Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, it is with immense pleasure that I rise today to recognize the Izaak Walton League of America on their 90th Anniversary and to congratulate its members on their many accomplishments. In honor of this exceptional milestone, the Izaak Walton League of America began a yearlong celebration on January 14, 2012, 90 years to the date of the organization's incorporation.

After being formally incorporated on January 14, 1922, in Illinois, the League, which initially consisted of fifty-four admirable men, began to work diligently on conserving natural resources in order to ensure their enjoyment, benefit, and use to the current generation and generations to come. Today, the League consists of 39,000 members and more than 250 community-based chapters who are committed to continuing the legacy and furthering the accomplishments of their predecessors. With a goal in mind to protect the nation's soil, air, wood, waters, and wildlife, the League's members have set high standards, and through hard work and dedication, not only met, but exceeded their goals. To elaborate on just a few examples of the tremendous impact the League's efforts have had on the environment, League leaders played a major role in the formulation of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968, which led to the landmark 1973 Clean Water Act. Furthermore, the League led the way in the creation of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and today, its members work to ensure these funds are being allocated appropriately, for purposes which include the acquisition of public land and the creation of local opportunities for outdoor recreation. The Izaak Walton League is also to be commended for its role in the creation of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, Superior National Forest, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and the Everglades and Isle Royale National Parks.

The League's continuous cooperation in working with communities, as well as with Congress, has led to many positive changes involving policies, legislation, and efforts to protect the environment. When it comes to protecting our water sources, defending public lands, establishing farm and energy policy, protecting fish and wildlife, and conservation, the Izaak Walton League's members have proven that with diligence, teamwork, and an appreciation for nature, everyday citizens can have a major impact on the world.

The Izaak Walton League's dedication to communities is endless. The League has supported programs to keep family farms in business, and groups of League members, known as ``Ikes,'' give their time to help build nature trails, restore stream banks, plant trees and rain gardens, and prevent the spread of invasive species. The Izaak Walton League knows how important it is to invest in the future, and it is with this in mind that the organization annually awards $125,000 in scholarships to college students seeking their degrees in fields related to conservation and natural resources.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring and congratulating the Izaak Walton League of America on its 90th Anniversary. Through the years, the League's members have dedicated their time and efforts to ensure the conservation of our natural resources, and for this, they are to be recognized and commended.

Mr. Speaker, on January 31, 2012, I was absent from the House and missed rollcall vote 12.

Had I been present for rollcall 12, on agreeing to H. Res. 522, providing for consideration of H.R. 1173, a measure to repeal the CLASS program, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to congratulate some of the most devoted and proficient workers in Northwest Indiana. The Northwest Indiana Federation of Labor, American Federation of Labor--Congress of Industrial Organizations, recognized several individuals for their dedication during the 37th Annual Community Labor Awards Reception, which was held at Wicker Memorial Park in Highland, Indiana, on January 31, 2012. These individuals, in addition to the other Northwest Indiana Federation of Labor members who have served Northwest Indiana so diligently for such a long period of time, are the epitome of the ideal American worker: loyal, dedicated, and hardworking.

At this year's event, several individuals and organizations received special recognition. Ray Kasmark, Business Manager, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 697, was this year's recipient of the President's Award. Mr. Kasmark was honored for his many years of service and his exceptional contributions to the well-being of workers throughout Northwest Indiana.

The Democratic Members of the Indiana House and Senate received the Service to Labor Award for their tireless efforts to assist organized labor with improving the quality of life for workers in Northwest Indiana.

Randy Palmateer, Business Manager, Northwestern Indiana Building and Construction Trades Council, was presented with this year's Union Label Award for his unselfish devotion to the Labor Movement through social, civic, educational, and political endeavors.

United Steelworkers Local 6787 accepted the Community Services Award for its members' exemplary service to the community and the enhancement of the quality of life for people in Northwest Indiana, as demonstrated by their countless hours of volunteerism and charity work.

For his outstanding leadership skills and dedication to assist working Americans through trying times, Rich Trumka, President, American Federation of Labor--Congress of Industrial Organizations, received the Leadership Award.

Roger Jachna, Jr., of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 697, and William Beck, of Pipefitters Local 597, received the George Meany Award, an honor bestowed upon them by the Boy Scouts of America.

