Floor Statements

It is with great joy and enthusiasm that I wish to congratulate Mr. Hank Stram on his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Hank Stram's path to football greatness began many years ago when he was an athletic standout at Lew Wallace High School in Gary, Indiana earning all-state honors as halfback. On Sunday, August 3, 2003, Hank Stram received the ultimate honor with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

After graduating from Lew Wallace High School, Stram attended Purdue University on a football scholarship. He earned four letters in baseball and three in football for the Boilermakers. His collegiate career was interrupted for three years of military service in World War II. During his senior year at Purdue, Stram received the coveted Big Ten Medal that is awarded to the conference athlete who best combines athletics with academics.

Immediately upon graduation in 1948, Stram joined Purdue's football coaching staff. He served 12 years as an assistant on the collegiate level, with stops at Southern Methodist, Notre Dame and Miami (Florida).

In 1960 he was named head coach of the Dallas Texans in the new American Football League. The rest is history. Stram guided the Texans to the AFL championship in 1962 and the team then moved to Kansas City and became the Chiefs. In Kansas City, Stram led the Chiefs to the 1966 and 1969 AFL Championships.

His 1966 Kansas City team played in the first Super Bowl, losing to the Green Bay

Packers. The highlight of Stram's illustrious coaching career came on January 11, 1970, when the Chiefs defeated the Minnesota Vikings, 23-7, in Super Bowl IV. He also led the Chiefs to playoff appearances in 1968 and 1971.

Strarn coached 17 years in professional football and had a career won-lost-tied record of 136-100-10. His victory total is 11th on the all-time NFL coaches list. He finished his career with 2 seasons, 1976 and 1977, as head coach of the New Orleans Saints.

Hank Stram was known by his players and colleagues as being a truly innovative coach with ideas that inspired and motivated his players and all those who had the opportunity to work with him throughout his career. At the age of 80, Stram continues to provide motivation for area athletes. Every year, the Silver Bell Club, Lodge 2365 of the Polish National Alliance of the United Slates, hosts its Hank Stram-- Tony Zale Sports Award Banquet to honor young athletes in Northwest Indiana.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending and applauding Hank Stram, a true sports hero who has achieved greatness. His lifetime of devotion to his players, fans, and family will truly be celebrated and remembered.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Gerry L. Nannenga for his lifelong contributions to the labor movement. This is a very special pleasure, as I have known Gerry for the better part of two decades and have seen firsthand the efforts of his dynamic accomplishments on behalf of the community. On Thursday, July 31, 2003, the Indiana Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights will salute Gerry for his dedicated work, serving the union members in the State of Indiana as Executive Secretary-Treasurer. Fortunately, Gerry will have the opportunity to continue his distinguished career in the labor movement, as he is being promoted to serve the needs of working carpenters nationwide.

Gerry Nannenga has dedicated a substantial portion of his life to the betterment of union members and the community of Northwest Indiana, as well as the entire State of Indiana.

Gerry's distinguished career in the labor movement has made the community and the State of Indiana a better place in which to live and work. For more than 28 years, Gerry Nannenga has served as a member of Local 1005 of the Carpenters Union. Additionally, Gerry served as Business Manager of the Northwest Indiana District Council of Carpenters and Millwrights, as well as, past President of the Northwest Indiana Federation of Labor. Gerry has always devoted his career toward the expansion of labor ideals and fair standards for all working people.

While Gerry Nannenga has dedicated considerable time and energy to his work with the Indiana Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights, he has always made an extra effort to give back to the community. He has served on the Indiana State Building Trades Executive Board and the Lake Area United Way Executive Committee. Additionally, in 1998, Governor Frank O'Bannon appointed him to the Indiana Port Commission.

Although his work and community service put extraordinary demands on his time, Gerry

has never limited the time he gives to his most important interest, his family. He and his wife, Deborah, have three children: Staci, Christopher, and Samantha.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating Mr. Nannenga for his professional achievements and his many years of dedication to the betterment of our community. We in Northwest Indiana are truly thankful to have someone of Gerry's talents on our team. His work in the labor movement provided workers in Indiana opportunities they might not have otherwise had. Gerry Nannenga's leadership has and will continue to keep the region's labor force strong and help keep America working.

