Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and admiration that I stand before you today to congratulate Reverend Charles Emery on his 34th anniversary as Pastor of Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church in Gary, Indiana. For his many years of dedicated service to the church and the surrounding community, he was honored at a celebratory banquet on Monday, October 15, 2012 at the Genesis Convention Center in Gary, Indiana.

Reverend Charles Emery was born in Madison County, Tennessee to W.A. and Macie Emery. Pastor Emery attended religious services throughout his childhood and accepted Christ into his life at the very young age of nine. While attending college in Tennessee, Pastor Emery chose to enlist in the United States Air Force. Throughout his military service, Pastor Emery felt he was being called into the ministry. Reverend Emery decided to pursue religious studies and was the first of his family to graduate from college. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Education from Toledo Bible School in Ohio and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Trinity Theological Seminary in Newburg, Indiana. He has also taken specialized courses in church administration, youth evangelism, and personal counseling at Moody Bible College of Chicago, Illinois. In 1968, Pastor Emery married his adoring wife, Willie Ruth Bonds, and they have four beloved children: Mary, Bernard, Victoria, and Kim.

In 1978, Reverend Emery became Pastor of Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church. Throughout the years, Pastor Emery has worked diligently to serve the members of the congregation, the community of Gary, and all of Northwest Indiana. Reverend Emery has served as President of the Baptist Ministers Conference of

Gary and Vicinity, Vice President-at-Large for the General Missionary Baptist Convention of Indiana, Incorporated, teacher of the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education Youth Division, President of the Gary Police Chaplain Association, and Secretary of the Gary/Chicago Airport Board. Currently, Reverend Emery serves as President of the General Missionary Baptist Convention of Indiana, Incorporated. He continues to work hard for people most in need and does not hesitate to get involved in the tough struggles that face the surrounding community. For his constant and passionate devotion to public service, Reverend Emery is worthy of the highest praise.

Mr. Speaker, Reverend Charles Emery is a man of God and a man concerned with creating a just society for his congregation, his community, and our nation. He has selflessly devoted his life to the service of others and it is an honor to consider Pastor Emery a friend. For his uncompromising dedication over the past 34 years, Reverend Emery is truly an inspiration to us all, and it is right to honor him today.

Mr. Speaker, it is with sincere admiration that I recognize the Asian American Medical Association, which hosted its 36th Annual Gala on Saturday, November 3, 2012, at the Avalon Manor in Merrillville, Indiana. Each year, the Asian American Medical

Association pays tribute to prominent, outstanding citizens and organizations for their contributions to the community. In recognition of their efforts, these honorees are awarded the prestigious Crystal Globe Award at this annual banquet.

The Asian American Medical Association has always been a great asset to Northwest Indiana. Its members have selflessly dedicated themselves to providing quality medical services to the residents of Northwest Indiana and have always demonstrated exemplary service through their many cultural, scholastic, and charitable endeavors.

At this year's Annual Gala, the Asian American Medical Association will present the Crystal Globe Award to one of Northwest Indiana's finest citizens, Dr. Ilwoong Chang, M.D. For his outstanding contributions to his community, he is to be commended.

In 1966, Dr. Chang graduated from medical school at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea. He then completed his internship at Yonsei University, during which time he participated in medical missions in rural areas of South Korea. Dr. Chang was a Naval Medical Officer from 1967 to 1970, during which time he served in Vietnam. He completed his residency at Wayne State University Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, in 1974, and in 1976, he went on to complete his Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Illinois in Chicago. Doctor has dedicated much of his life to medical education and currently serves as Clinical Associate Professor in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology at the Indiana University Northwest Center for Medical Education in Gary, Indiana. Dr. Chang also operates his private practice in Munster, Indiana, specializing in Gastroenterology.

