Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I wish to honor the decade of dedicated and distinguished service that David Axelrod has provided to the University of Chicago as the Director of its Institute of Politics (IOP). Ten years ago, Mr. Axelrod founded the IOP with a mission to inspire, challenge, and train young people to play an active role in American civic life. In Mr. Axelrod's tenure as Director, the IOP has been exceptional in delivering upon its mission through the development of the Pritzker Fellows Program that brings established practitioners to IOP to conduct weekly seminars with students; a Career Development program that places more than 250 students each year in public service internships; a Speaker Series program that brings prominent leaders to campus for large-scale public events; and a Civic Engagement program that provides pathways for students to activate their interest in public service.

Under Mr. Axelrod's energetic leadership, the IOP has become an integral part of the University of Chicago and raised the profile of both the university and region in the world of politics and public policy. As a nonpartisan institute, the IOP provides a space for thoughtful dialogue on contentious issues and has hosted leading academics, politicians, journalists, and activists from across the political spectrum. Yet, Mr. Axelrod's leadership is, perhaps, best illustrated by the countless students who have found candid guidance, thoughtful mentorship, and early career development opportunities at the IOP.

What Mr. Axelrod has accomplished is exactly what people living in Illinois and beyond have come to expect from him. Since graduating from the University of Chicago, Mr. Axelrod himself never stopped being an active participant in American civic life. He got the ``bug'' for public service after seeing John F. Kennedy give a speech near his childhood home in New York City. As a young journalist at the Chicago Tribune, Mr. Axelrod covered city and state politics. After meeting Barack Obama at the University of Chicago, Mr. Axelrod became the Chief Strategist for the future president's successful come-from-behind U.S. Senate Campaign and both of President Obama's stellar presidential campaigns. As Senior Advisor to President Obama, Mr. Axelrod helped the President respond successfully to the 2008 financial crisis and usher through Congress the groundbreaking Affordable Care Act. It is not an exaggeration to say that Mr. Axelrod is one of the greatest political strategists of our time. Mr. Axelrod has utilized his vast experience and knowledge to develop the next generation of political leaders and public servants through the IOP, and his groundbreaking career serves as a guiding inspiration to the students and alumni of the university.

While Mr. Axelrod's leadership will be missed, the IOP has selected a new director who also embodies the kind of dedicated public service the organization instills in students. Former U.S. Senator and incoming IOP Director Heidi Heitkamp's years in state and national politics will certainly add to the intellectual richness of the organization and build upon the foundations established by Mr. Axelrod. Mr. Speaker, I extend immense gratitude to Mr. Axelrod for his esteemed service and look forward to his legacy being carried forward by the rising leaders he has supported and inspired.

Madam Speaker, today I wish to recognize the retirements of CEO of the Trickster Cultural Center Joseph Podlasek and Board Member Jane Stevens for their many years of service to our community. The Trickster Cultural Center is a uniquely Native American owned and operated arts institution in Illinois and provides a critical space for Native American Veterans and the arts at large.

Among its many important functions, the Trickster Cultural Center displays contemporary Native American art, provides educational workshops, and features multicultural exhibitions. Joe Podlasek has served as an honorable leader of the institution for nearly a decade and has been a dedicated and determined advocate for Native American Veterans regarding local, state, and federal issues.

Jane Stevens is a deeply committed member of the Illinois arts community. Ms. Stevens curated countless exhibits for the Illinois State Museum and has worked closely with the Native American arts community for over 20 years.

Today, I express my heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Podlasek and Ms. Stevens for their service to our community and for their work in uplifting the voices and important artistic contributions of Native American Veterans.

I also wish to welcome Julia Kelly as the new CEO and David Tepper as a new board member of the Trickster Cultural Center. Julia Kelly, ``Baassaannee Xiassaa,'' served in the United States Army retiring at the rank of Command Sergeant Major after 28 years of honorable service. Ms. Kelly has worked tirelessly with Veterans, particularly Native American Veterans and Women Veterans, for decades at the Trickster Cultural Center and other government and nonprofit organizations. David Tepper has worked as a photographer and educator and will be a welcome addition to the Board. With the addition of these talented professionals, the future of the Trickster Cultural Center is bright, and I am confident the organization will continue to make tremendous contributions to our local community.