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

Mr. Chairman, I thank my chairman very much. I, too, would begin by thanking individuals; and I do want to thank members of the staff, because we would not be here without this excellent product and their help.

I do want to mention specifically Rob Pace, Leslie Phillips, Tracey La Turner, Kenny Craft, Peder Maarbjerg, Scott Burnison, Dennis Kerns, Kevin Cook, Rob Nabors, and Bob Schmidt. They have all worked very diligently, very hard; and, again, we would not be here without their very diligent and intelligent work.

Secondly, I must thank my chairman, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Hobson). While this is the first time he has brought an energy and water bill to the floor, you would not know it from the work product. I have had the pleasure of serving with a number of very distinguished, wonderful gentlemen who have produced good work products. I must tell you this now is the fifth energy and water bill I have managed for the minority on the floor. It is by far the best bill we have ever brought to the floor, and I would ask my colleagues to support it.

The gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Hobson) has been eminently fair. He has been trusting of the minority, he has been professional in all of his dealings, he has been decisive in his decisions, and the Department of Energy and other agencies within this bill will be better for his actions. He is a friend, and he has made the last 6 months of working on this bill fun. This is a good bill.

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

Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey).

Mr. Chairman, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. Chairman, I would to add my remarks to the chairman's, and I pointed out in full committee when we marked this bill up, and, again, it is not a failure of the subcommittee that the high-priority Operation and Maintenance budget for the Corps during the current fiscal year is $884 million behind. For this coming fiscal year that is going to climb to $1 billion. Additionally, non-high-priority Operation and Maintenance backlog is $1.9 billion and more clearly has to be done, and we will do our best in conference.

Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the chairman yielding me his time, and I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I too am opposed to the Andrews amendment. I have a great deal of respect for the gentleman, but I disagree with him on the policy of this amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Hoeffel).

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Brady).

Mr. Chairman, I do not have any other requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words.

Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the recognition, and I rise in strong opposition to the Udall-Porter amendment. The chairman, I think, has stated the case very aptly. At the beginning of my remarks, I would like to make three points, however.

I would note, as other speakers have done, the absence of the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Berkley) from the First Congressional District of Nevada. Unfortunately, because of an illness in her family, she was not able to be here. Despite my opposition to the Udall-Porter amendment, I would note for the record her strong support of it, her continual lobbying on behalf of the people of Nevada on this particular issue.

I would like to make three points. The first is this is a matter of consensus. The House has spoken on this issue. The House passed a Yucca Mountain approval resolution in May of 2002 by a vote of 306 to 117. The Senate passed the resolution by voice vote, and the President signed it into law in July of last year.

Secondly, this is a matter of time, and time is of the essence. The 2010 target for opening a permanent repository is now 12 years later than the deadline set on January 31, 1998, for DOE to begin taking waste from nuclear plant sites.

Finally, this is a national security issue. There are over 100 operating reactors, 103, with closed sites that need to have their waste removed. This is a national security issue. We need to have this waste in one place, under guard and contained. I am strongly opposed to the amendment.

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

Mr. Chairman, I would like to indicate my strong opposition to the amendment offered. I think of all of the discrete decisions that have been made on individual projects that were carefully considered, an across-the-board cut is certainly not the way to approach the legislative process, and I am strongly opposed to the amendment.

I would have no objection.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great admiration that I rise today to honor the memory of Mr. Howard D. Samuel, and his lifelong contributions to our great country. Howard passed away on June 19, 2003. His efforts as a veteran of the labor movement, as well as his numerous positive accomplishments during his long career, are worthy of the highest commendation.