Dr. Chang's remarkable resume includes many prestigious positions in the field of medicine. He has served as Chairman of Medicine at Community Hospital in Munster and President of Medical Staff, as well as Chairman of Quality Coordination Control at Saint Catherine Hospital in East Chicago. Doctor is also a member of many medical societies, including: the American Medical Association, the American Gastroenterology Association, and the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. In addition, he is a delegate of the Indiana State Medical Association, a member of the Insurance Committee of the Indiana State Medical Association, and Chairman of the Board of the Lake County Medical Society of Indiana. For his exceptional dedication to organizations that have a tremendous positive impact within the medical community and to the people of Northwest Indiana, Dr. Chang is worthy of the highest praise.

Dr. Chang's dedication to medicine and the community of Northwest Indiana is exceeded only by his devotion to his wonderful family. He has been married to his loving wife, Young Zin Chang, for 42 years. They have three amazing children: Gene, Elizabeth and David, and six beloved grandchildren.

Doctor is committed to his family, to improving the lives of the patients he serves, and working selflessly to enhance the quality of life of all those who live in Northwest Indiana. It is an honor to call him a friend.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending the members of the Asian American Medical Association, as well as this year's Crystal Globe Award recipient, Dr. Ilwoong Chang, for their outstanding contributions to the medical field, as well as to their communities and beyond. Their unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for the people of Northwest Indiana and throughout the United States is truly inspirational, and I am proud to serve as their representative in Washington, DC.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and immense respect that I stand before you today to honor one of Northwest Indiana's finest public servants, Commissioner Frances DuPey, and to wish her well upon her upcoming retirement. Commissioner DuPey's many years of dedication and commitment to the residents of Lake County, Indiana, have had a tremendous impact on our community. In honor of Fran's retirement, a reception was held on Sunday, November 11, 2012, at Dynasty Banquets in Hammond, Indiana.

Fran DuPey was raised in Hammond, Indiana, and attended Hammond Technical Vocational High School until relocating to Lamoni, Iowa, where she completed her high school courses. Soon after, Fran returned to Northwest Indiana and enrolled in Hammond Business College.

Fran married her beloved husband, Frank, a Hammond police officer who would later become the Chief of Police, on November 14, 1964. Fran and Frank, who passed away last year, were blessed with one daughter, Veronica, and one son, Frank, as well as three beautiful grandchildren. It was her husband who first introduced Fran to the Democratic Party, and she has been a constant voice for the party in Northwest Indiana ever since. A loyal Democrat, Mrs. DuPey served eleven years as vice chair for the Hammond Democratic Precinct Organization, followed by five years as the Hammond Democratic Chairperson, and she has been a vice-precinct committeewoman for the past thirty years.

Commissioner DuPey's commitment to the people of Northwest Indiana spans far beyond party lines. In 1987, recognized for her tenacity and leadership qualities, Fran was elected to serve on the Lake County Council and served ten years in that capacity. With her election in 1987, then Councilwoman DuPey marked her place in Lake County's history as the first woman to serve on the Lake County Council. Fran, never one to rest on her laurels, was subsequently elected to serve as a Lake County Commissioner, again being the first woman to hold this office in Lake County. Commissioner DuPey, who has served in this capacity for the last sixteen years, also has the distinction of being the first woman to serve as president of both the Lake County Council and the Lake County Board of Commissioners.

During her many years of service, Commissioner DuPey has received numerous awards and acknowledgements for always going above and beyond for her constituents. One of her most notable recognitions came when she was honored as the ``Most Enterprising First Term Commissioner'' in the state of Indiana, an award bestowed upon her by the Indiana Association of County Commissioners. Fran's career will be remembered for her dedication to the people of Northwest Indiana and her always candid, up-front approach to tackling the issues at hand.

Fran DuPey has led a life dedicated to the service of others. I am fortunate to call her a friend.

Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring a devoted public servant, Commissioner Frances DuPey. Fran's constant efforts to improve the quality of life for people of Lake County, Indiana, have had an immense impact on her peers and the many citizens whose lives she has touched. It has been an honor to work with Fran throughout the years, and I wish her the best upon her retirement.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and admiration that I stand before you today to honor Nick Kavadas, who has been recognized by the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, AHEPA, as Chapter, District, and National Ahepan of the Year. AHEPA honored Nick at a celebratory reception that took place on Saturday, November 10, 2012, at Dynasty Banquets in Hammond, Indiana. Also honored at the event were Pete Kavadas, for his heroic efforts at a recent AHEPA conference, and Joseph Skora, who received the Prometheus Award in recognition of his many years of service to AHEPA.

