Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of more than 110,000 of my constituents who are of Polish descent. It is my privilege to recognize Poland's upcoming role as the governing body of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Poland is a strong democratic ally of the United States with diplomatic relations extending over 100 years.

Last summer I had the privilege to travel to Poland and represent the United States Congress in Krakow for the Community of Democracies conference. Over 70 ambassadors from democratic and currently democratizing countries around the world attended the 10th annual conference to discuss the future of democracy, and to celebrate the progress democracy has made so far. The trip was an important moment in solidifying the already strong diplomatic relations between the United States and Poland and displayed Poland's ardent commitment to furthering democratic ideals throughout the world.

While in Poland, I was fortunate to witness democracy first hand as the nation held a special presidential election after the death of Polish President Lech Kaczynski. President Kaczynski and 95 others tragically died in a plane crash over Smolensk, Russia more than a year ago. During my trip to Krakow, I visited the Wawel Cathedral and had the opportunity to lay a wreath at the grave of President Kaczynski. I was truly humbled to experience the incredible sense of community and togetherness among the Polish people. I was also honored to deliver a flag and resolution from Speaker Nancy Pelosi on behalf of the House of Representatives to Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski expressing sympathy for Poland's tragic loss. The people of the United States stand in admiration of the strength of Poland's democratic institutions, which have persevered through three centuries filled with many hardships.

Poland's leadership at the Presidency of the European Union not only displays Poland's influence in the world's largest economy, but shows the growing respect the Nation receives as a growing voice within the global community. During its presidency, Poland hopes to successfully lead the European Union toward economic growth and an enhanced political community. Poland has set forth a ``Six-Month Program'' that will focus on three fundamental priorities it plans to achieve during their tenure. The first priority is to increase integration with the European Union. Poland believes that it is essential to create an internally competitive Europe and to develop a single European market within the European Union. Additionally, Poland hopes to improve the security of the European Union primarily through an increase in economic macro-security and through the development of an external energy policy. Poland also believes that the European Union will significantly benefit from economic openness. The Presidency will fully support any European Union enlargement, as well as continued participation in the World Trade Organization.

Finally, I would like to remind my colleagues in Congress to keep in mind Poland's inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program, supported by President Obama. With Poland's strong diplomatic ties to the United States, and their growing influence in the European Union and the global community, it is important to finally include Poland in visa- free travel to the United States. It will promote increased relations with a democratic ally of the United States, as well as further encourage economic and cultural exchange between our two nations.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Poland as the upcoming governing body of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Poland is a democratic ally of the United States whose diplomatic relations will only strengthen as time goes on. I have seen first-hand their commitment to democracy and their importance as an ally.

Madam Speaker, as Secretary Geithner has observed, failure to raise the debt ceiling would have catastrophic economic consequences that would last for decades. This view was shared by former Treasury Secretary Paulson, who says that inaction is simply not an option. I agree, and believe that raising the debt ceiling must be accompanied by deficit reduction, mostly by cutting spending, but also by eliminating some unnecessary tax breaks.

Now, there are those who say that there are no unnecessary tax breaks. Let me just give you one. If your neighbor buys a car and pays interest on the loan to buy that car, that interest is not tax- deductible. If your other neighbor buys a yacht and pays interest on the loan to buy that yacht, that interest is tax-deductible.

When we are borrowing 40 cents for every dollar, we have to ask ourselves if those tax breaks are really worth it. If we are starting from scratch, would we really give yacht owners an extra tax break?

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 515, the ``Belarus Democracy Reauthorization of 2011.'' In recent years the Belarusian government, lead by Alexander Lukashenko, has engaged in atrocious human rights violations against opposition leaders and journalists. I believe that it is time that the United States call for an end of these practices and I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of

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

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of my amendment to H.R. 2021, a bill that curtails the EPA's authority under the Clean Air Act to regulate pollution from offshore oil drilling and to limit the public's participation in decisions that directly affect our health.

My amendment strikes the text which strips the ability of the Environmental Appeals Board to remand or deny the issuance of clean air permits for offshore energy exploration and extraction. Quite simply, this amendment allows the EAB to operate as it does today, saving taxpayer dollars and keeping unnecessary litigation out of the courts and in a place where unbiased and apolitical judges can make sound decisions with input from local constituencies who are most affected.