Howard began his work in the labor movement in 1949 as an organizer with the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America. He was then elected as international vice president in 1966. His dedication and unrelenting service to the movement paved the way for new and innovative solutions to labor problems and issues. In 1977, he was appointed U.S. Deputy Secretary of Labor for International Labor Affairs by President Carter. His role as Deputy Secretary allowed him the opportunity to be involved with many facets of the department such as international trade, trade adjustment assistance, and the International Labor Organization.

In 1979, Howard was elected President of the Industrial Union Department, a federation consisting of over 50 national and international unions affiliated with the AFL-CIO. During his presidency, he founded the Collective Bargaining Forum, a study group of union presidents and various company CEOs. This Forum initiated several groundbreaking reports on industrial relations issues. In 1991, Howard was the first labor representative to ever be appointed to the Defense Science Board, a key advisory organization to the Secretary of Defense.

Howard, by serving in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1945, exhibited his true sense of patriotic duty to our nation. He also served as vice chairman of both the New York Coalition and the Council on Competitiveness. Along with his many other contributions to society, he was also a trustee and board member of the Carnegie Corporation, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center in Atlanta, as well the American Civil Liberties Union, to name just a few.

Mr. Speaker, Howard D. Samuel dedicated his life to supporting the labor movement and serving as a leader and role model for all Americans. I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in remembering Mr. Samuel and his lifetime of achievement and devotion to our great country. He will be remembered honorably and truly missed.

Madam Speaker, I offer a motion to recommit.

Madam Speaker, I am in its present form.

Madam Speaker, I thank my colleagues for their attention. H.R. 1528, from my perspective, and in its current form, does not adequately address the needs of tens of thousands of workers who have lost their health benefits. I believe that section 309 would, in fact, hurt retirees by rolling back consumer protections currently in place. I do think it is unacceptable to now constrict the number of individuals eligible for health care tax credits.

The motion to recommit is based on title I of H.R. 1999, which has 111 bipartisan co-sponsors; and I believe title I represents a positive proactive solution to the health care problems retirees and other workers who have lost their jobs face. The motion to recommit builds upon the progress we made in the Trade Promotion Authority in this area. It does not create a new health area tax credit. It does not create a new Federal program; but rather, it removes obstacles in the current program to include more individuals, individual U.S. citizens who need assistance. The motion lowers the eligibility age from the current age of 55 to 50. The motion to recommit also allows spouses to receive the tax credit if they would otherwise be eligible and the recipient is over 64 years of age and receiving Medicare. Currently spouses of eligible individuals can receive the health care tax credit only while the eligible individual is between the ages of 55 and 64.

And, finally, it allows the last 3 months of health care before TAA qualification or the PBGC takeover to count as a 3-month preexisting coverage requirement. Currently an eligible individual must pay full price for health care for 3 months before receiving the health care tax credit.

This measure will help retirees from a wide range of industry, including textiles, airline mechanics, and other manufacturing firms whose pensions, including 2,800 firms, have been taken over by the

Madam Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate one of the most selfless and caring citizens of the First Congressional District of Indiana, Mr. John H. Betjemann. John has spent the past 23 years dedicating his life to promoting healthcare development and community service to all of Northwest Indiana. His career as President and CEO of the Methodist Hospitals in Gary, Merrillville, and surrounding communities has allowed him the opportunity to touch the lives of numerous people. In honor of his gracious service to his community, there will be a celebration of his accomplishments on June 26, 2003 at St. Timothy's Church in Gary, Indiana.

John Betjemann has accomplished many visionary goals throughout his career. He has focused his work on Neuroscience and Oncology medical services for diagnostics and treatment of cancer, brain tumors, and many other diseases. He has also provided Northwest Indiana with the Midlake Campus, which helps in the development services for children and new paramedic training for employees. He has also assured the identification of youth who are at risk of sudden cardiac trauma by providing high school athletic screening programs at no charge. Also in 1999, John established the Smoke-Free Hospital Policy to help promote better healthcare environments for the patients, employees, and visitors of Methodist Hospitals.