The Order of AHEPA was founded on July 26, 1922, in Atlanta, Georgia, joining the NAACP and B'nai B'rith in the effort to end racism, bigotry, and discrimination against all immigrants. AHEPA was founded on the principles of ancient Greece, to promote civic responsibility, education, philanthropy, family, and individual excellence through volunteerism and community service.

On November 10, AHEPA honored Nick Kavadas, AHEPA Supreme Governor of Region 6 representing districts 12, 13, and 14 of the Supreme Lodge, who has been an outstanding leader, and who has worked tirelessly to develop AHEPA in presence and membership throughout the state of Indiana. Under Supreme Governor Kavada's direction, AHEPA membership has grown to its highest level this year with over 450 members in the state of Indiana. Brother Nick has spearheaded many of AHEPA's charitable endeavors supporting worthy causes including the Saint Baldrick's Foundation, which does exceptional work for children's cancer research, the National Hellenic Foundation, the National Hellenic Museum, Greek relief efforts, and the District #12 Scholarship Foundation, among many other charitable endeavors. Over the years, Nick has held numerous positions including serving on the Gary/Merrillville Chapter #78 Board of Governors, as Lieutenant Governor and Governor of Hoosier District #12, and as Chairman of the Standing Governor's Committee. Nick Kavadas has been able to touch the lives of countless individuals through his work with AHEPA, and for his passionate, selfless life of public service, he is worthy of the highest praise. I am pleased that AHEPA has recognized these admirable contributions with such a prestigious award.

Nick's brother, Pete Kavadas, was also honored at this event for his heroic efforts in a critical situation. While attending an AHEPA conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, Pete came across a young man who was contemplating suicide by jumping off of the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge. Pete, along with the help of his brother, persuaded the young man to cease his efforts and obtain the help he needed. For his courageous efforts, Pete is an inspiration, and we are grateful for his incredible bravery in this dire situation.

Joseph Skora was honored at the event with the Prometheus Award in recognition of his many years of service to the organization. Joseph has been one of the most involved members in the Gary/Merrillville Chapter #78 as well as Hoosier District #12. Brother Joe has worked extensively with AHEPA housing and serves as a board member for AHEPA Chapter #78's Housing Board. Brother Joe also served as the Assistant Project Manager for part of the construction of the six apartment phases in Merrillville, Indiana, which provide housing for senior citizens. He has also been the manager of repairs and improvement projects for the AHEPA apartments. For his many years of service and noteworthy dedication to AHEPA, Joseph is to be commended.

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating AHEPA, Brother Nick Kavadas as he is recognized as Ahepan of the Year, Brother Pete Kavadas for his heroic efforts, and Brother Joseph Skora as he is honored with the Prometheus Award. For their remarkable leadership, commitment, and enthusiasm shown through their service to so many in need throughout Northwest Indiana and across the nation, they are worthy of the honors bestowed upon them, and I am proud to represent them in Congress.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I recognize Catholic Charities, Diocese of Gary, as the organization celebrates its 75th anniversary. During the celebration, which will take place on Friday, October 5, 2012, at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster, Indiana, Catholic Charities will also take time to honor my dear friend, Monsignor Joseph Semancik, for his 38 years of dedicated service to the organization.

Catholic Charities, a part of the Diocese of Gary, has been helping to meet the needs of citizens throughout Northwest Indiana for the past 75 years. It is a private, not-for-profit social service agency that serves Lake, Porter, LaPorte, and Strake Counties in Northwest Indiana. Catholic Charities, established in 1937, was originally part of the Diocese of Fort Wayne until 1957, when it became part of the Diocese of Gary. Initially, its function was to serve the underprivileged and needy through programs that would meet the professional standards of social work. However, throughout the years, Catholic Charities has focused its attention on programs that meet the changing needs of the community. In recent years, counseling, volunteer programs, and programs for the elderly and family life ministry have been added. Catholic Charities has been triumphant due to the unwavering dedication of its staff, board members, volunteers, and donors. Catholic Charities is a remarkable organization that is dedicated to serving those most in need and has been an extraordinary asset to the community. Northwest Indiana is not only grateful, but proud to have had the organization's support and help during the past 75 years.

