Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Association of Indians in America, AIA, the oldest national association of Asian Indians. This grassroots nonprofit organization was founded on August 20, 1967 to provide Indian immigrants opportunities to get involved in their communities.

Representing the hopes of Indian immigrants, the AIA strives to involve its members through the public policy process, leadership roles, and community activities. The organization remains dedicated to bringing their members together through a combination of shared Indian and American heritage and civic responsibility.

The Illinois chapter of AIA is particularly active. The chapter sponsors several councils that encourage responsible citizenship and awareness of community needs in such fields as medicine, business, and public policy.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending the Association of Indians in America for their extraordinary contributions throughout Illinois and the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, trade is critically important to our economic well-being. Trade provides a market for American goods, and sustains millions of jobs in vital American industries. In fact, exports support one of every five manufacturing jobs.

Trade can also make the U.S. a leader in clean energy technologies. In 2009, China edged the U.S. out of the top spot in spending on clean energy. But projects like the all-electric commercial truck built by Navistar in my district, and supported through a Federal stimulus investment, can restore the U.S. as the leader in this field while creating jobs here at home.

Now we need to pursue a better competition policy and help simplify the patchwork of global regulatory standards that cripple businesses trying to export goods internationally. We can make trade policy work for American businesses and for a cleaner environment.

I rise today because when it comes to Afghanistan, we are asking the wrong questions. And with the wrong questions come the wrong answers. Back in December, we asked, Should we send more troops to Afghanistan? We should have been asking, Will a greater military presence make America safer? Then we asked, How can we get millions of pounds of supplies to our troops scattered in remote areas of Afghanistan? We should have been asking, Could getting those supplies to the troops be fueling the very insurgency we are fighting, and is having thousands of U.S. troops stationed throughout Afghanistan making America safer? And now we are asking, Can a new commander in Afghanistan ensure we win the war there? We should have been asking, Is this war winnable, and will it make America safer?

We have to start asking the right questions. The first of these questions is, Where are the terrorists? We have put our blinders on and are so focused on the details of Afghanistan that we are missing the larger picture. The terrorists that we are fighting are no longer only in Afghanistan. They are operating in the ungoverned spaces of Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and even right here in the United States.

The Christmas Day bomber was from Nigeria. The Times Square bomber was Pakistani American. An increasing number of terror attacks are being plotted right here on American soil. Major Nidal Hasan, who killed 13 people at Fort Hood, Texas, was born in Virginia. An increasing number of extremists from around the world are being connected and motivated by ``the virtual Afghanistan'' through the Internet.

We are fighting an enemy without borders, and so we must have a strategy without borders. In a world of limited resources, the next question we need to ask is this: How can we best spend our precious tax dollars to make Americans safest? Unfortunately, right now we are allocating most of our resources to Afghanistan, where at most, only 50 to 100 al Qaeda are operating, according to CIA Director Leon Panetta. And every day we read a new report that the billions we are investing are simply flowing to drug lords, corrupt local officials, and even the Taliban.

According to a recent eye-opening report by Subcommittee Chairman Tierney, we learned that the U.S. military is funding a multibillion- dollar protection racket. A good portion of a

$2.16 billion transportation contract is being paid to corrupt public officials, war lords, and the Taliban to get needed supplies to our troops. We are funding the very insurgency we are fighting. And we recently learned that at least $3.18 billion in cash has been transferred out of Afghanistan since 2007, mostly to line the pockets of the nation's elite. On top of that, it has also been reported that those same Afghan elite are being shielded from attempts to investigate these cases of corruption.

We simply cannot afford to continue to send billions to Afghanistan only to see it end up in the hands of corrupt officials and the same insurgents we are fighting. We have got to start fighting smarter, not harder, and that starts with asking the right questions. A reassessment of our strategy in Afghanistan is due in December, and one question must be answered: Is this the best way to fight terrorism and keep Americans safe? I fear that with each report of Afghan corruption and each account of terrorism taking root worldwide, the answer to that question is becoming increasingly clear: no.

To my colleagues, I appreciate their ability to pronounce names they're not necessarily so familiar with so well, and I appreciate those who cosponsored this legislation.