Along with the countless service organizations and programs that John has initiated, he has also been involved in many community organizations and projects. He has been a powerful member of the Horace Mann Ambridge Neighborhood Improvement Organization, which rehabilitates homes in the Northlake Campus area for low income, disabled families, and provides resources for repair and maintenance to these homes. He has also been a strong leader of the Adopt-A-Park Project, which along with IVY Tech, Gary Parks Department, and Lake County Job Training, helps to enhance Gary City parks by installing modern play equipment.

Along with his many other accomplishments, John has also received numerous community service and leadership awards. In 1988, John was given the Community Service Award by the Tolle-Mann Business Association. In 1995, he was the recipient of the Crystal Globe Award, which was given by the Asian American Medical Society. The Wellness Council also acknowledged him in 2000 for implementing the Health Institute.

Mr. Speaker, John has given his time and efforts selflessly to his employees and patients throughout his years of service. He has taught every member of his staff the true meaning of service to all members of the Northwest Indiana community. I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating Mr. John Betjemann for his outstanding contributions to Indiana's First Congressional District. I am proud to commend him for his lifetime of service and dedication.

Mr. Speaker it is with great pride and honor that I congratulate Mr. Wallace E. Evans on his contribution to the residents of Northwest Indiana. Wallace will be retiring on July 1, 2003 as Local 881 United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) International Union's Executive Vice President. There will be a celebration dedicated to honoring his achievements on Friday, June 27 in Oak Brook, Illinois.

After 13 years of working as a Frozen Foods manager at Burger Supermarkets in Munster, Indiana, he was hired on full-time as the Organizer and Business Representative for Local 1460 of the Retail Clerks Union of Lake County. In 1980, Wallace became the President of Local 1460, and the first contract he negotiated as President increased the membership wage by $2.10 over the three-year contract. During his tenure, he dedicated himself to improving the working and financial conditions of the membership. After his time served as President, he became the Secretary-Treasurer of Local 1550 of UFCW, from 1986-1989.

After the merger of Local 1550 and Local 881 of UFCW in 1989, Wallace served as a Collective Bargaining Negotiator until he was named Director of Collective Bargaining in 1994. In 1996, he was named Executive Vice President and Director of Collective Bargaining.

Not only has Wallace had many positive accomplishments in his career with the union, he has also actively contributed to his community through many service organizations. He has served as the Union Trustee for the UFCW Union and Employers Calumet Region Insurance Fund since 1974, as well as holding the office of Democratic Precinct Committeeman in Highland, Indiana. He has also been a community leader through his role as Vice President of the Northwest Indiana Federation of Labor AFL-CIO (Retail Wholesale Sector). Although Wallace has dedicated his life to his career and his community, he has never neglected to provide support and love for his family. Wallace and his wife, Sheila, have been married for 36 years, and have two sons, Steven and Jason.

Mr. Speaker, Wallace Evans has been an active force in his union, as well as a positive leader for the Northwest Indiana community. I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating him on his well-deserved retirement. His service to his career and devotion to Indiana's First Congressional District deserves the highest commendation, and I am proud to represent him in Congress.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I congratulate Mr. John Wingate Griffin on his retirement from the Federal Government after 32 years of dedicated service to this great country. His career exemplifies selfless public service at its best and is a model for existing and future Federal employees. He retired at the end of May 2003.

A fifth generation native Californian, Mr. Griffin was born on December 2, 1946. After graduating from high school in Ojai, California, he later continued his studies at Ventura College earning an Associate Degree in economics. He received his bachelor's degree of International Relations and Economics in June 1973 from California State University.