Born in 1929, Joseph Semancik was ordained a Catholic priest in 1953 and in 1984 was named a Domestic Prelate with the title Monsignor. First and foremost, Monsignor Semancik is a man of God, who has tirelessly discharged his sacred duties with vigor, compassion, and an uncommon practicality. Generous to a fault with this time and commitment to help those most in need, Monsignor Joseph Semancik was deeply involved for most of his entire adult life with Catholic Charities, both locally and at the national level. A holder of a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago, Father Semancik is an author and teacher as well. In his ``spare time,'' Monsignor was the local Diocesan Director of Catholic Relief Services, representing North America on a planning committee for Caritas Internationalis, a union of 145 Catholic Charities organizations worldwide. He also was a founder of Hospice of the Calumet Area and one of the originators of the Indiana Catholic Conference. Monsignor Semancik currently serves on the Board of Trustees of Calumet College of Saint Joseph, the Board of Directors for Saint Catherine Hospital, the Board of the Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana, and is a member of the Lake County Advancement Committee.

The recipient of numerous awards, I believe Joe Semancik is probably most gratified by the respect and affection shown by those innumerable individuals whose spirit, body, and mind were guided, made whole, and yes made to laugh, because this good man touched their lives. It is an honor to consider Monsignor Joseph Semancik a friend, and it has been a privilege for each of us in Northwest Indiana to have had our lives enriched by this good and holy man.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my distinguished colleagues to join me in commending Catholic Charities and Monsignor Semancik. For their remarkable commitment to serving those most in need, Catholic Charities and Monsignor Semancik are to be highly commended, and they serve as an inspiration to us all.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

I rise today to express my great appreciation for the tireless efforts Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Dicks have expended in this Congress and this fiscal year. They, the other committee Members, and the committee staff have applied their expertise and a tremendous amount of energy and effort in their attempt to return the appropriations process to the regular order. To their credit, Chairman Rogers and Mr. Dicks have allowed this body to pass more than a majority of our bills.

While I support the continuing resolution, I am abjectly disappointed that the Congress is, once again, going to fail at one of its most fundamental responsibilities. We are all elected to make discrete decisions about Federal programs. By being unable or unwilling to pass individually negotiated appropriation bills, we are doing a great disservice to our constituents and to our country by not providing the guidance necessary for Federal programs to operate effectively.

As the ranking member of the Energy and Water Subcommittee, I would like to highlight the National Nuclear Security Administration as an example of where this CR does not provide the necessary oversight for good government. The agency is plagued by dramatic cost increases on nearly every major task under its jurisdiction. The poster child of this inability to accurately estimate cost is the Life Extension Program for the B-61 bomb, the pricetag of which has gone from $4 to $10 billion.

And I would also be remiss if I did not mention my disappointment that an anomaly for the United States Enrichment Cooperation is included in the CR. The government has subsidized this company for far too long, and we shouldn't continue to throw good money after bad. I believe that the national security arguments for this program are inconsistent and unpersuasive, and while USEC may have a pressing need for a bailout, there is no immediate defense requirement.

In closing, I do support the CR because it is timely and bipartisan, but we need to break the habit of perpetually kicking every hard decision and deadline down the road.

Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to congratulate the members of the Hammond, Indiana Franklin D. Roosevelt Democratic Club as they celebrate the organization's 80th anniversary. In honor of this momentous occasion, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Club will be hosting an anniversary banquet on September 15, 2012 at the Restaurant at Lost Marsh in Hammond, Indiana.

