Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, on January 24, 2012, longtime radio host Lin Brehmer received honors recognizing his 20th anniversary on Chicago's 93.1 WXRT FM, as the station also celebrated its 40th anniversary on the air.

Chicago is a city of many treasures.

From the architecture to the museums and cultural institutions, from the sports teams to our food, there are many, many reasons to celebrate The Windy City.

But with so much to do, see, and eat, some of our city's finest features do not make it onto most tourists' To Do Lists. But if you want to share with a visitor some of the true heart and soul of Chicago, drive down Lake Shore Drive with the Lake on one side, our beautiful skyline on the other, and 93 WXRT on the radio.

I have tried to explain to my children about the vast wasteland that was music radio in Chicago before XRT. Forty years ago, all you had was the same ten songs on AM radio. Then came XRT, with a rich, diverse playlist. With a passion and integrity unmatched even today.

No coincidence it became a 24 hour station in 1976, demonstrating our city's unique commitment to independent thinking, and an unbridled celebration of art and music.

Like many others, XRT linked me to a new world.

XRT encouraged me to leave my sterile environment and travel to the Earl of Old Town to listen to Steve Goodman--and my first concert at The Aragon Ball Room to see Mott the Hoople, the New York Dolls. Not to mention other famous haunts that played host to greats like Iggy Pop, David Bowie, Muddy Waters, Frank Zappa, Roxy Music, and the like.

Thank you XRT, for 40 great years. You made me a better person.

So tell your kids to turn their FM radio dial to 93.1, WXRT; they will find Lin Brehmer, ``Your best friend in the whole wide world.''

Lin has been the morning voice on XRT for the last 20 years, and is a Chicago institution unto himself. For 20 years, Lin has been there with us to celebrate all things Chicago; from commiserating another Cubs loss, to suggesting the perfect restaurant for a post-concert dinner.

He shares with us the best of the city and makes sure we better understand the world, with ``Lin's Bin.'' He helps us discover new sounds, rediscover old favorites, and provides an unparalleled soundtrack to our days.

A celebrated fixture in radio, Lin has received a variety of honors throughout his illustrious career. In 1990 he was also honored as ``Music Director of the Decade'' by Hard Report.

Lin's musical sensibilities are nicely summed up by his motto, borrowed from the writing of Gerard Manley Hopkins, ``Flesh fade and mortal trash fall to the residuary worm, you and I might as well Rock and Roll.''

Dubbed the ``Reverend of Rock and Roll'' early in his radio career, Lin sought to put together a radio program unlike any other. Now, more than 35 years since he first hosted a radio show in Albany, New York, Lin has succeeded in doing that, and so much more.

Radio isn't Lin's only passion; he is also quite the accomplished Foodie, never going anywhere without a Zagat guide in his car and his self-described ``eating pants,'' an outfit with enough ``give'' to accommodate another Chicago meal at the Weiner's Circle.

His favorite restaurants in Chicago include a wide variety of cuisine, for an even broader array of occasions. His recommendations have included ``Best Upscale Mexican For When You Want To Leave The Kids At Home'' or the very specific ``Best Late Night Steak Burrito.''

I'm sure he also enjoys splitting a cinnamon roll with our friend and his colleague Teri Hemmert, another Chicago jewel, at her favorite table at Ann Sather's Restaurant on the northside.

Lin Brehmer is a man who helps us to discover the best about Chicago, and in doing so, has become a Chicago treasure himself.

We appreciate and applaud his career as one of our city's finest radio personalities and most recognizable voices, and look forward to the music, experiences, and food he will help us discover in his next twenty years.

Thank you, Lin, for always reminding us why ``It's great to be alive.''

Mr. Speaker, today is a sad day. In an effort to strip women of the right to choose, anti-choice groups have blocked access to life-saving cancer screenings.

The Nation's leading breast cancer charity, Susan G. Komen, announced it will no longer partner with Planned Parenthood, the Nation's leading women's health care provider. This fight has pitted two of our Nation's premier and important women's health care groups wrongly against each other.

We on either side of the Capitol and in these Chambers must remember that rhetoric has real-world consequences. For the health of all women across America, this issue must be resolved quickly and the collaborative relationship between these two great institutions restored. Until then, lives are at stake, sadly, for political gain.

