Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and honor that I congratulate Mr. Michael Summers on his retirement. Mike, a 40-year member, 12-year officer, and Business Manager of Ironworkers Local #395, has dedicated his life to the interests of his fellow tradesmen and the entire community in Northwest Indiana. For his lifetime of service to the Ironworkers and the Northwestern Indiana Building and Construction Trades Council, Mike will be honored at a retirement dinner taking place at Avalon Manor in Merrillville, IN, on May 13, 2011.

During his 40-year membership in Ironworkers Local #395, Mike has held many positions and assisted the Building Trades in numerous capacities. Mike has represented the Ironworkers Local #395 as Trustee to the Health and Welfare Plan, the Annuity Plan, and the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee. He has devoted much of his time to numerous boards and currently is a member of the Building Construction Resource Center. Additionally, he is a member of the Tri-Parte Committees for U.S. Steel, Arcelor Mittal Indiana Harbor, and Burns Harbor. Mike is the past President of the Northwestern Indiana Building and Construction Trades Council and has held elected office for the Ironworkers Local #395 as a Business Agent; currently, he is the Business Manager. Mike's passion, devotion, and continuous support to the Building Trades is truly remarkable and he is worthy of the highest praise.

Northwest Indiana has a rich history of excellence in its craftsmanship and loyalty to its members and service to the community. Mike Summers has always displayed these qualities and I profoundly respect his unwavering dedication to his own members and all the members of the Building Trades. I also deeply value his community involvement that has touched and inspired so many. When it comes to serving those in need throughout the community, Michael Summers has always been the first in line. He is generous to a fault.

Mr. Speaker, Michael Summers has given his time and efforts selflessly to those he has worked with and represented. He has been a true role model to his peers and a true friend to Northwest Indiana. Personally, I have found no better or loyal friend. I treasure our friendship. I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending Mike for his outstanding contributions and in wishing him well upon his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I stand before you today to honor Purdue University Calumet (PUC) Chancellor, Dr. Howard Cohen and his wife, Patricia Cohen. On Saturday, May 7, 2011, Chancellor and Patti Cohen will be honored at an event for their many years of service in the field of education at Purdue University Calumet. Chancellor Cohen, with the support of Patti, has had a tremendous impact on numerous students and educators throughout Northwest Indiana and across the nation and their efforts are to be highly commended.

From 2001 to 2010, Patricia Cohen's commitment and partnership in support of her husband has been instrumental in the growth and development of Purdue University Calumet. Patti graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of Wisconsin and also earned a master's degree in occupational therapy from Boston University. With her background in the medical field, Patti continues to share her knowledge with PUC and is a member of the PUC Honorary Nursing Organization: Sigma Theta Tau, Bet Mu Chapter. She is also a past member of the PUC Health and Wellness Committee. In addition, Patti has represented PUC on trips to universities in China, Poland, Spain, Oman, and Costa Rica. She has also established, planned, and hosted numerous campus and community events.

Howard Cohen is among less than a handful of academicians who I have dealt with over the last generation who I would describe as the ``best.'' Howard has used his inestimable intellect to impart wisdom to others. His leadership has introduced permanent positive changes throughout Northwest Indiana and our state. His vision has provided all of us with a guide to an improved and gentler future.

Additionally, Chancellor Cohen's professional and academic career led him to become a prominent, innovative leader in the field of education. In 1966, he graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree in philosophy from the University of Minnesota and went on to earn a master's degree and a doctoral degree from Harvard University. Since 2001, Dr. Howard Cohen has been Chancellor at PUC and also holds an appointment as Professor of Philosophy. Over the past ten years, Chancellor Cohen has dedicated his time and passion into making PUC the high quality, full-service university that it is today. PUC has expanded tremendously under the leadership of Chancellor Cohen. During his tenure, Chancellor Cohen has established student housing, constructed the Academic Learning Center and established nine centers and institutes of applied research. Labeled his signature project, Chancellor Cohen was influential in the implementation of the innovative experiential learning initiative, a program that blends traditional learning with hands-on, applied learning, which is now a curriculum requirement for all students seeking a bachelor's degree.