It's worth noting that the EAB was established under George H.W. Bush, created in recognition of increasing levels of appeals from permit decisions and civil penalty decisions. Further, three of the four sitting judges were appointed by Republican administrations. The judges who sit on the EAB are not political appointees. They are critical EPA officials whose terms do not end at the end of an administration.

The board takes approximately 5 months on the average from the time a petition is filed to receive and review briefs, hold oral arguments, and render a comprehensive written decision in a prevention of significant deterioration air permit case. Federal court review would likely take at least three or four times as long. Only four of the board's 100-plus air permit decisions have ever been appealed to a Federal court, and none of the board's air permit decisions have ever been overturned.

The EAB is cost-effective and efficient and has proven to be the fastest, cheapest way to achieve a final permit. I ask my colleagues to support this amendment to allow the EAB to continue to serve to protect the public health, to keep unnecessary lawsuits from the court system, and to take into account local community input.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, the numbers speak for themselves. What we're talking about with this legislation is really just two permits that folks were concerned about. The reality of the matter is the average is 5 months.

Now, I understand what we're talking about is with just exploration, but we would like to get this right and not have amnesia about what happens when we get this wrong, because that's not just job-killing, it's ecosystem-killing. It destroys an entire region. There's a lot at stake here.

These aren't unaccountable people. They're appointed by administrations, created by a Republican administration, three of the four appointed by Republican administrations. It is in fact, in a sense, the executive branch. And while the executive can't do all this, it's delegated to appropriate authorities to make sound, apolitical decisions that affect communities not just for months or years but conceivably for generations. There's a lot at stake.

This is a simple amendment to deal with a critical problem, and I encourage my colleagues to support it.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Chad A. Obermiller, an integral member of my staff and even prouder member of an elite group of athletes--athletes who compete in the phenomenon known only as ``The Ironman.''

Few sane individuals voluntarily sign themselves up to compete in such a harrowing and humbling experience. For Chad, he has made such a decision three times, and will be crossing the line this Sunday, June 26, 2011 in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, to complete his third Ironman.

A 2.4 mile swim, followed by a 112 mile bike, and capped by a full marathon--yes, a 26.2 mile run--it is no surprise that a phrase has been coined specifically to describe those who drag themselves to the finish line following this arduous task: ``The Crawl.''

But, I have complete confidence that Chad will cross that line proudly and upright, as he has promised both my staff, as well as me, that he intends to win.

To quote one of Chad's greatest heroes, Lance Armstrong: ``Life, to me, is a series of false limits and my challenge as an athlete is to explore those limits.''

Chad, may you know no limits in Coeur d'Alene.

Madam Speaker, I rise in celebration of June as Pride Month.

Participating and supporting the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community is a way of life. At its core, this month stands to recognize a fundamental belief upon which this country is founded: equality.

The first pride parade took place in 1970 to commemorate the Stonewall riots in New York. Forty years later, the event has become much more than a parade; it has evolved into a month-long celebration of the LGBT community.

What was once a moment is now a movement, bringing people together to fight for the rights and benefits granted to them by the Constitution, rights we should all fully support and fight for every day in Washington. We've got a few victories under our belt. Hate crimes legislation and the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell have passed these Chambers, but there remains much to be done.

I look forward to celebrating equality for all this weekend at the Chicago Pride Parade and festival, and I am as emboldened as ever to continue this important work in Congress.

Mr. Speaker, shockingly, individuals on the Federal terrorist watch list are not excluded from purchasing firearms in the United States. Quite simply, this means you can be on a terrorist watch list and be prohibited from boarding a plane because we think you are a terrorist, but you can buy a semiautomatic weapon.

Last week, American-born al Qaeda spokesman Adam Gadahn urged the terrorist group's followers to exploit this ``terror gap'' in our gun laws. Our enemies, intent on destroying Americans and our way of life, have made a calculated decision that Congress cares more about protecting the gun lobby than it does the safety of its citizens. They are convinced we lack the courage and fortitude to close our gaping loopholes and that their persistent campaign to strike again on our soil has new promise.