Mr. Griffin served his country honorably in the military for over 3 years with the United States Army. He continued his Federal career for an additional 28 plus years as an economist with the United States Army Corps of Engineers in Sacramento and San Francisco, California. When he retired from the Corps, he was serving as Chief of Civil Works Program Development for the South Pacific Division where he had been employed since September 1986. In addition to leading a staff of economists and program analysts, Mr. Griffin presided over the largest Corps' Civil Works General Investigations program covering all or part of ten of the Nation's largest States and was a special advisor to the Division Commander. He provided regional oversight to four district program development activities located in Sacramento, San Francisco and Los Angeles, California and Albuquerque, New Mexico. His knowledge of the General Investigations program, coupled with his analytical capabilities, placed him in a class by himself as a program expert. He maintained a personable attitude that contributed to overcoming numerous challenges and made even the most difficult tasks doable. As he is fond of saying, ``one can disagree without being disagreeable.'' His advice was always on the mark.

Mr. Griffin will retire to his hometown of Auburn, California where he and his beloved wife, Daniela, had been active in their community for well over 30 years. Individually or together, they touched the lives of many in the community by serving on the planning commission, teaching in the public schools, contributing to fine dining experiences in Auburn through operation of their elegant restaurant, enjoying ballroom dancing, or helping others with expert mechanical advice on automobiles. They were the perfect couple and we express our deepest sorrow at Mr. Griffin's loss of Daniela earlier this year. We wish him a healthy, happy, and well-deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, at this time I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating Mr. John Wingate Griffin on his retirement as he concludes a successful Federal career. We thank him again for a job well done, and for his many contributions to the Corps, the Army, and the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I first came to know Senator Birch Bayh following his election to the United States Senate in 1962, through my father, John Visclosky, the former Mayor of Gary, IN. My father has always had a deep respect and strong feelings towards Senator Bayh. Later, as a Member of Congress, I have always considered Senator Birch Bayh a friend and a mentor. As a citizen, I am grateful that he chose a life of public service.

We will forever be served by Senator Bayh through the two changes he authored to, what I consider one of the greatest documents ever written, the Constitution. Senator Bayh amended the document first by authoring the Twenty-Fifth Amendment, which created an orderly transition of power in the case of the death or disability of the President and a method of selecting a Vice President when a vacancy occurs in that office. Later, Senator Bayh authored the Twenty-Sixth Amendment, which lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 years old. To think of Birch Bayh improving this document not once but twice is breathtaking, but expected from such a unique person. The structure of the Constitution had not been so impacted by a single lawmaker since its creation by the founding fathers.

Throughout his career, Senator Bayh always remembered that he was working for the people, especially those who were never given a fair chance in life. Senator Bayh fought hard for those who wanted an honest days work at a living wage in order to support their families. For instance, he fought hard and was successful in obtaining crucial funding for a railroad track rehabilitation program that put thousands of unemployed workers back on the job, and improved our nation's infrastructure.

Senator Bayh is a person who developed every talent that God gave him to serve others and is a person of deep compassion and caring. He is also a person who never lost his perspective on life, is fun to be with, and who can always make you laugh. My father would describe Senator Bayh as a ``100 percent guy.'' I would too, and I congratulate him on this great honor.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and honor that I congratulate Assistant Superintendent Dr. Gary E. Jones of the School City of Hammond on his retirement. Dr. Jones has made many distinguished contributions to the City of Hammond and all of Northwest Indiana during his 41 years of dedicated service.

Dr. Jones earned his bachelor's degree in education at Youngstown State University, and then went on to earn his master's degree and Doctorate in education from Indiana University, Bloomington. He began his career in education in 1962 as the Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent of Schools in the Geneva Area School System in Ohio. He has been involved as a principal in the Hammond School System from 1976 through 1986. He was the first person to ever be awarded the Outstanding Principal award for his notable achievements. He has served as the Assistant Superintendent for Hammond Schools since 1986. His history of service to the education of our youth is apparent in all facets of his prestigious career.

Of the many outstanding accomplishments made by Dr. Jones, one of his proudest contributions has been the amazing vision of a robotics program that brought about the design of Team Hammond. Team Hammond has competed competitively at the US FIRST National Competition for the past several years. US FIRST is an organization dedicated to motivating America's youth about science, technology, and engineering through hands-on methods. The program involves a unique blend of problem solving and competition that prepares students for real world situations. Through his sincere and honorable service to the students of Hammond, Dr. Jones has been a guiding light to the Northwest Indiana community.

