Floor Statements

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 527, the Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act.

The small businesses I meet on a regular basis tell me that regulation has become an overwhelming problem. Small business owners are the backbone of the American economy. I know this because I'm a small business owner. Like so many, my life was built by a belief in hard work, free enterprise, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a love to get out of bed in the morning and just do what I love to do, as you know yourself, Mr. Chairman. The preponderance of regulations is stifling that spirit.

This country can't do well unless small businesses do well. They provide the jobs, the growth, and the opportunity for the rest of society. Small businesses are drowning in regulation. Federal agencies should periodically review their rules to ensure that regulations are not unduly burdensome. As with the 1099 reporting provision and the 3 percent withholding rule, the law of unintended consequences can be crippling. Fortunately, this House has repealed both.

We all agree that regulations are absolutely necessary to protect the public good, but we need to ensure that regulations reflect a proper balance that does not unreasonably hinder entrepreneurship, job creation, and innovation.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise today to recognize America Recycles Day and those committed to the preservation of our environment. In 1997, America Recycles Day was created to inform, educate and bring awareness to the benefits of recycling. In particular, the automotive recycling industry has taken a strong stance against pollution, advocating instead for the preservation of our natural resources.

Small business owners who comprise the Automotive Recyclers Association represent automotive recycling facilities throughout the country. Just in the past year alone, they have helped to recycle over 11 million retired vehicles--to keep waste out of our landfills. Local, state and national guidelines are strictly followed and enforced to ensure all facilities meet environmental, safety, licensing and regulatory standards. What many don't realize is the reusability of vehicle components. Nearly everything from the upholstery to the engines, transmissions, aluminum and steel can be recycled. Now the most recycled product in the world, automobile parts can produce almost 13 million new vehicles, along with numerous other consumer products, while saving 11 million gallons of oil in the manufacturing of new components.

Exemplary citizens such as those of the automotive recycling industry and other committed individuals around the nation should be appreciated and acknowledged. We need to preserve our resources and environment so they may be enjoyed by future generations. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in honoring those making a true difference in keeping our nation clean and celebrating America Recycles Day.

I thank the gentleman from Utah for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in proud support of H.R. 2061, the Civilian Service Recognition Act of 2011.

First, I would like to thank a few of my colleagues for helping to bring this bill to the floor. My friend and colleague, a New Yorker, Maurice Hinchey, one of the original cosponsors of this bill; my neighbor and friend in the Cannon Office Building and someone who has been supportive of this effort from the very beginning, Donna Edwards, Representative from Maryland; Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Darrell Issa and Ranking Member Elijah Cummings for their support of this bill; and the entire staff of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee for its work on this bill.

In addition, Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank the people who prompted the introduction of this bill: Grant Reeher and Terry Newell. These gentlemen penned a joint opinion editorial in The Syracuse Post- Standard suggesting that legislation be introduced to honor civil servants who are killed in the line of duty.

Mr. Speaker, this bill is quite simple. If a civilian Federal employee is killed on the job as a result of a criminal contact, terrorism, natural disaster, or an extraordinary event as determined by the President of the United States, their next of kin would be authorized to receive a United States flag. The Congressional Budget Office reports that this bill would have ``no significant effect on the Federal budget.''

Mr. Speaker, since 1992, almost 3,000 civilian Federal workers have been killed while on duty, both in places like Iraq, Afghanistan, and Haiti, but also in places like Oklahoma City and Austin, Texas. This legislation is widely supported by a variety of groups and individuals, including civil service organizations, former Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, and the American Legion.

I would like to note for the record that the American Legion raised some concerns about the language of this bill. I am personally very grateful and much appreciate their input. My office, as well as the committee staff, have worked with the Legion not only to listen to its concerns, but to act on them, which we have in this bill. In the end, we made a better bill, mindful of the real differences between military and civilian service, but also acceptable to all parties.

Legislative language aside, the spirit of this bill and the original intent of this bill is simple. If a Federal civil employee is killed in the line of duty, whether at home or abroad, their life will be honored by this Nation. Their family will be presented a flag on behalf of the United States of America.

More than 2 million Federal civilian employees work within our country and in countless overseas posts, many of them in dangerous jobs at Customs and Border Protection or the FBI, just to name a couple of examples. This is a

modest but significant benefit in honor of these dedicated individuals who sacrifice on our behalf.

