Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Morgan Aranda, a student of Newberry Academy in Chicago. She has come to Washington, D.C. this week to compete in the 2009 National History Day Contest at the University of Maryland.

National History Day was started in 1974 with the intent of improving the historical literacy and research skills of junior high and high school aged children. Despite its name, National History Day has a variety of programs year-round, including its week-long national contest in which Morgan is a chosen participant. With the guidance and support of countless parents, teachers and friends, 500,000 students are able to participate in National History Day events annually. As Morgan and her fellow young historians would likely agree, the National History Day's motto, ``it's not just a day, it's an experience,'' rings true.

Morgan has been selected to represent Illinois for her junior individual performance entitled ``Alexander Polikoff and the Fight for Fair Housing.'' Her work is the culmination of many hours of research and multiple public performances. Morgan's dedication, discipline and talent are undeniable.

I'm honored to recognize Morgan and her achievements as a young historian. What she has accomplished already in her life are the beginnings of a bright and successful future and I wish her the best of luck at the competition and onward.

Madam Speaker, the tobacco industry has been feeding us a line. In addition to selling tobacco, the industry is now selling us a story. They would have us believe that this bill, which will allow the FDA to regulate their tobacco, will ruin their industry, shut down small farms, and hurt already-hurting farmers who just want to earn a living.

The truth is the tobacco industry has lied for decades about the addictive nature of tobacco. They have targeted our children as prime consumers of their deadly product, and they have produced and marketed a product that is the leading cause of preventible death in the United States, killing an estimated 438,000 people each year.

It is past time to empower the FDA to step up and stop the tobacco companies from continuing to make false claims about tobacco and start telling the truth. For too many years, the tobacco industry has sold us a line. They've attempted to tell us what they're selling, but in reality, the only thing they've been selling us is sickness and death.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the anniversary of an important milestone in our American history.

Today marks the 46th anniversary of the passage of the Equal Pay Act.

In 1963, Congress passed the Equal Pay Act to prohibit employers from wage discrimination on the basis of someone's sex.

This groundbreaking shift was a game-changer for women who were before, and in many places still are, treated as unequals in the workplace.

It was important to level the playing field.

It was important to provide equal pay for equal work.

And it's important for us today to remember that we need more game- changers--that there are more wrongs to right, and that there are inequalities and injustices to remedy.

That those things over which we have no control--our race, our gender, our sexual orientation, our disabilities--should not divide us

or preclude anyone from achieving success and providing for his or her family.

The enactment of the EPA was only the first step, and while women's salaries have risen dramatically, we have more work to do to end employment and pay discrimination.

Let's remember that all Americans are created equal and deserve equal treatment.

We should keep that in mind, not just today on this anniversary, but every day.

Mr. Speaker, nothing about coal is clean. From extraction, to waste slurry, to stream contamination in Appalachia, nothing--I repeat--nothing about this energy source is clean. In order to extract coal from the ground, mountains are literally blasted apart, killing wildlife and destroying forests, contributing to erosion, flooding and pollution that hits local communities and causes severe health problems. Over 1,200 miles of stream in Appalachia alone have been buried or completely contaminated because of mountaintop mining.

In order to prepare the coal for burning, an overwhelming amount of water is needed to clean the coal. For every ton of coal cleaned, 20 to 40 gallons of water are used to wash the coal, creating a sludgy pollutant known as slurry. Over 90 million gallons of slurry are created every year while harvesting and preparing coal for burning. Keep in mind, we haven't even begun to burn the stuff yet.

Green jobs are the key to economic and environmental progress in regions torn by surface and mountaintop mining and struggling economically due to the destruction of the land. These include jobs in wind, hydroelectric and biofuel power. These jobs will give hard-hit communities a long-term future for their families instead of a short- term paycheck in exchange for the quality of life in the region forever.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 505, condemning the murder of Dr. George Tiller.

Dr. George Tiller was murdered in Wichita, Kansas, on May 31, 2009. Dr. Tiller was 67 years old, a father, a husband and a friend, and was killed in his place of worship, a place intended for peace and refuge that in a moment became a place for violence and murder.