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, my amendment would create a simple CBO- sponsored Web site where taxpayers could learn how much they would be contributing to major Federal spending programs under consideration by Congress. Similarly, it would allow taxpayers to learn how much their taxes would increase or decrease under any major tax legislation being considered by this Congress.

The fact is, we don't do a good enough job communicating with our constituents. There's too much misinformation out there, and good information isn't accessible enough to Americans without connections to Washington. Try digging through a government Web site, and you'll see the difficulty. My staff gets calls all the time from constituents who are having trouble finding good information about our budget and our Tax Code.

My amendment would take a significant and necessary step towards increasing transparency and accountability. If Congress wants to pass a major new spending program, the tax and the costs to the taxpayer should be made transparent. If the Congress wants to pass a tax increase, the costs to the taxpayer should be transparent. And if Congress wants to pass a tax cut, taxpayers should know exactly how they or someone in their tax bracket would benefit.

Transparency is the best way to hold lawmakers in Washington accountable, and it's the best way to rein in out-of-control deficits. Our constituents have a right to this information, and we shouldn't skimp when it comes to transparency.

I've been working on this taxpayer receipt idea since 2010, and 15 of my colleagues, from both sides of the aisle, have joined me in supporting similar legislation to this effect.

However, at this time, I understand the gentleman from Georgia is opposed to this amendment, which pretty much guarantees that it will go down in a blazing ball of martyrdom. And while I'm a Cubs fan and my team hasn't won a World Series since before manned flight, I am realistic. So I will offer to withdraw this amendment if the gentleman will commit to work with me to move this idea forward in a separate venue.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Not formally, if I could respond.

Mr. Chairman, I just wanted to give the gentleman an opportunity to explain his point. I thank him for his willingness to work on this issue together. I now withdraw the amendment.

Mr. Speaker, Chicago is a city of many treasures. From the architecture to the museums and cultural institutions, from the sports teams to our food, there are many, many reasons to celebrate the Windy City. But with so much to do, see, and eat, some of our city's finest features do not make it onto most tourists' to-do lists. But if you want to share with the visitors some of the true heart and soul of Chicago, drive down Lake Shore Drive with our lake on one side and our beautiful skyline on the other and 93 WXRT on the radio.

I have tried to explain to my children about the vast wasteland that was music radio in Chicago before XRT. Forty years ago, all you had was the same 10 songs on AM radio. Then came XRT, with a rich, diverse playlist, with a passion and an integrity unmatched even today. No coincidence it became a 24-hour station in 1976, demonstrating our city's unique commitment to independent thinking and an unbridled celebration of art and music.

Like many others, XRT linked me to a new world. XRT encouraged me to leave my sterile environment and travel to the Earl of Old Town to listen to Steve Goodman and my first concert at the Aragon Ball Room to see Mott the Hoople and the New York Dolls, not to mention other famous haunts that played host to greats like Iggy Pop, David Bowie, Muddy Waters, Frank Zappa, Roxie Music and the like.

Thank you, XRT, for 40 great years. You made me a better person. And when your kids turn their dial to 93, they will find Lin Brehmer, ``your best friend in the whole world.'' Lin has been the morning voice of XRT for the last 20 years and is a Chicago institution unto himself. For 20 years, Lin has been there with us to celebrate all things Chicago, from commiserating with us over another Chicago Cubs loss to suggesting the perfect restaurant for a post-concert dinner. He shares with us the best of the city and makes sure we better understand the world with ``Lin's Bin.'' He helps us discover new sounds, rediscover old favorites and provides an unparalleled soundtrack to our days.

A celebrated fixture in radio, Lin has received a variety of honors throughout his illustrious career. In 1990, he was honored as Music Director of the Decade by Hard Report.

Lin's musical sensibilities are nicely summed up by his motto, borrowed from the writing of Gerard Manley Hopkins: ``Flesh fade and mortal trash fall to the residuary worm, you and I might as well rock and roll.'' Dubbed the Reverend of Rock and Roll early in his radio career, Lin sought to put together a radio program unlike any other.

Now, more than 35 years since he first hosted a radio show in Albany, New York, Lin has succeeded in doing that and so much more.