The Franklin D. Roosevelt Club of Hammond, Indiana was founded by forty-two members of Polish ancestry on December 3, 1932. The Club has grown over the years, and currently consists of 110 members. The mission of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Club is to ``maintain high standards and secure the best possible candidate for the Democratic Party.'' Since its inception, club members have selflessly given their time and support to the community of Northwest Indiana. The residents of Northwest Indiana truly benefit from the Club's ``Candidates' Night,'' which is held the week before each primary and general election. This is an outstanding opportunity for voters to meet candidates and discuss with them the needs of their community. For their significant contributions to upholding the ideals of the democratic process in their communities and throughout Northwest Indiana, the members and leaders of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Club are to be highly commended.

The dedication and generosity of the Club and its members has also been evidenced over the years by their innumerable charitable acts to those in need throughout the broader community, irrespective of their political beliefs. I also must acknowledge the sheer kindness the members of the Club show to all.

I still fondly recall the first Franklin D. Roosevelt Club meeting I attended in March of 1983. I didn't know anyone in the Club when I entered St. Casimir Hall. But through the graciousness of the late President Ed Nawracaj and his wife, Sophie, as well as Wally and Paula Skibinski, Dorrie Kometz, and many others, I was welcomed as a lifelong friend and left the hall ``knowing everyone.''

The warmth a ``total stranger'' enjoyed that evening, and many to follow, remain forever in this Member's heart.

At this time, I would like to acknowledge the 2012 Franklin D. Roosevelt Club officers. They are: President Gregory J. Sanchez, First Vice President Kay Pucalik, Second Vice President Leslie Stanish, Secretary Barney Stodola, Treasurer Mary T. Hildebranski, Sergeant at Arms Brian Krupinski, Chaplain Reverend Stephen D. Kosinski, and Trustees Diana Beyer, Joe Scasny, and Rosemary Wojdyla.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring and congratulating the members of the Hammond, Indiana Franklin D. Roosevelt Democratic Club on the 80th anniversary of their organization. The work of this truly admirable organization is a great asset to the people of Northwest Indiana, and for their selfless service, the leadership and members of the Club are worthy of the highest praise, and I am proud to serve as their representative in Washington, D.C.

Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to congratulate the Croatian Sons Lodge Number 170, of the Croatian Fraternal Union, on the festive occasion of its Golden Member banquet on Sunday, September 16, 2012.

This year, the Croatian Fraternal Union will hold its gala at the Croatian Center in Merrillville, Indiana. Traditionally, the celebration entails a formal recognition of the Union's Golden Members, those who have achieved fifty years of membership. This year's honorees who have attained fifty years of membership include: Judith Louise Aubuchon, Joan Clavin, Jacqueline Ann Donohue, Judith Ann Hanson, Virginia Mae Luketich, Carol Ann Magliola, Henryetta Massack, Mary Ann Matolin-Mancilla, Frank V. Morzlock, Kata V. Mrzljak, James Gabriel Popovich, Steve Prahovich, Mary Sajn, Joyce L. Schenher, Paulette Ann Smith, and Phyllis Stefankiewicz.

In addition to paying tribute to its Golden Members, the Lodge will honor George Rubick and Lou Chelich for their dedication to the

Croatian Fraternal Union and for their many years of distinguished service.

This memorable day will begin with a mass at Saint Joseph the Worker Croatian Catholic Church in Gary, Indiana, with the Reverend Father Stephen Loncar officiating. The banquet will begin at 1:00 p.m.

Mr. Speaker, I urge you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending Lodge President John Miksich and all members of the Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge Number 170 for their loyalty and radiant display of passion for their ethnicity. The Croatian community has played a key role in enriching the quality of life and culture of Northwest Indiana. It is my hope that this year will bring renewed hope and prosperity for all members of the Croatian community and their families.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to stand before you and my colleagues today to applaud Mr. Dale Johnsen upon his retirement. Dale has devoted his life to the interests of his fellow tradesmen and women, and to the entire community of Northwest Indiana. Mr. Johnsen has been a member of Bricklayers Local #4 Indiana/Kentucky for 36 years, 22 of which he served as an officer and field representative. Additionally, he has served as President of the Indiana State Building and Construction Trades Council for the past two years. For his lifetime of service to the Bricklayers and the Northwestern Indiana Building and Construction Trades Council, as well as the Indiana State Building Trades Council, Mr. Johnsen will be honored at a retirement dinner taking place at Avalon Manor in Merrillville, Indiana on August 17, 2012.

