Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the House Republican standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding funding the House Appropriations Committee appropriated for the following national projects my colleagues and I requested as part of FY 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act, H.R. 1105:

Requesting Member: Congressman Michael N. Castle

Bill Number: H.R. 1105

Account: Fund for the Improvement of Education, Innovation and Improvement

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Reach Out and Read

Address of Requesting Entity: 56 Roland Street, Suite 100D, Boston,

Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to recognize the Clayton Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary upon the celebration of their 50th anniversary in the State of Delaware.

The auxiliary's first meeting was on March 13, 1959, when members of both the Kent County Ladies Auxiliary and the Smyrna Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary were present to answer questions and explain the procedures behind founding an auxiliary. At this meeting, Jeri Hurlock was elected as the auxiliary's first president. It was then decided that Mrs. Hurlock, Mrs. Ethel Donaway, Mrs. Ann Dickerson, and Mrs. Julia Mast would meet and write the first constitution and by-laws. The next meeting, held on April 6, 1959, established a canteen committee to provide food and refreshment for the firemen while they were out fighting fires. With the appointment of this committee, the auxiliary began its now long-standing tradition of dedicating its time and effort in support of the Clayton Fire Company.

Through fundraisers such as fashion shows and concession stands, the women were able to repay the Clayton Fire Company, which had

provided the initial loan to establish the auxiliary. Over the past five decades, the auxiliary has successfully continued to raise funds to benefit both the fire company and the town of Clayton. A junior program for 16 to 18-year-olds was created in 1973, and today, membership in the Clayton Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary has grown to over 70 women, including 35 life members.

On this 50th Anniversary, I would like to recognize the unequaled devotion of the Clayton Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. Since 1959, the women of the auxiliary have volunteered their time, their energy, and their hearts in support of the Clayton Fire Company and its surrounding community. I commend them for their tireless dedication and immeasurable contributions, and I wish them all the best on this momentous anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I have followed all of the discussion, and I understand the first vote is an instrumental vote and it actually does something.

This particular resolution I don't understand at all. Essentially, as I see it, it is a cover-up vote for the administration saying they did everything right. I don't disagree that there were problems in the previous administration. There are problems in this administration with all of this. There are a lot of problems in Congress, and perhaps with AIG. But to suggest that this administration has done everything correctly is just not accurate. It was Mr. Geithner, after all, when he was the head of the New York Federal Reserve and made the first payment to AIG in which they received most of the stock of AIG who was involved from that point on. It was his people who were involved from that point on.

There were discussions recently in the stimulus package about who actually took out the language with respect to allowing these bonuses to take place because there was language apparently put in by the Senate that would have prohibited that. And again, the White House was apparently involved in that.

Then there were discussions as to when everybody knew about this. And Mr. Geithner apparently indicated that he was informed I guess late last week and then informed the President. And yet we heard from Mr. Liddy at AIG that the Federal Reserve was involved with this from the beginning and knew about it from the beginning, and he assumed probably shared that information with Treasury.

Either way, you are talking about the administration. Individuals either did know or should have known, and to absolve the administration of fault is just wrong. And whether we vote ``yes'' or ``no'' on the previous bill, in my judgment everybody should vote ``no'' on this legislation. It is just not proper. I am not even sure why we are trying to consider it today, but it is not proper. It is not accurate. The bottom line is it should have a ``no'' vote.

I thank the gentleman from Kentucky for yielding, and I would like to thank both of the speakers, Ms. Woolsey and the gentleman from Kentucky, for rationally explaining a program not many people understand.

Mr. Speaker, I did have the opportunity and the pleasure of serving on NAGB, the National Assessment Governing Board, for several years when I was Governor of Delaware, and it was not easy work, by the way. I would call it a pleasure, but it involves a lot of difficult meetings, discussion of testing or whatever it may be.

But the bottom line is that they do put together the National Assessment of Educational Progress, the NAEP tests, which are given universally as far as the States are concerned, in our country, and are as good a measuring device as we have to the progress of education from year to year. Some of this is quite voluntary, but all States participate in it in grades 4, 8 through 12, particularly in the reading and the math areas, and we can determine that we have done somewhat better, perhaps

a lot better from year to year, as we look at these tests.

I can tell you that those 26 people, who change from time to time and come from a variety of different backgrounds, are all very dedicated to the concept of making this very apolitical, of making it so that it's a fair standard in tests for all those who are going to take it, and making sure that all the reporting requirements are met in a proper way. This goes through the Secretary of Education and is reported by them, and I think they would do a wonderful job with this.