In addition to their truly impressive devotion to education and to Purdue University Calumet, Howard and Patti passionately serve the people of Northwest Indiana though their involvement in numerous community organizations. They have been married since 1968 and have two beloved children and two grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending Chancellor Howard Cohen and Patricia Cohen. Their inspiration continues to fuel the future of education and their life work has provided exceptional new opportunities in Northwest Indiana and across the nation. For their selfless, lifelong commitment they are worthy of the highest praise.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I stand before you today to honor Mr. Larry Sharp, Executive Director of the International Institute/LACASA--IILC, an organization that specializes in assisting individuals with immigration and citizenship concerns. For over 30 years, Larry has devoted his time and efforts to this organization, touching the lives of countless individuals. Mr. Sharp will be honored for his many years of service at an event hosted by the Gary Historical and Cultural Society, Inc., on Saturday, April 9, 2011, at the Genesis Convention Center in Gary.

Founded in 1919, the International Institute's main purpose was to assist foreign born individuals in their adjustment to American life by providing home visits with bilingual volunteers and workers. Continuing on this path, the organization continued to enhance the services it offered, and the Institute organized the first English classes for the foreign born. In 1945, a major focus of the organization was immigration and naturalization, and in 1958, the International Institute was accredited by the Board of Immigration Appeals to represent individuals before the Department of Homeland Security. In 2002, the International Institute and LACASA, an organization serving the Hispanic community, merged to form what is now known as the International Institute/LACASA and is also known as the International Community Alliance. Today, the organization's mission is to ``serve and advocate for low and moderate-income immigrants and Hispanics in immigration, naturalization, adult education, youth leadership development, food assistance, confronting domestic abuse, promoting cultural diversity, and fatherhood programs.''

Larry Sharp was born in LaPorte, Indiana, and is a graduate of Ball State University. He joined the Peace Corps in 1969 and was stationed in Peru. There, he learned to speak Spanish and met the love of his life, his wife, Taia Caroll. In 1979, Larry became Executive Director of the International Institute. Since 1982, Larry has been accredited by the Board of Immigration Appeals to represent individuals. Mr. Sharp continues to directly assist numerous people with citizenship and immigration issues daily. Through Larry's outstanding leadership and incredible passion, the International Institute/LACASA, has become an effective and compassionate program for all immigrants who need support.

Larry's dedication to the community and his career is exceeded only by his devotion to his amazing family. Larry and his wonderful wife, Taia, have two children, Neil and Taia.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending Mr. Larry Sharp as he is honored for his lifetime of service and dedication to foreign born individuals within the communities of Northwest Indiana, Illinois, and beyond. Larry continues to touch the lives of countless people, and for his unselfish, lifelong commitment, he is worthy of the highest praise.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to stand before you and my colleagues today to recognize Tom Anderson. Governor Mitch Daniels recently named Tom a Distinguished Hoosier, an annual award given to Indiana residents who have excelled in their chosen fields. Tom was selected to receive this high honor due to his many years of exceptional work with Save the Dunes Council. For his outstanding efforts, Tom will be presented with this award on Saturday, April 9, 2011, at Barker House in Michigan City, Indiana.

Save the Dunes Council was founded in 1952 with the mission to preserve, protect, and restore the Indiana Dunes and all natural resources in Northwest Indiana's Lake Michigan Watershed for an enhanced quality of life. It is one of the most knowledgeable, involved, and valued organizations in Northwest Indiana and beyond. The members of this respected organization continue to devote their time and unrelenting efforts to serve their community through the preservation of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Tom Anderson has demonstrated an enduring dedication to this organization and its ideals and for his lifelong commitment he is worthy of the highest praise.

From 1992 through 2010, Tom acted as the Executive Director of Save the Dunes Council. A major focus of Save the Dunes Council is to protect the Indiana Dunes through advocacy, education, and lobbying. During his career with Save the Dunes Council, Tom lobbied tirelessly for land protection and resources to fulfill the organization's mission of protecting and restoring natural resources within the Lake Michigan Basin. From 1994 through 2010, Tom acted as the Executive Director of the Save the Dunes Conservation Fund. The Fund protects natural resources through land protection, restoration, watershed implementations, and education. Impressively, Tom helped to increase the Fund's budget from less than $80,000 in 2005 to over $1 million by 2009. Presently, Tom continues his efforts with Save the Dunes Council as a member of the Save the Dunes Conservation Fund Land Committee. Tom's undying dedication to conservation has led to him to found Conservation Connections, LLC, a company that strives to implement community-based conservation solutions.