Madam Speaker, today, I wish to recognize the visit of His Holiness to the United States for the inauguration of the Fath-E-Azeem Mosque in Zion, Illinois. His Holiness is the worldwide spiritual head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, comprising millions of people residing in over 200 nations and territories. As the spiritual head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness tirelessly advocates for world peace, nonviolence, human rights, and justice.

His Holiness was elected to his lifelong position on April 22, 2003, becoming the fifth Khalifa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. As a result of his election, His Holiness was forced into exile from his home country of Pakistan due to repressive laws restricting the religious freedom of Ahmadi Muslims. Despite the persecution he and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community continue to face, His Holiness forbids the use of violence and remains devoted to peace and nonviolence, a message of which he promotes through his public speaking engagements, writings, and honorary visits across the globe. Furthermore, he's an active voice in condemning the extremism and radicalization that has too often led to terrorism.

In 2004, His Holiness launched the National Peace Symposium to convene global leaders for discussions of global humanitarian and peacemaking efforts, while promoting a greater understanding of the role of Islam and other faiths in such efforts. He also established the Ahmadiyya Muslim Peace Prize in 2009 as a recognition of those who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to establishing world peace.

Madam Speaker, I commend the dedicated global peace efforts of His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad upon his historic visit to inaugurate the Fath-E-Azeem Mosque with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Zion, and I further honor the dedicated work of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community's Zion Chapter to unite and serve Zion and the surrounding region.

Madam Speaker, I rise to express concern following a recent report published by The Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI) at Rutgers University on an increase in anti-Hindu disinformation and Hinduphobic rhetoric on social media platforms such as 4chan, Telegram, Gab, and Twitter. As a religious, cultural, and ethnic minority of Indian and Hindu heritage, I am especially concerned that hateful rhetoric and disinformation can serve as a precursor to violence in the real-world.

NCRI's study, which reviewed social media content ranging from January 2019 to June 2022, found that Hinduphobic tropes--such as the portrayal of Hindus as evil, dirty, tyrannical, genocidal, irredeemable, or disloyal--``are prominent across the ideological spectrum and are being deployed by fringe web communities and state actors alike.''

Among many concerning findings, this report exposes that organized non-state actors such as ISIS have mounted disinformation campaigns to suggest that ``Hindu Extremists'' are responsible for attacks proven to be perpetrated by ISIS.

In addition, the study found a proliferation of anti-Hindu attacks in white supremacist communities. Specifically, NCRI identified a growing reference on Twitter to the idea that Hindus are ``pajeets'' who are dirty, backwards, and perverted. Similarly, memes on Twitter in white supremacist channels borrow antisemitic tropes, such as the idea of a ``Zionist Occupied Government.'' Further, the ``pajeet'' slur is found throughout the platform 4Chan and has been used by white supremacists in white nationalist podcasts in reference to violence towards Indians and Indian Americans.

We need not search far and wide to understand how hate speech, and specifically Hinduphobia, can translate to real-world violence perpetrated against innocent civilians. For example, John Earnest, the white supremacist shooter of the Chabad Synagogue in San Diego in 2019, repeatedly referenced ``pajeets'' in his manifesto. This is but one example that warrants our collective attention.

Madam Speaker, we must do everything we can to combat hate and racially and religiously motivate violence against the 2.5 million Hindus living in the United States, the one billion Hindus around the world, and the millions of other religious minorities of all faiths across the globe. As the proud author of the Hate Crimes Commission Act, and cosponsor of recently enacted legislation to encourage the DOJ to prosecute hate crimes against religious, ethnic, and racial minorities, I will continue to fight to combat hate in all its forms, whether it be Hinduphobia, Islamophobia, or any other form of hate. Similarly, as the author of the Anti-Bullying Act and as Co-Chair of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, I will continue to fight to combat homophobia and transphobia.

Hinduphobia to date is largely unknown, and the authors of the NCRI study note that ``the essential first step in combating hate speech is to call it out.'' Today, I am endeavoring to use my platform as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives to call out this disturbing trend, a meaningful preliminary action in combating hatred towards a community that contributes greatly to the cultural fabric and economic prosperity of our diverse nation, To that end, I call on all Members of Congress to stand alongside me in condemning this concerning rise in hateful rhetoric and threats of violence.

