Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and sincerity that I take this time to congratulate the individuals who will take their oath of citizenship on July 4, 2006. In true patriotic fashion, on the day of our great Nation's celebration of independence, a naturalization ceremony will take place, welcoming new citizens of the United States of America. This memorable occasion, coordinated by the Hammond Public Library and

presided over by Magistrate Judge Andrew Rodovich, will be held at Harrison Park in Hammond, Indiana.

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

On July 4, 2006, the following people, representing many nations throughout the world, will take their oath of citizenship in Hammond, Indiana: Ledwin Jose Polanco Abreu, Ruchi Prabhakar Parikh, Fiona Bage, Lyubov Ezerska, Victor Rene De Leon Lopez, Simon Gomez Zuniga, Inese Steinbahs, Edgar Leonel Lopez Juarez, Kyung Ho Yum, Mila Plavsic, Elvira Tirado, Branko Prpa, Miyoko Kawanoue, Doaa Fayez El Malh, Fabian Navarro Patino, Ghali Abdul Waheb Alsaymari, Hiraben Bhogilal Devgania, Doris Monika Cox, Bertha Romero, Grace Haesuk Lee, Vasilj Plavsa, Mary Theckenath, IIir Aliu, Young Jean Choi, lIce Angelkoski, Elizabeth Murphy, Ernesto Berong Chan, Ivonne Golfis, Prajwal Rajappa, Georgios Mihail Krinis, Alejandro Vega, Mohammed Riaz, Eva Lazaroski, Fady Eissa El Malh, Josue Daniel Bojorquez Nunez, Barbara Ivette Quezada, Danilo Djuric, Enero Manguerra Salunga, Jose Peregrino, Maureen Alexis Stevens, Chun Gao Fred Li, John Raymond Tanner, Martha Gutierrez De Rangel, Sayyada Mushthari Begum, Aline Cortes, Sandra Elaine Fraley, Vicente Gil Baltazar, Maria Isabel Maldonado, and Aladean Naji Shalabi.

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

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating these individuals, who will become citizens of the United States of America on July 4, 2006, the day of our Nation's independence. They, too, will be American citizens, and they, too, will be guaranteed the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We, as a free and democratic nation, congratulate them and welcome them.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great sincerity that I take this opportunity to honor one of the most selfless individuals I have ever had the pleasure of working with, Colonel Gary Johnston. Colonel Johnston has spent the past 25 years of his life as a member of the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Since his arrival as a member of the United States Army Corps of Engineers Chicago District in July 2003, Colonel Johnston's gracious service to the First Congressional District of Indiana has touched the lives of many of my constituents. For his efforts, and on behalf of my constituents, I take this time to thank Colonel Johnston. Colonel Johnston will be recognized for his accomplishments at an event taking place on June 30, 2006, at the Union League Club of Chicago.

Colonel Johnston has devoted himself to improving quality of life, not only in the United States, but throughout the world. Prior to joining the Chicago District, Colonel Johnston served in many capacities within the United States Army. After being commissioned into the United States Army Corps of Engineers in August 1980 and completing the Engineer Officer Basic Course and Ranger School, Colonel Johnston served as platoon leader and company executive officer of the 84th Engineer Company, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment. Colonel Johnston has also completed assignments with the 588th Combat Engineer Battalion at Fort Polk, which included assignments to the National Training Center and the Waterways Experiment Station in Vicksburg, Mississippi, as well as deployments to Southwest Asia in Support of Operation Desert Storm and to Kuwait for relief efforts. In addition, Colonel Johnston has been assigned to Fort Knox, Kentucky, where he served as S-3 and executive officer for the 19th Combat Engineer Battalion and as plans officer for the 194th Armored Brigade. As if these accomplishments were not impressive enough, Colonel Johnston has served as an instructor for the Royal School of Military Engineers, British Army, teaching command and control topics to Royal engineer and non-commissioned officers. Following this assignment, Colonel Johnston returned to Fort Polk, where he began his command tour with the 46th Engineer Battalion. This tour sent him to Nicaragua and Haiti. In 2000, at his final stop before coming to the Chicago District, Colonel Johnston was made Engineer Division Chief for the Director of Combat Developments at the Maneuver Support Center at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

Colonel Johnston's educational background is equally impressive. As a member of the United States Army, Colonel Johnston completed Airborne School, Ranger School, Engineer Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Combined Armed Service and Staff School, Command and General Staff College, and Air War College. His civilian educational accomplishments include a Bachelor's Degree in civil engineering from Louisiana Tech and Master's Degrees in structural engineering from the University of Maryland and in strategic studies from the Air War College. Known as a man of integrity and dedication, Colonel Johnston is a recipient of several military awards, including the Meritous Service Medal (with five oak leaf clusters), the Army Commendation Medal (with one oak leaf cluster), the Army Achievement Medal, the Airborne Badge, and the Ranger Tab.

Since joining the Army Corps of Engineers Chicago District in July 2003, Colonel Johnston has been a driving force behind many projects aimed at improving the quality of life in the First Congressional District. While I hesitate to single out one accomplishment, Colonel Johnston has had an immense impact on the preliminary stages of the Marquette Plan, which is aimed at reclaiming Lake Michigan's shoreline for public accessibility. This project is one of great importance to Northwest Indiana residents. In addition, Colonel Johnston has been instrumental in two important flood control projects, the Cady Marsh Ditch Project and the Little Calumet River Project, which, once completed, will protect over 10,000 structures from the dangers of flooding.

Mr. Speaker, Colonel Johnston 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 Gary Johnston for his outstanding contributions to Indiana's First Congressional District.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

Mr. Chairman, first, I would like to let my colleagues know what a privilege it is to work with Mr. Hobson on the critical issues included in the Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill. Mr. Hobson is a superb chairman, and I deeply appreciate his vision and even-handed approach to the work of our subcommittee. I also deeply appreciate the splendid work done by each member of the subcommittee. We have an exceptional membership.