Tom's dedication to the environment, conservation, and his career is exceeded only by his devotion to his amazing family. He is happily married to attorney Joan Wiseman Anderson, and is the proud stepfather of four children who, following his inspirational example, all have become involved with conservation, public service, and resource protection. Tom and Joan have five grandchildren and reside in Michigan City.

Mr. Speaker, Tom Anderson has selflessly dedicated his time and effort to serve his community though his work with Save the Dunes Council. His passionate commitment to improving the quality of life for countless individuals is truly inspirational, and he is deserving of the high honor which has been bestowed upon him. I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending Tom Anderson on being recognized as a Distinguished Hoosier.

Mr. Speaker, on April 1, 2011, I was absent from the House and missed rollcall votes 215 through 224.

Had I been present for rollcall 215, agreeing to the amendment, Adam B. Schiff of California Amendment No. 29 to H.R. 658, the FAA Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2011, I would have voted ``aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall 216, agreeing to the amendment, Pete Sessions of Texas Amendment No. 20 to H.R. 658, the FAA Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2011, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall 217, agreeing to the amendment, Steven C. LaTourette of Ohio Amendment No. 21 to H.R. 658, the FAA Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2011, I would have voted ``aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall 218, agreeing to the amendment, Bill Shuster of Pennsylvania Amendment No. 24 to H.R. 658, the FAA Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2011, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall 219, on a motion to recommit with instructions H.R. 658, the FAA Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2011, I would have voted ``aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall 220, on passage of H.R. 658, the FAA Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2011, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall 221, on a motion to order the previous question on the rule for H. Res. 194, Providing for consideration of H.R. 1255, the Government Shutdown Prevention Act of 2011, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall 222, on agreeing to H. Res. 194, Providing for consideration of H.R. 1255, the Government Shutdown Prevention Act of 2011, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall 223, on a motion to recommit with instructions H.R. 1255,

the Government Shutdown Prevention Act of 2011, I would have voted ``aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall 224, on passage of H.R. 1255, the Government Shutdown Prevention Act of 2011, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. Speaker, it is with great sincerity and admiration that I offer congratulations to several of Hammond's most noteworthy athletes, as well as to others who have contributed to the legacy of Hammond's athletic programs. On Tuesday, March 8, 2011, the Hammond Sports Hall of Fame honored eight new inductees at its annual Induction Banquet, which was held at the Hammond Civic Center in Hammond, Indiana. The Hammond Sports Hall of Fame was established in 1987 to recognize and honor individuals for their significant contributions to Hammond's distinguished sports legacy. These eight individuals are an admirable group, composed of former athletes, coaches, and elected officials who have excelled in their athletic pursuits or supported Hammond sports and athletics in an extraordinary manner.

At this year's induction ceremony, the Hammond Sports Hall of Fame recognized and honored the 2011 inductees. The individuals who have so deservingly earned this high honor are: Thomas McDermott, Sr., Marty Jakubowski, Frank Carroll, Tom Burns, Jeff Yelton, Carla Eskridge Rogers, David M. Wilhelm, and Bill Atkins.

Hammond is very fortunate to have produced such a rich tradition of excellence among its athletes, coaches, and supporters. In unique ways, the Class of 2011 inductees have made extraordinary contributions and have added to Hammond's rich sports heritage.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating these outstanding individuals. Along with the current members of the Hammond Sports Hall of Fame, these new inductees have made a significant contribution to the continued excellence of Hammond athletics, and I am very proud to represent them in Washington,

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to stand before you and my colleagues today to recognize Deputy Mayor Geraldine Tousant. Geraldine has served the city of Gary for many years and for her efforts, she was honored at an event celebrating her 50 years of service to the city on Saturday, August 14, 2010, at the Gary City Hall. Her complete dedication and endless enthusiasm put forth toward her community have allowed her the opportunity to enrich the lives of countless people.