This is, to me, a very important measuring stick. While congratulatory resolutions may not be the most important thing we do in the Congress of the United States, I think recognizing an entity such as this, which is independent of us and independent of the White House, for all that matters, and deals with preparing this kind of reporting, this kind of background for the testing, is a very significant thing to do to make sure that they are being honored for an achievement which I think has been very helpful in terms of dealing with education.

All of us deal with education policy on a regular basis. We know how important it is to understand that what we are doing is perhaps a step, a small step or a large step in the right direction, and I think that the NAEP tests do that.

For that reason I would hope that we could all support this resolution. Again, I thank those who spoke on the floor for their very thorough and excellent explanations of what NAGB does and what NAEP is all about.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to pay tribute to Fred Sears, II. In a state with many ``firsts'' in its history, I am proud of the fact that Fred Sears will be the first recipient of the ``Goldey-Beacom College Ethics in Business Award.''

As a native of Delaware, Fred's career in the banking industry spanned 38 years and culminated with his serving as President of Commerce Bank. Since 2003, Fred has served as President and CEO of the Delaware Community Foundation where he oversees the management of 900 funds with more than $230 million in assets and the distribution of $15 million in grants annually. These charitable funds benefit all of us in Delaware.

However, Fred's leadership at the Delaware Community Foundation is only a small glimpse of the impact he has had on our community. He has served on at least 56 boards, clubs or organizations over the past five decades. His leadership, guidance, counsel and support are sought by government entities, non-profits, sports programs, community groups, educational institutions, and businesses. His willingness to help others has no limit and we are all forever appreciative of what he has done to make our state a better place for everyone.

Leaders like Fred Sears come along once every couple of generations. His integrity and ethics are unsurpassed and he is a great example for others to follow. This is not the first time Fred has been honored or recognized for his good deeds. In 1977 the Wilmington Junior Chamber of Commerce presented him with the Young Man of the Year Award. Since then Fred has been recognized by the Boy Scouts of America, the Wilmington Rotary Club, the United Negro College Fund, the NCCJ, and the Opportunity Center, Inc. Each time, these community organizations recognized Fred for his leadership and willingness to assist others.

I have known Fred for many, many years and I am most proud of being able to call him my friend. Individuals like Fred Sears bring about positive change, and when a small state like Delaware finds someone like him it allows us to show a nation how people working together can make the world a better place. I congratulate Fred on receiving the first ever ``Goldey-Beacom College Ethics in Business Award'' and thank him for his extraordinary service to Delaware.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the House Republican standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding funding for Delaware included as part of FY 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act, H.R. 1105:

Division A--Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA, and Related Agencies

Name of Project: Agriculture Compliance Laboratory Equipment, Delaware

Requesting Member: Congressman Michael N. Castle

Bill Number: H.R. 1105

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Delaware Department of Agriculture

Address of Requesting Entity: Tatnall Building, William Penn Street, Dover, DE, 19901

Account: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Salaries and Expenses

Description of Request: $69,000 for the Delaware Department of Agriculture to upgrade the equipment and facilities in the lab needed to provide a safe testing environment with its own ventilation system and a high-capacity incinerator to reduce the risk of zoonotic diseases from animals spreading to workers in the facility.

Division B--Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies

Name of Project: For Preliminary Engineering Assessments before Message Switcher Upgrades

Requesting Member: Congressman Michael N. Castle

Bill Number: H.R. 1105

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Delaware State Police Department

Address of Requesting Entity: Tatnall Building, William Penn Street, Dover, DE, 19901

Account: COPS Law Enforcement Technology

Description of Request: $100,000 to update Delaware's Message Switcher hardware, which connects Delaware law enforcement to federal agencies so that they may receive critical information useful for fighting crime.

Name of Project: For the purchase and installation of In-Car Cameras and Related Equipment

Requesting Member: Congressman Michael N. Castle

Bill Number: H.R. 1105

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: The Delaware State Police Department

Address of Requesting Entity: Tatnall Building, William Penn Street, Dover, DE, 19901

Account: COPS Law Enforcement Technology

Description of Request: $500,000 will be used for the purchase of 300 digital cameras and associated computer equipment to be placed in all Delaware State Police vehicles.

Name of Project: For the purchase of a Mobile Gunshot Locator System

Requesting Member: Congressman Michael N. Castle

Bill Number: H.R. 1105

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: State of Delaware

Address of Requesting Entity: 303 Transportation Circle, Dover, DE, 19901

Account: COPS Law Enforcement Technology

Description of Request: $250,000 will be used to purchase the ShotSpotter Gunshot Location System (GLS) for the City of Wilmington, City of Dover, and the Delaware State Police. The amount of deaths resulting from gunfire continues to be the single leading cause of crime-related death in the United States, and Delaware has experienced numerous gun crimes. A 60-90 percent decrease in gunfire has occurred in other states who have utilized ShotSpotter. This system will place sensors at specific coordinates to accurately detect and locate the origin of gunshots, which can help lead law enforcement to apprehend criminals with that information. Implementing ShotSpotter in Wilmington and Dover, and having a non-fixed movable system will assist Delaware law enforcement in fighting against crime.

