Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding young man from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am happy to announce that Ryan Roth of Perrysburg, Ohio has been offered an appointment to attend the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.

Ryan's offer of appointment poises him to attend the United States Military Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2017. Attending one of our Nation's military academies is an invaluable experience that offers a world-class education while placing demands on those who undertake one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives.

Ryan brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2017. While attending Perrysburg High School, in Perrysburg, Ohio, Ryan was on the High Honor Roll and was a member of the National Honor Society.

Throughout high school, Ryan was a member of his school's wrestling and football teams and earned varsity letters in both sports. During Ryan's senior year, he was the team captain of the wrestling team and a student council representative. I am confident that Ryan will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Military Academy.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Ryan Roth on the acceptance of his appointment to the United States Military Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Ryan will excel during his career at the Military Academy and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding student from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am pleased to announce that James Smith of Walbridge, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.

James' offer of appointment poises him to attend the United States Naval Academy this fall with the incoming midshipmen Class of 2017. Attending one of our Nation's military academies not only offers the opportunity to serve our country but also guarantees a world-class education, while placing demands on those who undertake one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives.

James brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2017. While attending St. Francis De Sales High School in Toledo, Ohio, James was on the President's List, recognized as a Student of Excellence, and was a member of the National Honor Society.

Throughout high school, James was a member of his school's wrestling and crew teams and earned varsity letters in both sports. In addition, James participated in the 2012 Model United Nations and the 4.5 Poverty Immersion Experience. I am confident that James will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Naval Academy.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating James Smith on the acceptance of his appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that James will excel during his career at the Naval Academy, and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding student from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am pleased to announce that Jared Kobylski of Bowling Green, Ohio has been offered appointments to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York and the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Jared has accepted the offer to attend the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.

Jared's offer of appointment poises him to attend the United States Military Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2017. Attending one of our nation's military academies not only offers the opportunity to serve our country but also guarantees a world-class education, while placing demands on those who undertake one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives.

Jared brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2017. While attending Bowling Green Senior High School in Bowling Green, Ohio, Jared was on the Honor Roll and was a member of the National Honor Society.

Throughout high school, Jared was a member of his school's cross country and track and field teams and earned varsity letters in both sports. In addition, Jared was a Senior Patrol Guide and a member of the Royal Rangers. I am confident that Jared will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Military Academy.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Jared Kobylski on the acceptance of his appointment to the United States Military Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Jared will excel during his career at the Military Academy, and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding student from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am pleased to announce that Nathan Downs of Bowling Green, Ohio, has been offered an appointment to the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.

Nathan's offer of appointment poises him to attend the United States Merchant Marine Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2017. Attending one of our nation's military academies not only offers the opportunity to serve our country but also guarantees a world-class education, while placing demands on those who undertake one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives.

Nathan brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2017. While attending Otsego High School in Tontogany, Ohio, Nathan was president of the Student Council and vice-president of Otsego's chapter of the National Honor Society.

Throughout high school, Nathan was a member of his school's football, basketball, and baseball teams; earned varsity letters in those sports, as well as being nominated team captain for the baseball and football teams. In addition, Nathan volunteered his time to his community by volunteering for youth sport camps. I am confident that Nathan will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Merchant Marine Academy.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Nathan Downs on the offer of his appointment to the United States Merchant Marine Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Nathan will excel during his career at the Merchant Marine Academy, and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a great deal of pride that I rise to pay a very special tribute to an outstanding high school basketball team in Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. The young men of the Ottawa-Glandorf High School boys basketball team have represented their school ably on their way to achieving the Division III State Boys Basketball Title.

In their effort to surpass all other teams in the Division III State Basketball Playoffs, the Ottawa-Glandorf Titans overcame the challenges posed by intense competition.

In pursuing the State Championship, the Ottawa-Glandorf Titans defeated the Versailles Tigers to win their third state basketball championship and make their sixth appearance at the state basketball tournament. In winning the Division III Boys Basketball State Championship, the members of this very special team have shown that their sport requires an individual effort for a team result. As a direct consequence of their hard work and dedication on and off the court, their accomplishment is truly outstanding.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to the Ottawa-Glandorf High School boys basketball team. On behalf of the people of the Fifth District of Ohio, I am proud to recognize this great achievement.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

I rise today in support of the Hatch Act Modernization Act of 2012. I want to applaud Chairman Issa for the oversight and work he has done on the Hatch Act reform during this Congress and thank him for working with me. I'm particularly pleased that the legislation before us today contains a major piece of my legislation, H.R. 498, the State and Local Law Enforcement Hatch Act Reform Act.

Currently, more than six decades since the enactment of the original Hatch Act, there is virtually no law enforcement agency that does not receive some amount or type of Federal funds. Consequently, almost all State or local law enforcement officers are covered under the Hatch Act and must quit their jobs to run for the office of sheriff. This reality discourages experienced individuals from running for the position and places a serious financial burden on them.