As stated in H. Res. 505, in the past 10 years, 38 people in the United States have been killed in their place of worship with 30 more sustaining wounds in those same incidents. This violence is deplorable, and never an acceptable avenue for expressing opposing viewpoints.

I join the author of this bill, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, in offering my condolences to Dr. Tiller's family, and commit to the American principle that tolerance must always be superior to intolerance, and that violence is never an appropriate response to a difference in beliefs.

It's nearly impossible to find comfort after such a senseless and horrific act, and I extend my deepest condolences to the Tiller family and all those families whose lives he touched. Like many others, Dr. Tiller persevered through decades of threats and attacks, and I condemn anyone who takes action or makes statements to incite violence as an acceptable response.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the long and distinguished career of Father John A. Farry. On June 30, 2009, Father Farry will retire from his position as Pastor at Saint Andrew Parish, the most recent parish in his 44 years of dedicated service.

Born in Bronx, New York, Father Farry graduated from Quigley Preparatory Seminary in Chicago and continued on to St. Mary of the Lake Seminary--Mundelein in Mundelein, Illinois, where he was ordained a priest in 1965.

Throughout his career, Father Farry has served many areas of the Chicago community, including Saint Bernard Parish in Englewood, Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish in Hyde Park, and Saint Andrew Parish in Northcenter.

Father Farry also served in positions other than pastor when the community needed it, such as Catholic Community of Englewood Coordinator, leader of the Team Ministry at Saint Bernard Parish, and religion teacher at various schools in the area. He reached out to all members of the diverse community and is known for his selflessness and his compassion.

Madam Speaker, I congratulate Father Farry on his lengthy and influential career, and thank him for his many outstanding contributions to the city of Chicago. I wish him the best of luck and continued happiness in his retirement and all his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, Poland has proven to be an indispensable ally in the global campaign against terrorism. Poland demonstrated its commitment to global security by becoming a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and has been a staunch ally to the United States during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Poland has been a valuable member state of the European Union, joining several other member states like France and Germany that take advantage of the visa waiver program. Poland unilaterally repealed a visa requirement for United States citizens traveling to Poland.

I strongly believe that the United States should extend the visa waiver program, with its enhanced program security requirement, and extend visa-free privileges to Poland, a country that has proven its steadfast dedication to the cause of freedom and friendship with the United States.

Poland has done much for the United States. Now it is our time to repay this great country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Patricia Nino, a member of my staff. Next Friday, May 29th is Patricia's last day as the Staff Assistant in our office. Patricia has been serving the people of the Fifth Congressional District of Illinois since 1997.

Patricia was born in Chicago, Illinois, and has raised her family here. Her working experience spans from the Chicago Board of Education, City of Chicago-Purchasing Department and working at the Chicago Park District until her retirement. She has been working in the Fifth Congressional District Office having joined my predecessor Rahm Emanuel's staff in 2003.

Patricia has been a cornerstone for the Fifth Congressional District office for over a decade, and her cheerful disposition and dedication to service will be sorely missed. Patricia has always shown determination and heart in everything she's done, including raising two sons, caring for her ill husband, and volunteering in the community.

Patricia's family has always been a priority in her life. Her two children, John and Frank, are the proud parents of her grandchildren, Collette, Dionna, Brittany and Lexie. Patricia is awaiting the birth of her first great-grandchild in August.

I wish Patricia all the happiness in the future and thank her for her service to the people of Illinois' Fifth Congressional District.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Marilynn Rubio, a member of my staff. Friday, May 29, was Marilynn's last day as the Congressional Aide in our office. Marilynn has been serving the people of the Illinois Fifth Congressional District with distinction since 2007, and deserves our wholehearted thanks for her efforts.

After graduating from DePaul University in 2007, Marilynn went to work for my predecessor, Rahm Emanuel, beginning as an intern. After spending a few months working for Emily's List, Marilynn returned to Congressman Emanuel's office in April 2008, working in the District Office and the Washington Office as a Congressional Aide.