Until the September 11 attacks, the largest terrorism attack on American soil took place in 1995--the Oklahoma City bombing. Employees showed up at the Federal building that day, like so many before, to go to work, to fulfill their oath of office and meet their obligations.

Ours is a grateful Nation, one that values the sacrifices made in honor of this country. Mr. Speaker, a life can never be repaid, but it can be honored. I urge all my colleagues to join me in support of H.R. 2061.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in proud support of H.R. 2061, the Civilian Service Recognition Act of 2011.

First, I need to thank several of my colleagues for their help in bringing this bill to the floor:

My friend and colleague to the south--and--the original co-sponsor of this bill: Maurice Hinchey.

My neighbor in the Cannon House Office Building and someone who's been supportive of this effort from the beginning: Donna Edwards, representative from Maryland.

Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Darrell Issa and Ranking Member Elijah Cummings for their support of this bill.

The entire staff of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee for its work on this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I need to thank the people who prompted the introduction of this bill: Grant Reecher and Terry Newell.

These gentlemen penned a joint opinion-editorial in The Syracuse Post-Standard, suggesting legislation be introduced to honor civil servants who are killed in the line of duty.

Mr. Speaker, this bill is simple. If a civilian federal employee is killed on the job as a result of a criminal act, terrorism, natural disaster, or an extraordinary event as determined by the President, their next of kin would be authorized to receive a United States flag.

The Congressional Budget Office reports that this bill would have ``no significant effect on the federal budget.''

Mr. Speaker, since 1992, almost 3,000 civilian federal workers have been killed while on duty, both in places like Iraq, Afghanistan, and Haiti--but also in places like Oklahoma City, and Austin, Texas.

This legislation is widely supported by a wide array of groups and individuals including civil service organizations, former Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, and the American Legion.

I would note for the record that the American Legion raised some concerns about the language of the bill. I personally very much appreciated the input. My office, as well as Committee staff, worked with the Legion to not only listen to its concerns, but act on them.

In the end we made this bill better. Mindful of the real differences between military and civilian service, but acceptable to all parties involved.

Legislative language aside--the spirit of this bill--and the original intent of this bill--is simple: If a federal civilian employee is killed in the line of duty whether at home or abroad, their life will be honored by this nation. Their family will be presented a flag on behalf of the United States of America.

More than 2 million federal civilian employees work within our country and in countless overseas posts, many of them in dangerous jobs at Customs and Border Protection or the FBI, just to name a couple of examples.

This is a modest, but significant benefit in honor of these dedicated individuals who sacrificed on our behalf.

Until the September 11th attacks, the largest terrorism attack on American soil took place in 1995--the Oklahoma City bombing. Employees showed up at the federal building that day--like so many before--to go to work. To fulfill their oath of service to the U.S. Government.

Ours is a grateful nation, one that values the sacrifices made in honor of this country.

A life can never be repaid, but it can be honored.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting

I thank the gentleman from New Mexico for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in proud support of H.R. 2527, the National Baseball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act.

First, I need to thank several of my colleagues for their help in bringing this bill to the floor: Congressman Joe Barton and Mike Doyle, respectively, the Republican and Democratic managers of the congressional baseball teams and the original cosponsors of this bill; Financial Services Committee Chair Spencer Bachus and Ranking Member Barney Frank for their support on this bill, and each of the 296 cosponsors who together joined to commemorate our national pastime.

I am privileged to represent Cooperstown, a picturesque village in upstate New York and home of the National Hall of Fame. As a 10-year resident of Cooperstown, sponsoring this bill is especially meaningful to me.

I urge all citizens of the world, baseball fans or not, to visit Cooperstown at least once. Cooperstown is a fine example of the beauty and grace of small town America.

Mr. Speaker, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum has spent the last seven decades celebrating and honoring the history of our national pastime. This bill will celebrate and honor the 75th anniversary of the Hall of Fame. The U.S. Treasury will produce an official United States Mint commemorative coin featuring the Baseball Hall of Fame. Importantly, there will be no cost to the American taxpayer associated with this bill.

The coins are legal tender but will be produced in a limited quantity. They will become available in 2015 to mark the 75th anniversary of the opening of the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.

Mr. Speaker, the story of baseball is the story of America. Baseball is a game of skill, from the most precise pitchers to the heaviest hitters. In the late 1800s, men of all ethnic backgrounds joined together on the diamond to play the game that would become America's sport. Germans, Poles, and Italians, Irishmen, Jews, Native Americans and more formed teams, a hodgepodge of Americans, immigrants, all of whom found acceptance on the field.

