Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, it is with great honor and pleasure that I stand before

you today to recognize the 30th Anniversary of Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Portage, Indiana. To commemorate this special occasion, Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park will be holding an anniversary celebration on Saturday, July 5, 2008, at Jellystone Park in Portage, Indiana.

Jellystone Park was established in 1978 in order to provide camping and entertainment to vacationing families from across America. The Portage, Indiana, Jellystone Park is one of over 70 parks in the Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort Franchise System. The Jellystone Park Board of Directors are: President Rochelle Carmichael, Vice President Don Butler, Secretary Connie Williams, Treasurer George Hill, Park Director Carolyn Julovich, and members: Marlene Jacobs, Tina Green, and Charles Taylor.

Every year, thousands of families vacation at the Portage Jellystone Park to share time together and enjoy its amenities. The Park offers a fulltime recreation program, a private lake, beaches, fishing, rentals, arcade room, and several pools.

In addition to the weekly activities, the 30th Anniversary will feature a special commemorative ceremony, followed by live music at the Yogi Bear Stage and a fireworks display over the lake at dusk.

Madam Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring and congratulating Yogi Bear's Jellystone Camp-Resort on their 30th Anniversary. Their many great accomplishments and hard work throughout the years are worthy of commendation.

Madam Speaker, it is with great admiration and gratitude that I stand before you today to recognize the many years of dedicated service of Dr. Alan Harre. Having known Alan for many years, I can truly say that he is one of the most committed, knowledgeable, and honorable citizens in Northwest Indiana. Nowhere has his knowledge and commitment been more evident than in his faithful service as President of Valparaiso University. Alan has served Valparaiso University with two decades of dedicated leadership, and he has been a constant fixture in the Valparaiso community. For his efforts, I would like to thank him and extend my best wishes for his retirement. A celebration honoring Dr. Harre's leadership and service will be held at Strongbow Inn Restaurant in Valparaiso, Indiana, on Thursday, June 26, 2008.

Dr. Alan Harre has spent his professional career improving the quality of life at Valparaiso University. Dr. Harre's Strategic Plan set goals for the university in every aspect of campus life. During his tenure, the university has built several new facilities, including: the Center for the Arts, Kallay-Christopher Hall, the Christopher Center for Library Information and Resources, and has broken ground for a new student union. Valparaiso University has also ranked within the top four in its class in U.S. News and World Report's rankings of America's Best Colleges under Harre's leadership. Dr. Harre also contributed to the development of three new Master of Science programs and established a Valparaiso University Phi Beta Kappa honor society chapter. Perhaps Dr. Harre's greatest on-campus achievement is the increasing of the endowment fund from $37 million to over $200 million.

During his time at Valparaiso University, Alan has shared his unrivaled expertise and knowledge of his field with local organizations. Alan has served two terms on the Board for the Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce and was named Distinguished Community Leader by the Chamber in 1998. He was a founding member of the Porter County Community Foundation and a co-founder of the non-profit group Rebuilding Together. Alan also has served as the Chairman of the Quality of Life Council, and in 2007, received the Council's Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Harre and his wife, Diane, are also creating the Alan and Diane Harre Scholarship Fund for Valparaiso University.

Madam Speaker, Dr. Alan Harre has devoted his life to improving Valparaiso University and to serving the people of Northwest Indiana. At this time, I ask that you and all of my distinguished colleagues join me in commending him for his lifetime of service, perseverance, and dedication. I also ask that you join me in wishing him the best of health and happiness in the years to come.

Madam Speaker, I was absent from the House due to the funeral of a close friend and therefore missed rollcall votes 430 through 433.