Marilynn has been extremely helpful to me as I've begun my time in Congress. I have certainly benefited from her experience handling casework for Spanish-speaking constituents, managing the Fifth Congressional District of Illinois office in the interim period, and assisting with travel, records and logistics for our new office.

I would like to wish Marilynn the best of luck in her future endeavors, whether it be teaching English to students in Brazil, attending law school, or any other adventure. I know that she will find success in whatever path she chooses, and I thank her for her service to the people of the Illinois Fifth Congressional District.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Emma Jurado, a member of my staff. Friday, May 29, was Emma's last day as a Legislative Aide and Scheduler in our office. Emma served the people of the Fifth Congressional District of Illinois with distinction from 2003-2005, returned in 2007, and deserves our wholehearted appreciation for her efforts.

After graduating from Georgetown University in 2005, Emma went to work for my predecessor, Rahm Emanuel, beginning as a Staff Assistant. After spending a year working for Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and the National AIDS Marathon Training Program, Emma returned to Congressman Emanuel's office in January 2007, working as a Legislative Aide and Scheduler.

In addition to doing superlative work for my predecessor, Emma has been an extraordinary asset to my office as we've managed the transition process. This process has been a lot of hard work, but that is nothing new to Emma. Whether it was handling science and technology, art, innovation, or postal issues legislation, assisting the people of the Fifth Congressional District during the interim period, or establishing my scheduling operation, Emma has always given her all.

I would like to wish Emma the best of luck working in President Obama's Administration. I am confident that she will find success in whatever path she chooses, and I thank her for her service to the people of Illinois' Fifth Congressional District.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great Chicagoan and a true friend, Patrick O'Connor, who passed away this past Tuesday.

An athlete and a sports fan, Patrick was the past President of the Chicago Gaelic Athletic Association, and the St. Pat's Football Club. An active member of our community, Patrick was a committed member of the DeSoto Council Knights of Columbus. A dedicated family man, Patrick leaves behind his beloved wife Barbara, his five children: Michael, Robert, Catherine, Daniel, and Alderman Pat O'Connor, as well as dozens of grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

On behalf of my family, and those lives in my district that Patrick touched over the years, I send my deepest condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a great and respected Chicagoan, Thomas R. Allen, Jr., who recently passed away at the age of 85. Thomas Allen Jr. was a man who lived life to the fullest, and the friends and family he had are a testament to the quality of his character and the type of man he was.

Thomas R. Allen, Jr. was born on the 12th of February, 1924 on the West Side of the city of Chicago. He achieved his success in life through hard work and determination. He followed his own father into the bricklayers' trade after serving as a marine during World War II.

After his service, Tom became involved with Local 21 of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers. He held the position of Midwest apprentice coordinator for the union for 35 years. He traveled the region to oversee the training of young people in his profession.

It was Tom's connection to and involvement in his community that his friends will remember. He was an active member of St. Eugene's Parish. Not only had he served as an usher for 55 years, he also served as a youth basketball coach and a member of the Big Brother program. He had a smile and kind word for everyone

Tom's top priority was always his family and the love and support they provided him was most important in his life. In 1948 he married his high school sweetheart, Irene Feehan, and together the couple raised eight children. His family includes their daughter, Barbara Wiemhoff and her husband John, their daughter, Nancy Cullerton and her husband Tim, and their sons; Thomas III and his wife, Janis, James and his wife, Lin, Dan and his wife, Sue, Patrick and his wife, Laura, and Terrence and his wife, Jean; 26 grandchildren and four great- grandchildren. After a long illness, Irene passed away in 1997.

Madam Speaker, Thomas R. Allen, Jr. (``the real Tom Allen'') was an inspiration to all who knew him. I wish to express my deepest condolences to his family, and may God bless the Allen family and the memory of a man who was truly loved by his family, his friends, and his community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Gerald ``Jerry'' Gustafson, a member of my staff. Next Friday, May 29th, is Jerry's last day as a Congressional Aide in our office. Jerry has been serving the people of the Fifth Congressional District of Illinois for many years.