During his 36 years with Bricklayers Local #4 Indiana/Kentucky, Dale Johnsen has assisted those who want to work for a living wage in countless ways. For example, he has represented the union as a Trustee for the Pension Fund and the Health and Welfare Fund, as well as the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee. A leader in the truest sense of the word, Dale has also served as President of the Northwestern Indiana Building and Construction Trades Council. Also, he is currently a member of the Business Construction Resource Center and the Tripartite Committees for ArcelorMittal Indiana Harbor and Burns Harbor. In addition, Dale served as Admiral for the Pirates Charity Organization and now serves on the organization's Captain's Table. Mr. Johnsen's enthusiasm, dedication, and constant support to the Building Trades and charities within our greater community is truly outstanding, and for this, he is worthy of the utmost praise.

Northwest Indiana's building trades have a strong history of excellence in its craftsmanship and loyalty by its members, as well as a steadfast commitment to serving the community. Dale Johnsen has always exhibited these qualities, and I have a profound respect and admiration for his absolute dedication to helping others, both locally and statewide. When it comes to serving those in need, the Indiana State Building and Construction Trades Council and the Northwestern Indiana Building and Construction Trades Councils have long been one of the state's most generous organizations. Dale Johnsen has been at the forefront of these efforts.

From a personal perspective, I am proud and lucky to have Dale Johnsen as a friend. A friend who has been completely loyal, a friend who has been selfless, a friend who has always ``been there.''

Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, Dale Johnsen has generously dedicated his life and all his efforts to those he has worked with and represented so well. His passion and commitment to the Building Trades and to the community of Northwest Indiana is to be admired. I respectfully request that you and my other dignified colleagues join me in commending Dale for his many years of service and in wishing him well upon his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, it is with immense sadness and great respect that I rise to remember Army National Guard Specialist Sergio Eduardo Perez for his bravery and willingness to fight for his country. Specialist Perez was a member of the Indiana National Guard 713th Engineer Company, headquartered in Valparaiso, Indiana. While Specialist Perez was on a route clearance patrol in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, he was killed in an attack that involved rocket-propelled grenade fire and small arms fire. His sacrifice will forever be remembered by those he fought to protect.

A native of East Chicago, Indiana, Sergio graduated from Lake Central High School in 2010. Sergio's high school principal recalls that Sergio was a quiet, reserved young man and a hard worker. His classmates speak of his kindness, respect, and willingness to help others. Shortly after graduating, Specialist Perez joined the National Guard, and his company mobilized at the end of September 2011. Sergio is remembered by friends as an all-around great guy who made a strong impression on those who knew him. According to loved ones, Sergio was a person who genuinely cared about everyone around him. He had a gentle spirit and a deep devotion to his family. In Sergio's own words, ``It takes a lot to make me mad, and when I am, I can't be mad for long. I get along with almost everyone. I work way more than I should and I'm starting to realize how short life is.'' For his remarkable courage and selfless commitment to the Army, Specialist Perez is worthy of the highest praise. His life was taken from us far too soon. He will be greatly missed and forever cherished by those who loved him.

Specialist Perez leaves behind a beloved host of family and friends. He is survived by his adoring parents: Sergio E. Perez, Sr. and Veronica Orozco. Sergio also leaves to cherish his memory three loving sisters: Candice Perez, Andrea Jimenez, and Karyme Jimenez, and his half brother, Axel Perez Martinez. He will be greatly missed by his maternal grandparents, Alicia and Charles Orozco, and his paternal grandparents, Severo and Ramona Perez. Specialist Perez also leaves behind many other dear friends and family members, as well as a grateful, yet deeply saddened community.