I also would want to acknowledge the fine staff that supports both the majority and the minority: Kevin Cook, Taunja Berquam, Scott Burnison, Terry Tyborowski, Tracey LaTurner, Dixon Butler, Kenny Kraft, Tony Digiovanni, Debbie Willis and Peder Maarbjerg of my staff. These are all exceptional individuals, and I would point out to the general membership that we will lose Peder Maarbjerg who is my associate staff. He has done not only fine work for myself but for the last several years made an exceptional contribution to the committee and to this country with his very good work.

The bill itself does a good job of allocating scarce resources for sustaining the water infrastructure of our country, maintenance of our strategic deterrent, protecting our Nation from nuclear terrorism, continuing U.S. research leadership, particularly in the physical sciences, and developing energy technology to help us reverse a growing dependence on imported oil.

I will be joining my chairman in support of the bill.

Last year should have served as a major eye-opener as regards the protection of our communities and fellow citizens from the ravages of flooding. Hurricane Katrina may come to rank with the 1927 Mississippi flood as a seminal event in the corps' long history. The corps' responsibilities are multiple, and we should remember that.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is a tool in our hands, and we must make good use of it and keep it sharp. Last year, the Energy and Water Appropriations Act began a major program of reforming the financial practices of the corps. This year, we try to continue that process; and I hope that no one will hamper that effort by striking section 102 of the bill.

As usual, there are unintended consequences of such a major reform; and this has been a particular concern of those Members whose projects could not use appropriated funds in past years but are now ready to go and look for restoration of these funds. The bill makes a start at solving this problem by allocating $55 million specifically to fund repayment of donor projects.

Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I would like to follow up on the chairman's remarks.

Plutonium, highly enriched uranium and some highly radioactive products of nuclear fission in the hands of terrorists pose the greatest threat to the United States and its people. Accordingly, the recommendation before the committee increases funding for those elements of defense nuclear nonproliferation at DOE that truly address this issue. This bill correctly shifts money that should not be spent on MOX plants to other areas where the funds can be used now to enhance U.S. security.

The Russians will not proceed with their MOX plant unless it is fully funded by other countries in the G-8 at a cost of $2.5 billion. Pledges to date have not passed $800 million. The Russians have stressed to the chairman, as he has pointed out, and myself that they are still fully committed to destroying 34 metric tons of their surplus plutonium. To do so, they are interested in pursuing less expensive approaches in partnership with us and funding 50 percent of the cost themselves.

When it comes to energy policy, the committee's allocation forces our bill to be hundreds of millions of dollars below needed levels. While I applaud the significant increases for biofuels and solar, even in these areas, the budget forces choices between pursuing rapid commercialization of current technology and demonstrating new ones. With the support of Chairman Hobson, conservation technology investments were increased in the full committee resulting in full funding for solid-state lighting, one of the most promising technologies for saving energy; and for the request of the Governor's Ethanol Coalition for development of E-85 infrastructure.

However, I remain concerned that the Clean Coal Power Initiative will have to wait one or more additional years before issuing its next solicitation for research proposals. The Department of Energy has argued that it is too late to include new technologies in the FutureGen demonstration plant, but given the abundance of domestic coal as an energy source, I believe we will be seeking new technologies to improve our use of coal for many years to come.

Our country needs a robust mix of energy sources so that we can adapt rapidly to changes in the world's markets. We as a Nation can innovate our way out of the current energy crisis, but I fear that we are letting a false sense of economy prevent this from happening at the pace required.

Last year, in an effort to move the country forward in developing nuclear power as a domestic source of energy that does not emit greenhouse gases, the Congress provided funds to pursue a competitive process for choosing sites for the integrated reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel, including interim storage. We as a subcommittee also worked to accelerate the opening of the Yucca Mountain permanent high- level radioactive waste repository, but without success. The administration has responded with a Global Nuclear Energy Partnership, or GNEP, and I would like to emphasize the concerns about GNEP expressed in our committee's report.

I do not know whether GNEP will truly help the future of nuclear power. I do know that any benefits from GNEP for the American people are 15 years or more in the future, but the benefits to the DOE labs, whose directors came to Washington for a recent Senate event, might be very immediate.

I appreciate the chairman's supporting a restrained funding level for this program that will provide funds for work to refine the ideas included in the GNEP concept. I believe that the level in this bill is the correct level and will oppose any efforts to make further cuts in this area. Our subcommittee will work with the authorizing committees to ensure that the costs and plans for dealing with the waste that GNEP will generate are understood and are accounted for.

Members should note that the bill requires DOE to submit its GNEP plans to peer review by the National Academy of Science and the National Academy of Engineering.

One cannot discuss the issues of spent nuclear fuel and other nuclear waste without reiterating that Yucca Mountain is essential as a permanent high-level radioactive waste repository. We must continue to support its opening and not give up, even though its opening has been delayed until at least 2017. Through GNEP, we may redefine the waste stream in the future. The character of much of the waste may change, and change so as to lessen the long-term radioactive activity of the waste. But we have today waste of known character awaiting permanent disposal. Of course, I speak of the waste generated by the creation and maintenance of our nuclear deterrent, a deterrent from which we have all benefited.

Last year's cuts to the science account at DOE were estimated to reduce support for 2,200 researchers. This year's funding will increase support for 2,600 researchers. This type of oscillation, however, does not attract bright minds to the research areas DOE sponsors, and a new increase of only 400 researchers over 2 years is hardly a major step forward. But it is a step forward, and I would stress to my colleagues and to the administration that further major increases will be required to support the physical sciences at the level befitting our Nation and its desire for continued economic growth and world leadership.

The bill provides for more staff at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to enable it to handle an anticipated increase in license applications for new nuclear plants. I also foresee additional regulatory responsibilities for the NRC.

For example, I see the need for NRC to become involved in issues of nuclear safety at the Hanford Waste Treatment Plant. At many sites, the Department of Energy self-regulates on nuclear safety, and I consider this a foolish approach, even when the Department has the best of intentions. We do not let the private sector self-regulate in matters of nuclear safety, and we should end this practice at DOE as soon as is practical.

So I think you can see how many critical areas for our Nation are included within the scope of the energy and water bill. Again, despite the funding limitations imposed upon the subcommittee, I take comfort from the many excellent decisions embodied in it and from the good that will be accomplished by the people's money we provide for these many programs.

Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 7\1/4\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Berkley).

Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Miller) for purposes of a colloquy with the chairman.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Frelinghuysen).

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gene Green).

Mr. Chairman I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Walsh).

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller).

Mr. Chairman, I yield back my time.

Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the recognition and would explain the amendment to the membership. As I indicated in my opening remarks, I fully support the committee's bill. The chairman and members of the committee have done an excellent job. But we do not have the sufficient resources represented in the legislation.

My amendment would provide $1 billion additional, $750 million of which

would be dedicated to programs at the Department of Energy, $250 million of which would be dedicated to water projects throughout the United States of America.

As I mentioned in my statement to the full committee when this legislation was being considered, when John Kennedy was President of the United States, almost 70 cents out of every $1 spent by the Federal Government was appropriated by the Appropriations Committee, and we made an investment in our economic infrastructure. We made an investment in our society. We made an investment in our future.

Today, less than 30 cents out of every $1 spent by the Federal Government is appropriated dollars, and we are failing in that investment responsibility.

The amendment I would offer would enhance the quality of the bill before us by doubling funding for biofuels and biorefineries. It would provide for clean coal programs. It would restore funding for petroleum, natural gas, geothermal technology programs, increase support for developing a full range of conservation technologies and help weatherize an additional 30,000 homes next year to provide immediate energy savings. We would also again provide $250 million to accelerate needed programs for flood control measures and also operation and maintenance.

I also believe that, unfairly, we have borrowed too much too long in this country and have burdened the next generation with the cost of that borrowing, and therefore, the amendment would be paid for by reducing the tax cut provided to the wealthiest in society in 2001, so that the amendment is also paid for.

I do think we need to make an investment in this society, and my amendment would do so. I would hope that the point of order is not sustained.

Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Point of Order

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word, and I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Udall).

I appreciate the Chair rising, and I appreciate his concern which he has continually expressed to me on this issue, and also I would want to be heard because I absolutely agree with the position the gentlewoman has taken.

Asian carp have been found in the Illinois River, which connects the Mississippi River to Lake Michigan. To prevent the carp from entering the Great Lakes, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the EPA and State of Illinois, the International Joint Commission and others are working together and have installed a permanent electric barrier between the fish and Lake Michigan.

Unfortunately, the first barrier or nonpermanent barrier has been shut down. I believe we should keep both open and running. However, the fix

would be legislating on an appropriations bill and would not be appropriate at this point.

Mr. Chairman, I do join the chairman and fully support the gentlewoman's intent to solve this problem. I appreciate your bringing it again to our attention.

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

Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Louisiana.

Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the gentleman's concern and very good work.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to the amendment that has been offered by the gentleman from Massachusetts. He mentioned multiple solutions. The fact is we have a waste problem.

As I pointed out in my general remarks, last year the Congress voted again to move ahead to provide funds to pursue a competitive process for choosing sites for integrative reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel as well as interim storage. The fact is the chairman and I and the subcommittee are

committed to pursuing Yucca Mountain. That is not enough. If we are to have a nuclear industry and to have an investment in our energy future, we also have to examine options to reduce waste. That is what we are about.

I also believe that the subcommittee has taken a very thoughtful approach, and people have only to look at pages of committee report language that is very explicit in detail relative to the concerns and observations we have made relative to the GNEP proposal that the administration has put forth.

So we are trying to solve an energy problem dealing with our energy future. I would oppose the gentleman's amendment.

Mr. Chairman, as the designee of the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Gordon) I offer an amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I would ask unanimous consent that Mr. Gordon's entire statement be entered into the Congressional Record.

I would yield a portion of my time to the chairman of the committee.

I appreciate the chairman's observation.

Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the gentleman yielding. The gentleman from Michigan is correct to bring this issue up. The regulations that determine dredging in the Great Lakes need to be updated and reflect the true economic value that they produce.

The Great Lakes are the fourth sea coast of this Nation and home to the U.S. Flag fleet and the Canadian Flag fleet. In addition, dozens of international vessels regularly travel through the Great Lakes, visiting port communities along the way. These vessels team up to haul upwards of 125 million tons of cargo during a typical 10-month shipping season. That is almost a half of ton for every person in the United States of America. I truly thank the gentleman for highlighting this inequity and certainly assure him that we will continue to work closely with the chairman to rectify this problem.

Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the gentleman and join him in his objection. I have a great deal of respect for the gentleman and my great friend from Colorado, but this is a very carefully worked bill, very carefully crafted bill, and decisions have been made that are discrete on a project-by-project basis, and I do not think it is correct policy to simply then have an across-the-board cut regardless of what the amount is and would join my chairman in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the chairman yielding and would associate myself with his remarks and add my voice and objection to the amendment being offered.

The fact is our committee does a great job at oversight. And as the chairman mentioned in his opening statement, we held a series of hearings dedicated to oversight. As he points out, you do have offices of inspectors general, and we do have a very competent staff, and we do exercise a great deal of care.

So I do join the chairman and appreciate his yielding.

I have made my statement to the House.

Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the chairman's yielding.

First of all, I would express my opposition to the amendment being offered by the gentleman from Arizona. We have an authorized activity and the subcommittee has earmarked this project.

I have a philosophical difference with the approach that the Member has taken, as a Member of the House of Representatives, because we are a co-equal branch of the United States Government, and the last time I looked at the budget of this country was in excess of some trillions of dollars.

The gentleman mentioned catastrophic failures. I would mention that the administration spent a great deal of money in their budget request on about 10,000 trailers in response to a great natural crisis. Those trailers are sitting out in the middle of Arkansas.

The chairman of the committee talked about Hanford. That was not an earmark, but it was requested by the administration. If this committee and all of the members of this committee did not continue as we do every day to exercise oversight and deliberate activity and judgment, they would still be spending more of the taxpayers' hard-earned moneys than is necessary.

There is under construction in the State of California, and I don't mean to single them out, but the gentleman mentioned catastrophic failures, the National Ignition Facility that some years ago was on time and under budget. It was an administration request.

We are not defunct of all wisdom. The administration is not. There is a balance to be struck; and in a budget in excess of some trillions of dollars I do believe this subcommittee, under this chairman and the Members on it, have made wise and reasoned and specific decisions.