Radio isn't Lin's only passion; he is also quite the accomplished foodie, never going anywhere without a food guide in his car and his self-described ``eating pants,'' an outfit with enough give to accommodate another Chicago meal--oh, that Wiener Circle. His favorite restaurants in Chicago include a wide variety of cuisine for an even broader array of occasions. His recommendations have included ``best upscale Mexican restaurant for when you want to leave the kids at home'' and the very specific ``best late night steak burrito.'' I'm sure he also enjoys splitting a cinnamon roll with our friend and his colleague, Teri Hemmert, another Chicago jewel, at her favorite table at Ann Sather's Restaurant on the north side.

Lin Brehmer is a man who helps us discover the best about Chicago, and in doing so, has become a Chicago treasure himself. We appreciate and applaud his career as one of our city's finest radio personalities and most recognizable voices, and look forward to the music experiences and food he will help us discover in his next 20 years. Thank you, Lin, for always reminding us why it's great to be alive.

Mr. Speaker, on January 25, 2012 longtime civic leader Gerald Roper will receive honors for his commitment to greening and beautifying Chicago, as well as improving the region's business and entrepreneurial communities.

A founding member of Chicago Gateway Green Committee, Jerry's commitment to beautifying Chicago over the past 25 years can be seen all across our city. As Chairman, Jerry oversaw the planting of 57,000 shrubs, 53,000 perennials, and 2,050 trees and the removal of more than one million pounds of litter from Chicago's expressways. He was instrumental in the installation of numerous sculptures at Chicago's beautiful landmarks and has helped make our hometown a place travelers from around the world want to visit and admire.

Under Jerry's leadership as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce for more than 18 years, the Chamber earned a 5-star accreditation by the United States Chamber of Commerce for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the region's business climate. The award is given to only the top five percent of all chambers in the country.

Jerry demonstrates the meaning of a true public servant. In 2000 he formed the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center, an affiliate of the Chamber of Commerce. The Center's contributions features the innovative Bridge Program that connects emerging companies to establish Chicago area firms to their mutual benefit, as well as the Illinois Innovation Accelerator Fund that bolsters access to venture capital.

A founding member of the National Business Leaders for Transportation, Jerry is an outspoken voice for the aviation and rapid transit industries. He also participates actively in several civic and industry organizations, serving as Chairman of the President's Advisory Council for Harold Washington College, for example.

Jerry's passion and commitment to the City of Chicago is beyond compare. On this day, we thank Jerry for his outstanding service to our greater community and look forward to his future contributions.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask that all Members of the House of Representatives join me in honoring the memory of Benjamin Kane Gupta. Ben served the people of the Illinois Fifth District as a staff member for my predecessor Rahm Emanuel in 2007 before going on to work at the U.S. State Department's Global Partnership Initiative. Ben was pursuing Law and Business degrees as a George Washington University graduate student when he died in his sleep Monday. He was 28 years old.

Ben accomplished a lot in his short life. He grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, before attending the Phillips Exeter Academy and Boston University, graduating with degrees in economics and psychology. As a Staff Assistant for Congressman Emanuel he put in long hours staffing the Congressman, serving constituents, and doing whatever was necessary to get the job done. At the State Department, Ben helped bring together public and private resources to solve global economic, health and sustainability challenges.

But the greatest achievement Ben leaves behind is in the memories of those who knew him as a kind and generous spirit who had an incredible work ethic and an infectious sense of humor. When his beloved Red Sox made it to the World Series, he was relentless in his pursuit of tickets not just for himself but for his coworkers as well. He collected every episode of The Simpsons and never passed up a trip to Rockland's to get barbeque for the office.

I ask all my colleagues to join me in remembering this dedicated staffer who died too soon but made the most of the time he had. I offer my deepest condolences to his parents Vinod and Bonnie Gupta, his stepmother Laurel Gottesman Gupta, and his brothers Jess and Alex Gupta. Ben will always live on in the hearts and memories of those that knew him best.

Mr. Speaker, on January 5th, Captain Erwin J. Korzynski passed away from prostate cancer. Today we honor Erwin as he was a great patriot and lead a selfless life.

Captain Erwin J. Korczynski was born in Chicago, Illinois on March 30, 1942. He was the product of first generation Polish American parents. His mother and father owned the Elm Hotel Restaurant in Chicago's Wicker Park Neighborhood from 1937 to 1947. His father also served as the Chief Chef on the Ann Rutledge train car operated by the Alton Railroad. Here he had the distinct honor of preparing meals for President Harry S. Truman aboard the Armed Forces Troop Trains. From 1947 to 1958 his parents became the owners of Helen's Food Shop, in the Gragin neighborhood of Chicago.