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me in honoring a fallen hero, United States Army National Guard Specialist, Sergio E. Perez. Specialist Perez sacrificed his life in service to his country, and his passing comes as a great loss to our nation, which has once again been shaken by the realities of war. Specialist Perez will forever remain a hero in the eyes of his family, his community, and his country. Thus, let us never forget the sacrifice he made to preserve the ideals of freedom and democracy.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and admiration that I stand before you today to recognize Mrs. Ruthanne Slamka for her many years of service to the National Park Service (NPS), and more specifically, to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Ruthanne's 40 years of service to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore have certainly contributed to the park's success. For her many years of public service and her exceptional dedication to the community of Northwest Indiana, she will be honored at a retirement ceremony on Friday, July 27, 2012.

Indisputably, Ruthanne's tireless devotion to ensuring the success of the park lent itself to the overall growth of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. As you may be aware, the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore came into being on November 5, 1966. Ruthanne Slamka began her work with the National Park Service on July 23, 1972 and the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore held a ceremony establishing the park on September 8, 1972.

Much work was needed to acquire land within the park's boundary, and Ruthanne served as the primary contact for hundreds of individuals and families whose property was acquired. Her knowledge of the properties and the complex acquisition process earned her the respect of the owners, other government entities, and the public at large. Further, the meticulous transcripts Ruthanne produced provide an exceptional insight into the park's early years, and serve as an invaluable tool for those interested in the rich history of this extraordinary landmark.

Thanks in part to the effort and professionalism Ruthanne demonstrated during her tenure with the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, residents of, and visitors to, Northwest Indiana are able to enjoy the Lake Michigan shoreline as well as the miles of recreational trails and the diverse ecosystem contained within the park's wetlands, prairies, and forests. My constituents and I are indebted to Ruthanne Slamka for her contributions to the only National Park within the First Congressional District.

Although she has committed herself to serving her community through her work with the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Ruthanne's dedication to her family and loved ones is equally impressive. Ruthanne and her husband, Joseph, have been married for more than 40 years.

Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring Ruthanne Slamka, and in wishing her well upon her retirement. Her lifetime of service to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and her unselfish commitment to serving her community is truly admirable, and for this, she is worthy of the highest praise.

Mr. Speaker, on July 18, 2012, I was absent from the House and missed rollcall vote 481.

Had I been present for rollcall 481, on agreeing to the Woolsey amendment to reduce the total amount of appropriations made by the bill by $181,000,000, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the gentleman's amendment. It's been argued that section 526 harms our military readiness. This is simply not the case, particularly according to the Department of Defense.

The Department of Defense has stated this month, very clearly, the provision has not hindered the Department from purchasing the fuel we need today worldwide to support the military missions. But it also sets an important baseline in developing the fuels that we need for our future.

DOD, the Department of Defense, supports this section and recognizes that tomorrow's soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines are going to need a greater range of energy sources. In fact, the Department says that repealing this section could, and I'm quoting the Department, ``complicate the Department's efforts to provide better energy solutions to our warfighters and to take advantage of the promising developments in homegrown biofuels.'' I would also emphasize the impact it would have on our economy and the creation of new jobs in our economy.

I believe the amendment would damage the development of biofuels, given the fact that the Department of Defense is such a huge procurer of energy, at the worst possible time for our economy. It could send a negative signal to America's advanced biofuel industry and could result in adverse impacts to the U.S. job creation efforts, rural development efforts, and the export of world-leading technology.

I would also emphasize to my colleagues the section does not prevent the sale of fuels that emit more carbon, nor does it prevent the Federal agencies from buying these fuels if they need to.

Government policies should help drive the development of alternative fuels that cut carbon emission, not increase it. I think that's a commonsense approach.

Again, I am opposed to the gentleman's amendment and, I yield back the balance of my time.

I appreciate the gentleman yielding, and would associate myself with the remarks of the chairman.

I really appreciate the gentleman raising this issue before the body, and certainly want to work with Mr. Thompson, as well as the chairman of the committee, on this very important issue, and certainly pledge myself to do that.

I move to strike the last word.