This game broke barriers long before the civil rights movement began. While much of America was segregated in the forties, the great Jackie Robinson in 1945 was signed to play Major League Baseball. Integration began on the baseball field.

The examples go on. From the storied tales of Babe Ruth and Joe DiMaggio to the modern-day legacies of Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera, baseball touches the lives of everyday Americans and fans around the world. I cannot imagine a more timely occasion than now, during the 2011 World Series, to honor baseball and its wonderful Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. I urge all my colleagues to support me in joining this cost-free, bipartisan legislation.

I thank the gentleman from New Mexico.

While every student of baseball knows, including my sister, Robin, who has told me many times that the New York Yankees are the finest team in the history of baseball, I would like to take this opportunity to wish good luck in the World Series to the Texas Rangers and the St. Louis Cardinals.

I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2527.

Mr. Speaker, on Taiwan's fast approaching Centennial National Day this October 10, I salute the people in Taiwan for their many accomplishments, including the completion of the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) with the People's Republic last year. The recent rapprochement between Taiwan and mainland China have also reduced tensions across the Taiwan Strait. The people of Taiwan no longer fear imminent hostile actions from the mainland and will be able to live peacefully and even meet and interact with tourists from the mainland.

However, the current amity between the two sides does not eliminate the need for the United States to continue to provide weapons for Taiwan's defense under the Taiwan Relations Act. We need to expedite the sale of F-16 C/D fighters to Taiwan to replace Taiwan's aging air force and maintain air power balance power across the Taiwan Strait. Arms sales to Taiwan can maintain stability in East Asia by making it more difficult for the PRC to bully Taiwan now and in the future. Besides, the PRC still has more than one thousand missiles aimed at Taiwan. It is necessary for Taiwan to maintain strong military self- defense capabilities.

It is also my view that we should support Taiwan's participation in global affairs by helping Taiwan become an observer of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and other United Nations' specialized agencies. An internationally visible Taiwan is a strong Taiwan.

Taiwan is our major trading partner and collaborating with us in many other areas. Our strong economic and cultural ties to the Republic of China (Taiwan) go back a hundred years. I am certain that this strong bond will continue for another one hundred years and more.

I thank the chairman for yielding.

I am pleased to speak in favor of this bipartisan, bicameral deal to extend the two important transportation programs at current funding levels.

The 4-month extension of FAA programs will allow us enough time to iron out the final details of a long-term reauthorization. As a pilot myself, I know firsthand the benefits and efficiencies this will bring to our airports and airways as well as to our out-of-date air traffic control system. I am particularly pleased to be extending the highway and transit program for 6 months in order to ensure we have adequate time to pass the chairman and the committee's long-term plan.

New York and the country need long-term certainty and a steady stream of funding. We have spent too much time focusing on so-called ``shovel ready'' projects with little or no lasting economic or employment benefits.

I look forward to working over the next 6 months to pass a long-term reauthorization that will empower States to take on major projects, including bridge replacements, highway interchange improvements, and investments in our Nation's transit systems, as well as those in upstate New York. These are the types of projects that have the potential to provide jobs for years to come and to grow our economy in the long term.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2244, which designates a post office in Geneva, New York, as the Corporal Steven Blaine Riccione Post Office.

I introduced this legislation to extend long overdue recognition to a national hero from the 24th Congressional District.

Corporal Steven Riccione was a native of Geneva, New York. He was a Geneva High School graduate who volunteered to join the Army in 1967 during the Vietnam War.

While on a search and destroy mission with his platoon in Vietnam, Corporal Riccione came under intense enemy fire and became pinned down. Riccione, then a private, saw a machine gunner in his platoon get wounded. As Major General E.M. Strong described in his October 1967 account: ``Private Riccione, with complete disregard for his own safety, rushed from his covered position through a vicious hail of enemy fire to aid his wounded comrade.

``He continuously exposed himself to the withering hail of enemy fire, standing up at times, to place effective fire on enemy positions. When his weapon was struck by an enemy bullet and was demolished, he undauntedly picked up a machine gun and charged an enemy bunker, killing two enemy soldiers.

``Shortly after, Private Riccione was mortality wounded while helping to evacuate wounded personnel under heavy enemy fire.

``Private Riccione's devotion to duty and personal courage were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.''