Madam Speaker, I rise in recognition of Assyrian Memorial Day, which is observed annually on August 7th, to honor the memory of all Assyrians who fell victim to genocide, mass atrocities, and persecution because of their ethnic and religious identity. This day commemorates the victims of the Assyrian Genocide of 1914-1923 and the Simele Massacre of 1933. August 7th marks the start of the Simele Massacre, during which the armed forces of the Kingdom of Iraq systematically targeted and killed thousands of Assyrians. Assyrian Memorial Day is an opportunity to pay tribute to the perseverance of the Assyrian people and revive efforts

to bring accountability and justice for these almost century-old crimes,

While I rise to recognize the atrocities of the past, I also applaud the strength of the Assyrian-American community. Today, over 600,000 Assyrian Americans live in the United States, and I am proud to say that the 8th Congressional District of Illinois is home to a large and thriving Assyrian-American community. This community has enriched our neighborhood with its strength and determination. As a proud cosponsor of H. Res. 550, a resolution commemorating the Assyrian Genocide and urging Turkey to officially recognize the atrocity, I stand in solidarity with the vibrant Assyrian-American community I represent.

On August 7th, we remember the tragedies that the Assyrian people have faced but also recognize their resilience in the face of extreme injustice. Madam Speaker, I call on my fellow Members to stand alongside me in observing August 7th as Assyrian Memorial Day.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize and honor Pete Kadens, an entrepreneur and dedicated philanthropist in Chicago, and the work of his charity project, Hope Chicago. Mr. Kadens' remarkable commitment to transforming lives and communities is worthy of our highest praise.

During his nearly two-decade-long career as an entrepreneur, Pete Kadens employed more than 5,000 people. Following several business successes, including starting SoCore Energy, one of the largest commercial solar companies in the U.S., Pete retired in September 2018, choosing to dedicate himself fully to giving back to all those in need. He currently serves as Chairman of the Kadens Family Foundation, a charitable organization that seeks to address wealth and education inequality.

Among Mr. Kadens' many efforts to give back, Hope Chicago is one project that stands out as a testament to the values of leadership, philanthropy, and selflessness that make America so great. Founded by Pete Kadens and businessman Ted Koenig, the Hope Chicago project aims to raise at least $1 billion over the next decade to fund post- secondary scholarships and non-tuition costs for graduates of Chicago Public Schools and their adult family members who are eager to return to school and update their own skills.

At a time when we are all fighting to create a more equitable economy and expand pathways into the middle class, removing barriers to educational attainment is critical. This is especially true in light of our nation's student loan crisis, which has saddled far too many Americans with crippling debt and made the prospect of post-secondary education even more out of reach for many low-income, first-generation students. It is estimated that 9 in 10 low-income, first-generation students drop out of higher education without a degree, and in my home state of Illinois, 61 percent of college grads who do earn a degree leave with debt. College is supposed to be a great equalizer in our country. Instead, these statistics provide a picture of higher education that exacerbates inequality between the haves and have-nots across America.

While we face significant challenges in overcoming this issue, leaders like Pete Kadens have committed to doing the hard work needed to create more opportunities for disadvantaged youth to obtain an advanced education. With the support and investment of partner schools and colleges, nonprofits, and corporate and philanthropic donors, Hope Chicago is fostering multigenerational change by working to enable approximately 30,000 individuals in the City of Chicago to go to college or trade school during the next decade. Just this year, Pete announced that Hope Chicago would cover full tuition costs for students at five high schools across Chicago, There is a long way to go, but the spirit of service that inspires this project is already transforming countless lives.

We could all benefit by dedicating our own time and resources to the cause of expanding opportunity for those in need and following the example set by Pete Kadens and Hope Chicago to create an America that prioritizes equitable access to education for all its children. After all, our future depends on it.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize the global mission of Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care (SRLC) USA and the selfless Americans who serve communities in need across the world.