Reform to the current version of the Hatch Act is sorely needed. With the passage of the Hatch Act Modernization Act, we will ensure that citizens have the opportunity to elect the best candidate as their sheriff.

Further reform to the Hatch Act is still needed, but the Hatch Act Modernization Act is a step in the right direction and will do a great deal to make sure that highly qualified men and women are able to run for the office of sheriff or other elected positions.

I want to thank Congressman Tim Holden for his partnership with me in this Congress on my legislation, Hatch Act reform for State and local law enforcement officers, and I look forward to continuing to work on this issue in the upcoming Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Nathan Wilondek, of Defiance Ohio. Mr. Wilondek was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross on Monday, November 12 during a Veterans Day program at Tinora High School

The Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) is a military decoration awarded to any officer or enlisted member of the United States Armed Forces who distinguishes himself or herself in support of operations by ``heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight, subsequent to November 11, 1918.''

Wilondek was a Warrant Office 1 helicopter pilot serving in the Republic of Vietnam. On August 18, 1969, WO1 Wilondek volunteered along with his crew to fly a resupply mission to an infantry company that had become completely surrounded by the NVA. Without gunship cover WO1 Wilondek and his crew (Wallace Honda, Stewart Brooks, and Terry Paxton) flew nap of the earth down a hillside and hovered the UH-1 Huey low enough to drop ammo and supplies to the embattled infantrymen.

The entire time the re-supply was happening the NVA were hitting the helicopter with accurate small arms fire, and WO1 Wilondek's door gunner was unable to return fire because the US troops were too closely intermingled with NVA in close combat. It was determined that without the re-supply effort of WO1 Wilondek and his crew, the infantry unit would have been completely overrun by NVA, instead they survived. Mr. Wilondek is awarded this DFC for his heroism that day.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in the acknowledgment of Nathan Wilondek's heroism and recognize his service and dedication to our country.

I appreciate the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 4480, the Domestic Energy and Jobs Act.

This bill comes at a critical time as consumers, farmers, and small businesses are facing high fuel prices and as the President is restricting Federal leases from oil production while at the same time considering releasing oil from the United States' Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

I represent an area of the State of Ohio that has the largest number of agriculture producers, manufacturing jobs, and small businesses. When you look at these numbers, we'd have a very high, disproportionate hit for my constituents because of high oil prices.

As this bill requires, all regulations should be subject to a thorough analysis of cost, benefits, and potential hurdles to implementation. The Gasoline Regulations Act of 2012, which is part of this bill, will delay regulations that could significantly increase fuel prices on consumers, farmers, and small businesses while these regulations are under review. It will also provide some much-needed regulatory relief to refiners, who are struggling to stay in business due to the high cost of fuel.

Reducing the costs of refining fuel is a great first step, but the key to reducing fuel prices is to bring more supply into the market. The only time that oil should be released from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve is to counter a severe supply interruption. I support legislation that will allow the increased access to responsible domestic oil production, and for these reasons, I support the bill.

Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding public servant in Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. Dr. Marsha S. Bordner is retiring from Terra State Community College, located in Fremont, Ohio, after spending over Thirty-Five years in the education field.

Dr. Marsha S. Bordner became the President of Terra State Community College in 2003, following her time as the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs at Clark State Community College in Springfield, Ohio. During her tenure as President at Terra State Community College, the school has seen record high enrollment levels, the redevelopment of the educational facilities to include state of the art equipment, and a new strategic plan to lead the college into the future.

A resident of Catawba Island, Dr. Marsha S. Bordner has strived to expand the education of the area's residents not only through the collegiate setting, but by working with local public school systems to allow high school students to earn college credit through Terra State Community College. Dr. Marsha Bordner has also reinstated Terra State Community College's partnership with local communities through the offering of music performances of Terra State Community College faculty and students at area venues.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Dr. Marsha S. Bordner for her role in promoting and expanding the educational opportunities for the residents of Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. Our communities have undoubtedly benefited from her years of dedicated service. We wish Dr. Marsha S. Bordner all of the best upon her retirement as the President of Terra State Community College.

Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding student from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am pleased to announce that Brittney Wolford of Woodville, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Brittney's offer of appointment poises her to attend the United States Air Force Academy this fall with the incoming cadet Class of 2016. Attending one of our Nation's military academies not only offers the opportunity to serve our country but also guarantees a world-class education, while placing demands on those who undertake one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives.

Brittney brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2016. While attending Woodmore High School in Elmore, Ohio, Brittney was a member of the National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Teen Advisory Group. Brittney was also president of Woodmore's chapter of the National Honor Society her senior year.