Jerry was born on the North West Side of the City of Chicago. His working experience spans from working in private industry as a personnel manager; a union representative at Central States Joint Board; and State of Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs. He has been working in the Fifth Congressional District Office having joined my predecessor Rahm Emanuel's staff in 2006.

Jerry worked hard to develop close relationships with the many congressional liaisons and always knew the right person to contact for a constituent in need. Jerry always went above and beyond to provide assistance to those who were unable to access alternate means of assistance. He calmly dealt with many difficult circumstances.

Jerry has been an extraordinary asset to my office as we've managed the transition process. It has been a lot of hard work, but that

is nothing new to Jerry. Whether it was raising his two sons, Glenn and Kevin, with his wife, Barbara, working long hours, or volunteering in the community and the 32nd Ward Regular Democratic Organization, he has given his all every step of the way.

Jerry's family has always been a priority in his life and the love and support they provide is the most important thing to him.

I wish Jerry all the happiness in the future and thank him for his service to the people of Illinois' Fifth Congressional District.

Madam Speaker, President Abraham Lincoln said a Gettysburg, ``The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.''

I rise today to honor those who have fallen in defense of our country, and I do so recognizing that history won't remember what a guy like me has to say.

But it's important for those who served, and those who serve, to know we will always take the time to remember, and say thank you.

I rise to recognize the sacrifices of the Solider holding the line in Gettysburg, the Sailor defending the fleet in the South Pacific, the Marine landing at Inchon, South Korea, and the Airman patrolling the skies over Vietnam.

Madam Speaker, we mark this holiday at a time when our sons and daughters are keeping watch over the streets of Baghdad and the mountains of Afghanistan.

We mark this holiday as a reminder that in conflicts past, present, and future, a generation of Americans will answer the call and pay the price of freedom.

While there is never doubt that they will do their duty and serve their country, let there never be doubt that we will stand by them and remember their service and their sacrifice.

You may know that my hometown, Chicago, has one of the nation's largest Memorial Day parades.

But you probably don't know about another, smaller, commemoration.

Dan Wenserski is a gentleman from my district who knows about paying tribute to his brothers and sisters who wore the uniform.

For as long as many can remember, Dan has paid his respects to those who served this country since its inception.

Each year, Dan unpacks flags that had draped the caskets of the fallen to create an Avenue of Flags at Rosehill Cemetery.

He believes it is important to pay tribute to all who sacrificed and served.

As an 85-year-old veteran of World War II, Dan shuns the spotlight, preferring to honor his fallen colleagues than receive honor himself.

But this Memorial Day, I ask all to join me in honoring and thanking Mr. Daniel Wenserski.

Mr. Wenserski saw combat in the European theater and returned from World War II as a 21-year-old with three purple hearts.

He is commander of Amvets Post 243.

Dedicated veterans like him are a national treasure.

We must remember them not only with memorials but in how we dedicate ourselves to the unfinished work of our Republic.

We must remember Lincoln's pledge to, ``care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan.''

That means we can't just use this day to pay homage to those who are lost.

We need to remember those who remain behind.

We need to remember the mother or father who has to raise a family alone, and the children who are left with only a photo.

We have, and must continue to make great strides during this Congress to help that mother and that father.

We must not allow the lessons learned during this day go unheeded during every other.

We must dedicate every day to taking care of our veterans and their families, as they have taken every one of their days to dedicate to us.

I'd like to thank all of our veterans for the freedoms we all take for granted, and wish you and your families all the very best on this Memorial Day.

Madam Speaker, earlier this week, Iran tested a new long-range missile. This missile has a range of up to 1,200 miles and can reach our troops in the region, as well as many of our allies, including Israel.

This was not done in the name of peace. Rather, this launch was a grab at power, an attempt to threaten Israel and our other allies in the region. Now, more than ever, we must stand by our friends.

Iran, on the other hand, can only rejoin the society of nations with an olive branch, not a ballistic missile. We must not allow our allies in Israel and across the Middle East to fall under the threat of a nuclear Iran, nor can we allow Iran to achieve a dominant position in the region through intimidation.

The safety and security of millions of people depend on a strong and determined stance by the American people and all of the community of nations.