Mike Summers, former Business Manager of Ironworkers Local 395 and former President of the Northwestern Indiana Building and Construction Trades Council, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The exceptional service he has so generously provided to the community deserves our admiration and respect. His dedication and commitment are representative of the values we cherish in Northwest Indiana.

Northwest Indiana has a rich history of excellence in its craftsmanship and loyalty by its tradesmen. These individuals are all outstanding examples of these qualities. They have demonstrated their loyalty to both the union and the community through their hard work and self-sacrifice.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating these dedicated, honorable, and exemplary citizens, as well as all of the hardworking union men and women in America. They have shown commitment and courage toward their pursuits, and I am proud to represent them in Washington, DC.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and honor that I congratulate Mrs. Mary Edith Brown Coleman on a momentous milestone, her 95th birthday, which will be on February 13, 2012. Edith will be celebrating this milestone with family and friends on Saturday, February 11, 2012. Throughout the past 72 years, Edith's presence in Northwest Indiana has allowed her the opportunity to touch the lives of countless people.

Edith Brown was born on February 13, 1917 in Muskogee, Oklahoma. She was one of four children born to Luther Albert Brown and Dora Rozolia Draper Brown. Having gone on to live in Kansas City, Kansas and Chicago, Illinois, Edith finally relocated to Gary, Indiana in 1940. Quite the accomplished student, Edith completed her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in education at Indiana University in Bloomington. From there, she decided to go into the teaching profession. As a teacher at Frederick Douglass Elementary School in Gary for over 27 years, Edith was able to enrich the lives of so many young people in the Gary community. For her commitment to the youth of Northwest Indiana, she is worthy of the highest praise.

Equally as impressive, Edith has always been seen as the foundation of her family. She and her husband, the late William Henry Coleman, were blessed with the births of two wonderful children: Norma Louise Coleman and Merle Jean Coleman. Edith's family, as well as those whose lives she has touched, admire her for devoting unselfish love, time, dedication, guidance, and spirit to her family, her students, and her friends.

As well as being dearly loved and respected by her family, her students, and her community, Edith is also well known for her involvement with her church, the First Church of God in Gary, and several other organizations. For years, Edith has been a distinguished member of the American Association of University Women, the Women's Association of the Northwest Indiana Symphony Society, the Red Hat Society, and the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. Since her arrival in Northwest Indiana, Edith has always been known as a good-hearted woman who is always willing to help the people in her community. For her selflessness, she is to be commended and admired.

Mr. Speaker, Mary Edith Brown Coleman has always given her time and efforts selflessly to the youth and the community in Northwest Indiana throughout her illustrious life. She has taught every member of her family and extended family the true meaning of service to others. I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in wishing Edith a very happy 95th birthday.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate Mr. Ronald Szafarczyk on his retirement from his position of Clerk-Treasurer for the town of Griffith, Indiana. Ron has dedicated his life to public service and the interests of the residents of Griffith. For his lifetime of serving the people of Griffith and Northwest Indiana, Ron will be honored at a celebratory reception on Thursday, January 19, 2012, at Andorra Banquets in Schererville, Indiana.

Ron's interest in local politics began in 1967, when he became a precinct committeeman for the town of Griffith. For the past twenty- four years, Ron has served the town of Griffith in numerous elected capacities. In 1987, Ron ran for a position on the town council and was elected as a councilman, serving from 1988 to 1996. Ron was then elected Clerk-Treasurer, and served in this capacity for sixteen years. Ron's passion, devotion, and continuous support to the town of Griffith are remarkable and he is to be commended.

In addition to his impressive career with the town of Griffith, Ron is a member of the Griffith Rotary, the Griffith Chamber of Commerce, and serves on the committee for Griffith's ``Park Full of Art'' event. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus and Saint Mary Catholic Church, where he serves as a Eucharistic Minister. Mr. Szafarczyk is the most generous of gentlemen.

Ron's dedication to the town of Griffith is noteworthy; however, it is his commitment to his family that is most impressive. Ron and his wonderful wife, Janice, have six beloved children and fourteen grandchildren.