I would love to stand here today and say our enemy has grossly underestimated us. I am not certain I can. My colleagues in Congress are now faced with a critical opportunity to do the right thing and pass the most commonsense of commonsense policies by closing the terror gap. Al Qaeda will be watching our response.

Mr. Speaker, on May 11th, my vote on rollcall vote No. 309 was incorrectly recorded as ``aye'' when I intended to vote ``no.'' I did not see the error until it was too late. I have strong opposition to H.R. 1229 and my intention was to vote ``no'' on this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and accomplishments of Karl Bauer who passed away on February 16, 2011. For many years, he served as an active member of the Greater Independence Park Neighborhood Association and a source of joy for all those who knew him.

As a young man, Mr. Bauer escaped from East Germany and arrived in Chicago in 1957. He brought with him tremendous skill as a machinist and worked in several small shops throughout the city over the course of his life.

After marrying Edith Bauer, the love of his life, the two bought a house at the corner of Byron and Hamlin in the center of the 5th Congressional District. This house served as a source of pride and happiness for Mr. Bauer and came to be a model of excellence for the rest of the neighborhood. He soon became active in his new community, joined GIPNA and, in the words of his neighbors, served as ``a familiar and loveable presence.'' Always willing to help, he acted as a dependable block representative and made sure to greet neighbors at the pancake breakfast every year.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering Karl Bauer and his commitment to improving and supporting his neighborhood. His work has touched the lives of many in his community, and his contributions will be greatly missed.

Mr. Speaker, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a renowned spiritual leader and multi-faceted humanitarian whose mission of uplifting human values and creating a stress-free, violence-free world has inspired millions of people around the world over the past 30 years; and

In 1981, Sri Sri established the Art of Living Foundation, an international nonprofit educational and humanitarian organization, with a presence in 151 countries, which offers educational and self- development programs designed to eliminate stress and foster well- being, including programs which are helping inner city youth turn away from gang violence and programs which are helping transform the lives of veterans, prison inmates, terrorists and victims of trauma around the world; and

Through Sri Sri's message of religious harmony, non-violence, equality, tolerance and peace transcends class; race, religion and nationality and promotes ecumenical and universal human values; and

In 1997, Sri Sri founded the International Association for Human Values, a humanitarian nonprofit organization that advances and strengthens society by strengthening the individual.

The Art of Living Foundation and the International Association for Human Values collaborate on humanitarian initiatives that include some of the following: trauma relief at the site of the world's most horrific natural disasters and conflicts, including helping such traumatized populations as survivors, refugees, veterans, Katrina and 9/11 survivors, earthquake and tsunami survivors in Japan, and others; and prison settings, where more than 350,000 staff and inmates in 32 countries have participated in stress relief and life-skills programs, including both adult and juvenile offenders; and corporate, military, and government settings, bringing stress relief, team building, and a competitive edge to the World Bank, IBM, Shell Oil, Intel, the Third Circuit Court, the Army National Guard, and many other organizations in the U.S. and around the world; and addressing corruption and ethics, including hosting the World Forum for Ethics and Business each year at the European Parliament and speaking out against corruption in India; and the Youth Leadership Training Program, which has trained 100,000 at-risk youth and others to become leaders, who in turn have brought transformation to more than 36,000 rural villages; and the environment, with numerous environmental initiatives, including clean-up and awareness programs, sustainable agriculture and the planting of 10 million trees around the world; and U.S. school initiatives, with more than 12,000 U.S. students participating in school stress relief and life-skills programs in the last year alone; and

The Foundation's self-development programs have benefitted over 30 million people around the world over the past 30 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the World War II veterans from my district who are traveling to Washington, DC, with Honor Flight Chicago, a program whose goal is to provide as many World War II veterans as possible the opportunity to see the World War II Memorial here in Washington, DC, a memorial that was built to honor their courage and service.

The American veteran is one of our greatest treasures. The Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen traveling here today answered our nation's call to service during one of its greatest times of need. From the European Campaign to the Pacific Asian Theatre to the African Theater, these brave Americans risked life and limb, gave service and sacrificed much, all while embodying what it is to be a hero. We owe them more gratitude than can ever be expressed.