I appreciate the recognition and would want to join with the ranking member, Mr. Dicks, in my strong opposition to the gentleman's amendment.

We had a similar debate during the consideration of the Energy and Water bill. And one observation I would make is we do have a disparity in this country, and it continues to grow, despite how hard the average American works.

The problem today for that average American is that for 1 hour's worth of work--it could be pushing paper, it could be waiting tables at a diner, it could be working at a steel mill, it could be laying brick, it could be a contractor, it could be a manager, it could be a CEO--is less for 1 hour's worth of human labor in the United States today than it was in 1977 when I came to Washington, D.C. on a congressional staff. That is not the country my parents left me.

I think it is wrong to offer an amendment to further suppress the wages hardworking Americans are trying to earn to make sure that they can buy a house, they can send their children to what are increasingly expensive public institutions because of the lack of State support for them, and who now hold retirement programs that are probably about 40 percent less in value than they were in 2007.

This is a bad amendment, and I strongly oppose it.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and sincerity that I take this

time to congratulate the individuals who will take their oath of citizenship on July 4, 2012. In true patriotic fashion, on the day of our great nation's celebration of independence, a naturalization ceremony will take place, welcoming new citizens of the United States of America. This memorable occasion, coordinated by the Hammond Public Library and presided over by Magistrate Judge Andrew Rodovich, will be held at The Pavilion at Wolf Lake in Hammond, Indiana.

America is a country founded by immigrants. From its beginning, settlers have come from countries around the globe to the United States in search of better lives for their families. The upcoming oath ceremony will be a shining example of what is so great about the United States of America--that people from all over the world can come together and unite as members of a free, democratic nation. These individuals realize that nowhere else in the world offers a better opportunity for success than here in America.

On July 4, 2012, the following people, representing many nations throughout the world, will take their oath of citizenship in Hammond, Indiana: Edina Anita Szabo, Jonathan Carmona Garcia, Alaa Alzayed, Oliva Chavez, Guolan Lu, Jaime Oseguera Cardenas, Dejan Kitevski, Jelica Dobrijevic, Karla Elizabeth Arreguin Farias, Ahmad Abdelrahim Almaaya, Huda Dali, Ljubica Vignjevic, Kefaa Nahed Omar Shuaibi, Rea Agulto Clarito, Senka Pamucar, Tanja Vignjevic, Liljana Josevski, Omiyosoye Adebowale Ololade, Mopelola Eniola Ololade, Blessing Obong Dennis, An Boo Min, Amanjot Kaur, Jingli Crain, Caroline Elizabeth Nyamweru Kamau, Halrun Luppes, Senija Crnkic, Siraneth Sem, Lenna Sabina Wade, Sanel Puzic, Jose Alberto Galicia Talabera, Tobias Florian Boes, Faneromeni Talia, James Murei Mumbura Karanja, Stella Gathoni Waithaka, Bacilia Avila, Mireya Jaquelin Aguilar, Gifty Debo Barlue, Esther Joo Young Chun, Patricia Contreras, Salvador Cruz, Nathaniel Tuason David, Luis Alberto Garcia, Njeri Mary Karumbo, Juliana Santos Kladis, Lenka Mitic, Innocent Ngenga, Elizabeth Procyk, Jose Gustavo Suarez, Nour Alghnimi Ulayyet, and Jovita Zurita.

Though each individual has sought to become a citizen of the United States for his or her own reasons, be it for education, occupation, or to offer their loved ones better lives, each is inspired by the fact that the United States of America is, as Abraham Lincoln described it, a country ``. . .of the people, by the people, and for the people.'' They realize that the United States is truly a free nation. By seeking American citizenship, they have made the decision to live in a place where, as guaranteed by the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights, they can practice religion as they choose, speak their minds without fear of punishment, and assemble in peaceful protest should they choose to do so.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating these individuals, who will become citizens of the United States of America on July 4, 2012, the day of our nation's independence. They, too, will be American citizens, and they, too, will be guaranteed the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We, as a free and democratic nation, congratulate and welcome them.