is selected who is a leader in his/her field and in the community and who possesses outstanding integrity worth emulating. This year Catholic Charities has selected the Keegans in recognition of their service to others in the community both as individuals and together.

I rise today to praise Katie and Jim Keegan for their contributions to the State of Delaware and its citizens through years of helping the community and serving as advocates for community service in the State.

In addition to graduating from Chestnut Hill College and raising five children, Katie Keegan has been a tireless advocate for the young people and those less fortunate. Katie had demonstrated her faith by serving in various positions, including: Youth Encounter Leader, Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) teacher and Board member of the Bayard House, a facility that assists single young women as they prepare for motherhood. Over the years, Katie Keegan has also served as a committee member for the TEE-Off for Kids Golf Tournament benefiting Catholic Charities. She is in her own right a dedicated leader in the community, as she has touched the lives of so many in Delaware.

Jim Keegan is a graduate of Notre Dame. Following graduation, Jim spent two years in the U.S. Navy prior to joining the DuPont Company. In addition to his dedication at DuPont, Jim has been active and held leadership positions in a wide variety of church and educational efforts ranging from Chairman of the Diocesan Annual Catholic Appeal and membership on the leadership team for Bringing the Vision to Life Diocesan Campaign to various volunteer commitments in surrounding schools and parish councils.

On Thursday, February 20, 2003, at 6 p.m., Catholic Charities Inc. of the Diocese of Wilmington honored Katie and Jim Keegan at its Annual Tribute Dinner in Wilmington, Delaware.

Mr. Speaker, I salute Katie and Jim Keegan for the time they spend giving back to the community in Delaware. They are fine examples of the generosity and compassion that is common in the Catholic faith and American spirit. Their selflessness, sacrifice of time and commitment to service, has already given them a permanent place in Delaware's history.

I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. I have a statement which I will submit, Mr. Chairman, for the record.

I would just like to say that I am in very strong support of this legislation. Welfare reform goes back a long time in this country, well before Congress actually got too involved in it. It goes back to the States in the 1980s in which a number of States came forward and said they could do something about welfare reform. Finally, in the Family Support Act of 1988, the Federal Government got involved.

Again, in 1996, we passed welfare reform legislation. We debated it last year and passed a bill, and now here we are again on the floor. Virtually every time we have done this, every single time, the opposition to it has gotten up and said, We can't do this. It's impossible. You can't get this much out of people. You can't get blood out of a stone.

This is a human issue. If you go back into the jurisdictions where we all live and you see what they have done with welfare reform, if you see the opportunities that we have given to people who in many instances now are living middle-class lives because of a middle-class income, you see the real circumstances of what we can do to help people. There has been no social program that has uplifted people more in this country in a true sense of giving them an opportunity as America allows you to have as has welfare reform.

This legislation continues a lot of the support systems which are necessary, including the educational components, the day care components, the transportation components in the things that have to be done.

I too believe that we need to refine this somewhat. I am a little concerned about the transitional medical assistance in terms of Medicaid continuations. I do worry about transportation. We all worry about day care a little bit.

I think there needs to be sufficient flexibility at the State and local levels to carry out what needs to be done in welfare reform, but I believe this legislation has the basic parameters which will allow this to happen, and I believe this is the next extension of what we have to do in the Congress to allow the States across America to continue their welfare reform programs.

I, for one, believe it can be done. I grant you, the economy is not what I would like to see either, but I believe that it can be done sufficiently to help a lot of people, and then you will see all of those people whom I have seen who will say, Thank you for giving me the opportunity; I am able to help my family now.

I support the legislation. I hope we all can support the legislation.

The 1996 welfare reform law replaced a broken system with one of the most successful government programs in recent history.

As Governor, I promoted work as the ladder to opportunity. Former recipients told me that they needed help breaking away from welfare dependency, but once they found their place in the workforce, they were able to create better lives for their families.

For that reason, I was proud to make work the foundation of the 1996 reform. Today, national data confirms our success. Caseloads are down. Household incomes are up.

Welfare recipients now appreciate the value of work. We provide time and assistance, but understand that welfare cannot be an open-ended entitlement--or a way of life. We help those on assistance, but do not allow them to become passive dependents on the welfare system.

Today's legislation strengthens and embraces these goals.

In particular, H.R. 4 recognizes the education needs of children and includes my language to increase funding for quality initiatives, such as teacher training. H.R. 4 also provides historic funding levels for child care. Both mandatory and discretionary programs, now appropriated at $4.8 billion, will grow by $2 billion.

Yet, these programs are only part of a larger picture. States spend TANF grants on child care--either directly or through funding transfers. And Congress supports child care through other programs like Head Start. Recent estimates show that annual child care funding exceeds $18 billion--a significant investment, by any measure.