I welcome these brave veterans to Washington and to their memorial. I am proud to submit the names of these men and women for all to see, hear, and recognize, and I call on my colleagues to rise and join me in expressing gratitude.

Joseph F. Bialek, Stephen N. Bobic, George Bosy, Norman N. Breyer, Ralph W. Brockman, Peter G. Broustis, Simon Bult, Joseph W. Burke Jr., Joseph J. Buzinski, Ingemar C. Carlson, John E. Carlson, James E. Carson, John F. Casper Jr., George P. Charnas, Lehman L. Cheshier, William C. Corrigan, Raymond E. Craig, John S. DeHesus, Arthur J. DeLorenzo, Cyril E. Diskin, James V. Doheny, Raymond J. Donovan, William J. Doyle, John T. Dryja, Eileen L. DuPont, Willard E. Duvall, Irving Ellis, Robert L. Elmer, Robert E. Engdahl, Charles L. Ettner, Guy R. Franzese, Julian L. Friedman, William Froelke, Alfred E. Galuszka, Olaf E. Gjovik, Norman Goone, Lester F. Guenther, Gilbert V. Hancock, Robert J. Heinzen, Vernon W. Hill, Donald M. Hintz, Andrew A. Hitzelberger, Rick J. Jimenez, James H. Kinnard, Fred W. Klooster, Alfred R. Koszyk, Guenther C. Krieger, Walter M. Krulac, Andrew F. Kwinn, Lloyd L. Lage, Seymour Laurie, John E. Lavelle Sr., Thomas W. Leo, Irving Lerner, James T. Letarte, Marcel L. Levesque, C. Russell Lockwood, Joseph Mann, John C. Marias, Richard W. Martial Sr., Marvin P. McGreal, Marion M. Mitchell, Edward J. Moran, William J. Nicholson, John Oberholz, Louis J. Olmetti Sr., David Perlman, Richard A. Pevitts, John J. Plisky, Joseph J. Pratl, Emil D. Pribula, George B. Renner, Arthur O. Reynders, William G. Rieker, Robert H. Riplow, Frank J. Rock, James A. Rossi Sr., Edward T. Ryan, Charles John Sauer, Donald P. Schoo, Robert F. Shields, Edward C. Siessmann, Paul Sternfeld, Howard W. Surrett Sr., Anthony J. Thomas, Robert Tinucci, John G. Torhan, Eugene Tronvig, Howard Vander Meer, Robert W. Vehlow, Dorothy Vesely, Lawrence Wallach, Frank Washburn, Albert J. Wiener, Elmer F. Wilhelm, Robert L. Winscott, Theodore Woytowicz, Joseph F. Zajac, Richard S. Zidek

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the work of Chicago House, an organization in my district that provides housing support services and job training to people affected by HIV/AIDS.

I commend Chicago House not just for saving the lives of thousands of Chicagoans and pulling them out of poverty, but also for saving money. Chicago House is a perfect example of the type of program we should be investing in.

Yes, we have to make a small investment up front, but programs like Chicago House take these funds and use them to train the jobless and provide employment rather than simply giving them a handout. Training individuals and securing employment for them is a double win, because not only do they no longer need subsidies, but they are also contributing to the tax base.

We have to make a distinction between spending and investing. Yes, we have to cut spending but we must be careful to maintain our investments and programs like Chicago House that save lives and dollars.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the City of Chicago 41st Ward Alderman Brian Doherty. After twenty years of dedicated service, Alderman Doherty has decided to retire, and I wanted to thank him for his work.

Elected to the City Council in 1991, Alderman Doherty represented the City of Chicago's Northwest Side, including O'Hare International Airport. Brian always fought for strong ethics reforms and government transparency, two issues very important to me. He voted for a sunshine ordinance that makes it much easier to determine how taxpayer dollars are spent on Tax Increment Financing Districts.