I am proud that Ron Szafarczyk is my friend and I cannot thank him enough for all that he has done for me over the years. I am even more grateful for what he has done for so many for so long; strangers and friends alike.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending Mr. Ronald Szafarczyk for his outstanding contributions to the town of Griffith and the community of Northwest Indiana, and to wish him well upon his retirement. Ron has given his time and efforts selflessly to the community and his service is worthy of the highest praise.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and sincere respect that I congratulate my good friend Mr. Loreto ``Baby Lou'' Gonzalez on his retirement from ArcelorMittal, formerly the Inland Steel Company. Mr. Gonzalez, a member of United Steelworkers Local 1010 for many years, has dedicated his life to the interests of his fellow tradesmen and the entire community in Northwest Indiana. For his lifetime of service, Baby Lou was honored at a retirement celebration at Club Ki-Yowga in East Chicago, Indiana, on January 7, 2012.

Baby Lou is the youngest of seven children born to Loreto and Carlota Gonzalez. Following his graduation in 1965 from East Chicago Washington High School, Baby Lou began working at Inland Steel in the slab yard. After years of service, he eventually moved to the 80'' hot strip where he became a crane operator. Mr. Gonzalez has been one of the most active members of Steelworkers Local 1010, where he was a grievance steward for 30 years.

Baby Lou's dedication to his community has always been a focal point of his life's work. He has helped Local 1010 annually with its food and coat drive to assist families in need. Recognizing the importance of civic involvement, he has also assisted in voter registration and community outreach programs to help improve the lives of all residents of Northwest Indiana. Baby Lou Gonzalez has served as a board member for the Catherine House and the Northwest Indiana Catholic Youth Organization. Additionally, he has spent countless hours coaching and developing baseball players in the East Chicago Little League and Senior League, worked tirelessly as a precinct committeeman, and is currently a member of the Human Rights Committee for East Chicago.

While my friend has been a dedicated worker for the last 47 years, and a steadfast contributor to his community, he has been an even more dedicated husband to Irene, father to Louie, Irene, and Kurt, and grandfather to three wonderful grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, Loreto Gonzalez has given his time and efforts selflessly to the steelworkers with whom he has worked and to the people of Northwest Indiana for his entire life. He has been a true role model to his peers and a true friend to Northwest Indiana. I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending Baby Lou for his outstanding contributions to Northwest Indiana and in wishing him well upon his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to stand before you and my colleagues today to recognize Chester Stanley Lobodzinski. Chester has dedicated his life to serving the community of Northwest Indiana. His outstanding dedication put forth toward public service has allowed him the opportunity to enrich the lives of countless individuals.

For his tremendous passion to serve those in need and to encourage others to do the same, Chester is a true leader and an inspiration. He has accomplished so much throughout his life and I am grateful for his numerous contributions to the community of Northwest Indiana. Chester, a retired steelworker, founded the American Steelworkers National Day, a day that honors steelworkers who have been committed to improving the quality of life for people in Northwest Indiana. Chester is also the founder of the local chapter of the Youngstown Sheet and Tube Old- Timers, an organization that brings people together through public service. Another project that Chester has organized and developed is the Hammond Tech Appreciation Society, which recognizes and honors the faculty and alumni of Hammond Tech High School. In addition to these wonderful organizations, Chester is also a member of American Legion Post 261 in Cedar Lake, Indiana, and has given much of his time to the Crown Point Little League and the Chester Stanley Lobodzinski Hope Foundation for cancer patients, among others. Chester's unwavering perseverance and his enthusiastic outlook when it comes to community service is to be admired, and he is worthy of our highest praise.

Chester's dedication to public service and the community of Northwest Indiana is exceeded only by his devotion to his amazing family. Chester and his lovely wife, Lurene, have been happily married for almost fifty years. They raised four beloved children: Cathy, Stan, Tim, and the late Anita, and have two adoring grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, Chester Lobodzinski has always given his time and efforts generously and compassionately. I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring him for his exceptional charitable work. Chester continues to touch the lives of countless people, and for his unselfish, lifelong commitment, he is to be commended.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I take this opportunity to recognize one of Northwest Indiana's most dedicated and selfless citizens, Mr. George Thiel, of Griffith, Indiana. After serving the people of Griffith as a firefighter for sixty years, the last twenty-nine of which he served as the department's Fire Chief, George retired from service at the beginning of 2012. In recognition of Mr. Thiel's service to his community, not only as a firefighter but also for his commitment to serving his community in many other capacities, a party was held in his honor on Sunday, January 8, 2012.