This bill also contains language from a bill I introduced, ``The Child Support Fairness and Tax Refund Intercept Act,'' to help custodial spouses collect past due child support even if their child is no longer a minor. A Wilmington, Delaware woman, Lisa McCave, was owed several thousands of dollars in past due child support. The Federal Government discovered that the father was about to receive several thousand dollars in a tax refund. However, because her son was no longer a minor, the IRS could not intercept that money for her. She had to work two jobs to raise her son and put him through college, while he waited out the clock until his son was no longer a minor so he could enjoy his tax refund. Thanks to Lisa McCave's willingness to step forward and ask for justice, millions of parents in the future will be able to intercept tax returns to pay the child support owed them, even if their child is no longer a minor.

With all the improvements to our welfare system contained in this bill, I believe there are a few issues we should continue to review. I appreciate the one year extension of Transitional Medical Assistance, a program that provides continued health coverage for former welfare recipients, but I hope we can extend and simplify this authorization for five years as the President's FY 04 budget recommends--and do so in a way that does not effect Medicaid administrative funds. I have introduced legislation with Congressman Levin to extend this valuable program, and I look forward to working with the Senate and the President to accomplish this goal.

Also, it is my hope that we can reinstate the state flexibility provisions and give our Governors the ability to find innovative ways to meet and exceed the goals of this legislation. State waivers were critical to Delaware's success in the past and they are critical to our continued success in the future.

Finally, education is important to reducing unplanned pregnancies and achieving independence for working men and women. Abstinence education is an important part of this effort. Yet, the language in H.R. 4 provides an overly simple solution to a complex problem. In my opinion, we cannot restrict access to basic health information if we are to promote responsibility.

In conclusion, I support H.R. 4--the beginning of our efforts this year to create the next generation of welfare success stories.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time, and I would also like to pay tribute to those who were held prisoners of war during the Vietnam conflict.

I do not know a lot of those individuals, obviously Senator McCain; but I do know Sam Johnson, who is a representative of that, and I know that he has all the strengths that one could ever want in an American.

Sam and I are a little different politically, shall we say. I am a little more moderate than he is. He can be pretty tough on some issues. And no matter what I say today, he will probably still not vote the way I would want him to all the time. But sitting next to him in the Committee on Education and the Workforce, I can still say for certain that he is a person of tremendous character.

To go through the experience that he has gone through, to represent all the interests of defending our country, and then to come back to be able to contribute the way he has on a regular basis is something in his system that I do not think the average person has in his or her system. And for all those reasons I have to believe that all the others who went through that must have been men of incredible strength and character.

So it has been an honor and a pleasure and a privilege to work with Sam, and to work with all the others. But I just wanted to also say thanks to Sam for his service to this country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the military personnel who were held captive during the Vietnam conflict, and to those who have yet to be accounted for.

Today, as we consider the prospects of a war with Iraq, it is important that we remain mindful of the great sacrifices our past soldiers have made in the defense of freedom.

The Vietnam conflict has often been categorized as a dark spot in our nation's history, yet for the U.S. soldiers who suffered from unspeakable acts while prisoners within Vietnam, the pain that they carry with them is not a part of history; it is as real today as it was thirty years ago. And for the 1,902 Members of the U.S. Armed Forces who remain unaccounted for, we must emphasize our commitment to not forget their continued sacrifices.

In the midst of such uncertainty, we must honor the POWs who languished in horrible conditions until their release in beginning in February of 1973, during ``Operation Homecoming.'' A part of them may have been left behind in Vietnam, but in the end, they were able to rely upon the courage and determination that makes the U.S. Armed Services the best in the world, and ultimately survive to return home to their country and to their families.

Today, I want to remember these POWs and the 1,902 Members of the U.S. Armed Forces who remain unaccounted for. And I would also like to pay tribute to my friend Sam Johnson, who was among those released during the first day of Operation Homecoming.

Sam, whose distinguished service to his country did not end after his return, followed up an illustrious career in the Air Force with a successful career as a developer, a Texas Legislator, and a Member of Congress since 1991. I have served with Sam on the Education and Workforce Committee and value his friendship and resolve.

Like many others, who could have shrunken away from the duties of society because of the war, Sam rose above and celebrated his cherished freedom. Now a distinguished public leader, Sam has endured the horrors of war for our country, and in turn has given us much hope and optimism for the future of our nation.

In conclusion, I want to thank Sam for his service to the United States; and I want to honor all of those who were POWs in Vietnam. You all served your country admirably and we must not rest until everyone is accounted for.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Scott Mason and Rita Thomas of Mason Building Group, Inc., this year's recipients of the Government Market Assistance Program Delaware Diamond Award from the Delaware Small Business Development Center Network.