I am adamantly opposed to the amendment offered by the gentleman.

Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. Chairman, I would be happy to respond with a question of my own, because the gentleman is very fixated on the lack of oversight on the subcommittee, which I take umbrage at.

But I would also suggest that in an earlier remark you made on the floor that almost 70 percent of the spending of the Federal Government today, and I share the gentleman's concern making sure we have fiscal responsibility.

Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Would the gentleman answer a question?

Are you concerned about earmarks that take place in other mandatory legislation and the fact whether or not there is specific oversight on an annual basis or, say, tax provisions in this country?

That is where 77 percent of the spending has taken place.

Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the gentlewoman yielding. I certainly associate myself with her remarks and am opposed to the amendment.

I would respond to an earlier remark made by the gentleman from Texas when he complained about the deficits. There are two sides to balancing the budget. There is the expenditure side, and I do think the debate taking place here is very healthy. I would hope that the gentleman would also have the same debate initiated as far as the 70 percent of the spending taking place. And that is mandatory spending. And those tax provisions, once they are a precedent to the Tax Code, inure to the benefit, the last time I look, of people that pay taxes, which are not units of the government, but private citizens and private corporations.

Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

I appreciate the chairman yielding, and I appreciate your leadership on this bill.

This is a finely crafted piece of legislation and, again, I congratulate the Chair and all the members of the committee and the staff, and I would encourage the membership to strongly support this legislation. It has been a pleasure to work with the gentleman from Ohio.

Mr. Speaker, the community of classical vocal music artists and listeners suffered a great loss on April 20, 2006, when a light plane carrying five outstanding graduate students from Indiana University's Bloomington campus School of Music crashed just short of its destination. We join those grieving the loss of these talented musicians--Chris Carducci of Monroe, MI; Garth Eppley of Wabash, IN; Georgina Joshi of South Bend, IN; Zachary Novak of Anderson, IN; and Robert Samels of Medina, OH--for their accomplishments, for the great promise they held, and for the people they were. We will remember them today:

Chris Carducci--born April 18, 1978, in Monroe, MI, a graduate of Monroe High School, he received a bachelor of arts degree in music education in 2002 from Bowling Green State University--BGSU, Bowling Green, OH. He earned a master's degree in music from Indiana University, Bloomington, in 2005. He was a life member of St. John Catholic Church, where he was baptized, confirmed, and educated at its school. He was a former member and past president of the BGSU Men's Chorus. His opera career included an appearance at Carnegie Hall, where he sang selections from Wolf's Italienisches Liederbuch for the Marilyn Horne Foundation's ``The Song Continues . . . 2005.'' A baritone, Mr. Carducci performed with Toledo Opera, Michigan Opera Works, BGSU Opera Theater and IU Opera Theater. In 2005, he created the role of Pontius Pilate in ``Pilatus,'' a new opera by Robert Samels. Last year, he was recognized by the Metropolitan Opera National Council's Indiana District with an Encouragement Award. He also was a two-time winner of the Conrad-Peatee Art Song Competition.

Zachary Joseph Novak--Born Sept. 17, 1980, in Anderson, IN, graduated Highland High School in 1999. He went on to Anderson University and received a bachelor's degree in 2004, graduating summa cum laude with honors in music. Zach received the Anderson University music department's Voice Performance Award and won the Senior Men category and State National Association of Teachers of Singing Awards. He was due to graduate in early May with a master of music degree in choral conducting with a minor in voice from Indiana University in Bloomington. During his years at Indiana University he studied under

the direction of Dr. William Gray, professor of chorale conducting, who was instrumental in Zach's participation in the Lafayette & Carmel Bach Chorale. The Jacobs School of Music at IU continued to foster and enrich his gift of music. Numerous teachers, professors, and ministers had a positive influence on Zach throughout his life. While in Bloomington, Zach was the worship coordinator at First United Methodist Church where he directed the Wesley Choir and Children's Choir. During his time in Anderson, he was the choir director at Bethel United Methodist and choir director and organist at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, where he was a member. He touched so many with his musical talents. Zach received numerous awards during his life, including the American Legion Award twice, the Arion Music Award, Best Male Vocalist 1999, and Who's Who Among American High School & College Students. Scholarships include: The Theodore Presser Music Award, The Lilly Foundation, Anderson University Academic Honors, AU Music Award, AU Trustee Award, Tri Kappa Award, Student Exploratory Teaching, AFT Teacher's Award, and the Herman and Anne Leaf Award.

Robert Samels--Born June 2, 1981, in Akron, OH. Robert taught as an associate instructor in the IU Jacobs School of Music Theory Department with the same zeal he approached all his other professional activities. He was in charge of T231 and was loved and admired by his students. As a bass-baritone he had recently appeared as Mr. Gibbs in the world premiere of ``Our Town'' by Ned Rorem, as Marco in the collegiate premiere of William Bolcom's ``A View from the Bridge,'' as well as Joseph and Herod in the collegiate premiere of ``EI Nino'' by John Adams. In September 2005, he conducted the premiere of his own opera, ``Pilatus.'' As a member of the Wolf Trap Opera Company for 2006, he would have added three roles this summer, including Bartolo in ``Le nozze di Figaro,'' Friar Laurence in ``Romeo et Juliette,'' and Pluto in Telemann's ``Orpheus.'' Other opera credits included the title roles of ``Don Pasquale'' and ``Il Turco in Italia,'' as well as Leporello in ``Don Giovanni,'' Falstaff in ``Merry Wives of Windsor,'' and Bottom in ``A Midsummer Night's Dream.'' In the summer of 2004, Samels performed Creon in the New York premiere of John Eaton's ``Antigone.'' He also frequently performed in the oratorio repertoire. In the spring of 2005, he was selected as a semifinalist in the annual competition of the Oratorio Society of New York. He began his vocal studies with Alfred Anderson at the University of Akron and Andreas Poulimenos at Bowling Green State University. He was a doctoral student in choral conducting at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and had studied voice with Giorgio Tozzi and Costanza Cuccaro. Robert was an announcer as well as host and producer of ``Cantabile'' with public radio station WFIU. A soloist with Aguava New Music Studio, he recently performed a concert at the Library of Congress.