Had I been present for rollcall 430, H.Res. 1230, on a motion to suspend the rules and agree to a measure condemning the postelection violence in Zimbabwe and calling for a peaceful resolution to the current political crisis, and for other purposes, I would have voted ``aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall 431, H.R. 2262, agreeing to Senate Amendment to House Amendment No. 1 on the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, I would have voted ``aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall 432, H.R. 2262, agreeing to Senate Amendment to House Amendment No. 2 on the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, I would have voted ``aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall 433, H.Res. 1029, on a motion to suspend the rules and agree to a measure congratulating and recognizing Mr. Juan Antonio Chi-Chi Rodriguez for his continued success on and off the golf course, I would have voted ``aye.''

Madam Speaker, had I been present for rollcall 434, on approving the Journal, I would have voted ``yea.''

Madam Speaker, Had I been present for rollcall No. 435, H.R. 1276, on ordering the previous question for the consideration of H.R. 5876, the Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2008, I would have voted ``yea.''

Madam Speaker, had I been present for rollcall 436, H. Res. 1276, on agreeing to the resolution providing for the consideration of H.R. 5876, the Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2008, I would have voted ``aye.''

Madam Speaker, had I been present for rollcall 437, H.R. 6304, on passage of a measure to amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to establish a procedure for authorizing certain acquisitions of foreign intelligence, and for other purposes, I would have voted ``nay.''

Madam Speaker, it is with great sincerity that I take this opportunity to honor Colonel John D. Drolet. An Army Corps of Engineers officer since 1983, Colonel Drolet has spent the past two years as the District Commander for the United States Army Corps

of Engineers, Chicago District. Since his arrival as District Commander of the Chicago District in 2006, Colonel Drolet's faithful service to the First Congressional District of Indiana has touched the lives of many constituents. For his efforts, and on behalf of my constituents, I take this time to thank Colonel Drolet, who will be relinquishing his command to Colonel Vincent V. Quarles on July 1, 2008, at the Harold Washington Library Center in Chicago.

Colonel Drolet has devoted himself to improving the quality of life for everyone, not only in the United States, but throughout the world. Prior to joining the Chicago District, Colonel Drolet served in many capacities within the United States Army. After being commissioned into the United States Army Corps of Engineers in 1983, Colonel Drolet would eventually command engineers in Germany while assigned to the 237th Engineer Battalion. He went on from there to serve as a Program Analyst and Budget Analyst for the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command, followed by a deployment to Kosovo in 1999, where he served as the Theater Fund Manager for Infrastructure for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. From 2000 to 2002, Colonel Drolet commanded the Army's 169th Engineer Battalion at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. He has also served as the Executive Officer for the 1st Engineer Brigade at Fort Leonard Wood, and as the Chief of Staff for the United States Army Engineer School. Prior to taking over command of the Chicago District, Colonel Drolet served as the Chief of the Economic Division for the Deputy Chief of Staff--Strategic Effects, as part of the Multi- National Force--Iraq in Baghdad while deployed as a student from the United States Army War College.

Colonel Drolet's educational background is equally impressive. As a member of the United States Army, Colonel Drolet has completed: Army War College, the Command and General Staff College, the Professional Military Comptroller School, and United States Army Engineer Basic and Advanced Courses. His civilian educational accomplishments include a Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Business Management from Pennsylvania State University and a Master's Degree in Comptrollership from Syracuse University, and he has also obtained a Master of Strategic Studies Degree from the United States Army War College. Known as a man of integrity and dedication, Colonel Drolet is a recipient of several military awards, including: the Bronze Star, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Army's Meritorious Service Medal (with three oak leaf clusters), the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Kosovo Campaign Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the NATO Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

Madam Speaker, since joining the Army Corps of Engineers Chicago District, Colonel Drolet has been a driving force behind many projects aimed at improving the quality of life in the First Congressional District. Throughout his entire career, he has given his time and efforts selflessly to people throughout Northwest Indiana, the country, and the world. His life truly exemplifies selfless service to others, and on behalf of the Northwest Indiana community, I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring Colonel John D. Drolet for his outstanding contributions to Indiana's First Congressional District.