As you know, small businesses such as Mason Building Group, Inc., have always been extremely important to the economic vitality of each State and to our national economy. Small businesses account for the majority of all new jobs being created daily, and provide opportunities for millions of people to earn a living and provide financial stability for their families. Through Scott and Rita's teamwork and guidance, Mason Building Group, Inc. has distinguished itself as a leader amongst small businesses in Delaware by offering a valuable service and maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction.

Through out my years in public service I have consistently counted Delaware's small businesses to be amongst the very best in the Country, and recognition of Mason Building Group, Inc. by the Delaware SBDC Network, in my mind, confirms this belief.

Scott and Rita's accomplishments and innovative leadership in the small business community have placed Mason Building Group, Inc., in a position to rise above and meet the challenges of the future; I commend them on their receipt of this award and wish them continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Honorable Patricia Blevins of the Delaware State Senate, this year's recipient of Special Recognition from the Delaware Small Business Development Center Network for her efforts to champion small business growth in Delaware.

As you know, small businesses have always been extremely important to the economic vitality of each State and to our national economy. Small businesses account for the majority of all new jobs being created daily, and provide opportunities for millions of people to earn a living and provide financial stability for their families. Through Senator Blevins' efforts and guidance, she has distinguished herself as a leader in the promotion of small business growth in Delaware.

Through out my years in public service I have consistently counted Delaware's small business community to be amongst the very best in the Country, and recognition of Senator Blevins by the Delaware SBDC Network, in my mind, confirms this belief.

Senator Blevins' accomplishments and innovative leadership in the small business community have place Delaware's business community in a position to rise above and meet the challenges of the future; I commend her on her receipt of this award and wish her continued success in her efforts.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Bank One, this year's recipient of the Delaware Small Business Champion Award from the Delaware Small Business Development Center Network.

As you know, small businesses have always been extremely important to the economic vitality of each State and to our national economy. Small businesses account for the majority of all new jobs being created daily, and provide opportunities for millions of people to earn a living and provide financial stability for their families. Through Bank One's teamwork and guidance, it has distinguished itself as a leader in the promotion of small business growth in Delaware by offering a valuable service and maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction.

Throughout my years in public service I have consistently counted Delaware's small business community to be amongst the very best in the Country, and recognition of Bank One by the Delaware SBDC Network, in my mind, confirms this belief.

Bank One's accomplishments and innovative leadership in the small business community have placed this institution in a position to rise above and meet the challenges of the future; I commend Bank One on its receipt of this award and wish it continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. Mary Emily Miller of The Miller Farm, this year's recipient of the Special Family Business Longevity Award from the Delaware Small Business Development Center Network.

As you know, small businesses such as The Miller Farm, have always been extremely important to the economic vitality of each State and to our national economy. Small businesses account for the majority of all new jobs being created daily, and provide opportunities for millions of people to earn a living and provide financial stability for their families. Through Dr. Miller's guidance, The Miller Farm has distinguished itself as a leader amongst small businesses in Delaware by offering a valuable service and maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction.

Throughout my years in public service I have consistently counted Delaware's small businesses to be amongst the very best in the Country, and recognition of The Miller Farm by the Delaware SBDC Network, in my mind, confirms this belief.

Dr. Miller's accomplishments and innovative leadership in the small business community have placed The Miller Farm in a position to rise above and meet the challenges of the future; I commend her on her receipt of this award and wish her continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Frank A. Ursomarso, Sr. and Frank A. Ursomarso, Jr. of Union Park Automotive Group, Inc., this year's recipients of the Family Business of the Year Award from the Delaware Small Business Development Center Network.

As you know, small businesses such as Union Park Automotive Group, Inc., have always been extremely important to the economic vitality of each State and to our national

economy. Small businesses account for the majority of all new jobs being created daily, and provide opportunities for millions of people to earn a living and provide financial stability for their families. Through Frank, Sr. and Frank, Jr.'s teamwork and guidance, Union Park Automotive Group, Inc. has distinguished itself as a leader amongst small businesses in Delaware by offering a valuable service and maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction.

Through out my years in public service I have consistently counted Delaware's small businesses to be amongst the very best in the Country, and recognition of Union Park Automotive Group, Inc. by the Delaware SBDC Network, in my mind, confirms this belief.

Frank, Sr. and Frank Jr.'s accomplishments and innovative leadership in the small business community have placed Union Park Automotive Group, Inc. in a position to rise above and meet the challenges of the future; I commend them on their receipt of this award and wish them continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Greg Buckley, Steve Buckley and Michele Craner of Buckley's Auto Care, this year's recipients of the Delaware Small Business Development Center Network Diamond Award.