Dr. Jones has not only served his community through his educational accomplishments, but he has also positively contributed in other ways by being a dedicated member of various community service organizations such as the Woodmar Kiwanis Club, the Hammond Board of Health, the Public Improvements Task Force, and Lake Area United Way to name just a few. He is also a ten-year member of the PTA Executive Committee and has received the PTA National Life Membership Award, which was presented to him by the Hammond Council of PTA's. He has received many awards that exemplify his dedication and leadership to the Hammond community. He is a member of the Indiana Congress of Parents and Teachers, as well as a recipient of the Outstanding Volunteer Service Award.

Mr. Speaker, Dr. Jones has contributed graciously to not only the youth of Hammond, but also to the entire Northwest Indiana community. His dedication and devotion to the youth of our nation is a goal we should all strive to achieve. I respectively ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating Dr. Jones on his retirement. His valiant effort to educate the youth of Northwest Indiana is most commendable, and will be truly remembered.

Mr. Speaker, I first got to know Senator Birch Bayh through my father, John Visclosky, the former Mayor of Gary, Indiana, following his election to the United States Senate in 1962. My father has always had a deep respect and strong feelings towards Senator Bayh.

As a Member of Congress, I have always considered Senator Birch Bayh a friend and a mentor. As a citizen, I am grateful that he chose a life of public service, paying constant attention to the needs of working people and those who were not given a fair chance in life. Senator Bayh fought hard for those who wanted an honest days work at a living wage in order to support their families. For instance, he fought hard and was successful in obtaining crucial funding for a railroad track rehabilitation program that put thousands of unemployed workers back on the job.

While I am proud that we are naming a federal building after Senator Bayh today, we will forever be served by him through the two changes he authored to the Constitution. I have always believed that the Constitution is one of the two greatest documents ever written by man. To think of Birch Bayh improving it not once but twice is not only breathtaking, but expected from such a unique person. The structure of the Constitution had not been so impacted by a single lawmaker since its creation by the founding fathers.

Senator Bayh is a person who developed the talents that God gave him to serve others and a person of deep compassion and caring. A person who never lost his perspective, is fun to be with, and who can always make you laugh. My father would describe Senator Bayh as a ``100 percent guy.'' I would too, and I congratulate him on this great honor.

Mr. Speaker, at a time when crime concerns are on every citizen's mind, those who have dedicated their lives to law enforcement are to be commended. I would like to make a special commendation to Chief Len Smith, a devoted law enforcement officer from Indiana's First Congressional District. Chief Smith will be retiring on June 1, 2003, after having served the people of Porter for 34 years. Chief Smith will be honored by his family, friends, and members of the Porter Police Department at an open house on Sunday, May 25, 2003 at the Porter Community Building.

Len Smith, a native of Porter County and a resident of the Town of Porter for 42 years, has always been a man of compassion. He began his adult life by serving in the United States Army from 1966-1968. Upon his return to Northwest Indiana, Chief Smith thought that he would be a school teacher, having degrees in both biology and anthropology. He began police work because it afforded him the opportunity to work afternoons and midnights, allowing him to spend quality time with his family.

Smith's distinguished career in law enforcement has made his community and nation a better place in which to live and work. His outstanding motivational skills and unmatched charisma helped mold him into a natural leader. For more than 34 years, Len Smith has worked for the Porter Police Department and he has served as the town's police chief from 1974 to 1993 and from 1996 to the present. In 1993, when a former Town Council appointed a new chief from outside the town, over 200 people packed the Porter municipal building to

support Smith. The next Town Council immediately reinstated the popular Smith.

During his tenure with the Department, Chief Smith has demonstrated a sincere love for the community in which he lives. While on the force, Smith was presented with the American Legion Life Saving Award for saving two men from drowning. While Chief Smith has dedicated considerable time and energy to his work with the Porter Police Department and protecting the lives of others, he has never limited the time he gives to his most important interest, his family. He and his wife Diana have two children, Todd and Molly.