George was born March 20, 1926, in Saint John, Indiana, and learned the meaning of dedication and hard work on his family's farm. To this day, George still enjoys farming. After graduating from Dyer Central High School, George entered the Army, where he was quickly promoted to Sergeant for the 99th Infantry Division. During his military service, he participated in the Battle of the Bulge and earned a Purple Heart Medal. George was honorably discharged from the Army in 1945 and began his first career as a home builder, retiring from that position in 1990. Shortly after beginning his first career, George found his true love and married Peggy Vestal in 1951. He then found his other true love and joined the Griffith Fire Department in 1952. George and Peggy were blessed to have three children: Mike, Larry, and Sandy, who have given them six wonderful grandchildren. George remained dedicated to his family and his career and was promoted to Fire Chief in 1983, a post he retained until his retirement.

Of all the awards and highlights of a sixty-year firefighting career, George can be most proud of the public educational work he has accomplished and the countless lives he has saved. George has saved many lives simply through his initiative to provide Griffith residents with smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers at no cost to the resident. Additionally, George has passed on much of his knowledge and expertise to so many firefighters that Griffith will benefit for generations to come.

Aside from his incredible sixty years of service on the fire department, George's contributions to the Northwest Indiana community extend to numerous youth organizations that were fortunate to have George's coaching and mentoring skills. George continues to enjoy volunteering and watching all Griffith High School football and basketball games. George also remains an instrumental teacher to the people of Griffith by sharing his knowledge of the rich tradition and history of the town.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending Mr. George Thiel for his lifetime of leadership, service, and dedication to the residents of Griffith, Indiana. He has touched the lives of countless citizens, and his commitment to the safety of his community and to the improvement of the quality of life for the people of Griffith is to be admired.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and the deepest respect that I rise today to honor one of Northwest Indiana's most distinguished citizens, the Mayor of the City of Gary, Indiana, Karen Freeman-Wilson. Born and raised in Gary, Karen is truly one of the most passionate and involved individuals that I have ever known, especially when it comes to serving the people of Gary. Mayor Freeman-Wilson's first term began this year, and in doing so, she took her place in history as the first female mayor of the City.

Karen Freeman was born in Gary, Indiana; her father, a steelworker, and her mother, the coordinator of a local community center. Both took great pride in their city and were heavily involved in their community, and it was through their example that Karen learned the importance of hard work and public service from a young age. Karen credits her parents with teaching her that ``to whom much is given, much shall be required,'' and it is with this ideal in mind that she has accomplished so much throughout her distinguished career.

Following her graduation from Harvard Law School, Karen quickly realized that working in a law firm was not what she was meant to do. Rather, her calling was public service. Throughout her esteemed career, Mayor Freeman-Wilson has held many posts. From 1995 to 2000, she served as a presiding judge for the Gary City Court, during which time she established the first drug treatment court in the State of Indiana. In 2000, Governor Frank O'Bannon appointed Karen to serve as Attorney General for the State of Indiana. After leaving office, Karen continued to work for the public in various capacities. She has served as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals, the Executive Director of the National Drug Court Institute, the Director of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission, and as a member of the board of directors for Hythiam, Inc. Mayor Freeman- Wilson has also been involved with numerous other organizations and charitable groups, including: the American Bar Association, the Indiana State Bar Association, Legal Services of Northwest Indiana, the Gary Chamber of Commerce, and the Second Chance Foundation, an organization aimed and combating substance abuse, for which she is a founding member. She is also very active in her church, Israel C.M.E. Church.

For her many contributions to her community, the State of Indiana, and beyond, the Mayor has received countless accolades. To name a few, she was recognized by Ebony magazine as a Leader of the Future, by the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority with the National Award for Achievement in Civil Rights, and is an inductee into the Stanley Goldstein Drug Court Hall of Fame. In addition, she is a recipient of the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash, awarded by former Indiana Governors Evan Bayh and Frank O'Bannon.

A devoted wife and mother, Karen's passion for serving the people of Gary is matched only by her love for her family. Karen and her husband, Carmen, are the proud parents of a daughter, Jordan. Karen and Carmen have reinforced the same sense of responsibility and civic pride in their daughter that Karen learned from her parents.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and all of my distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson as she begins her first term as the Mayor of Gary. She is to be commended for her leadership, dedication, and her love for the people of Gary. Karen serves as a true inspiration to those she serves, and I look forward working with her in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and reflect on his life and work, we are reminded of the challenges that democracy poses to us and the delicate nature of liberty. Dr. King's life, and, unfortunately, his untimely death, reminds us that we must continually work to secure and protect our freedoms. Dr. King, in his courage to act, his willingness to meet challenges, and his ability to achieve, embodied all that is good and true in the battle for liberty.