Madam Speaker, it is with great sincerity and appreciation that I stand today to recognize the 80th anniversary of Saint Catherine Hospital in East Chicago, Indiana. For the past 80 years, Saint Catherine Hospital has served the city of East Chicago and the citizens of northwest Indiana by offering quality care to those in need.

In the 1920s, recognizing the need for a healthcare facility in the heavily industrialized city of East Chicago, Indiana, community and business leaders began investigating the possibility of building a hospital within city limits. With the guidance of the Manufacturers Association of East Chicago and the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ (Ancilla Domini Sisters), a committee was appointed, led by Colonel Walter J. Riley. Due to the tireless efforts of these community and business leaders to formulate plans and raise money, Saint Catherine Hospital opened its doors on May 17, 1928.

Over the years, with the continued support of the Riley family and the Inland Steel Ryerson Foundation, the hospital flourished, increasing not only the number of beds but also the depth of its services. The medical staff at this time became well-known for their innovation and medical advancements, eventually creating the first school of x-ray technology in 1936. In addition, Saint Catherine Hospital became a very important location in the fight against polio, and in 1963, was the venue for the first open-heart operation. Expansion of the hospital continued through the years with new wings and remodeling, a new patient tower in 1987, and the Family Birthing Center in 1997.

In 2001, Donald S. Powers, a true visionary and one of northwest Indiana's finest citizens, brought together Saint Catherine Hospital, Community Hospital in Munster, and the Saint Mary Medical Center in Hobart to create the Community Healthcare System. From this vision emerged a partnership that would allow these outstanding hospitals to work together instead of competing with each other, resulting in one of America's best integrated healthcare delivery systems.

Subsequently, a $2.5 million MRI system was added at Saint Catherine Hospital and in 2002, a $2.2 million renovation of the emergency room was completed. In 2005, the CyberKnife Center opened, which brought the Community Healthcare System its most impressive piece of technology to date. Recently, Saint Catherine Hospital was awarded the 2008 HealthGrades Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence, making it the third consecutive year that the hospital has received this award.

In honor of the 80th anniversary celebration, Saint Catherine Hospital will recognize the companies and individuals who have aided in the construction and enhancement of the hospital. -These honorees are: Donald S. Powers, ArcelorMittal Steel, ASF Keystone, BP, NIPSCO, the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ (Ancilla Domini Sisters), the Block family, and the Riley family.

Madam Speaker, at this time I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating these honorees, as well as the staff and administration of Saint Catherine Hospital, past and present, who have spent the past 80 years providing quality healthcare services to the people of northwest Indiana. Through their efforts and their standards of excellence, many in the northwest Indiana community have had the opportunity to enhance their lives. It is the compassion and commitment of facilities like Saint Catherine Hospital that make northwest Indiana such a great community, and they are to be commended for their selflessness and dedication.

Madam Speaker, it is with great enthusiasm and sincerity that I take this time to congratulate First Baptist Church of Gary, Indiana, as they join together in celebration of their 100th anniversary. The church, which has seen tremendous growth and progress since its humble beginning, will be celebrating this exceptional milestone with festivities beginning on Friday, June 6, and continuing through Sunday, June 8, 2008. The theme for this extraordinary event is ``Anchored in Faith: Yesterday, Today, and Forever.''

The celebration of First Baptist Church's 100th anniversary, ``Dedicated to the Glory of God and the Service of Man,'' will begin on Friday, June 6, 2008, with a banquet at the Genesis Convention Center in Gary, Indiana, and will continue on Saturday, June 7, with a community event featuring vendors, a petting zoo, and a museum dedicated to the history of the church. Finally, on Sunday, June 8, a very special worship service will take place, followed by a musical concert featuring the First Baptist choirs, former musicians and soloists, and other special guests.

From its modest beginnings, First Baptist Church has emerged as a pillar of the Gary community. Although First Baptist, the oldest African-American congregation in the City of Gary, has seen immense growth, not only in the size of its congregation but also in the depth of the services and programs available to its members, the clergy and congregation have remained dedicated to the fundamental ideal of serving God by serving each other.

