Peter J. Roskam

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late A. George Pradel, who dedicated his life to the betterment of his hometown, Naperville, Illinois, most notably as mayor for two decades.

A lifelong Napervillian, Mr. Pradel began his life in public service by joining the military where he completed a three-year tour with the United States Marine Corps. After his time in the Marine Corps, he went on to serve as a police officer in his hometown. As an officer in Naperville he took it upon himself to educate students about the role of police in the community. He took a unique approach in doing so by helping develop ``Safety Town,'' a miniature town on Aurora Ave. that teaches children about self-awareness, and staying safe in the community. His cheerful demeanor and eagerness to work with kids earned him the nickname ``Officer Friendly.''

As Officer Friendly continued to grow as an icon in Naperville, the community turned to him once again when it needed a leader, and in 1995 George Pradel was elected Mayor. As Mayor of Naperville, Mr. Pradel continued along the path that led him to office. He spoke at schools and events, he cut ribbons, and he was seen throughout the community, always with a smile.

Under Mayor Pradel's leadership Naperville transformed from a growing suburban town to an award-winning city. He helped Naperville attract businesses from around the world, he encouraged the continued excellence in Naperville schools, and he always supported local law enforcement efforts to keep his hometown safe.

Mr. Speaker, Naperville lost a great American in Mayor Pradel. I offer my greatest condolences to the Pradel family, and thank A. George Pradel for his lifetime of dedication to the city of Naperville and to our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Barrington Breakfast Rotary Club for thirty years of dedicated service to the needy in their community and around the world.

The Barrington Breakfast Rotary Club operates as a 501(c) entity and commits itself to service in the community and the less fortunate. Some of their recent work has included collection of donations for disaster relief after the volcano eruption in Guatemala, and organizing KidFest in Barrington.

The Barrington Breakfast Rotary Club is also dedicated to helping young people get an education. Every year they award the Donn Branstrator Service Above Self Scholarship along with the Harper College Scholarship.

Finally they have continued the great work that Rotary International has done in ending Polio worldwide. The Rotary community has made incredible strides in the decades long goal to end Polio. I have confidence that they will complete this goal with their continued dedication.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the Barrington Breakfast Rotary for the great work they have done in the community and across the world serving others. Their servant leadership sets a fine example for citizens in the Sixth District and across the country.

Mr. Speaker, what a joy it is to be on the floor today. What a joy it is to be amongst a group of people who have set aside partisanship and have come together to address a crisis that is crushing our constituents. What a joy it is to be a part of the process and among a group of people who are trying to find common ground.

This is a good day, Mr. Speaker. There is good work that is happening. I chair the Health Subcommittee, and it was incredible to see the work that that subcommittee did on the Ways and Means Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to strongly endorse this bill, and I urge its passage.