Led by thousands of highly motivated volunteers, SRLC is a global initiative that endeavors to meet the needs of the underprivileged through multi-pronged community support and development programs and other forms of educational, medical, and humanitarian care. Since its founding in 2003, SRLC has carried out its noble mission in big cities and small towns all over the world. With over 5,000 volunteers--most of whom carry distinguished expertise in medicine, engineering, and finance, and are active initiatives in over 50 cities worldwide--SRLC's mission to reduce human suffering is global and far-reaching.

Importantly, SRLC offers individuals a safe-haven in the face of armed conflict, relief from climate-related disasters, and access to medical care and other critical resources to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. In this effort, SRLC volunteers serve on the front lines of recovery efforts, rising to the challenges associated with providing emergency shelter to families impacted by devastating floods, tornadoes, fires, and other disasters. But don't just take my word for it; the data speaks for itself. According to recent estimates, SRLC has assisted more than 1.45 million patients in rural areas receive access to medical care to improve both physical and mental wellness in underserved communities. The organization has also impacted the lives of 1.47 million school children through educational initiatives that, for example, teach literacy and financial independence. In addition, SRLC has helped 2.34 million people through its humanitarian initiatives to combat homelessness, food insecurity, and economic disparity.

It is for this reason that SRLC now enjoys Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, a position it has held since 2020.

Throughout our history, Americans have always stepped up for one another in times of crisis. The obligation to be there for our fellow citizens is woven into the very fabric of our nation. For almost 20 years, this spirit of selflessness has been exemplified by Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care (SRLC) USA and its devoted team of volunteers. It is my privilege to honor the important mission of SRLC and encourage all Americans to renew our collective commitment to lend a helping hand to those most in need.

Madam Speaker, today I rise in recognition of the Congregation Kneseth Israel (CKI) of Elgin, Illinois for their 130th anniversary. The Congregation provides spiritual support to a diverse and growing Jewish population throughout areas in and around my district, including Kane, McHenry, DuPage, DeKalb, and Northwest Cook Counties. Marking CKI's 130th anniversary is a fitting way to honor the lasting impact of its exemplary efforts to build and strengthen community, foster inclusive environments, and give back to those in need.

CKI has been a spiritual anchor for the community since 1892 when a small group of Jewish residents organized the first Illinois synagogue west of Chicago. However, the roots of the Jewish community in Chicagoland go back even further. In making Illinois their home, Jewish settlers were a critical part of the group of farmers, merchants, and tradesmen that laid the groundwork for the region we are so proud of today. CKI is an important part of this history, and I am honored to stand here in recognition of the Congregation's continued efforts to meet the needs of the surrounding community.

Since its founding 130 years ago, CKI has demonstrated a commitment to serving others that stands as an example to all of us. Through education initiatives for adults and children, youth and senior interest groups, and through its worship services, CKI positively

shapes the lives of its members and all those who are touched by the Congregation. Moreover, through a series of social action projects, including canned food drives, blood drives, organized volunteering to advance local causes, and other forms of service, CKI goes beyond worship to serve the most vulnerable among us.

I know I speak for many constituents in Illinois' 8th District when I say that I am thankful for the tremendous work that the Congregation Kneseth Israel has done in the last 130 years. This remarkable anniversary is worth commemorating, and we all look forward to what the next 130 years will bring for CKI as it continues to be a cultural and religious hub for the Jewish community in the area surrounding Elgin.

Madam Speaker, today I rise in recognition of the National Roofing Contractors Association and its efforts to promote the roofing industry and the work of its members through the designation of June 5-11, 2022, as National Roofing Week.

A roof is one of the most critical parts of any home or business. It serves as the first line of defense against natural elements, such as rain, snow, or wind, and yet it is often taken for granted until it falls into disrepair. National Roofing Week is meant to honor the thousands of roofing-related businesses and workers across the country, as well as the industry's commitment to public service. National Roofing Week is a valuable reminder of quality roofing's significance for every home and business across the U.S.

Established in 1886 and headquartered in Rosemont, Illinois, NRCA is one of the oldest trade associations and the voice of professional roofing contractors worldwide. NRCA has nearly 4,000 roofing company members who represent the entire roofing supply chain. NRCA uses its vast network of roofing contractors and industry-related members for the installation of new construction and replacement roof systems on commercial and residential structures throughout America. Most of its members are small, privately-held businesses that provide family- sustaining jobs for thousands of hardworking individuals that make up the backbone of our Nation's economy.