On this special day, I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Chief Smith. His large circle of family and friends can be proud of the contributions this prominent individual has made to the law enforcement community and the First Congressional District. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending Chief Smith for his lifetime of service and dedication to the people of Northwest Indiana and the citizens of the United States. He worked hard to make the Town of Porter a safer place in which to live and work. I sincerely wish him a long, happy, healthy, and productive retirement.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and sincerity that I wish to congratulate Pastor Jerry Edward Moe as he celebrates the 50th anniversary of his ordination in ministry. His parishioners at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Merrillville, Indiana will honor him on Sunday, May 18, 2003.

Pastor Moe was born on July 16, 1927, in Chicago, Illinois, to Walter and Edna Moe. He was educated in the Chicago public schools and graduated from Taft High School in 1945. Pastor Moe received his call to ministry during his teenage years and after high school went on to attend Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. After graduating with a bachelor of arts, he attended Luther Theological Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. Pastor Moe graduated from the seminary on May 17, 1953 and was ordained the same day at Central Lutheran Church located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As an ordained minister, Pastor Moe's first call was to the Air Force Chaplainry. He attended basic training at Lackland Air Force Base and was assigned to Patrick Air Force Base in Florida until 1955.

After completing his duty with the Air Force, Pastor Moe served as interim pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Jersey City, New Jersey. In 1956, Pastor Moe moved to Edinburgh, Scotland, where he studied post-graduate theology at the University of Edinburgh.

Upon his return to the United States, Pastor Moe accepted a call to the Valders Lutheran Parish in Wisconsin and served there from July 1957 to January 1960. From 1960 to 1963, Pastor Moe continued his service to God as the director of the Lutheran Center at Hothorpe Hall in Theddingworth, England.

Returning to the United States in 1963, Pastor Moe accepted the challenge of leading Christ Lutheran Church, a new mission church in Las Vegas, Nevada. During his tenure with Christ Lutheran, Pastor Moe was able to see the congregation grow. When Pastor Moe left this place of worship after seven years of service, the congregation consisted of more than 700 members.

Pastor Moe left Las Vegas to come back to his home state of Illinois where he served as pastor at Faith Lutheran Church for 22 years until his retirement in 1993. Since his official retirement, Pastor Moe has continued his call to worship at a variety of establishments in the state of Indiana. He served as Chaplain at St. Joseph's Medical Center in South Bend, as interim pastor at St. John Lutheran Church in Kokomo, and at St. John Lutheran Church in Marion. Today, Pastor Moe serves as the interim pastor at Prince of Peace Church in Merrillville.

Mr. Speaker, at this time I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating Pastor Jerry Moe as he celebrates the 50th anniversary of his ordination in ministry. Throughout Pastor Moe's career in ministry he has touched the lives of many throughout the community. His unselfish and lifelong dedication to those in need is worthy of the highest commendation, and I am proud to represent him in Congress.

Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to announce that the Silver Bell Club, Lodge 2365 of the Polish National Alliance of the United States, will be hosting the 30th Annual Hank Stram-Tony Zale Sports Award Banquet on May 19, 2003, at the Radisson Hotel in Merrillville, Indiana. Twenty outstanding Northwest Indiana High School athletes will be honored at this notable event for their dedication and hard work. These outstanding students were chosen to receive the award by their respective schools on the basis of academic and athletic achievement. All proceeds from this event will go toward a scholarship fund to be awarded to local students.