The spirit of Dr. King lives on in the citizens of communities throughout our nation. It lives on in the people whose actions reflect the spirit of resolve and achievement that will help move our country into the future. In particular, several distinguished individuals from Indiana's First Congressional District were recognized during the 33rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast on Saturday, January 14, 2012, at the Genesis Convention Center in Gary, Indiana. The Gary Frontiers Service Club, which was founded in 1952, sponsors this annual breakfast.

This year, the Gary Frontiers Service Club paid tribute to several local individuals who have for decades unselfishly contributed to improving the quality of life for the people of Gary. Mayor Rudolph Clay was honored with the prestigious Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major Award for 2012. The individuals recognized as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Marchers at this year's breakfast included: Attorney Arlene D. Colvin, Mr. Richard (Chappy) Woods, Pastor Dwight A. Gardner, Ms. Sandra Jean Irons, Colonel (Retired) Richard D. Ligon, and Bishop E. Bobby Warren. Yolkfellow James Piggee was selected as the 2011 Frontier of the Year. In addition, the club also inducted its first Honorary Member, Reverend Pharis D. Evans, Pastor of Clark Road Baptist Church in Gary, for his many years of service to the Gary Frontiers Service Club. Though very different in nature, the achievement of all these individuals reflect many of the same attributes that Dr. King possessed, as well as the values he advocated. Like Dr. King, these individuals saw challenges and faced them with unwavering strength and determination. Each one of the honored guests' greatness has been found in their willingness to serve with ``a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love.'' They set goals and work selflessly to make them a reality.

Mr. Speaker, I urge you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast Chairman Clorius L. Lay and the Gary Frontiers Service Club officers: President Oliver J. Gilliam, Vice President Sean Jones, 1st Vice President James Piggee, Recording Secretary Melvin Ward, Financial Secretary Sam Frazier, Corresponding Secretary Ferba Hines and Treasurer/Seventh District Director Floyd Donaldson, as well as the honorees and all other members of the service club for their initiative, determination, and dedication to serving the people of Northwest Indiana.

Mr. Speaker, it is with immense gratitude and deep sadness that I wish to commend United States Army Sergeant Brian Leonhardt for his bravery and his willingness to fight for his country. Sergeant Leonhardt, a member of the Indiana National Guard assigned to the 713th Engineer Company, 81st Troop Command out of Valparaiso, Indiana, was killed in the Kandahar Province of Afghanistan, along with three other members of the Indiana National Guard, when their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device on Friday, January 6, 2012. The sacrifice of Sergeant Leonhardt, as well as that of his fellow Guard members, will be forever remembered by those they fought to protect.

Born in Crown Point, Indiana and a resident of Merrillville, Indiana, Brian graduated from Hammond Baptist High School in Hammond, Indiana. Friends and family remember him as an athlete who loved to play basketball and an avid fan of the Miami Heat. A man of faith, Brian attended services at First Baptist Church of Hammond.

After his graduation, Brian joined the Indiana Army National Guard and completed his basic training and advanced individual training at Fort Leonard Wood, where he was recognized as the honor graduate of his class. One of eight children, it is evident that Brian was raised with a deep sense of patriotism. In fact, three of his brothers are also military veterans. For Sergeant Leonhardt's unwavering love for his country, as well as his extraordinary skill and commitment as a member of the Indiana National Guard, he received numerous military awards and honors.

Sergeant Leonhardt leaves behind a loving family that will forever cherish his memory. He is survived by his devoted wife Dianne, adoring parents Marie and Robert, brothers Charles, Randall, Robert III, Anthony, and Trevor, and sisters Theresa and Jacqueline. He also leaves behind many other friends and family members, as well as a saddened but proud community and a grateful nation. While the loss of Sergeant Leonhardt is a tremendous tragedy, and there is much sadness for a brilliant future cut far too short, the impact he has had on his family, friends, and community will leave a lasting impression.

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring a fallen hero, United States Army Sergeant Brian Leonhardt. Sergeant Leonhardt sacrificed his life in service to his country, and his passing serves as an unfortunate, yet all too familiar reminder of the realities of war. Sergeant Leonhardt 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.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

There is great substance in this bill, but I really want to address the process and to begin my remarks by saying how very proud I am of the Appropriations Committee of the House of Representatives and the United States Senate of this Congress.