Georgina Joshi--Born October 21, 1981, in Elkhart, IN and embarked on a life filled with beautiful music. Georgina started singing at a very early age and studied violin from the age of 3. Georgina's first stage appearance was in Canton, OH, where she appeared with Players Guild of Canton in a production of the musical, Oliver. Her operatic debut was as Amahl in Indiana Opera North's production of Amahl and the Night Visitors. Georgina graduated from John Adams High School where she was a member of the 1999 State Champion Mock Trial Team. During high school she was a member of the IUSB Philharmonic and the South Bend Chamber Singers, concertmistress of South Bend Youth Symphony, and participated in summer music programs at lnterlochen, Tanglewood Music Center and Aspen Music School. She received numerous awards, including the YWCA Young Woman of the Year. Georgina attended the Royal College of Music, London, England, where she studied with Eiddwen Harrhy, receiving a bachelor of music, honors, degree in 2001. Since that time she has been a student at the IU Jacobs School of Music where she studied with Alan Bennet. While at IU, Georgina appeared as a soloist in various concert works including Haydn's Creation, Handel's Solomon, the B-Minor Mass of Bach, Britten's Hymn to St. Cecilia, Mendelssohn's Psalm 42, Schubert's Mass in A Flat Major, Mozart's Litenae Lauritenae K.195, the Mozart Requiem, and the Brahms Deutsches Requiem. She also appeared with IU Opera Theatre as Clorinda in Cenerentola and Despina in Cosi fan Tutte. She collaborated with other musicians such as the Catacoustic Consort, the Bath Street Studio, and was a member of the Carmel Bach Festival Chorale. Outside the USA she appeared as a soloist in England, Wales, Romania, and Greece.

Garth Eppley--Garth was born on Feb. 7, 1981, in Wabash, IN, graduated Wabash High School. He graduated from Anderson College in 2003 with a degree in music performance, and was a student at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. He attended Giest Christian Church, Fishers, and was a member of the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America, Yankee Beamers, and Rounders No. 7. Eppley had a bachelor's degree in voice performance with honors in performance from Anderson University. A tenor, Eppley studied under Fritz Robertson while at Anderson. His IU Opera Theater roles included Lysander in ``A Midsummer Night's Dream,'' the second man in ``The Magic Flute,'' and the lawyer in ``Peter Grimes.'' He was a frequent soloist with the Indiana University Contemporary Vocal Ensemble, with which he recently sang the role of Pilatus in Arvo Part's ``Passio.'' Eppley also was a frequent soloist with the Lafayette Bach Chorale, where he had performed in such programs as Handel's ``Solomon,'' Rachmaninoffs ``Vespers'', and the Festival of Sacred Choral Music under the baton of guest conductor Craig Jessup of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Last summer, Eppley was a participant, along with other singers from the United States and Canada, in the Charley Creek Vocal Workshop, an intense program of aria and song study. He was a master's student at IU, studying with Peru native Timothy Noble.

They are mourned across the country--from Carmel, CA, to New York's Carnegie Hall, to the Wolftrap Farm Park Summer Opera in northern Virginia, to all over the Midwest and Indiana. May we never forget.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great sincerity and respect that I offer congratulations of several of Northwest Indiana's most talented, dedicated, and hardworking individuals. On Friday, June 9, 2006, the Plumbers Local Union 210 will honor the graduating class of 2006 at the Annual Apprentice 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 2006 Apprentice Graduates. The individuals who have completed the apprentice training in 2006 are: Nino Arredondo, Joseph Butcher, Robert DePyssler, Lloyd James, Jr., Michael Klaich, Todd Knight, Paul Lacy, William Lawrence, Eric Longoria, Milutin Miljus, Greg Monnier, Eugene Pazdur, Derrick Poper, Jason Powers, Luis Quintana, Sean Severson, Daniel Smith, Bertram Wagner, Adam Westlund, Robert White, and Raymond Zack.

Northwest Indiana has a rich history of excellence in its craftsmanship and loyalty by its tradesmen. These graduates are all 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.

Mr. 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.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentlewoman yielding and her kind remarks and also at the outset would congratulate the gentleman from Washington for his leadership and dogged determination to follow through on very complicated issues relative to Hanford, not only on behalf of the constituents he represents in his district or the State of Washington, but to make sure that we in a timely fashion have a solution to a national problem, and I do respect the gentleman's leadership.

Mr. Speaker, the Energy and Water bill that will be before us tomorrow is an excellent bill, and Mr. Hobson and the members of the subcommittee have done an exceptional job on it. I will be strongly supporting the bill. However, I rise now because it simply does not do enough, given the restricted allocation that the subcommittee had to deal with.

That is why I am asking my colleagues to defeat the previous question on the rule so that I may offer an amendment to the Energy and Water Development Appropriation bill. Last week, in the full Appropriations Committee, Mr. Obey proposed an alternative set of 302(b) allocations that include $1 billion more for the Energy and Water bill. My amendment would propose that the same increase to this bill be given and show how the Democratic Members of the House would allocate the additional spending.

Over 25 years ago, during the Carter administration, the country faced a major energy crisis. The Congress responded aggressively. Today, I believe our response is a faint shadow of what had been done previously. Today, our spending levels for research and development and demonstration for fossil fuels, renewable energy sources and conservation are about one-quarter of what they were then. The amendment would provide an additional $750 million across these areas.

Some examples of this increased investment in energy innovation are:

A doubling of funding for biofuels and biorefineries so that researchers can pursue the full range of biomass technologies and develop new ones;

Provide the Clean Coal Program with enough funding so that they can issue the next major solicitation of innovative proposals for making better use of this abundant domestic energy source;

To restore funding for petroleum, natural gas and geothermal technology programs for which the administration and the bill provide virtually no funds;

Increase support for developing the full range of conservation technologies;

Weatherization for an additional 30,000 homes in the year 2007, next year, providing immediate energy savings;

The establishment of a DARPA-like program in DOE for advanced energy research projects to stimulate innovation that can change the paradigms for how we obtain and use energy, much as DARPA investments in networking help create the Internet.