Geraldine was born in Ensley, Alabama, and moved to the city of Gary when she was three years old. She graduated from Gary Roosevelt High School in 1957, and soon after married the late Marshall Tousant. The couple was happily married for nearly 51 years. Geraldine has three children and is the proud grandmother of five. Amidst her time in office, Geraldine courageously battled breast cancer, and I am happy to report that she is a twenty-year cancer survivor.

Geraldine began her service to the city of Gary in 1960 at the age of twenty-one. She started out as a clerk-typist in the city's Department of Redevelopment. Working her way through the Department's ranks, Geraldine eventually became Director of the Department of Redevelopment. On February 14, 2003, Geraldine was recognized by former Mayor Scott King for her commitment to the people of Gary as he appointed her Deputy Mayor of the city of Gary.

Impressively, Geraldine has worked for seven mayors during her 50 years of service to the city: George Chacharis, my father John Visclosky, A. Martin Katz, Richard G. Hatcher, Thomas Barnes, Scott King, and current Mayor Rudy Clay. Throughout her many years of service, Geraldine has accomplished many impressive tasks, including handling the management and demolition of structures attained in other city agencies and computerizing the city's utility billings and payments.

Today, Geraldine is 71 years young and has no plans to retire anytime soon. Geraldine has said, ``I hope my 50 years with the city of Gary have been a role model for other employees.'' Without a doubt, she has been just that.

Mr. Speaker, Deputy Mayor Geraldine Tousant has always given her time and efforts selflessly and has truly been an inspiration to so many people throughout the years. We have all been enriched because of her lifetime commitment serving others, particularly those most in need. I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending Geraldine on her 50 years of service to the city of Gary.

Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to announce that the Indian American Cultural Center of NWIHRC will be celebrating its 9th anniversary by hosting a gala dinner and banquet on Saturday, March 5, 2011, at the Halls of Saint George, in Schererville, Indiana.

The Indian American Cultural Center, which opened on March 9, 2002, was established with the following goal in mind: to foster peace and harmony amongst the people of Northwest Indiana by showcasing their cultural heritage and creating spiritual awareness in both youth and adults, as well as to engage in various charitable events, both nationally and locally. Since its inception, the Indian American Cultural Center has been instrumental in educating Northwest Indiana's citizens on the traditions and customs of the Indian heritage.

The members of the Indian American Cultural Center of NWIHRC are to be commended, not only for their commitment to preserving tradition, but also for their commitment to making improvements that benefit all mankind. Proceeds from this year's gala, which throughout the years has demonstrated the immense generosity of its attendees and organizers, will go to support the Carmelite Home for Girls. In the past, proceeds from the gala have gone to such noble causes as cancer research, educational scholarships, the American Red Cross, and tsunami relief, as well as to victims of Hurricane Katrina and the earthquake in Kashmir, India.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending the board and members of the Indian American Cultural Center of NWIHRC for their outstanding contributions to society. Their commitment to improving the quality of life for the people of Northwest Indiana and throughout the world is truly inspirational and should be recognized and commended.

Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. Chairman, I also rise in opposition to this amendment. The fact is there is an appeal taking place before the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. A number of States have filed suit, those suits are going to be in court this spring. This is not an issue we should be deciding tonight. I am strongly opposed to the amendment.

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

I appreciate the recognition and stand to oppose the gentleman's amendment, first of all, to make the observation, representing the northwest corner of the State of Indiana, that I believe the gentleman is mistaken in suggesting that the State of Indiana supports the closure of the locks. It is my understanding that the State of Indiana opposes the closing of the locks.

I would agree with the gentleman's assertion that we face a very serious problem as far as the carp, and I and others have certainly joined in that concern. As a member of the Energy and Water Subcommittee for over a decade, we have been working acidulously on this particular problem, not only with the Army Corps of Engineers, but with an assortment of State and Federal regulatory bodies, because no one wants carp in the Great Lakes. But I would emphasize to this body that it is a work in progress. And at this point, the closure of the locks is uncalled for.