Only 2 years after the City of Gary, Indiana, was founded, three individuals, Raymond Rankins, Samuel Duncan, and Samuel Clay, realizing the need for a church of their own in Gary, called upon Dr. Elijah John Fisher, pastor of Olivet Baptist Church in Chicago, for assistance in making this dream a reality. Through their efforts, First Baptist emerged in Gary, with the first services being held in the home of Mr. Rankins. Soon after, membership in the church began to increase, and the first house of worship was constructed at 1617 Washington Street in Gary. After various reconstructions and relocations First Baptist finally settled in its current location at 626 West 21st Avenue in 1955, under the leadership of the Reverend Dr. Robert E. Penn, who served as pastor for more than 20 years. During his tenure, Reverend Penn was focused on being involved in the community, resulting in the creation of a foreign missionary project, a college scholarship fund, and a housing development program. Reverend Penn's vision has continued through today, and he continues to resonate as a shining example of selfless service and unwavering commitment to the community.

Since taking over as pastor on March 30, 1996, the Reverend Dr. Bennie T. Henson, Sr., has continued to spearhead projects aimed at improving not only the church but the community as well. Under Reverend Henson's direction, the Images of Hope initiative was created, which is designed to improve the human condition of the needy and underserved people of Gary. During his tenure, the congregation of First Baptist also witnessed the emergence of Saturday Night Alive, an alternative worship service, and Friday Night Out, a community movie night. In addition, numerous advances have been made during this time in the area of technology, allowing the congregation and the community access to First Baptist Church via the Internet.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring and congratulating the Reverend Dr. Bennie T. Henson, Sr., and First Baptist Church of Gary on their 100th anniversary. Throughout the years, the clergy and members of First Baptist Church have dedicated themselves to providing spirituality and guidance through their service to their community. Their constant dedication and commitment is worthy of our deepest admiration.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct honor to recognize the United Steelworkers Local 1010 on the 50th anniversary of their union hall in East Chicago, Indiana. They will be celebrating this occasion by rededicating the hall in honor of four members who selflessly gave their lives in the ``Memorial Day Massacre'' in 1937. This event will take place at the Local 1010 United Steelworkers Hall in East Chicago, Indiana, on Saturday, June 7, 2008.

Local 1010 has a long history of selfless sacrifice for the advancement of workers' rights, which in 1937 culminated with the ``Memorial Day Massacre.'' After a picnic and rally on May 30, 1937, hundreds of members of Local 1010 picketed with members of other local unions at the plant gates of the Republic Steel Company in a show of solidarity against ``Little Steel.'' While the strikers were protesting for union and worker's rights, Chicago police officers opened fire on the crowd, wounding over 100 union members and killing ten individuals, including four members of Local 1010. The four courageous Local 1010 members who gave their lives were: Earl Handley, Sam Popovich, Kenneth Reed, and Alfred Causey.

These selfless individuals will be honored at this milestone event with a workers' memorial, which will be displayed in the union hall. The memorial will bear the engraved names of these four men, as well as all 387 members of Local 1010 who have lost their lives while working for the union. This will ensure they will be remembered forever.

Madam Speaker, I urge you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending Local 1010 President, Mr. Thomas Hargrove, and all members of the United Steelworkers Local 1010 for their loyalty and devotion to workers' rights.

Madam Chairman, I rise as the designee for Mr. Stupak to claim time in support of the amendment offered.

Madam Chairman, I first of all would like to express my appreciation to Mr. Stupak for all of his hard work on this initiative, but also would like to thank the chairman of the full committee as well as the ranking member for their work on this important bill, as well as the chairwoman of the Rules Committee for making this amendment in order.