Professional roofing contractors provide vital services to their communities, on and off the clock. NRCA members will recognize National Roofing Week June 5-11 by supporting numerous charitable projects, employee training programs, and other activities across the nation. I commend NRCA and the vital role the organization and its members play in every community, and I ask my colleagues to join me in acknowledging their contributions during National Roofing Week.

Madam Speaker, today I wish to recognize the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) as it commemorates India's 75 years of independence as well as Asian Heritage Month. Since FIA's establishment in 1970, its mission has been to serve the Indian- American community, promote Indian cultural heritage, and advance bilateral ties between the United States and India.

Over the course of five decades, FIA has organized numerous outreach events to provide community support and to celebrate Indian culture and heritage. FIA's efforts have included consular document service assistance for over 11,000 community members, cultural dance competitions that have engaged over 19,000 children in celebration of their heritage, and an annual Diwali Soup Kitchen which has successfully distributed thousands of meals throughout the Northeastern United States. Furthermore, FIA helped to distribute personal protective equipment and hot meals to first responders and community members during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Madam Speaker, I honor the dedicated work of FIA to serve and uplift the Indian-American community, sustain the legacy of Indian heritage across generations, and foster cross-cultural cooperation and understanding. FIA's activities benefit all the communities in which its members reside, and for that, we are all grateful.

Madam Speaker, as a proud co-founder of the Global Vaccine Caucus and member of the Special Select Committee on the Coronavirus Crisis, I wish to honor and celebrate the efforts of NGOs who have provided robust international aid and other forms of critical humanitarian assistance to combat the COVID-19 pandemic around the world.

In our nation, rapid advances in vaccine technology and COVID-19 treatment have turned the virus into a more manageable threat. But in countries throughout the world without equitable access to the benefits of these advancements, the economic, social, and public health ramifications of COVID-19 have remained troublingly prevalent; to date, over 6 million deaths resulting from COVID-19 have been reported to the World Health Organization across the world. Furthermore, COVID-19 anywhere is a threat to people everywhere, and efforts to curb the spread of deadly variants abroad helps saves American lives here at home.

In response to the spread of COVID-19, volunteer-based organizations and NGOs have stepped up in a meaningful way to address this crisis, bringing critical support to underserved communities facing untold suffering as a result of the pandemic. For example, according to PR Newswire, the organizations Sewa International, eGlobal Doctors, and American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) partnered to provide ``Medical advice for COVID-19 patients from India via telehealth,'' with the objective to ``keep patients with mild symptoms out of the ER and identify those who need to go to the hospital sooner,'' and to ``decrease the burden on hospitals to lower panic and decrease misinformation about the pandemic.'' Further, these organizations assisted countries like India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Guyana, Iraq, South Africa, Suriname, and Trinidad by sending oxygen concentrators and other necessary COVID supplies. These much- needed humanitarian efforts served people of all races, colors, religions, genders, sexual orientations, and nationalities.

Other organizations have invested in deploying people on the ground in foreign countries to strengthen education and outreach initiatives. As outlined in Borgen Magazine, following the initial outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020, the non-profit organization Doctors Without Borders ``supported hospitals at the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak'' in Italy, and ``sent teams to educate populations [in Hong Kong] about the importance of preventing the spread of COVID-19.''

These are just some examples of the tremendous work undertaken by non-profits and NGOs across the United States to expand access to healthcare and fight COVID-19 across the world. In totality, such organizations have raised millions of dollars for COVID-19 relief efforts, distributed hundreds of thousands of

N95 and KN95 surgical masks, delivered hundreds of thousands of hot meals and food kits, established numerous non-medical help line centers across the United States, and conducted hundreds of webinars on health and visa issues to help people in dire need.

Madam Speaker, while our battle with this virus is not yet finished, I want to recognize the exemplary efforts of these organizations for their heroic efforts. Their work to provide international aid to fight COVID-19 has demonstrated an unrivaled level of compassion and commitment to humanity that is saving lives, preserving economies, and strengthening public health and safety across the world.

Mr. Speaker, I stand in honor of veterans across this country, in Illinois, and, of course, in my Eighth District of Illinois which I represent. I salute veterans for their bravery, their courage, their sacrifice, and their patriotism. I wish to honor the men and women who take up our flag in service for our great Nation and express my immense gratitude.