During Alderman Doherty's time in office, he worked to bring economic opportunities to his communities and make his constituents safer. Since many 41st Ward residents are part of the city's enormous work force, such as police officers, firefighters and employees of Streets and Sanitation, we applaud his efforts for serving those who serve us.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Alderman Brian Doherty of the 41st Ward of Chicago. I appreciate his twenty years of hard work as Alderman and I wish him, his wife Rose and his two children Katie and Kevin all the best.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in recognition of Eugene Schulter, Alderman of Chicago's 47th Ward. Alderman Schulter retired this year, and his dedication to his ward and the City of Chicago will be missed.

As Alderman for thirty-six years, Gene's accomplishments and contributions to Chicago were numerous and helped make Chicago the world class city it is today. He was a great policymaker, but he also understood the importance of focusing on his constituents' needs by keeping the neighborhoods safe and improving community schools. Gene was committed to making the 47th Ward family-friendly, and he did so by creating after-school programs, building parks and playlots, and sponsoring concerts, festivals and farmer's markets. Additionally, he helped foster small businesses and economic growth.

Another one of Alderman Schulter's achievements was affordable housing programs to keep longtime residents in the ward. Along with the Community Partnership for Affordable Neighborhoods (C-PAN) program, Alderman Schulter developed the Northcenter Senior Campus (NSC), which provides hundreds of rental condominiums for constituents above the age of fifty-five. He wanted to make sure every resident was happy with their neighborhood.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Alderman Eugene Schulter of the 47th Ward of Chicago. Thank you Alderman Schulter for truly providing a community that Chicagoans are proud to call ``home.'' I wish him, his wife Rosemary, and his children Monica and Phillip all the best on their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Chicago's ``idea a minute'' Mayor Richard M. Daley. On September 7, 2010, Mayor Daley announced that after his 22 years in office, he would not seek re-election. But during those 22 years, Chicagoans were privileged to be served by a man with such vision, passion, and inimitable love for our city.

Mayor Daley not only improved the quality of life in Chicago, but also made it one of the most environmentally friendly cities in the world. He did so by encouraging businesses to use green technology and helping companies save money by becoming more sensitive to the environment. Mayor Daley directed the planting of thousands of trees, the building of green roofs, and construction of nearly one-hundred square miles of landscaped medians. Mayor Daley also built and improved infrastructure, such as the 1996 revamp of State Street and the 2002 rebuilding of Wacker Drive.

Many new tourist attractions were overseen by Mayor Daley during his time in office, as he was committed to ensuring Chicago remained a world-class city. In 1998, the Museum Campus opened to the public. The campus formed an uninterrupted, pedestrian-friendly green space for Chicago's three natural science museums. Later, in 2004, he unveiled Millennium Park. Continuing Chicago's tradition of sculpture and architecture, the park includes Anish Kapoor's ``Cloud Gate'', also known as ``The Bean,'' an interactive multimedia fountain of faces created by Jaume Plensa, and a beautiful garden designed by Kathryn Gustafson. Mayor Daley also played an instrumental role in the renovation and transformation of Navy Pier into Chicago's most popular tourist attraction.

Along with beautifying the City, Mayor Daley made Chicago a safer place for our children and families. From creating the City's first community policing programs to installing safety cameras outside schools to working closely with Mayors Against Illegal Guns, Mayor Daley has made fighting neighborhood crime and education a priority. He has improved the performance of Chicago's public schools by enhancing school safety and creating after-school and early childhood education programs. Because of Mayor Daley's focus on education, fewer students are dropping out of school and more are moving on to higher education.

Our city's outgoing mayor was also a good friend to the LGBT community and a national trailblazer for equality, because it was the right thing to do. He formed an LGBT Advisory Council for the city, and Chicago remains the only city in the country to recognize the civic contributions of the LGBT community in an annual ceremony recognizing our LGBT Hall of Fame, into which Mayor Daley was inducted in 2006.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Mayor Richard M. Daley, 45th mayor of the City of Chicago. I commend him for his 22 years of service on the fifth floor and throughout the neighborhoods that make our home the best city in the world. He leaves a legacy of service and passion for preserving and improving the city we all know and love, Chicago. Thank you, Mr. Mayor, for everything. I wish you, Maggie, and your entire family nothing but the best.