The second point--and the gentleman talks about the economy, there is an economic issue. Speaking for the State of Indiana, I would point out, if those locks were closed, the impact as far as the loss to economic activity in the State of Indiana is $1.9 billion, and 17,655 jobs in Indiana would be affected.

We're trying to create jobs in this economy, not strike them from beneath us.

And, finally, this issue is not without controversy. It has ended up in the courts. The gentleman's absolutely correct about that. Twice the United States Supreme Court has rejected arguments by the Michigan Attorney General that closing the locks is eminently needed at this point in time.

Last year the State of Michigan brought the question of lock closure before the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. On December 2, Judge Robert Dow ruled against the State of Michigan on their request for a preliminary injunction, explaining that the lock closure could inflict certain harm on the economy, and that the State of Michigan had failed to demonstrate that the Asian carp presented an ecological threat to the Great Lakes that was imminent.

So again, I would urge all of my colleagues to oppose the gentleman's amendment.

I yield to the gentleman from Michigan.

If I could reclaim my time, I understand the finding of DNA. That is not carp. And again, everyone is working on keeping the carps out of the lake. The locks are not impermeable either. And we have court intervention and court rulings on this matter. And again, would ask my colleagues to oppose the gentleman's amendment.

I yield back my time.

Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sadness and the utmost respect that I take this time to remember a dear friend and one of Indiana's most distinguished citizens, Bishop Frank Munsey, founder of Family Christian Center in Munster, Indiana. On Saturday, February 5, 2011, Bishop Frank Munsey passed away at the age of 80. Known for his commitment to the church and his missionary work, Bishop Munsey will surely be missed by his family, friends, parishioners, and the many people whose lives he influenced.

Bishop Frank Munsey and his wife, Ruth, founded their church in 1953. Initially, the church was named Evangelistic Temple and was located in Hammond, Indiana. The church's congregation continued to grow, and in 1971, Bishop Munsey moved the church to nearby Griffith, Indiana. It was at this time that the church was renamed Family Christian Center. Bishop Munsey's family has always been very active and dedicated to the Bishop's aspirations for the church, and in 1985, Pastor Steve Munsey, Frank's son, took over leadership of the Family Christian Center. In addition to his son, Steve; Bishop Munsey's daughter-in-law, Melody; grandson, Kent; and Kent's wife, Alli, serve as Pastors for the church. Due to its continued, tremendous growth, in 1999, the church moved to its current location in Munster. Today, because of Bishop Frank Munsey's commitment, loyalty, and spiritual guidance, as well as the continued leadership and dedication of his son, Pastor Steve Munsey, and family, the Family Christian Center has an astounding following of more than 30,000 parishioners.

In addition to founding and building the Family Christian Center, Bishop Munsey's passion for missionary work was a significant part of his life. In 1985, he and Ruth became missionaries in Latin America. After seven years of traveling missionary work, they established a Christian school in Bulgaria. In 1992, the American English Academy opened in the city of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. Today, there are 175 students from 31 countries who attend this school.

Bishop Frank Munsey is survived by his wife, four children, nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He has been called, ``an amazing man of God'' and ``a gentleman . . . who walked the walk'' by parishioners. Bishop Munsey will be remembered for his truly outstanding contributions to his community and throughout the world.

Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring Bishop Frank Munsey for his devotion to the numerous people whose lives he touched. His unselfish and lifelong dedication to the church, his family, friends, parishioners, and those he served through his missionary work is worthy of the highest commendation. His legacy will serve as an inspiration to all in the spiritual community, and he will remain an inspiration to the people of Northwest Indiana and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I stand before you today to recognize the Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce business award winners for 2010 and to congratulate the 2010 Distinguished Community Leader Award recipient, Mr. Bruce Leetz, and the 2010 Legacy of Service Award recipient, Mr. Larry Klemz. These outstanding recipients were honored during the Chamber's annual ``Salute to Leadership'' dinner that took place on Saturday, January 15, 2011, at Strongbow Inn in Valparaiso, Indiana.

The Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce utilizes members of the community in order to improve the quality of life within the community of Valparaiso through business development and community service. Each year, Chamber members and friends gather together to honor the recipients of the Distinguished Community Award and the Legacy of Service Award.