Corporal Riccione was killed in action while helping to evacuate wounded American soldiers.

As a result of Private Riccione's actions, Major General Strong recommended him for the Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device, and the Bronze Star Medal with First Oak Leaf Cluster, which he was posthumously awarded. He was also promoted to corporal.

Mr. Speaker, Corporal Riccione is a source of great pride to his family, his community in Geneva, my congressional district, and indeed to a grateful Nation.

I urge my colleagues to support this legislation so that Corporal Riccione's memory may be honored in his own hometown of Geneva, New York, for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2608) to provide for an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members shall have 5 consecutive days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on the bill under consideration.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, there are a few components to the legislation we have before us.

First, the bill provides for a straightforward extension of certain SBA programs through December 31, 2011. This is a necessary measure since the current extension, which the House passed in May, expires at the end of this month. As we continue to do work with our Democratic colleagues and with our colleagues in the other body towards a full and complete reauthorization of the SBA and its programs, this extension will ensure that these programs are still available to provide assistance to entrepreneurs who need to create jobs.

Secondly, the bill before us terminates several duplicative and outdated programs that are either used very infrequently or not at all. It has been said that, once a program is initiated, it is almost impossible to eliminate. Today, we will prove that notion wrong. The program eliminations contained in this bill represent a good first step toward cleaning up the SBA's program portfolio, thereby refocusing the agency's energy on their core mission of facilitating small business lending, offering entrepreneurial advice to small business owners, and ensuring that they receive their fair share of Federal contracts.

For example, one of the programs selected for termination is the Central European Enterprise Development Program. This initiative has not been funded since 1995, and one of the countries involved, Czechoslovakia, no longer exists. For an even more striking example, the Pollution Control Bond Guarantee program, initiated in 1976 to provide SBA-backed bonds for the purchase of pollution and control equipment to retrofit existing factories, has not offered a single bond guarantee since the early eighties.

Simply having these programs on the books at the SBA detracts manpower and resources away from the SBA's core programs, and it is time to get them out of the way. Not only does this bill clean up the SBA; it also saves money.

The bill eliminates two drug-free workplace programs. These programs were allocated $2 million for fiscal year 2011. While not a huge sum of money when considering the overall fiscal budget, each and every penny we save is a penny we don't have to borrow.

For additional cost savings, the legislation also prohibits the SBA from using any of its discretionary funding on its Emerging Leaders Program. While the program started in fiscal year 2009 without any congressional approval or authorization of appropriations, the SBA has requested $3 million for this program for 2012. The program is duplicative of existing entrepreneurial development programs and does not have a good matrix for evaluating the program's success.

The SBA ought to be focusing on well-evaluated, congressionally authorized programs that have been fully vetted and supported by Members of Congress.

I would like to thank the gentlelady from New York, our committee's ranking member, Ms. Velazquez, for her efforts to craft this legislation. It is a breath of fresh air to work in a truly bipartisan manner on important issues facing our Nation, and I appreciate her leadership on this issue.

With that, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2608 as amended.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, let me state that small businesses can and will lead our economic recovery. It's time that those of us in Congress provide them with the certainty they need to create jobs and grow our economy. The legislation we have before us today gives small firms the confidence to know that the SBA programs they rely on will be there for them when they need them. It also shows them that this House is serious about cutting spending, lowering debt, and restoring confidence to our entrepreneurs.

I look forward to continuing to work with the chairman and the ranking member and all our colleagues on the Small Business Committee to enact policies that benefit American entrepreneurs.

I urge my colleagues to support this good bill.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize a program, which in the last several years, has helped more than 47,000 Americans who are blind or who have significant disabilities gain skills and training that ultimately led to gainful employment: The AbilityOne Program.

The AbilityOne Program harnesses the purchasing power of the Federal Government to buy products and services from participating community- based nonprofit agencies that are dedicated to training and employing individuals with disabilities. This program affords Americans with disabilities the opportunity to acquire job skills and training, receive good wages and benefits, and gain greater independence and quality of life.

This comes in a segment of the population that has suffered from significant unemployment. But opportunities through the AbilityOne Program have come a long way in helping to bring people with disabilities into a working society. I am proud to acknowledge that Human Technologies Corporation, also known as HTC, represents one of the many Social Enterprises dedicated to the mission of enhancing the lives of people with disabilities.