The amendment would require all iron and steel purchased with funds authorized by this act to use only American-made steel. This stems from a Steel Caucus hearing that was held in April, where we learned that the government does not have an established process to monitor the safety of steel imports. We also learned that foreign imports from China, for example, do not adhere to international standards and guidelines when they manufacture steel.

If the school construction projects provided under this act are to be truly safe for our children, then we must ensure that the steel used is American. If we buy only American steel for our schools, we will know that it adheres to our safety and quality standards, and would encourage my colleagues to support the Stupak-Visclosky amendment to keep our schools safe and to vote for passage of the underlying measure.

Madam Chairman, I recognize the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Wilson) for 1\1/2\ minutes.

Madam Chairman, it is my privilege to recognize Mr. Stupak, the principal author of the amendment, for 1\1/2\ minutes. He is the leader on this issue.

I believe, Madam Chairman, I have 1 minute left. I would yield that to Mr. Kucinich, the gentleman from Ohio.

Madam Speaker, it is with great sincerity and respect that I offer congratulations to several of Northwest Indiana's most talented, dedicated, and hardworking individuals. On Friday, June 6, 2008, the Plumbers Local Union 210 will honor the graduating class of 2008 at the Annual pprentice Graduation Banquet, which will be held at the Patio Banquet Hall in Merrillville, Indiana.

At this year's banquet, the Plumbers Local Union 210 will recognize and honor the 2008 apprentice graduates. The individuals who have completed the apprentice training in 2008 are: Sonny Armato, Ben Buchholz, Nick Goodman, Chad Hofferth, Timothy LaMere, Mario Lopez, Robert Matthews, Kamilah Weaver, Jacob Wesley, and David Young.

Northwest Indiana has a rich history of excellence in its craftsmanship and loyalty by its tradesmen. These graduates are outstanding examples of each. They have mastered their trade and have demonstrated their loyalty to both the union and the community through their hard work and selfless dedication.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating these dedicated and hardworking individuals. Along with the other men and women of Northwest Indiana's unions, these individuals have committed themselves to making a significant contribution to the growth and development of the economy of the First Congressional District, and I am very proud to represent them in Washington, DC.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct honor to take this time to recognize the officers and members of the Merrillville, Indiana, branch of the Alliance of Transylvanian Saxons (ATS). On Saturday, May 31, 2008, the Merrillville Alliance of Transylvanian Saxons will host a celebration honoring its 100th Anniversary, while also celebrating the ATS National Constitutional Convention at the Radisson Hotel in Merrillville, Indiana.

The Saxons originated in Germany and traveled eastward to settle in eastern Hungary during the 12th and 13th century. Following the conclusion of World War I, the Hungarian boundaries were altered and the Saxons' home became Transylvania, one of the three major provinces of Rumania. In Rumania, the Transylvanian Saxons were oppressed as minorities by the totalitarian Rumanian government, causing many to migrate to the United States.

The ATS was founded as a fraternal organization in 1902, with a mission of providing a safe community for immigrant families of Transylvanian Saxons to share and enjoy their language and traditions. The Merrillville Alliance of Transylvanian Saxons was established in 1908 under its parent organization to offer the same community to the 3,000 plus Transylvanian Saxons who had immigrated to Northwest Indiana. The fraternal fellowship provides cultural activities such as singing, dancing, and family and youth exchange programs. The officers of the Merrillville ATS, who so selflessly give to their organization, share the goals of the national organization and allow for their longstanding traditions to remain a part of their lives.

This year's celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Merrillville Alliance of Transylvanian Saxons will recognize the continuous efforts of the Merrillville Lodge's officers: President Jeffery Szostek, Vice President Daniel Schuffert, Recording Secretary Raymond S. Palyok, Treasurer Donald Bowman, Secretary Randall B. Floyd, and Trustees Walter Szostek, John Sumichrast and Jim Smith.

Madam Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending the officers and members of the Merrillville Alliance of Transylvanian Saxons for the efforts, activities, and leadership they have provided in maintaining their Transylvanian Saxon history and culture as part of Indiana's First Congressional District.