This year, the Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce honored its 2010 Business Award Winners. Peoples Bank and Urschel Laboratories were honored with the 100 Years in Business award. The 75 Years in Business award was given to Lincoln Office, L.L.C., and the recipient of the 50 Years in Business award is G.E. Marshall, Inc. Each business is dedicated to providing excellent business to the community and for that reason, they are to be commended.

The 2010 Distinguished Community Leader Award recipient is Bruce Leetz. A graduate of Valparaiso High School and Ball State University, Bruce is the President and Chief Executive Officer of North Coast Distributing and has been employed with the company for over 45 years. A local, family-owned beer wholesaler since 1939, North Coast, formerly Valpo Beverages, Incorporated, has become one of the premier distributors in the Midwest under Bruce's leadership. In addition to his successful career, Bruce has continuously been an active participant in his community, having served on the boards of the Northwest Indiana Forum, the Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce, and the Northwest Indiana Entrepreneurship Academy. He is also a past president of the Porter County United Way and the Valparaiso Rotary Club, and he is a Ruling Elder at First Presbyterian Church of Valparaiso. For his outstanding dedication to serving his community, Bruce is worthy of the highest praise.

Larry Klemz is the recipient of the 2010 Legacy of Service Award. Larry received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business from Valparaiso University. During school and following graduation, Larry worked for Home Mountain Publishing, which he purchased in 1978. He previously bought a small printing company in Valparaiso named the Herald Press and merged the two businesses together. Larry serves as President of his company, which is known today as Home Mountain Printing. Larry's leadership and dedication to his company has made Home Mountain Printing an industry leader in Northwest Indiana. Additionally, Larry spends much time and effort giving back to the community. He has served on numerous boards including: The Family and Youth Services Bureau, Porter County United Way, Valparaiso Rotary Club, Valparaiso YMCA, and the Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce. Currently, he serves with the Porter County Museum Advisory Council and the Public Education Foundation of Valparaiso. Larry's continuous devotion to his community is to be admired.

Mr. Speaker, clearly Bruce and Larry have not only been wonderfully successful in their chosen endeavors, but they have lived selfless lives. They know, as Charles Dickens wrote ``the common welfare was [their] business; charity, mercy, forbearance, benevolence, were all [their] business.''

At this time, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring the Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce 2010 Business Award Winners, as well as Bruce Leetz and Larry Klemz. For their dedication and commitment to the community of Valparaiso as well as Northwest Indiana, they are all worthy of the honors bestowed upon them.

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 will be recognized during the 32nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast on Saturday, January 15, 2011, 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 will pay tribute to several local individuals who have for decades unselfishly contributed to improving the quality of life for the people of Gary. Those individuals who will be recognized as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Marchers at this year's breakfast include: Karen Freeman-Wilson, the late Reverend Dr. Benjamin J. Holmes, Robert L. Nichols, Bishop Benjamin A. Sanders, William A. Shields, Ph.D., and Deputy Mayor Geraldine Tousant. Additionally, Martha Morgan Naylor will be honored with the prestigious Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major Award, an award given out annually to outstanding individuals of the Gary community. Ms. Johnnie Rogers will be recognized as the 2010 Frontier of the Year, which marks the first time a woman has been honored with this distinguished award.

Though very different in nature, the achievements of each of 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 Gary Frontiers Service Club officers: President Oliver J. Gilliam, First Vice President Sean Jones, Second Vice President James Piggee, Treasurer/Seventh District Director Floyd Donaldson, Recording Secretary Melvin Ward, Financial Secretary Sam Frazier, and Corresponding Secretary Ferba Hines, as well as Breakfast Chairman Clorius L. Lay, Videographer Otho Lyles, Master of Ceremony Clause Dowers, the honorees, and all other members of the service club for their initiative, determination, and dedication to serving the people of Northwest Indiana.

Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition to H.R 4853, legislation based on the agreement between the White House and Congressional Republican leaders that calls for borrowing nearly $1 trillion over the next two years.

Further, I am appalled that the unemployed are being held hostage in order to ram the flawed measure through Congress. And I have

yet to find the equity in extending tax cuts for 24 months, but the solvency of the unemployment fund for 13 months.