HTC is a company made up of six diverse businesses which provide a wide-range of resources that expand opportunities for people with disabilities in New York and provide high quality products and services for Federal customers throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. A DLA Not for Profit Vendor of the Year recipient, HTC manufactures apparel and equipage items for several branches of the military and provides sophisticated employee uniform program management and distribution of apparel to thousands of Federal civilian employees for the U.S. Forest Service, Army Corps of Engineers and will soon manage the Air Force Civilian Police uniform program. In addition to the manufacture and distribution of apparel and equipage, HTC provides building maintenance and associated groundskeeping services for GSA, NAVFAC and the Air Force. HTC performs to the highest standards and does so through the employment of individuals with significant disabilities. In 2010 HTC provided more than 416 jobs for persons with disabilities and an additional 123 jobs for people without disabilities resulting in more than 415,400 hours of employment.

HTC, and its Property Management Group division, is responsible for the cleaning of my district office in Utica. I could not be more pleased with the service provided by these men and women. I am proud to say that among the workforce is a Vietnam War Veteran with a disability named Herb. Herb has been employed by HTC for more than 24 years. His dedication and quality work allows me to be of even greater service to my constituents every day. I was also visited this past month in my Washington D.C. office by another AbilityOne/HTC employee named Sandy. Sandy is a sewing machine operator and cuts and sews trousers and shirts for the thousands of Federal employees HTC serves in its uniform program line of business. HTC and the AbilityOne Program have given individuals like Herb and Sandy exactly what every American wants and deserves--an opportunity. They have been afforded countless ways to make a difference in both their lives, and in ours, each day and we as a community, and as a country, benefit from their hard work, skills and dedication.

HTC believes that work is inherently dignified and fulfilling, and that individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment deserve the opportunity to work and to achieve their fullest potential. The direct impact of such an organization on the lives of Americans with disabilities cannot be overstated and as such, the AbilityOne Program and Social Enterprises like HTC are invaluable.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I extend my support to the AbilityOne Program. I also want to commend the dedication and commitment of Richard E. Sebastian, Jr., HTC's President and Chief Executive Officer and his staff for helping individuals who are blind or have significant disabilities find employment. Their work helps people live fuller lives and become contributors to each of their communities and to our country. I also commend each AbilityOne employee who works every day to provide valuable products and services to Federal agencies throughout this great land and in so doing, improve their own lives by engaging in meaningful work.

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, right now our Nation is seriously debating its fiscal future. We're making tough decisions to get spending under control. Congress should do the same.

This spending bill for Congress allows us an opportunity to practice what we preach when it comes to excessive spending on the taxpayer dime.

My amendment is quite simple. It states that the CAO may not make MRA payments for the leasing of a vehicle in an amount that exceeds $1,000 per month. It applies only to individual Member office accounts and would not affect the Capitol Police or other legislative agencies. It would not affect periodic car rentals, and it does not, it is not the intention of the amendment to affect mobile offices.

This is about preventing the leasing of expensive luxury cars. Currently, there is no cap on how much Members can spend on leased cars. The only requirement is that cars meet certain fuel standards.

This amendment installs a $1,000 monthly cap. Members of Congress have 2-year terms, which could require a slightly more expensive short- term lease. This amendment accounts for that.

I believe the majority of this body and most Americans can agree that $1,000 a month for a car is more than reasonable. We do not need to be spending the taxpayers dollars leasing expensive luxury vehicles, and certainly not during these tough economic times.

I would also note that the Senate does not offer any car leasing whatsoever. If Senators can go without car leases, Members of the people's House can get by with less expensive cars.

Wasting taxpayer dollars sends the wrong message to the American public. It only serves to further erode our constituents' faith in us, their elected Representatives.

I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense, cost-conscious amendment.

I yield to the gentleman from Florida.

They won't have it anyway, right?

I yield to the gentleman from California.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Louis and Susanna Busch Hager, co-chairs of the Otsego County Conservation Association, serving as long-time stewards of Otsego Lake. The Hagers are dedicated to the preservation of our most precious natural resources, particularly Otsego Lake in Cooperstown, New York.

Mr. and Mrs. Hager have played a vital role in supporting community education regarding the challenging present issues surrounding development and maintenance of healthy lakes. They have also generously supported numerous environmental campaigns and programs, most notably the Otsego Lake Challenge Campaign.