About 3 weeks ago, several hundred brave Chicago Blackhawk hockey fans sat in Philadelphia and wondered why Patrick Kane was flying across the ice in celebration. He scored the goal that no one saw--the goal that has brought an end to 49 years of frustration for Blackhawk fans and exorcised the ghost of the demons of Jacques Lemaire in 1971. He helped make the Chicago Blackhawks the Stanley Cup Champions.

It was a long, extraordinarily tough road for these players. Many of these players competed in over 120 games, when you count the Olympics-- an extraordinarily grueling task for them to accomplish this. But that goal set off a celebration that ended with 2 million people in downtown Chicago in a parade. It set off a celebration in Philadelphia among a few fans that were there from Chicago, and among the alumni of Blackhawks, including Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita, Tony Esposito, Denis Savard, and many others. Unfortunately, many alumni are no longer with us--Hawk legends who are forever in our hearts, such as Keith Magnuson and Pit Martin. But it also set off an extraordinary celebration in Chicago, which, for many of us, is still going on.

There are many people to thank, the first of which, as far as I understand, is the only truly popular owner I know in professional sports, Rocky Wirtz, who combined his full efforts with dedication to bring a championship to Chicago; John McDonough, the president of the team; Jay Blunk, Stan Bowman, and Scotty Bowman, who were extraordinary in putting this team together and advising it; along with Dale Tallon, who's no longer with the team but to whom we owe a great deal of gratitude; defenseman Duncan Keith, the James Norris Memorial Trophy winner this year; Captain Jonathan Toews, who won the Conn Smythe Trophy; and a team of all-stars, including Brian Campbell. We had several Olympians who also competed. We have players who won the Stanley Cup and the Gold Medal in 1 year, which doesn't happen all the time.

But my main message today is to all those long-suffering, dedicated Blackhawk fans who have enjoyed this victory ever since; the fans who understood what it was like to cheer for Pierre Pilote and Denis Savard and Tony Esposito in all the years in which we didn't quite make the playoffs, but they loved the ``madhouse on Madison'' as much as I did and look forward to many more years of excitement from this team that Mr. Wirtz has brought us. It was a wonderful night, and we appreciate your cosponsorships.

Ms. NORTON I just want to congratulate my colleague Mr. Quigley, and I understand why he and Chicago are ecstatic. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this measure.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, today the Supreme Court affirmed sensible restrictions on gun ownership are constitutional. When the Supreme Court struck down Chicago's gun ban earlier today, it reiterated that communities can keep guns away from schools and out of the hands of felons and terrorists. But, today, the gun show loophole makes a mockery of sensible prohibitions like these.

As the recent Pentagon shooting illustrates, terrorists can still easily gain access to firearms. A recent gun show audit conducted revealed that 74 percent of sellers approached by investigators completed sales to people who appeared to be criminals or straw purchasers. This is unacceptable. It is time to close the gun show loophole.

Today's decision puts to rest the tired argument that any sensible gun control restriction is a slippery slope toward the revocation of all gun-owning rights. There has never been a better time for this Congress to reclaim the middle ground and stop giving terrorists unlimited access to unlimited firepower.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered Round Table, GLBTRT, of the American Library Association, the first professional gay organization in the United States, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.

Throughout its 40 years, the GLBTRT has worked to ensure information and access needs for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered individuals. In this welcoming and inclusive forum, they have worked to improve the lives of librarians, archivists, other information specialists, and library users who are part of the GLBT community.

The GLBTRT acts on many different levels to advocate for their community. Through their work in revising classification schemes, subject heading lists, and indices, the GLBTRT removes derogatory and hurtful terms. They also strive to eliminate job discrimination based on sexual orientation. Additionally, they promote education awareness of all library patrons by ensuring unrestricted access to information by or about the GLBT community. They also support other minority groups advocating for better representation and equal opportunity in the Association.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the anniversary of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered Round Table and congratulating them on their successes and further efforts to reach equality in the library and information communities.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5297, the Small

Business Lending Fund Act. This legislation will help the small businesses in my district, such as Al & Joe's Deli, a family-owned business in Franklin Park with sub sandwiches to die for, that is looking to expand. It will also save businesses such as National Plumbing & Heating Supply Company in Illinois, which had to shut down after 60 years because banks ended its line of credit.

To respond to these problems, I will vote to create a new $30 billion loan program to boost lending to small businesses so they can expand and create jobs.