This year's Hank Stram-Tony Zale Award recipients include Lyndee Lee Arnold of Highland High School, Jennifer Barta of Hammond Morton High School, Jared Byczko of Merrillville High School, Lauren Curosh of Whiting High School, Brittany Drobac of Hobart High School, Lori Granich of Bishop Noll High School, Regina Gregorczyk of Andrean High School, Derrick Holeman of Hammond Gavit High School, Biljana Jasnic of Portage High School, Jovan Jeftich of Valparaiso High School, Brad MacFarlane of Griffith High School, Michael Marszalek of Lowell High School, Sean O'Drobinak of Crown Point High School, Tim Piatek of Munster High School, Chad Pruzin of Crown Point High School, Tiffany Redlarczyk of Lake Central High School, Maggie Reichersamer of Hammond High School, Jason Renn of Valparaiso High School, Todd Schafer of Wheeler High School and Kari Schmidt of Hammond High School.

The featured speaker at this gala event will be Hall of Fame defensive lineman Dan Hampton. Hampton was a menacing, yet versatile, defender who served 12 seasons aggressively protecting the line of scrimmage for the Chicago Bears. An All-American out of the University of Arkansas, he was selected by the Bears in the first round of the 1979 National Football League Draft. Hampton's contribution to the defense as a rookie paved the way for his Hall of Fame career. He recorded 70 tackles, two sacks, two fumble recoveries, and three passes defended in his first campaign, then eclipsed that performance in his sophomore season by recording 73 tackles and leading the Bears with 11.5 sacks. He also earned his first of four Pro Bowl appearances. Dan Hampton will probably be remembered best as a huge part of the Bears' 1985 defense that allowed just 198 points in 16 regular season games, and 10 points in three playoff games, including a dominating performance over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my distinguished colleagues to join me in commending the Silver Bell Club, Lodge 2365 of the Polish

National Alliance of the United States, for hosting this celebration of success in sports and academics. The effort of all those involved in planning this worthwhile event is indicative of their devotion to the very gifted young people in Indiana's First Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to recognize and commend the members of the Gary branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). On Friday, May 9, 2003, the Gary NAACP will hold its 40th Annual Life Membership Banquet at St. Timothy Community Church in Gary, Indiana.

The Gary NAACP was organized in 1915 by a group of residents to monitor and defend the rights of African-Americans in Northwest Indiana. The national organization, of which the Gary branch is a member, focuses on providing better and more positive ways of addressing the important issues facing minorities in social and job- related settings. Like the national organization, the Gary branch of the NAACP serves its community by combating injustice, discrimination, and unfair treatment in our society.

The primary focus of the NAACP continues to be the protection and enhancement of the civil rights of African-Americans and other minorities. Today, that fight for equity and quality extends to many issues including health care for minorities. Thus, the theme for the evening is, Taking the Next Steps to Reduce Health Disparities. Long before it became a broad based public concern, efforts were underway to ensure that economic and social barriers would not lead to increasingly severe health crises in minority communities. The featured speaker, Dr. Willarda Edwards, National Health Director for the NAACP, will speak about how the NAACP has been leading the effort to inform and educate the community about health care costs; quality and access; disease prevention; health care professions and training; and youth and elderly issues.

Further, this year the Gary NAACP will honor two outstanding community leaders for their lifelong efforts to further equality in society as well as one sorority. Mr. John Betjeman, retiring CEO of Methodist Hospitals, will receive the Benjamin Hooks award and Dr. William Mays, CEO of Mays Chemical, will receive the Roy Wilkins award. Additionally, joining more than four hundred outstanding civil, community, and religious leaders of the region, the following distinguished individuals will be inducted as life members of the Gary NAACP in the categories indicated. Persons

receiving the vintage life membership include: Dharathula Millender, Dorothy Clark, Anna Connor, Dr. FranCina Conard, Delorise Webster, and Rev. Samuel Roberts. Those receiving silver life memberships include: Roosevelt Allen, Jr., Ella Bradford, Valerie Allen Broadnax, Jacqueline Hall, Esq., and Christina Sally. St. Timothy Community Church will be receiving the gold life membership and Steven Christopher Tinsley and the Youth Church at St. Timothy Community Church will receive junior life memberships.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the new life members as well as the other members of the Gary NAACP for the efforts, activities, and leadership that these outstanding men and women have championed to improve the quality of life for all residents of Indiana's First Congressional District.