I oppose borrowing nearly 1 trillion over the next two years when we have a debt today of $13.8 trillion.

I oppose borrowing nearly $1 trillion over the next two years when our projected deficit for Fiscal Year 2011 is $1.1 trillion.

I oppose borrowing nearly $1 trillion over the next two years when we will pay $438 billion in interest on the national debt this year alone. I can't imagine what this figure will look like when interest rates inevitably head higher.

I oppose borrowing nearly $1 trillion over the next two years for an agreement that fundamentally weakens Social Security through a payroll tax ``holiday.'' The holiday means we will be paying less money than anticipated into Social Security, thus reducing its solvency. In fairness, we're told that the government will ``find'' the money to make up the loss. Where?

But what's the big deal if this is only temporary? If the debate around the expiration of the Bush tax cuts has taught us anything, it is that, fair or not, a so-called ``temporary'' tax cut can be quickly re-characterized as an impending tax hike.

If Members of Congress and the President do not have the intestinal fortitude to make thoughtful, tough, permanent decisions today, do you think they will with Presidential and Congressional elections looming next December? I believe the decisions made this week will become permanent, fundamentally weakening our country.

I oppose borrowing nearly $1 trillion over the next two years because we have a desperate need for investment in our nation's roads, bridges, ports, railroads, and water services. Just three months ago, the infrastructure in the state of Indiana received a grade of D+ from the Indiana section of the American Society of Civil Engineers in a report that identified a need for billions of dollars in safety and service upgrades. Next year, because of this agreement, we'll be told we just don't have any money left to invest.

Not all the provisions in this agreement are bad. There are many good ones, including making a decision about estate taxes. But they are not all of equal merit. better approach would have been to examine each tax provision and approve those that encouraged savings and investment the most, then pay for them, and make them permanent.

But no, let's hold the unemployed hostage. Let's borrow nearly $1 trillion over the next 2 years. Let's reduce the solvency of Social Security. Let's further disinvest in our nation's intellectual and economic infrastructure.

Robin Hood stole from the rich for others. We're stealing from our children for ourselves. My first grade teacher, Sister Marlene, would be ashamed.

I urge my colleagues to oppose this measure.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure and admiration that I stand before you today to recognize the Jewish Federation of Northwest Indiana and its members for their outstanding community service, and to celebrate the accomplishments of the organization at its 52nd annual meeting, which will take place at the Bernard and Estelle Marcus Jewish Federation Community Building on Sunday, December 12, 2010.

The Jewish Federation of Northwest Indiana is a local branch of the larger Jewish Federations of North America. The Jewish Federations of North America has directed its humanitarian efforts toward improving the social conditions of Jews and non-Jews throughout the world since 1940. Currently, this organization serves 155 communities across North America. The Jewish Federation of Northwest Indiana, in conjunction with its national and international partners, puts forth significant support toward rescue, relief, and development programs that serve Jewish communities in need in over 60 countries, including Israel, the former Soviet Union, Latin America, Africa, and Central and Eastern Europe.

The Jewish Federation of Northwest Indiana's long tradition of community service and involvement in the life of Northwest Indiana is to be commended. This organization continues to support many local organizations through its endowment program and is committed to charity work, helping many in need. The charity programs operated by the Jewish Federation of Northwest Indiana, for which many members have been honored, include the Food Pantry Drive, Shelter Needs, the Holiday Gift Drive, the Adult Friendship Program, the School Backpack Drive, the Senior Retreat, the High School Prom Dress Drive, the JCY Camp, Movie Night, and K'Ton Ton, its pre-school program. The people of Northwest Indiana certainly have been rewarded by the service and uncompromising loyalty displayed by the Jewish Federation of Northwest Indiana and its members. I congratulate the community service award winners, as they are worthy of the highest praise.

Madam Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring the Jewish Federation of Northwest Indiana for its exceptional service and dedication to not only the Northwest Indiana community, but communities worldwide. The members of this truly outstanding organization continue to touch the lives of countless people, and for their unselfish, lifelong commitment, they are worthy of the highest praise.