Name of Project: For Programs to increase the Efficiency and Effectiveness of License Plate Scanning Technology for Law Enforcement

Requesting Member: Congressman Michael N. Castle

Bill Number: H.R. 1105

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: New Castle County

Address of Requesting Entity: 3601 North DuPont Highway, New Castle,

Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to pay tribute to Marlene Elliott Brown. In a state with many ``firsts'' in its history, we are proud of the fact that Marlene was the first female State Director for USDA Rural Development, and after eight years she has left big shoes to fill for those that will follow her. This amazing woman's nearly twenty-six years of tireless federal service have been nothing but extraordinary.

A native of Laurel, Delaware, Marlene's career in public service began in 1982, when she joined the staff of the late U.S. Senator William V. Roth. She became the Senator's State Director and served him faithfully for eighteen years. On March 14, 2001, she was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve as the Delaware/Maryland Director for USDA Rural Development. Marlene's eight years in this position are marked with many noteworthy accomplishments including: 1065 Delaware families or individuals becoming new homeowners; 2855 jobs created or saved; 44,188 homes and businesses that benefited from improved central water and wastewater systems; and 235 homes of individuals with disabilities that were repaired to remove health and safety hazards.

But Marlene's impact on those around her is certainly not limited to her professional career. She is a role model for others and is involved in many community organizations, having served as President for the Georgetown-Millsboro Rotary Club, Vice Chairman of the Republican State Committee, Honorary Commander at the Dover Air Force Base, Board Member of the Delmarva Christian High School, member of the Delaware Tech Educational Foundation Council, and through her faith as a member of Trinity UMC and the Delmar Christian Center.

Marlene once described the late Senator William Roth in the following words, ``all were better for the time spent with him. He gave everyone opportunity, he led by example, and he showed the path for public service.'' I find Marlene Elliott Brown to be all of those things and more. She is a thoughtful leader, an insightful and honest woman, a tireless volunteer in her community and church, a dedicated public servant, and above all, a loyal and generous friend.

I congratulate Marlene for her years of extraordinary service to the state of Delaware and the countless citizens who have been touched in some way by her dedication. On behalf of all Delawareans, I would like to thank her parents--Marshall and Blanche Elliott; her husband--Jim; and her friends for sharing her with us over these many years. Marlene is an exemplary citizen and like other outstanding individuals before her, ``we are better for the time spent with her.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to S. 328, the DTV Delay Act.

Since 1996, our nation's first-responders have been calling for more broadcast spectrum to be made available for better and more effective communication among emergency services. Tragically, the lack of such spectrum was cited by experts as partially leading to many unnecessary deaths among those responding to the 2001 terrorist attacks in New York City. In fact, completing the digital television transition so that this spectrum may be used by police, firefighters, and emergency personnel was the main communications-related recommendation of the 9/ 11 Commission.

In 2005, after years of delay, Congress finally established February 17, 2009 as the date when the country will switch to all-digital broadcasting and eliminate the disruptions to public safety communications. Unfortunately, after more than a decade of preparing for the transition, the bill before us today would delay the digital transition for another three months.

Like many Delawareans, I am concerned about the management of the digital transition process and the shortfall in the number of converter box coupons available. It is critical that we act quickly to provide additional resources to address these complications and ensure our constituents are prepared for the transition date. Still, public safety services and broadcasters have spent millions of dollars preparing for the February 17th transition date and postponing the deadline again will only create more confusion and delay the implementation of this vital 9/11 Commission recommendation.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to recognize Apostle Joyce Cofield. On January 31, 2009, Apostle Cofield will be honored at a banquet celebrating her 14th pastoral anniversary at Anointed Word Evangelistic Fellowship.

Apostle Cofield is the founder of Anointed Word Evangelistic Fellowship in Wilmington, Delaware. Apostle Cofield entered full-time ministry in 2000 and has over 30 years of experience in ministerial leadership. During her time as senior pastor of Anointed Word, Apostle Cofield has emerged as an accomplished leader: in 2008 she was profiled in the National Registry of Who's Who, and she recently published a prophetic book of poetry entitled, From the Father's Heart to My Heart to Your Heart.