I also cosponsored an amendment that will include commercial real estate lending as small business lending. This will complement regular lending efforts and help businesses like Al & Joe's capitalize on existing property to expand and create new jobs.

I urge my colleagues to pass this critical legislation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the murder of Dr. Tiller.

Dr. Tiller was a respected physician who dedicated his life to providing women with safe access to abortion care, and who was shot and killed while attending his church in Kansas.

Sadly, the experience of Dr. Tiller is not unique--since 1993, eight clinic workers have been murdered in the U.S.

A physician in my district recently shared with me her own account of a scared 13-year-old who came into the clinic with her mother. The girl had been sexually assaulted by a 19-year-old and needed an abortion.

The physician was able to help that young girl, but she confided her fear that someday she might not be able to aid young women who had no chance to prevent pregnancy.

In the end, she said it's her patients who reconfirm her ``heartfelt desire to continue to provide.''

As President Obama said, no one is pro-abortion, but when faced with such a gut-wrenching decision, a woman deserves to have a physician like Dr. Tiller to provide her with safe, quality care.

Madam Speaker, you have no idea how much I'm going to enjoy this, but sometime late last night, Patrick Kane put the puck past a Philadelphia goaltender in overtime, and the Chicago Blackhawks became the Stanley Cup champions. Congratulations to the team for their great season. Many of these players have played over 120 games this season, including the Olympics, to achieve their one goal.

A special thanks to the owner of the Blackhawks, Rocky Wirtz--while hockey never left Chicago, he brought it back--the management team of John McDonough, Jay Blunk, Stan and Scotty Bowman, Coach Quenneville, and Dale Tallon.

Madam Speaker, today for all of us, with apology, Chicago is my kind of town.

Madam Speaker, today I rise in recognition of the Chicago Human Rhythm Project's 20th anniversary. Over the last 20 years, the Chicago Human Rhythm Project's extraordinary community building efforts and celebration of American tap and percussive arts has firmly established them as one of Chicago's artistic mainstays.

Founded in 1990, the Chicago Human Rhythm Project, CHRP, has maintained community outreach as the cornerstone of its success. Most notably, CHRP has educated over 10,000 students and provided over $250,000 in scholarships to students in need to study tap dance during the summer. CHRP has also provided a free outreach residency school program for elementary, high school, and cultural centers throughout the Chicagoland area. The cultivation of a stronger America through art is further exemplified through their participation in the ``Thanks 4 Giving'' shared revenue program. Since joining ``Thanks 4 Giving'' six years ago, CHRP has raised over $100,000 for charity.

CHRP's dedication to community extends beyond Chicago, Illinois and the United States of America with their involvement in an ongoing cultural exchange program. This program has given CHRP the opportunity to spread American tap dance across the globe by participating in exchanges with Brazil, China, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, and Venezuela. As a result of their commitment to the international community, CHRP was selected to represent the United States of America at the 5th Anniversary Beijing International Contemporary Dance Festival in 2007 and the Gala de Estrellas Internacional in Caracas, Venezuela in 2008.

Madam Speaker, I want to thank the Chicago Human Rhythm Project for their continued efforts. It is through their unabashed commitment to the arts and the community at large that they have helped to perpetuate the love affair with American dance and to establish Chicago as a global fine arts destination.

Madam Speaker, June is ``Leave No Child Inside Month,'' a time when parents and children are urged to explore, play and enjoy the outdoors in Illinois.

From Millennium Park to Lincoln Park Zoo, the Greenbelt Forest Preserve to McHenry Dam, families will be fishing, picnicking and learning beneath trees, beside beautiful lakes and amidst the natural treasures of Illinois.

This January, I passed a resolution honoring the Chicago Wilderness and the 250 organizations that make up this group of environmental enthusiasts.

They understand that children who grow up with an understanding of the land, air and water surrounding them grow into environmentally conscious adults.

These adults are actively involved in efforts to clean, restore and preserve our precious resources.

This month shows children that catching-and-releasing fish, playing with mud, and building a fort beat a video game any day.

I look forward to joining the fun.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the distinct patriotic and heroic service of the Army Veterans of Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, including three brave soldiers who lost their lives serving the United States in this Division. These soldiers of the United States Army made the ultimate sacrifice and dedicated their lives to serving the United States in 1970 and 1971.