It is for this reason I have introduced this bill to rename the Post Office in Schaumburg, Illinois, in honor of the veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. Since 2001, between 2 to 3 million servicemembers have served in post-9/11 war operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. The new name of this Schaumburg Post Office will be a constant reminder for my community of the bravery of veterans from these wars.

How we honor our veterans reflects who we are as a country. I look forward to passing my legislation today to rename this Post Office in honor of veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars.

Madam Speaker, today I wish to recognize the Sri Annamacharya Project of North America (SAPNA), along with Veena Council Global, in commemoration of the 18th International Veena Festival. SAPNA was conceived as the Saint Annamacharya Project USA by Dr. Sriram and Mrs. Saradapurna Sonty in 1989.

The International Veena Festival presents over 50 Saraswathi Veenas-- an ancient Indian string instrument originating in Vedic times and referenced in Vedic Scripture from thousands of years ago. Veena music is known to bring about spiritual healing, a feeling of communion, and a connection with a higher power.

Through the International Veena Festival, SAPNA seeks to sustain classical music; to promote innovative music traditions on a global stage; and to foster friendship, peace, harmony, and universal understanding through music in today's turbulent times.

Madam Speaker, I celebrate the work of SAPNA to honor the cultural heritage of more than 4 million Indian-Americans, uplift traditional Indian artists, and bridge cultural divides through music.

Madam Speaker, today I wish to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Flying Tigers. Originally named the American Volunteer Group (AVG), the Flying Tigers were a group of American aviators who were recruited by China during World War II to fight Japanese forces in China and Burma from 1941 to 1942. The 100-member company assisted in the transport of vital supplies, provided air cover for the Burma Road, helped protect China's capital region, and opposed Japan's invasion of China. The unit is credited with 297 enemy aircraft destroyed despite a lack of medical support and maintenance crew. Over the course of the unit's service, 14 dedicated crew were killed, captured, or deemed missing in combat.

The Flying Tigers were led by Retired U.S. Army Captain, Claire Lee Chennault, whose training enabled the utilization of high-speed diving and climbing techniques to exploit the weaknesses of the larger Japanese aircraft. The unit was lauded for their ability to inflict damage on Japan's superior force despite the significant disadvantages they held. The success achieved by the Flying Tigers on the battlefield was a morale boost for the Chinese and American allies at a time when the war appeared to be going in Japan's favor.

Madam Speaker, I honor the bravery of the Flying Tigers, and I celebrate the efforts of the Asian Pacific Public Affairs Association and the Sino-American Heritage Foundation to memorialize the Flying Tigers' legacy.

Madam Speaker, today I wish to honor the distinguished service of Bernie Bluestein, a resident of Schaumburg, Illinois and of my district who is one of nine veterans of the ``Ghost Army,'' an elite U.S. military unit during World War Two, still alive today.

During the war, the Ghost Army operated covertly, deploying tactics such as inflatable tanks, the use of sound effects, radio deception, and impersonation to gain an upper hand on the enemy by concealing the strength and location of American troops. In June 1945, the unit returned home after having served with four U.S. armies throughout England, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, Holland, and Germany,

There is no doubt that the Ghost Army's efforts, while not officially declassified until 1996, were critical to our military's success in turning the tide of the war in Europe. It is estimated that the brave missions undertaken by the Ghost Army saved around 30,000 American lives during the war. Mr. Bernstein's service as a part of this unit was heroic, and Illinois' Eighth Congressional District was incredibly proud to see him awarded the Congressional Gold Medal earlier this year.

Mr. Bluestein has, however, done much more in his life in addition to his exemplary service as a soldier. Since returning home, he has become a lifelong learner, enrolling in classes at Harper College for more than 30 years and finishing art school. This year, at 98 years old, he is fulfilling his life-long dream of learning to sculpt by taking classes at Harper College.

Madam Speaker, I want to recognize the tremendous sacrifice and accomplishments of this humble man from Schaumburg, Illinois. Mr. Bluestein is a distinguished serviceman and remarkable citizen. He represents the values of integrity, service, and character that make our country a beacon to others around the world.