Apostle Cofield is a graduate of a local bible college and has continued her education at various secular institutions in the Wilmington area. As part of her vision to bring restoration to families and individuals, she regularly reaches out to the homeless in Delaware--not only to meet practical needs for food, clothing and shelter, but by motivating, instructing and enriching their lives. Apostle Cofield lives by several creeds including, ``the most important thing is to know God and for God to know you'', as well as ``attitudes are contagious, is yours worth catching?'' The members of Anointed Word admire and respect Apostle Cofield for her selfless acts, strong leadership and passion for community outreach.

I thank Apostle Joyce Cofield for her many years of service to the members of her congregation at Anointed Word Evangelistic Fellowship, the greater community, and the State of Delaware. I am confident that as she celebrates this significant milestone in her ministry, she will remain committed to many more years of demonstrating her faith in both word and deed.

Madam Speaker, it is my honor to rise today and pay tribute to Colm F. Connelly, the United States Attorney for the State of Delaware. On September 4, 2001, after receiving a Presidential nomination and confirmation from the United States Senate, Colm assumed his position as the chief federal law enforcement officer in our state. It is not possible to quantify the many ways our communities have benefited from the work he did while in office, but I can say without doubt that Delaware is now a better, safer place because of his hard work and ceaseless dedication.

Though Colm is now departing the U.S. Attorney's office to join the law firm of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, he leaves behind an extraordinary legacy to which others can aspire. During his seven year tenure, Colm put systems in place to integrate federal and local law enforcement. Through fines and forfeitures, his office collected nearly $600 million for the government. Furthermore, Colm successfully prosecuted numerous cases, including the trial and conviction of both Bruce Stewart and Thomas Capano. Remarkably enough, Colm was able to obtain a drug conviction of Stewart without police recovering drugs, and a murder conviction of Capano without police recovering a body.

Once again, I thank Colm F. Connolly for his selfless service to our community--his work has and will continue to touch the lives of many. Colm served the office to which he was appointed seven years ago with great distinction and honor, and the State of Delaware is greatly indebted to him. Due to his selfless efforts, Delawareans can rest assured that justice prevails and we are safer. Colm has set the bar high, and he will be missed by many. I wish him nothing but the best as he moves forward to pursue new opportunities and help others in need.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to recognize Valerie Woodruff, Delaware's Secretary of Education. Val will retire this year after a 44 year career in public education and serving the state of Delaware for over 30 years.

During her term as Secretary, Val led the implementation of Delaware's accountability system and worked with Congress and the U.S. Department of Education to implement the federal No Child Left Behind Act in Delaware.

Although Val's work in public education began long before her service in Delaware, Val has had a huge positive impact on Delaware's education system. Val led the development of the first school-based Wellness Center in Delaware that has served as a model for additional Delaware schools. Val served as a Thomson Fellow for the Coalition of Essential States, where she participated in, and conducted workshops in her capacity and was selected as Delaware's Principal of the Year in 1990. Val also serves as a member of several boards including the Delaware Workforce Investment Board and its Youth Council and the State Chamber of Commerce Partnership.

Additionally, Val represents Delaware on the Southern Regional Education Board, serves on the Executive Committee of the Southern Regional Education Board, and is the first K-12 educator to serve as Vice Chair. She also served as President of the Council of Chief State School Officers from November 2005 to November 2006.

Val was born in Steubenville, Ohio and grew up in West Virginia. She attended Alderson Broaddus College in Philippi, West Virginia and graduated in 1966 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Education in English and Social Studies. In 1971, Val began her work in Delaware and received her Master of Education degree in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Delaware in Newark, Delaware.

I would like to thank Val for her many years of service and her focus on developing quality teachers and school leaders, as well as the importance of providing an excellent educational experience to all children in Delaware. Val's work has resulted in improved student achievement and positive recognition of Delaware public education.

Madam Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to recognize and to thank Rev. Silvester Beaman, pastor of the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in my hometown of Wilmington, Delaware, for leading the House in prayer this morning.

Pastor Beaman's prayer, asking this body to be a voice for the voiceless, to help the hurting and to inspire the weary is a message for all of us which we should carry forward each and every day.

Pastor Beaman is widely known for his passionate and uplifting sermons. When I visit his congregation, I am welcomed with open arms by an enthusiastic group of individuals. He has worked to grow his church to more than 2,000 members, and he oversees a youth mentoring program, a senior citizens ministry and an AIDS task force. His compassion has no limits, and his enthusiasm cannot be contained. It is for these reasons that I have asked him to come before us today and to lead us in prayer.

I would be remiss if I did not recognize Pastor Beaman's wife and childhood sweetheart, Renee, and daughter, Asaiah, who are also with us today.