Throughout high school, Brittney was a member of her school's soccer and basketball teams; earned varsity letters in both sports, as well as being nominated team captain in both sports her junior and senior years. In addition, Brittney volunteered her time to her community and brought pride to her country by singing the national anthem at sporting and local veteran events. I am confident that Brittney will carry the lessons of her student and athletic leadership to the Air Force Academy.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Brittney Wolford on the offer of her appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Brittney will excel during her career at the Air Force Academy, and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to her as she begins her service to the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding student from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am pleased to announce that Matthew Showman of Willard, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.

Matthew's offer of appointment poises him to attend the United States Military Academy this fall with the incoming cadet Class of 2016. Attending one of our nation's military academies not only offers the opportunity to serve our country but also guarantees a world-class education, while placing demands on those who undertake one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives.

Matthew brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2016. He has served in a leadership capacity as a class officer, student council class representative, and he also tutored elementary students. Matthew volunteered in his community by participating in fundraisers for the Ronald McDonald House and Willard Mercy Hospital. While attending Willard High School in Willard, Ohio, Matthew consistently achieved high honors, with an exceptional grade point average.

Throughout high school, Matthew was a member of the football and wrestling teams and earned varsity letters in each. In addition, Matthew was captain of the wrestling team and was the recipient of the team's Captain Award and Coach's Award. I am confident that Matthew will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the United States Military Academy.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Matthew on the acceptance of his appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Matthew will excel during his career at the Military Academy, and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding student from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am pleased to announce that Caleb Lipscomb of Perrysburg, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.

Caleb's offer of appointment poises him to attend the United States Naval Academy this fall with the incoming midshipmen Class of 2016. Attending one of our nation's military academies not only offers the opportunity to serve our country but also guarantees a world-

class education, while placing demands on those who undertake one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives.

Caleb brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2016. While attending Perrysburg High School in Perrysburg, Ohio, Caleb was on the High Honor Roll and was a member of the National Honor Society.

Throughout high school, Caleb was a member of his school's wrestling and football teams and earned varsity letters in both sports. In addition, Caleb participated in several mission trips in Ohio and West Virginia and served as Master Counselor for Demolay International. I am confident that Caleb will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Naval Academy.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Caleb Lipscomb on the offer of his appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Caleb will excel during his career at the Naval Academy, and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding student from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am pleased to announce that Marshall Kobylski of Bowling Green, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York.

Marshall's offer of appointment poises him to attend the United States Military Academy this fall with the incoming cadet Class of 2016. Attending one of our Nation's military academies not only offers the opportunity to serve our country but also guarantees a world-class education, while placing demands on those who undertake one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives.

Marshall brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2016. While attending Bowling Green Senior High School in Bowling Green, Ohio, Marshall was a member of the National Honor Society, participant in the Ohio Energy Project, President of the Chess Club, and a Buckeye Boys State delegate.

Throughout high school, Marshall was a member of his school's cross country and track teams and earned varsity letters in both sports. In addition, Marshall participated in various church based organizations, including the youth group. I am confident that Marshall will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Military Academy.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Marshall Kobylski on the offer of his appointment to the United States Military Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Marshall will excel during his career at the Military Academy, and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding student from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am pleased to announce that Joseph Curtis of New London, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.

Joseph's offer of appointment poises him to attend the United States Naval Academy this fall with the incoming midshipmen Class of 2016. Attending one of our Nation's military academies not only offers the opportunity to serve our country but also guarantees a world-class education, while placing demands on those who undertake one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives.

Joseph brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2016. While attending New London High School in New London, Ohio, Joseph was a member of the National Honor Society, Model United Nations, Academic Challenge, and a Buckeye Boys State delegate.

Throughout high school, Joseph was a member of his school's cross country and track teams and earned varsity letters in both sports. In addition, Joseph participated in various fundraisers for community- based organizations, including the Salvation Army and Red Cross. I am confident that Joseph will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Naval Academy.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Joseph Curtis on the acceptance of his appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Joseph will excel during his career at the Naval Academy, and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding student from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am pleased to announce that Andrew Miller of Perrysburg, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York.

Andrew's offer of appointment poises him to attend the United States Military Academy this fall with the incoming cadet Class of 2016. Attending one of our nation's military academies not only offers the opportunity to serve our country but also guarantees a world-class education, while placing demands on those who undertake one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives.

Andrew brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2016. While attending St. John's Jesuit High School in Toledo, Ohio, Joseph was a SJJ School Ambassador, an Eagle Scout, a member of Gliding Stars, and of the SJJ chapter of Model United Nations. His senior year, Andrew was vice president of SJJ chapter of Model United Nations.

Throughout high school, Andrew was a member of his school's wrestling and lacrosse teams, earning varsity letters in both. His excellence in wrestling was noted by being awarded Rookie of the Year in 2011 and being named captain of his team his senior year. In addition, Andrew continues to practice his faith through Christian service opportunities at school as well as volunteering at his church as an altar server. I am confident that Andrew will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Military Academy.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Andrew Miller on the acceptance of his appointment to the United States Military Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Andrew will excel during his career at the Military Academy, and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to the Nation.