Mr. Speaker, the Appropriations Committee is composed of serious and intelligent people. Our members and our terrific staff--I was also on the staff at one time--work hard to invest in our country and to improve the lives of the people we represent.

As Chairman Rogers indicated, our members do disagree, but they thoughtfully consider the facts; they consider each other's perspectives and positions and reach reasonable compromises that improve the Government of the United States of America. This is how this entire body should conduct itself.

I especially want to thank Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Dicks and their staffs for leading the way.

I also want to express my gratitude to Chairman Frelinghuysen, who is also my friend and a consummate gentleman; and to our subcommittee members and our exceptional staffs for their dedication and hard work in crafting a wonderful piece of legislation.

The agreement on energy and water provides $2.3 billion for nonproliferation activities, $30 million above last year's level, ensuring that our ability to counter the most serious threat confronting our national security, the threat of nuclear terrorism, is adequately funded;

The agreement provides for renewable energy programs at level funding from last year. The science account, so critical to the competitiveness of our Nation, is $46 million above last year; and ARPA-E provides and drives innovation to support our scientific competitiveness;

The Army Corps of Engineers is funded at $5 billion, a slight increase over last year's level, ensuring that some ongoing projects will not be terminated.

We must invest in our infrastructure. While this bill does increase funding for Corps, we are not adequately investing in infrastructure. But I do urge the support of the legislation.

I rise in strong support of the legislation.

I would like to begin my remarks by indicating that I consider investing in our water infrastructure as a key component in disaster relief, that is if we can avoid disasters in the first place. We prevent harm, and we certainly save the taxpayers much money.

Several years ago, perhaps, if we had made an adequate investment in water infrastructure, we might not have avoided the issue of spending more money in one city in this country in one year, New Orleans, than we did on every water project in the United States of America combined.

In the omnibus bill that we have just considered, we have increased funding for the Army Corps over the budget request and over last year's level. However, despite the best efforts of the subcommittee, we are still $443 million below that provided to the Corps in fiscal year 2010. At these levels, we are not close to addressing the Corps backlog of navigation and flood control projects. That is why I am pleased today to rise in support of this bill that does provide $1.7 billion in Corps disaster relief funding. This has been an extraordinary flood season. Further, in August, Hurricane Irene caused significant damage.

Assuming there are no additional natural disasters in 2012, this funding appears adequate to address damages within Presidential declared disaster areas. However, my colleagues should be aware there are damages to the tune of $233 million which must be addressed at locations outside declared disaster areas for which the bill does not provide funding.

Again, we must note that there are no moneys provided for emergencies that may occur between now and October 1 of 2012. We know that, potentially, wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes will occur. So I will simply conclude by saying that moving forward-- and again, I strongly support this bill--we must, as an institution, have the intestinal fortitude to budget for emergencies in anticipation of them on an annual basis.

Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to commend Ivy Tech Community College Northwest and its regional partners, who recently celebrated their 7th Annual ``Spirit of Innovation'' Induction Ceremony, in which twenty-three individuals and sixteen teams were inducted as members of the 2011-2012 class of the Society of Innovators of Northwest Indiana. Individuals were selected from these new members and inducted as Society Fellows for their exceptional efforts in innovation. These individuals include: Mayor Jon Costas, Robert Johnson III, Julie Rizzo, Angela Hambling, and Janet Brown, Ph.D. Also honored was the Chanute Prize team recipient, IVDiagnostics at Entech, Valparaiso. For their outstanding efforts, these honorees were inducted during a prestigious event that took place in the Pavilion Ballrooms located at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Indiana, on October 20, 2011.

The Society of Innovators of Northwest Indiana was created by Ivy Tech Northwest with the goal of highlighting and encouraging innovative individuals and groups within the not-for-profit, public, and private sectors, as well as building a ``Culture of Innovation'' in Northwest Indiana. The importance of innovation in Northwest Indiana, as well as globally, is crucial in today's ever-changing economy.