Captain Erwin J. Korczynski learned the value of public service while in Boy Scout Troop 153, eventually earning membership in Order of the Arrow by the Boy Scouting elite. He graduated from Chicago's Henry D. Lloyd Elementary School as a member of the class of 1956, and graduated from Chicago's Lane Technical High School in the class of 1960. During his time at Lane Tech he ``lettered'' on six separate occasions, as well as winning many state championships during his four-year athletic endeavors.

Captain Erwin J. Korczynski marched in the Chicago Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps from 1956 to 1963 and served as a lifeguard at the Knollwood Country Club before Northern Illinois University. He was selected as Lifeguard of the Year for saving the life of a young swimmer. He later enrolled in the Priesthood at St. Ambrose Seminary in Davenport, Iowa, followed by his novitiate for the Christian Brothers at St. Mary's College in Winnona, Minnesota.

In 1963, one year prior to graduation, he wanted to demonstrate his selfless commitment to serve our country during the Vietnam War, so he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was attached to Marine Attach Squadron, VMA 131. He attainted the rank of Sergeant and was honorably discharged from active duty on December 1st, 1969.

Erwin then went on to receive Eastern Airlines Flight Academy training in Miami, Florida, obtaining the rank of Captain and was awarded a Type Rating in a Boeing 727 series 100-200-225. As Captain, Erwin flew for Eastern Airlines, Evergreen Airline of McMinnville, Oregon, Emirates Airlines of Dubai, UAE, Saudia Airlines of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Air Lanka of Colombo, Sri Lanka, USAfrica of Cape Town, South Africa, and Eva Airlines of Taipei, Taiwan.

From 1990 to 1991, Captain Erwin J. Korczynski acted as Pilot-in- Command, flying twenty-five missions during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Captain Erwin J. Korczynski must be saluted for his bravery, courage and aeronautical abilities. He volunteered to fly in the Persian Gulf, and so did with the highest level of distinction. For the second time in his life, he demonstrated his selfless commitment and patriotism to serve our country.

Mr. Speaker, Captain Erwin J. Korczynski is the shining example of the citizen-soldier. He supported our military actions while maintaining his civilian obligations and participated in the Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF) Operation during Operation Desert Storm. Although an honorably discharged United States Marine, Captain Erwin J. Korczynski was not an activated reservist during this conflict and instead served as a volunteer.

His loving brother, Major Edwin J. ``Ski'' Korczynski, USAF/CAP, and Precinct Captain to Alderman Richard F. Mell, Chicago's 33rd Ward, summed up his identical twin brother's call to duty in a letter he sent to President Bush, stating that ``from the first day of conflict, his brother cast his vote for our American traditions through his dedication and deeds, not merely a slip of paper.'' Through his actions, Captain Erwin J. Korczynski exemplified the ideals of the Colonial Army's soldiers who answered our fledgling Nation's call.

Captain Erwin J. Korczynslci's dedication to service and patriotism kept him from retirement. Instead, equipped with his thirty-five plus years of aviation experience, he shared his knowledge and skills with young, soon-to-be airline pilots. Captain Erwin J. Korczynski sought out and obtained his certification as a commercial airline Check Airman and Flight Instructor.

His remaining years, from age sixty thereafter, were spent as Airline Check Airman and Flight Instructor at the Gulfstream Flight Academy for Gulfstream Airlines based in Miami, Florida. Gulfstream Captain Erwin J. Korczynski trained hundreds of career starting airline pilots who admired and respected him for his zero tolerance flight and pilot standards. Theses new pilots coined the stories of his Marine Corps days, his Eastern Airline era, his six airline career and his world circles, as ``Erwinisms''

Mr. Speaker, our nation will forever be indebted to Captain Erwin J. Korczynski's patriotism and unfailing bravery. He was a loved son, brother, soldier, and instructor who's dedication to serving our country will inspire generations to come. He is survived by his identical twin brother Edwin, wife Henrietta, daughters Elizabeth and Lieutenant/Navy JAG Kriesten, sons Ryan and Christian, granddaughter Emmalyn, daughter to Ryan and Diana, and all his friends.