Pastor Beaman, thank you for being here and for sharing your blessing with the U.S. House of Representatives.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to the late Michelle L. Smith. On Monday morning, December 22nd, the Delaware City Fire Company was informed of the tragic loss of Firefighter Michelle L. Smith, who succumbed to the traumatic injuries she sustained on December 20th. Michelle was assisting with the care of a critically injured motorcyclist at the scene of an accident on DuPont Highway when she was hit by a passing car. This is the first death in the line of duty for the Delaware City Fire Company in its 121-year history.

Michelle L. Smith has served the Delaware City Fire Company and the Delaware City Ladies Auxiliary for over five years, holding the position of Secretary with the Ladies Auxiliary. She also served with the Volunteer Hose Company of Middletown, DE.

Michelle will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and coworkers. She exemplified the honor and dedication that all firefighters throughout Delaware and across the United States strive for on a daily basis. The President of Delaware City Fire Company, Wally Poppe stated that, ``Firefighter Smith typified Delaware City Fire Company as a firefighter and as a member of the Ladies Auxiliary. She took great pride in her numerous contributions, including emergency response, fire prevention and community awareness.''

Michelle L. Smith will be greatly missed and her heroism, dedication, and selflessness will serve as an inspiration to all those who knew her.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to recognize Dr. Cornelia N. ``Connie'' Winner. In December 2008, Dr. Winner will retire after thirty-six years of service to Delaware Technical & Community College.

Dr. Winner's involvement with the college began in 1972, when she took a position at the Wilmington Campus as an instructor in the Secretarial Technology Department. Just eight years later, Dr. Winner became Chairperson of the campus Technology Department. In 1985, she was made Assistant Dean of Instruction of the Stanton/Wilmington Campus. During the remainder of her time at Delaware Tech, Dr.

Winner served as Dean of Instruction, Acting Assistant Campus Director, and now as Acting Vice President of Academic Affairs at the Terry Campus in Dover and Assistant Campus Director at Wilmington/Stanton.

In all of these roles, from faculty member to administrative leader, Dr. Winner has proved an invaluable member of the Delaware Tech family. She played an instrumental role in establishing and promoting that mindset for which Delaware Tech has become known and that has helped the organization thrive into the statewide institution that it is today: ``focused on excellence, but never ignoring the individual''. Dr. Winner never lost sight of the educators' primary mission to serve and mentor students in order that they may become successful individuals. It is this selfless dedication that has come to define the character of Dr. Connie Winner in the minds of her colleagues and students at Delaware Tech.

Once again, I commend Dr. Connie Winner on nearly four decades of exemplary service to Delaware Technical & Community College. While I am sure that her caring spirit will be missed in the halls of the campuses, I am confident that she will remain an active and influential member of the Delaware community.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to recognize the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce's Marvin S. Gilman Superstars in Business Awards. For ten years, the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce has taken pride in honoring small businesses and organizations for their outstanding services, quality of management, and exemplary approach to business in our state.

Each year, winners of the Marvin S. Gilman Superstars in Business Awards are companies that have met three criteria: the companies have been established at least three years, have 150 employees or less, and are members of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce. In addition, Awards of Excellence are

given to commendable companies, and one award is given to one outstanding non-profit organization. Over the years, corporations within the development, arts, public utilities, communications, and healthcare industries, among others, have been recognized for playing a leading role in Delaware's economic well-being. In November of 1998, the very first luncheon was held to present these distinguished awards in the Gold Ballroom at the Hotel DuPont, the very same location where many of the 40 winning companies, state and local officials, Chamber members, and other notable members of the community will gather to celebrate this milestone. In fact, I was among the guests present at the first Superstars in Business Awards luncheon, and a decade later I am pleased to join in saluting what has become a distinguished tradition.

In recognizing this program, it is only fitting to also recognize the program's entrepreneurial namesake, the late Marvin S. Gilman. Mr. Gilman served as president of Gilman Development Co. in Wilmington for more than forty years, during which time he earned the reputation of a model small business owner and leader in the community. He used his position in the housing industry to further the cause of desegregation, sponsoring the Sutton Place high-rise facility project in Baltimore-- one of the first major real estate projects to welcome tenants of all races--and serving on the National Committee Against Discrimination in Housing. Recognized for their service to the community, Mr. Gilman and his wife, Muriel, were the first couple to receive the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce's Josiah Marvel Cup Award.

Once again, I recognize the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce's Marvin S. Gilman Superstars in Business Awards for ten years of honoring exceptional small businesses and organizations. It is this commitment to fostering economic and community excellence that keeps Delaware one of the best environments to conduct business in the United States.