Madam Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to pay tribute to the outstanding achievements of an exceptional group of students from Munster High School, located in Indiana's First Congressional District. Two exceptional teams from Munster High School, Team Adams and Team Jefferson, accomplished the extraordinary feat of finishing in first and second place, respectively, in the State competition of the We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution program. Following their victory at the State level, Team Adams went on to compete in the national finals held in Washington, DC, from May 3-May 5, 2008. For their knowledge and understanding of the American Government, these extraordinary young people received an honorable mention as one of the top ten finalists at this year's national competition.

The We the People program, administered by the Center for Civic Education, is a program that reaches over 28 million elementary, middle, and high school students. The goal of the program is to provide students with an understanding of the fundamentals of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The program helps students to understand their rights under the American governmental system.

The people of Munster, as well as the entire northwest Indiana community, can be proud of this truly remarkable class of students. Team Adams consisted of the following students: James Burgwald, Sarah Chowdhury, Sophia Griggs, Nicole Hong, Megan Hruska, Grant Huebner, Daniel Jayakar, Robin Jiang, Neil Keshvani, Charlie Krull, Alicia Nieves, Paige Patterson, Blake Platt, Michael Pudlow, Matt Stewart, Nicholas Stoffregen, and Julianne Watterson. Team Jefferson was comprised of: Danny Alexander, Eric Anderson, Keriann Ballanco, Katharine Banks, Arefin Chowdhury, Lorien Estes, Amy Fuhs, Carly Gibbs, Russell Gonzalez, Jonathan Harangody, Jessica Hilbrich, Nithin Krishnan, Viraj Maniar, Samantha Mardyla, Martha Mihich, Lana Muhrez, Molly Poczontek, Abhinav Ravi, Christopher Witter, and Meagan Yothment.

Madam Speaker, I would like to once again extend my most heartfelt congratulations to the members of Munster High School's We the People program, as well as their coach, Mr. Michael Gordon, and all of the community and faculty members who have instilled in these students the desire to succeed. The values exhibited by these young people and their interest in the history and fundamentals of our great Nation serve to inspire us all. I am proud to represent these fine individuals in Congress, and I am proud to have been given this opportunity to recognize these future leaders. I look forward to watching their achievements as they continue to rise to the top.

Madam Speaker, it is with great sincerity and admiration that I offer congratulations to several of Northwest Indiana's most talented, dedicated, and hardworking individuals. On Friday, May 30, 2008, the Lake County Electricians Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee, JATC, will honor the class of 2008 at their annual Apprentice Completion Banquet, which will be held at the Avalon Manor Banquet Hall in Merrillville, Indiana.

This year, the Lake County Electricians JATC will be recognizing and honoring twenty-four graduates who have completed the apprentice training. This year's inside wireman graduates are: Donald Bullock, Vincent Catalano, Sean Clark, Dustin Greenya, Nicholas Kozlowski, John Lucas, Daniel Marlowe, Kevin Troy Nuss, Christopher Ortell, Jordan Pierson, Christopher Porter, Brian Robbins, Caleb Smith, Timothy Soderquist, Anthony Thames, Brandon Tomassoni, David Turpin, Jr., and John Wajvoda. This year's teledata technician graduates are: Victor Alvear, Scott Davis, John Hill, Corey Joiner, Randy Mohrs, and Jason Stanley.

Northwest Indiana has a rich history of excellence in its craftsmanship and loyalty by its tradesmen. These outstanding graduates all exemplify these traits. They have mastered their trade and have demonstrated their loyalty to both the union and the community through their commitment, hard work, and selfless sacrifice.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating these committed, hardworking individuals. Along with the other extraordinary men and women of Northwest Indiana's unions, these individuals have contributed in many ways to the growth and development of the economy in Indiana's First Congressional District, and I am very proud to represent them in Washington, DC.