The patriotism and heroism displayed by this Division are profound and immeasurable. They left their families and friends to fight for this country. They risked everything to fight for America and its future generations. In battle, these soldiers faced extraordinary circumstances and physical hardships. For this, we as a nation are forever in their debt and grateful for their loyalty and bravery.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Veterans of the 101st Airborne Division for their invaluable service to our nation in time of war. It is my honor and privilege to pay tribute to these veterans and their families who proudly wore the uniform of their country, endured the rigors of war, and fought for our liberty and the freedom of future generations of Americans.

Madam Speaker, I rise today because the Roar is back on Madison.

My Chicago Blackhawks are Western Conference champions and just a day away from Game 1 of the Stanley Cup finals.

Diehard Hawks fans have been waiting since 1961 for the Cup to come home to the Windy City.

And it's on behalf of every last one of them that I want to thank the brain trust that has made this all possible.

In just three years, Rocky Wirtz, Dale Tallon, John McDonough, Stan Bowman, and Jay Blunk have resurrected a franchise and reminded Chicago that it has always been a hockey town.

Tomorrow night the United Center will be bathed in red and rocking so loud folks might just mistake it for the old Chicago Stadium.

As I've said here before, I look forward to coming back this summer with Lord Stanley's Cup freshly engraved with names like Toews, Kane, Byfuglien, and Niemi.

We're just four wins away.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the World War II veterans from Illinois who are traveling to Washington, D.C. 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, D.C., 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 Guardsman 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 for all to see, hear, and recognize, and I call on my colleagues to rise and join me in expressing thanks.

Henry Adema, Richard I. Africk, Carl S. Ames, George R. Apato, Louis Bakos, Ernest E. Bassi, James R. Bateman, Charles I. Battaglia, Irving H. Bernard, Anthony Biancardi, Sigmund A. Bogdziewicz, Leonard J. Borth, Raymond A. Boss Sr., Richard E. Brhel, Robert C. Bruhn, Leonard G. Buresh, Albert Conforti, Charles Corte, Rene Couture, Charles F. Cummings, Charles F. Davis Jr., Henry W. De Young, Laverne Harriett Dennhardt, Joe Deprizio, Edwin Drzymkowski, Richard W. Ehrhardt, George L. Faust, Raymond Feltes, Robert Firnbach, Stanley P. Fundanish, Charles C. Giglio, John A. Gillespie, Ernest S. Gregory, Richard Guimond, James H. Hammock, Rudy S. Hans, Herbert Leo Hay, Martha H. Honigman, Joseph G. Houska, Harry James Howarth, Robert Jayko, Thaddeus A. Jelen, John Lester Johnson, Thomas L. Kablach, Waitman Kapaldo, Richard A. Karst, John Kearney, Walter L. King, Clarence R. Kleinfelter, Thomas Kohl, Antoni L. Kozak, Milford H. Lau, James W. Leichti, Everell B. LeSage, Martha B. Loss, James W. Maddin, Bryan W. McCarty, Joseph C. Montino, Dwane E. Moss, Vernon R. Nelson, Edmund J. Nowiszewski, Thomas O'Neill, John H. Ortmann, Edward M. Pasierb, Phaye Peck, Milton W. Pick, Morris Picker, Edward S. Pietrucha, Bruno G. Quagliani, James S. Rosenbaum, Odean A. Rosenberg, Walter B. Rutkowski, Donald J. Schommer, Raymond T. Schwartz, Saul Seltzer, Robert S. Smith, Donald St. Hilaire, Robert J. Starzynski, Howard F. Stateman, Arthur R. Stratemeyer, Alvin Franklin Swenson, Lee R. Tolksdorf, Walter Trzesniewski, Lester S. VanDeursen, John L. Vinke, George C. Walczak, Clarence James Williams.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today in support of Mr. Murphy's amendment to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell. At its core, this is a vote against discrimination and division, a symbolic gesture to the country and the world that Congress' commitment to equality will always triumph over inequality.

As LGBT activist David Mixner said at the inception of this unfortunate policy: ``They frighten our neighbors with the big lie. They paint pictures that only contain dark colors. They resort to the same bigoted arguments that have been used for centuries to deny every minority their freedom and equal rights.''

Today we must rise up against these forces that conspire against progress and equality in every generation. Today, it is our turn to send a message to the Nation: Congress will never again sanction bigotry in our Armed Forces.