Relative to our water infrastructure, Hurricane Katrina was a wake-up call, and while we are providing much funding for this stricken area, flood protection is needed in many other areas of our country. The amendment would also provide $250 million more to accelerate needed improvements to flood control measures around the country. It would also increase operation and maintenance funding for two regions and partially restore the cuts to the R and D program for the Army Corps of Engineers.

Our country needs this $1 billion increase to this year's investments to ensure our future safety and prosperity. Given that there will be additional needs in the future, I would not borrow the money for these investments from our children and grandchildren. So they must be paid for now, and to do that, the amendment would provide that those making in excess of $1 million in 2007 give up 2.42 percent of the tax cuts provided to them since 2000. I think the country will miss these investments in our common good more than the most prosperous among us will miss two-tenths of their ample income.

Mr. Speaker, I had hoped that my proposal would have been made in order under the rule. I ask my colleagues to defeat the previous question so that this amendment can be debated and voted upon by the full House.

Mr. 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. From April 29 to May 1, 2006, these students competed in the National Finals of the We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution program held in Washington, DC. For their knowledge and understanding of the American government, these extraordinary young people were awarded the Central Region Award at this year's 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 the following members of this truly remarkable class of students: Sara Brown, Emily Clark, Andrea Coulis, Kim Dooley, Reem (Sara)

Farooq, Scott Goodwin, Lauren Hudak, Hannah Huebner, Casey Jedrzejczak, Alexis Jeter, Joseph Kasenga, Emily Lyness, Thomas Paliga, Shobba Pai, Samantha Skrobot, Tamiko Toyama, Lindsay Weiss, and Matt Westerlund. The teacher for this award winning team was Michael Gordon.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to once again extend my most heartfelt congratulations to the members of Munster High School's We the People program for their commitment to excellence, as well as to the faculty members who have instilled in their 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 their future achievements as they continue to rise to the top.

Mr. Speaker, it is with the greatest pleasure that I congratulate one of the most dedicated, hardworking citizens of Indiana's First Congressional District, Mr. Nenad Radoja. After working for the U.S. Steel, Gary Works Plant for over seven years, Nenad recently accepted the position of Director of Steel Shop at U.S. Steel in Smederevo, in the country of Serbia and Montenegro. Nenad began his new position on March 20, 2006.

Nenad Radoja was born on June 15, 1971, in East Chicago, Indiana. Nenad is one of two children born to Ray and Sandi Radoja. He is the great-grandson of turn-of-the-century Yugoslavian immigrants who came to United States in search of the American Dream. Nenad's grandparents, Risto and Marija Radoja, also immigrated to the United States in 1951 in search of what America had to offer. Upon his arrival, Risto began working at the steel mills in Northwest Indiana. Nenad, surely inspired by his grandfather's work ethic, chose to pursue a similar career in the steel mills.

A lifetime native of Lake County, Indiana, Nenad graduated from Merrillville High School in 1989. Furthering his education, Nenad went on to complete his Baccalaureate Degree in History at Purdue University-Calumet in Hammond, Indiana. He later earned his Master's Degree in Management from Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana.

Prior to transferring to the U.S. Steel Plant in Serbia and Montenegro, Nenad worked at the U.S. Steel, Gary Works Plant for seven years, where he worked in several capacities. Over the years, he worked his way up from Melter to General Foreman to Desulfurization Coordinator, and finally, to Area Coordinator of Operation, a position he held until accepting his new position in Serbia and Montenegro. His exceptional knowledge and expertise in these areas will surely be missed in Northwest Indiana, but his acquisition in Serbia and Montenegro will be a definite improvement to their organization.

Though extremely dedicated to his work, Nenad selflessly gives much of his free time and energy to his community, his friends, and most importantly, his family. Nenad now resides in the capital city of Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro, with his loving wife, Branka, his daughters, Katarina and Sanja, and his son, Stefan.

Also important to note, Nenad is an avid sports fan. In his spare time, Nenad enjoys playing basketball and watching football games.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending and congratulating Nenad Radoja on beginning his new position as Director of Steel Shop at U.S. Steel in Smederevo, Serbia and Montenegro. Nenad has improved the lives of many residents in Indiana's First Congressional District. Northwest Indiana will surely miss Nenad's loyal service and uncompromising dedication.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on the tragic anniversary of his assassination. In the 38 years since his untimely death, Dr. King and his work for civil rights has remained an inspiration to thos committed to liberty and freedom throughout the world.

While today marks a sad day in American history, it is my hope that as a nation, we will continue to reflect on the actions and accomplishments of Dr. King. It is my hope that we will celebrate his life and learn from his legacy.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born on January 15, 1929. He received a Bachelor of Arts from Morehouse College in 1948, a Bachelor of Divinity degree in 1951, and a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from Boston University. Throughout his education, Dr. King was involved in civil rights, and in 1955, he led the historic Montgomery Bus Boycott that began after Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white man. After the Montgomery Bus Boycott launched a national civil rights campaign, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. helped form the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in 1957. Dr. King led the SCLC as it promoted, organized, and conducted nonviolent protests in the name of fairness and equality.

The nonviolent manner in which Dr. King fought for fundamental freedoms such as the right to vote and desegregation has had a lasting impact on this country. Perhaps the greatest example of Dr. King's leadership and impact on this country is his ``I Have a Dream'' speech, which he gave in front of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington in 1963, where he talked about his four children living in a nation where they would not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.

In 1968 Dr. King set out for Memphis to support a sanitation strike that called for higher wages and better treatment. Days later, on April 4, 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated.

After his death, the country mourned the loss of our greatest modern- day civil rights pioneer. To this day, Dr. King's work, message, and legacy remain imprinted on the minds of those who carry on his noble cause.

Mr. Speaker, today may be the anniversary of the death of one of our Nation's greatest citizens, but I also hope it is day on which we can reflect on the positive changes that were set in motion due to Dr. King's work. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. raised the consciousness of America; he made our nation re-examine our commitment to freedom and liberty, and he did so with a message of peace and non-violence. I speak for all Americans today as we honor a great man.

Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to honor Mr. Calvin Bellamy on the occasion of his retirement as chief executive officer of Bank Calumet, where he has served the people of Northwest Indiana over the past 24 years. Throughout his time leading Bank Calumet, Mr. Bellamy has done much to improve the quality of life for everyone in Northwest Indiana. He has been an exemplary community leader as well as a successful business man, and I am proud to call him a friend.

Under Mr. Bellamy, Bank Calumet has become a crucial component for economic development in the region, with branches serving both Indiana and Illinois. Today, Bank Calumet operates in 29 locations with over 400 employees. Bank Calumet has become one of the largest locally owned bank and holding companies in Northwest Indiana with over $1 billion in total assets. Bank Calumet has been named ``one of America's best banks'' by all three national rating services under Mr. Bellamy's leadership. These incredible accomplishments reflect the drive, passion, and commitment Cal Bellamy has shown to creating a world-class financial institution that invests in the communities it serves.

Cal Bellamy's contributions to the economy of Northwest Indiana are only eclipsed by his personal dedication to our community. Cal has been called on to lend his expertise and leadership to several important organizations in Northwest Indiana. Mr. Bellamy serves as chairman of the Purdue Technology Center Advisory Board, where he is involved with the center's activities to attract high-tech jobs to Northwest Indiana. He is also chairman of the Northwest Indiana Forum, the Education Committee of the Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, the Ethics In Government Taskforce of the Lake County Community Development Committee, and cochair of Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana Capital Campaign.

Mr. Bellamy also serves on the Board of Directors of many organizations committed to improving the quality of life in Northwest Indiana, including the First District Pro Bono Committee, which provides legal services for low-income individuals, the Urban League of Northwest Indiana, Lake County Workforce Development, the Calumet Council Boy Scouts of America, the Northwest Indiana Minority Business Opportunity Committee, and the Northwest Indiana World Trade Council. Cal Bellamy also commits his time to educational causes throughout the area, serving as the founding director of the Hammond Education Foundation, on the Board of Advisors for Indiana University Northwest, and on the Chancellor's Council for Purdue University Calumet. Without a doubt, Mr. Bellamy has given his time and energy graciously to make Northwest Indiana a better place for future generations.

Mr. Bellamy received his B.A. with highest distinction from Indiana University, his law degree from the University of Michigan, and is a graduate of the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at the University of Delaware. I wish him and his wife, Cathy, the best of luck as they approach the exciting next steps of their life.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending Cal Bellamy for his outstanding contributions to the community of Northwest Indiana. His commitment to improving the quality of life for the people of the First Congressional District of Indiana is truly inspirational and should be recognized and commended. Over the years, I have sought out Cal to seek his assistance on matters affecting Northwest Indiana. I have always found him to be trustworthy and deliberate in our conversations. As John Quincy Adams said, ``If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.'' Cal Bellamy has been a great leader for Northwest Indiana.

Mr. Speaker I rise today to honor George Becker, a great union leader, great American, and President Emeritus of the United Steelworkers (USW). Not only has George been a dear friend of mine, but to working men and women everywhere. They owe him a debt of gratitude for the years of service he has given not only to the labor movement, but to his country.

Retirement as the USW's International Union President in 2001 did not change his goals nor dim his vision and resolve. He continued his advocacy during his service on the U.S. Trade Deficit Review Commission. He is still fighting in his capacity as Commissioner on the U.S. China Economic and Security Review Commission to give a voice to the concerns of workers in the industries affected by our exploding trade deficit with China.

I am sure my colleagues on the Congressional Steel Caucus will join me in expressing our good fortune to have worked in close association with a man who warned us years ahead of time that the American steel industry was on the brink of collapse after the Asian financial crisis in 1998. It was George Becker's persistence and foresight that created the joint union-industry alliance ``Stand Up for Steel'' that fought for fair steel trade policies before Congress and two Administrations to bring the relief necessary for the U.S. steel industry to restructure and consolidate.

I remember standing with USW President Becker among hundreds of steelworkers on Capitol Hill who helped win passage of H.R. 975 in the Spring of 1999, a bill I sponsored titled the `Stop Illegal Steel Trade Act' to impose a freeze on steel imports. The U.S. House of Representatives passed it 289 to 141, but the measure was subsequently defeated in the Senate on a procedural vote.

But the determined President Becker didn't stop fighting to save American steelworkers' jobs and the industry. He supported H.R. 808, the Steel Revitalization Act of 2001, to require a five year rollback of steel imports to pre-crisis levels, while providing assistance for retiree health care costs and establishing a $10 billion loan fund to finance steel industry modernization.

The Steelworkers Union president didn't stop at the legislative door of Congress, leading a national union-industry petition under the U.S. Foreign Trade Act to implement a Section 201 tariff on all steel imports that included a public hearing in my Congressional District of Northwest Indiana by the International Trade Commission. The ITC's investigation demonstrated the need for steel tariffs and President Bush implemented relief in 2002.

George Becker, a second-generation steelworker, rose through the ranks to become the sixth international president of the United Steelworkers (USW). He served seven years as the union's international president, elected in 1993 and 1997. He also was chair of the Labor Advisory Committee for Trade Negotiations and Trade Policy for the U.S. Department of Labor; during the Clinton Administration, he served on the President's Export Council and the U.S. Trade & Environmental Policy Advisory Committee.

He is a respected union organizer and strategist, and an internationally-known spokesman for industrial safety, workers' rights on the job and fair global trade.

Among his major accomplishments are:

Mergers with the United Rubber Workers (URW) in 1995, and the Aluminum, Brick and Glass Workers (ABG) in 1997, bringing 140,000 new members to the USW.

Launching the union's pioneering national Rapid Response Network to mobilize members and their local unions to personally contact their members of Congress and state legislatures with handwritten letters on bread & butter issues.

Establishing a USW Legislative Leadership Program in Washington, D.C., which provides member-activists with training in lobbying and political action.

On February 28, 2001, George Becker joined the ranks of one of the Labor Movement's more formidable legacies. He became

only the sixth past President of the United Steelworkers.

Born within a few yards of the Granite City Steel Mill in Illinois where he went to work at age 15, he lived and loved the life of a steelworker from his first day in an open hearth labor gang to the last day he served as International President.