It is with great honor that I rise today to commend the Hagers for their tremendously positive impact on our community and its future. They are being honored tonight for working tirelessly and devoting countless volunteer hours to the Otsego County Conservation Association and other community organizations. Through their significant philanthropic contributions, future generations can have hope for a clean and healthy living environment.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Louis and Susanna Busch Hager for their invaluable contribution to this community, our environment and our future. The positive results of their contribution will be noted for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise today to recognize Robert and Eleanor Holmes, retired couple in their 70's who adopted and are raising their five great-grandchildren. On September 15, 2006, a Family Court judge declared the boys' home life unsuitable, yet despite their retirement, Robert and Eleanor volunteered to nurture and provide for these children. Mr. and Mrs. Holmes provide their great-grandchildren with an environment that includes love, support, direction and discipline.

Robert formerly worked as a drug educational counselor for the Utica and Syracuse schools systems. Much of his work involved motivational speeches encouraging students to make safe, healthy choices, establish strong self-esteem and model citizenship values--all of which he has now passed on to his great-grandchildren.

Thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Holmes, these brothers were able to transition together into a safe and happy family environment. It is truly exceptional for the boys to have two positive role models in their lives. Each of the five boys have become excellent students. They participate in athletics and are well-known for being polite and courteous. A true happy family, Robert and Eleanor can be seen cheering for the boys at almost every one of their sporting events.

Exemplary citizens such as Robert and Eleanor Holmes should be appreciated and acknowledged by our society. It is fitting that the Family Nurturing Center of CNY, Inc. has selected the Holmes as its Family of the Year. There is no greater gift than that of a stable and safe home, which is the gateway to a bright future. Robert and Eleanor Holmes are ideal Americans whose story should be celebrated. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in honoring Robert and Eleanor Holmes for their exceptional generosity and kindness.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise today to recognize Theodore C. Max, M.D. Theodore C. Max recently received the honor of the prestigious Rosamond Childs Award for Philanthropy, presented by the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, Inc.

Theodore C. Max has held a strong presence as a leading surgeon in the Utica area for more than 30 years. The author of numerous publications, he has presented at conferences across the country, and has been acknowledged in Who's Who in Medicine and Healthcare, and Who's Who in the World. A University of Rochester graduate and celebrated local physician, Theodore C. Max has received numerous awards, both for his professional and personal contributions to our society.

The Rosamond Childs Award for Community Philanthropy is awarded to individuals displaying an inspirational spirit of generosity and compassion. Theodore C. Max, M.D., exemplifies these values and his legacy is sure to leave a positive impact on generations to come. Community figures such as Theodore C. Max, M.D., must be recognized for the dedication and selflessness they display for their communities.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in honoring Theodore C. Max, M.D., for his generosity and commitment to our community and the world.

Madam Chair, as Co-Chair of the Congressional Organic Caucus, I rise today in support of adequate resourcing for the Organic Data Initiative, ODI, in Fiscal Year 2012.

Organic agriculture in my district in upstate New York and across this country is a thriving industry that is creating jobs and exporting American products across the world. Last week I visited an organic farm in Herkimer County that produces mike, beef, chicken, eggs, garlic and other vegetables, and field crops.

The Organic Data Initiative collects and distributes organic agriculture price data. This data helps maintain stable markets for organic products, is crucial for the development of risk management tools, and is necessary to negotiate organic standards equivalency agreements with foreign governments. It is important that the organic agriculture has the same access to data that other agriculture sectors currently enjoy. The Organic Data Initiative is cost-effective and is vital to ensure a continued upward trajectory for the organic industry in the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise today to recognize Deputy Police Chief Dale Smith of Norwich, NY. Police Chief Smith has recently retired after 20 years of dedicated service in the Norwich City Police Department.

Deputy Police Chief Smith began his career in law enforcement as a Chenango County Sherriff's Correctional Officer as well as a part-time road patrol deputy. He was promoted to the position of Deputy Chief in March of 2006 and has since then taken on a variety of key responsibilities. Deputy Police Chief Smith has not only served and protected his neighbors and his community, but has also been recognized for the wide variety of duties he has supervised, as well as his certification as a fire investigator.

Law enforcement leaders such as Deputy Police Chief Smith must be recognized for the true bravery and selflessness that they display on the job every day. Deputy Police Chief Smith is yet another example of this, an honorable American, who has dedicated 20 years of his life to the improvement and safety of his community.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in honoring Deputy Police Chief Dale Smith for his 20 years of serving the Norwich community and Police Department with honor and professionalism.