Mr. Speaker, this week the House will consider the Iran Threat Reduction Act to bolster sanctions on the Iranian regime. It is time.

As the International Atomic Energy Agency recently reported, Iran could have a bomb within a year and is pursuing the means to trigger and deliver a nuclear weapon. We are out of time and have no choice but to enact the severest of sanctions in order to protect our ally Israel, our troops, and the entire region. And as the Israeli Prime Minister warned, there is nothing to stop Iran from exporting the bomb.

This bill will put in place debilitating sanctions on the Central Bank of Iran, which finances the nuclear program. The sanctions would deny those who do business with Iran Central Bank access to American markets. We are out of time, and we are running out of options. This bill gives us more of both.

I urge my colleagues to pass H.R. 1905, cut off the Central Bank of Iran, and send a message that a nuclear Iran is unacceptable.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for designating January 5th as ``National Bird Day.'' I also wish for my colleagues to consider the following:

That the beauty, songs, and flight of birds have long been sources of inspiration, and that nearly 12 percent of the world's 9,800 bird species may face extinction within the next century, including nearly one-third of the world's 330 parrot species;

That birds are sentinel species whose plight serves as a barometer of ecosystem health and an alert system for detecting global environmental ills;

That many of the world's parrots and songbirds are threatened with extinction due to pressures from the illegal pet trade, disease, and habitat loss;

That public awareness and education about the physical and behavioral needs of birds can go far in improving the welfare of the millions of birds kept in captivity, and that the survival and well-being of the world's birds depends upon ending the illegal pet trade and supporting public education and conservation;

Finally, that the United States Congress has enacted specific laws to protect birds, including the Wild Bird Conservation Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and that January 5, 2012 is being celebrated by Born Free USA as National Bird Day with the intent to raise awareness about bird conservation and protection.

I urge my colleagues to stand with me to support the designation of January 5th as National Bird Day and to encourage their State and local governments to observe the day with appropriate activities that promote bird awareness. Furthermore, I encourage all avian experts and professionals working with birds to use this day to create greater public awareness and appreciation of birds, leading to further protection of bird species. Finally, I encourage individuals across the Nation to become more aware of their local avian community so they can be more effective stewards of bird conservation.

Madam Speaker, in 1996 Congress passed the so-called Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA. It was then, as it still is today, an affront to our country's values--the values we hold true as established in the Declaration of Independence, those of life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and of equality and fairness for all.

On October 7 of this year, I held a field forum in Chicago, along with my colleague Jan Schakowsky, to hear from legal experts and gay and lesbian couples about the real-world harm caused by DOMA. The findings were startling. I ask that the clerk enter all of their testimony into the Record to formally document this collection of unfairness and inequity, burdens that are imposed on normal Americans who are just trying to live normal lives.

It is incomprehensible that today we are still dealing with such injustice. Congress created this injustice, and Congress should correct it. Let the Record reflect these sentiments.

Madam Speaker, in case you were wondering, that noise you heard from above yesterday morning was an old third baseman clicking his heels. Finally, on Monday morning, Ron Santo was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Now, most people knew Ronnie as the nine-time All-Star and the five- time Golden Glove winner, one of the top hitters of his era, and the third baseman on the Top 10 list in every statistical category. And many people knew Ronnie as the lovable voice of the Chicago Cubs, with whom we cheered every home run, moaned every dropped fly ball, and laughed at life's most

human moments in the booth, including a burning hairpiece.

But for many years on the field, people didn't know that while racking up 342 home runs and hitting more than 1,300 RBIs, Ronnie was struggling with diabetes. That's because Ronnie accomplished all of this from the roster, not the disabled list, despite his physical struggles.

Ronnie wanted to be a great player, not a great player ``under the circumstances.'' He fought hard on the field for his team, and courageously in private for his health. He raised $60 million and a lot of hope for juvenile diabetes research and inspired many to persevere against the odds.

Ronnie died too soon, exactly 1 year ago this week. I wish he had lived to see this, but I know that he and Harry are sharing an Old Style together and toasting to their favorite team. Here's to number 10, Ron Santo. Go Cubs.

Mr. Speaker, Maya Angelou wrote: ``If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded.''

On Thanksgiving night, Chicago lost a matriarch who, by Ms. Angelou's measure, was a magnificent success. We, sadly, lost Margaret Corbett Daley, or as she was better known, ``our Maggie.''