The five Fellows selected by the Society of Innovators were chosen for their remarkable

diversity of innovation and the impact of their efforts throughout the community of Northwest Indiana. The 2011-2012 individuals named Society Fellows are as follows: Mayor Jon Costas, of Valparaiso, has worked hard to ensure that the City of Valparaiso is an innovative leader. Revitalizing the downtown area, creating a new urban park, improving the city's infrastructure, and launching a citywide bus service, as well as a commuter bus to Chicago, are some of the many outstanding projects completed under the direction of Mayor Costas. Robert Johnson III is the President/CEO of Cimcor, Inc., Merrillville. Robert developed cutting edge information technology security software that takes real time change detection to the next level by offering instant remediation of unauthorized changes. This security software system is used by the United States Army and the National Nuclear Security Administration, among others. Julie Rizzo is the President of US Greenworks, LLC and is also Executive Director of My Choice Recycling, Saint John. Julie's network of granite recycling centers has saved an estimated five million pounds of granite and stone scraps from being dumped into landfills nationwide. Angela Hambling, Principal of Rolling Prairie Elementary School in La Porte County, created an offsite activities center that is used to improve the educational outcome of underserved minority students. Angela, along with school administrators and teachers, was able to help over 100 students this past year. As a result of this exceptional program, the school's status was raised to ``exemplary.'' Janet Brown, Ph.D. is the Dean of the College of Nursing, Valparaiso University. Under Dr. Brown's direction, the College of Nursing's enrollment went from 25 students to 350 undergraduate students, 45 master's program students, and 28 doctoral students. Dr. Brown also initiated the overseas ``cultural immersion'' experiences for nursing students.

The recipient of the Chanute Prize for Team Innovation is: IVDiagnostics at Entech Innovation Center, Valparaiso. IVDiagnostics launched a new diagnostic tool to help in the fight against cancer by indentifying rare circulating tumor cells in vivo. This procedure is non-toxic and also helps to eliminate issues that arise in current methods, which calculate high false positives and negatives. Preclinical studies have been conducted at two medical centers which illustrate the effectiveness of this innovative technology.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my distinguished colleagues to join me in commending these outstanding innovators on being named Society Fellows and the Chanute Prize recipient. Their dedication and commitment to innovation is truly an inspiration. Their years of hard work have played a major role in shaping future development in Northwest Indiana and communities worldwide, and each recipient is worthy of the highest praise.

Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sadness but with great respect that I take this time to remember one of Northwest Indiana's finest citizens, Mrs. Grace Tyson, of East Chicago, Indiana. Mrs. Tyson's many contributions to the Northwest Indiana community as a civil servant and as a leader within her church are worthy of our deepest admiration. Grace passed away at the age of 103 on Friday, November 25, 2011, but the impact and influence she has had on her community will surely live on for generations to come.

Grace Tyson was born in Unity, Illinois, to Mary and Dee McCondle. She attended elementary school in Unity, Illinois, graduated from high school in Sandusky, Illinois, and later attended college in Carbondale, Illinois. In 1940, she married Charles Tyson and they settled down in the city of East Chicago, Indiana. Grace graduated with distinction from Beauty and Cosmetology School in Gary, Indiana, in 1945. Her lifelong career as a licensed cosmetologist and beautician lasted 51 years, until her retirement in 1996. Grace joined Saint Mark African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in the early 1940s. She became a faithful member of the church and Missionary Society, holding the offices of President and Secretary.

Throughout her life, Mrs. Tyson gave of her time to serve those in need. She was very passionate about helping others, and her life was centered around this type of work. She was one of the very first individuals to serve as a volunteer driver for Meals on Wheels, a position she held for over five years. She was a member of the Women's Improvement Club of East Chicago, for which she served as President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Grace also became the area representative and delegate for senior citizens at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. For her truly impressive determination to improve the lives of so many, she was awarded the Governor's Proclamation for her years of service. Grace was known as a quiet, effective leader who served as a positive role model for many young men and women throughout the community of Northwest Indiana.

While Grace Tyson was always active in her community and her church, she cherished her time with her family the most. She leaves to cherish her memory her nieces, Mary Perry and Martha Brownlee; nephew, Tommy (Gwendolyn) Daniel; godson, Edward Williams; and special neighbor Anna Williams; as well as many grand nieces and nephews. She will also be greatly missed by her many friends, neighbors, club members, and caretakers.

Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring Grace Tyson for her outstanding devotion to her community in Northwest Indiana. Her unselfish and lifelong dedication to those in need is worthy of the highest commendation. Grace's selflessness was an inspiration to us all, and I am proud to have represented her in Congress.