As you know, small businesses such as Buckley's Auto Care, have always been extremely important to the economic vitality of each State and to our national economy. Small businesses account for the majority of all new jobs being created daily, and provide opportunities for millions of people to earn a living and provide financial stability for their families. Through Greg, Steve and Michele's teamwork and guidance, Buckley's Auto Care has distinguished itself as a leader amongst small businesses in Delaware by offering a valuable service and maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction.

Through out my years in public service I have consistently counted Delaware's small businesses to be amongst the very best in the Country, and recognition of Buckley's Auto Care by the Delaware SBDC Network, in my mind, confirms this belief.

Greg, Steve and Michele's accomplishments and innovative leadership in the small business community have placed Buckley's Auto Care in a position to rise above and meet the challenges of the future; I commend them on their receipt of this award and wish them continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the loss of the brave and dedicated seven-member crew of the space shuttle Columbia. This tragic event has left an indelible mark on all Americans. Columbia was the first operational shuttle built for NASA. It was used for the very first shuttle flight on April 12, 1981. We mourn Commander Rick Husband, Pilot William ``Willie'' McCool, Payload Commander Michael P. Anderson, Mission Specialist David M. Brown, Mission Specialist Kalpana Chawla, Mission Specialist Laurel Blair Salton Clark, and Israeli Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon. Columbia's seven-member crew represented America's best as well as a growing international partnership in meeting this important challenge of the future.

From John Glenn's first orbit of the Earth, to the Apollo Eleven's landing on the moon, and now the final stages of completion of the first international space station, the United States has been and will continue to be the world's leader in space exploration. As the nation mourns and NASA begins its investigation to determine the cause of this tragic event, I believe the people of Delaware and the nation remain strongly committed to the U.S. space program.

Delaware has strong ties to the US space program. ILC Dover Inc., a company based in Frederica, Delaware, has made space suits for NASA since the days of the Apollo program and Neil Armstrong's first steps on the moon. Its workers made parts of two spacesuits onboard during Columbia's mission. These suits would have been worn during any space walk portion of the mission. ILC Dover is now in the process of constructing impact bag systems that will be used on probes scheduled to fly to Mars this summer. All the employees of ILC Dover, Inc. work with heavy hearts these days as they remember loss of the crew they have worked all these years to protect.

Delawareans enthusiasm for the space program is evident in their desire to educate their children about our space program. This past year, I was very pleased to visit the future campus of the Delaware Aerospace Education Foundation's Innovation, Technology and Exploration Center. This $25 million facility will have its ground breaking this Spring in Smyrna, Delaware. It will feature 40,000 square feet of an interactive museum, planetarium, and theater. Through the leadership of Dr. Stephanie Wright, the foundation sponsors numerous programs that promote math, science, and technology education through youth academies, presentations, symposiums, events, and professional development for teachers. I hope the new Aerospace Education Center will work to honor the sacrifices made by the Columbia crew through their upcoming programs.

Mr. Speaker, I salute the crew and supporting members of this Columbia mission. Americans understand the excitement and risks that come with the important job that NASA undertakes everyday. It is this bold and courageous effort that demonstrates America's commitment to leading the world in the future of space exploration. Although I am saddened by our nation's tragic loss, I am very proud to be an American and will continue to work for an effective space program to benefits NASA's mission in Delaware, the nation, and the world and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to pay tribute to and honor the heroism of Mr. Michael Onusko of Lincoln, Delaware. His concern and care for the fellow citizens in his community resulted in a life being saved.

Mr. Onusko, a mail carrier with the United States Postal Service, deserves a hero's recognition for his actions that saved 81-year-old Houston, Delaware resident Margaret Phillips. While on his delivery route, Mr. Onusko noticed that Mrs. Phillips had not picked up her mail from the previous day. Concerned for a friend for whom he had been carrying mail for 13 years, he walked toward the residence to check on Mrs. Phillips. Upon hearing Mrs. Phillips calling for help from the garage, he quickly alerted the police. Mrs. Phillips had fallen off a ladder in her garage and was suffering from hypothermia after lying incapacitated on the floor for almost an entire day. Had Mr. Onusko not checked on Mrs. Phillips, help might not have arrived in time.

Mr. Onusko displayed a quality that all Delawareans should look for in a role model--a deep sense of community and concern for fellow citizens. We should all hope to emulate Mr. Onusko's actions and reach out when we can to those in need. It is people like Mr. Onusko who inspire others to do great things, and to realize that each of us is a part of a community, and a nation that can only succeed if we look out for one another. America needs everyday heroes who display true concern and goodwill when called upon to help their fellow citizens. I am proud to say that Mr. Onusko exemplified these qualities with his actions, and his recognition, Mr. Speaker, is duly deserved.

Ordinary people who perform extraordinary acts of public service, like Michael Onusko from my great State of Delaware, are the true heroes in today's world, and are the true role models for the next generation of leaders, both inside and outside of Delaware's borders.