Maggie Daley embodied the heart of our city and grace under fire even when her own health was failing. Her contribution to the arts and our children, most notably through the After School Matters program, changed countless lives; and it will continue to do so for generations.

When Maggie was laid to rest this week, it wasn't just dignitaries who came to pay respects. Thousands of regular Chicagoans lined up for blocks in the rain to say goodbye. That's because Maggie transcended politics and reminded us that nothing is more important than family and each other.

She is, of course, survived by her best friend and husband, former Mayor Richard M. Daley, as well as by her loving children, grandchildren, and friends.

May she rest in peace and never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise with a heavy heart to honor and recognize Marine Lance Corporal Nickolas Daniels. Lance Corporal Daniels of Elmwood Park, Illinois, was tragically killed November 5 at the age of 25 while on patrol in the Helmand province of Afghanistan.

I want to pass on my deepest condolences to Nick's family and those who knew him and share with them the thanks of a grateful Nation.

Nick attended Elmwood Elementary School and graduated from St. Patrick High School in 2004, where he was an all-conference linebacker in football.

Mr. Daniels, after going back to St. Pat's to coach football, joined the Marines in 2010 to help achieve his goal of one day becoming a police officer. Nick was well known and respected throughout the St. Pat's community. He was a very funny, lighthearted person who would do anything for those around him. Not only was Nick a dedicated coach, but, most importantly, he was a loving son and grandson, an incredible mentor to his younger sister and brothers, and a loving and devoted fiance. I've been told that Nick poured his heart into everything he did and always wanted to make sure that his friends and family were taken care of.

A decorated marine receiving multiple citations and a role model in his community, Nickolas Daniels was, and will remain, a shining example of the best this country has to offer.

We can never repay Nick or his family for what they have given to this country, but his sacrifice will forever be remembered by those he fought to protect.

As I thought about what to say today, I realized the inadequacy of words in any such effort. I was reminded that this feeling was shared by an American President who attempted to console a family that had lost five sons in battle during the Civil War, but he captured the essence of the loss as he wrote:

``I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save.

``I pray our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.

``Yours, very sincerely and respectfully, Abraham Lincoln.''

Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this measure.

I too offered an amendment which failed in committee. My amendment would have prevented individuals convicted of assaulting a police officer or impersonating a police officer from carrying concealed loaded guns. Several States that allow permits also deny them to those who have assaulted or impersonated cops. The law enforcement officials of these States have decided that that is what's best for their communities. This bill will wipe those protections away and then will go further.

May I remind my friends here who are citing the Constitution as their nexus for this law that the right to keep and bear arms in the interest of self-defense of a person at home is not unlimited.

As the Justices wrote in District of Columbia v. Heller, the right is not a right to keep and carry any weapon whatsoever in any manner whatsoever for whatever purpose. And, frankly, that's what the National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act purports.

So if we're interpreting the 14th Amendment, deeming the Bill of Rights applicable to the States in this manner as to the right to bear arms, then doesn't that argument also dictate that each State interpret other States' decisions on other laws and statutes in the same manner?

Does this mean that States should acknowledge abortion rights from one State to the next?

Does this mean that States should acknowledge alcohol laws from one State to the next?

Does this mean that States should acknowledge marrying licenses from one State to the next, particularly when it comes to same-sex marriage?

I have a feeling that many of my friends here today would answer those questions with a simple ``no.'' You see my trouble with today's premise, then.

I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill.

Madam Speaker, if anyone had any doubt that Iran was pursuing a nuclear weapon, they can stop their questioning. Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons, and according to a new report by the International Atomic Energy Agency, they could have a bomb within a year.

Iran is not only developing the material for a nuclear weapon, but, as the report makes clear, they are also pursuing the means to trigger and deliver a nuclear bomb, posing a threat to our ally Israel, our troops, and the entire region.

Given the report's findings, claims by Iran's leaders that their nuclear program is peaceful are no longer credible, and the window for action to stop them is shrinking. We must execute crippling sanctions immediately. Specifically, we must put in place debilitating sanctions on the Central Bank of Iran, a crucial financier of Iran's nuclear program.

There can being no doubt that Iran is pursuing a nuclear bomb. There can be no doubt that we must and will do what it takes to stop them.