His service to his country included a stint in the U.S. Marines toward the end of World War II and again during the Korean War, when he was drafted into the U.S. Army, owing to a critical shortage of light weapons infantry leaders.

USW President Becker is enjoying his 55th wedding anniversary this year with his wife Jane that began when he met her in the Ozarks of Missouri. They have three married sons and 14 grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending George Becker for his outstanding contributions to his union and his country. His commitment to improving the quality of life for working people everywhere is unparalleled, and he should be recognized and commended.

Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to take this time to remember one of Northwest Indiana's most distinguished citizens, Richard ``Dick'' Quattrin, of Whiting, Indiana. On Sunday, February 26, 2006, Dick passed away while in Washington, D.C. As he so often did, Dick made the trip to Washington to take part in a national meeting of the American Legion. Dick will be laid to rest on Saturday, February 4, 2006, at Saint Joseph Cemetery in Hammond, Indiana.

Dick Quattrin was born on August 18, 1932, to Angelo and Laura Quattrin. He was born and raised in the Pullman-Roseland neighborhoods of Chicago before relocating to Whiting, Indiana, which he called home for over fifty years. These fifty years were spent with his beloved wife, Dorothy, who survives him. Dick is also survived by his five daughters, Lydia (Greg) Beer, Karen (Ed) Erminger, Ruth (Wayne) Rodda, Marsha (John) Jerome, and Sharon Quattrin. Dick is also survived by his brothers Norman (Laurie) Quattrin and Ron (Sandy) Quattrin, his sister- in-law Rose (Bill) Tuskan, and his loving grandchildren, whom he truly cherished: Andrew, Jason, Jennifer, Daniel, Jeffrey, Megan, Laura, Allison, Emily, and Claire.

Dick's life of service to his community goes back to his days in the United States Army, where he obtained the rank of Sergeant. Dick felt tremendous pride for his country, and he was willing to endanger his own life to protect the lives of his fellow Americans, as evidenced by his service during the Korean Conflict. His courage and heroism will always be remembered, and his sacrifice will forever live in the hearts and minds of those for whom he battled. Throughout his professional career, Dick continued to serve the community as a member of the fire department for the City of Hammond, Indiana.

Since his discharge from the United States Army, Dick has become most well known in the community for his commitment to veterans and his involvement with the American Legion and other veterans' organizations. Dick's dedication to the American Legion is evident in the many prestigious positions he held. Dick was a past commander of American Legion Post #80 in Whiting, where he remained a constant fixture until his passing. Dick was even named to the revered post of Commander of the Department of Indiana American Legion from 1997-1998. His efforts in this position allowed him to spread his compassion and his unwavering concern for veterans far beyond the borders of Northwest Indiana. Along the way, I am sure Dick crossed paths with many more veterans whose lives were touched, knowing that such a passionate individual was fighting for them. In addition to his service to the American Legion, Dick was also an active member of the 40/8, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Walter Kleiber Post 2724, the Knights of Columbus Council 1696, and the B.P.O.E. Whiting Lodge 68.

While Dick has dedicated considerable time and energy to veterans' rights, he has always made an extra effort to give back to the community. Dick, well known in Northwest Indiana for his talents as a singer, was a member of his church choir and the ``Knight Sounds'' of the Whiting Knights of Columbus. In addition, Dick was highly respected in the community in the area of athletics, having coached the Whiting Post #80 baseball team for the past 40 years. An accomplished athlete in his own right, Dick played professional baseball as a member of the Saint Louis Browns affiliated minor league ball club.

Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring Mr. Richard ``Dick'' Quattrin for his outstanding devotion to Indiana's First Congressional District. His unselfish and lifelong dedication to veterans and the Northwest Indiana community is worthy of the highest commendation. Dick's selflessness was an inspiration to us all, and I am proud to have represented him in Congress.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I wish to congratulate the members of the East Gary Memorial American Legion Post #100 as they celebrate their 75th Diamond Jubilee Birthday. To commemorate this special occasion, Post #100 will be having an anniversary dinner on Saturday, March 11, 2006 at the Post #100 American Legion Hall in Lake Station, Indiana.

The East Gary Memorial American Legion Post #100 was chartered in 1931. Since its inception, the members of Post #100 have dedicated themselves to the mission of serving veterans and the community. Post #100 members go above and beyond to serve veterans, as evidenced by their continued work with the Indiana Veterans Home in Lafayette, Indiana; the Knightstown Soldiers and Sailors Home in Knightstown, Indiana; and the Hines VA Hospital in Hines, Illinois, where they provide visitation and assistance to veterans in need. In addition, Post #100 has always been very active in various POW/MIA programs. Post #100 has also taken an active role in promoting local public service by sponsoring a law enforcement officer/firefighter/EMT competition, of which present Commander John Wrolen serves as District Chairman and State Co-Chairman.

Currently, Post #100 and its members also support the following youth programs: American Legion Baseball, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America, the Special Olympics, and several programs that focus on patriotism and American government. In particular, they are active in Hoosier Boys' and Girls' State, a program that aims to educate high school juniors on the structure of American government and its processes. Post #100 also provides flag etiquette classes for grade- school children and sponsors the Americanism in Government program, as well as oratorical programs. These competitions test the knowledge and public speaking abilities of tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade students, allowing the winners to advance to compete at district, State, regional, and national levels.

Throughout the past 75 years, American Legion Post #100 has installed 37 commanders, 4 of which have gone on to serve as first district commanders. These men are: Ralph Becktel (1934), Jay Hott (1968), Hank Cook (1992), and John Wrolen (2001). At their 75th anniversary celebration, Post #100 will honor all living past commanders for their service. They are: Robert Pifferitti, Albert Kinsey, Alfred Hanson, Jr., Robert Wilson, John Wrolen, Terry Szostek, Richard Davies, Ronald Blaney, and Evin Eakins. All of these past commanders and district commanders should be honored for their service and dedication to veterans and the community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating the members of the East Gary Memorial American Legion Post #100 on the 75th anniversary of their noble organization. These giving and selfless individuals continue to dedicate their time and unrelenting efforts to serve local veterans and their community. I am proud to represent them in Congress.