Floor Statements

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

Mr. Chairman, as we conclude debate, all of us want to thank again Chairman Young and Ranking Member Murtha for their leadership, putting together this bipartisan bill, and especially the good men and women behind them, both of the minority party and the majority party who helped to put this appropriations bill together.

Mr. Chairman, as we consider this important legislation, we must be mindful that our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, all volunteers, I may add, are on the battlefield as we speak, brave men and women fighting a new kind of war where everyone literally is on the front line.

As we all know, the Army and Marines are carrying the brunt of the battle in Iraq and Afghanistan, with an unprecedented level of partnership by our Guard and Reserve components. And the young men and women from the Air Force and Navy stand with them, as do we.

Their service and dedication on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan are making our Nation safer from terrorists who seek to do us harm and other freedom-loving nations. Make no mistake, our success in Iraq is hugely important. And our enemies in Iraq are thinking enemies. They are adaptable and would like nothing better for us to step back, or as some say, retreat, or to set arbitrary dates for withdrawal and then come back after our departure to reinstall a new Saddam Hussein or a regime even more oppressive, fanatical or more horrendous and more dangerous than the last.

We should never forget that the soldiers we support through this appropriations have freed nearly 50 million people in Iraq and Afghanistan from killer regimes, where protests and dissent were answered by killing fields and genocide, where women were denied basic freedoms: Education, health and the right to vote.

But, of course, the loss of any young soldier from our ranks is heartbreaking. And so is the death of innocent civilians killed by roadside bombs, but we are dealing with Saddam loyalists, jihadists, imported terrorists and domestic criminals who play by no rules. And do not hesitate to bomb Iraqi weddings, funerals, gatherings of school children, and behead innocent civilians as well as kill our soldiers.

Since we are engaged in a global war on terrorism with Iraq and Afghanistan being countries of conflict and violence, our soldiers and Marines need every possible advantage as this appropriations bill allows. This legislation provides our fighting men and women with the resources they need to be more deployable, more agile, more flexible, more interoperable and more lethal in the execution of their mission.

It provides for better training, better equipment, better weapons. Of course, our bill supports the troops by providing a pay increase, enhanced life insurance coverage, and housing allowances. And this bill also provides funding for new equipment, additional trucks, radios, electronic jammers, uparmored HUMVEES, attack helicopters, warships and fighter aircraft.

Most important, this bill provides an additional $1.2 billion for personnel protection items, such as body armor. As troops rotate in and out of the theater, they need the latest equipment and weapons systems. Mr. Chairman, I also welcome increased funding for research and development. Our bill exceeds the President's budget by $2.3 billion, so we can speed important new technology from the drawing board to the laboratory, to the test bed into the arsenal of our warfighter.

My colleagues, the global war on terrorism will not be short, it will require deep and enduring commitment. As we look down the road we face many potential and real threats. We cannot know what hostile forces will face us next year, much less 5 years from now. So we must take care to ensure that we have laid the proper foundation for a secure national defense. These investments now and these appropriations will pay off in more capability in the future. They deserve to be supported.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Netcong Fire Department, in the Borough of Netcong, New Jersey, a patriotic community that I am proud to represent. On June 11, 2005, the good citizens of Netcong celebrated the Fire Company's Centennial Anniversary with special festivities and a parade.

For one hundred years, the Netcong Fire Department has been protecting and serving the residents of their community and surrounding towns. Featuring 48 fire companies mostly from Morris, Sussex, and Warren Counties, the firefighters on the parade committee have been planning the event for the past several years. Fritz Grogan, the parade's Grand Marshal, rode in a 1922 Brockway. He has 55 years of experience serving in the department, including a two-year term as chief in the late 1960s. Well over 1,000 people marched in the parade, and the event drew a crowd from all over New Jersey.

The Netcong Fire Department was formally created in 1905. It was badly needed, especially after a fire on Nov. 16, 1903. The blaze was so bad that even some buildings in neighboring Stanhope were set on fire by flying sparks, although none were destroyed. A history compiled by the department says its first piece of equipment was a two-wheeled hose cart pulled by the members. Equipment was housed at the Mansion house stables on Main Street and Maple Avenue, and the first firehouse opened in February 1906.

Currently the fire department, led by Fire Chief Michael Pellek, has about 100 members, half of whom marched in Saturday's parade. Last year the department responded to 113 calls, including one fatal fire, and this year it has already responded to 50.

Mr. Speaker, I urge you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the volunteers of the Netcong Fire Department on the celebration of 100 years of a rich history in the protection of one of New Jersey's finest municipalities.

Mr. Speaker, once again, I come to the floor to recognize the great success of strong local schools working with dedicated parents and teachers to raise young men and women. I rise today to congratulate and honor 44 outstanding high school artists from the 11th Congressional District of New Jersey. Each of these talented students is participating in the 2005 Annual Congressional Arts competition, ``An Artistic Discovery.'' Their works of art are exceptional!

We have 44 students participating. That is a tremendous response, and I would very much like to build on that participation for future competitions.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the three winners of our art competition, first place was awarded to Paul Niziolek from Ridge High School for his work entitled, ``Shut Off;'' second place was awarded to Tommy Lientitled from Livingston High School for his work entitled, ``Self-Reflection;'' and third place was awarded to Chris Murphy from West Morris Mendham High School for his work entitled, ``Turn Away.''

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize each artist for their participation by indicating their high school, their name, and the title of their contest entries for the official Record.

Pope John High School: Kaelen Barden's ``Color in Time,'' Colleen Sullivan's ``Palms,'' Amanda Grace's ``Beach.''

Roxbury High School: Ryan Jouas's ``Call for Details,'' Laura Montoya's ``Alex,'' Emily Schumacher for her untitled work, Melody Idakaar's ``Eremos # 3.''

Randolph High School: Morgan Kolenut's ``I'm just mad about saffron,'' Maria Soshinsky's ``You Shoot You Score!''

Morris Knolls High School: Cheryl Hutnikoffs ``Azure Blue,'' Maria Nuzhdin's ``NYC,'' Jackie Trimmer's ``Lizzy,'' Kimberly McConnell's ``Say Cheese.''

Montville High School: Tyler Martin's ``Entanglement,'' Catherine Kocses's ``Give Me A Minute,'' Nanase Nakanishi's ``Cold Winter Morning,'' Jenny Kong's ``ST. Basil Studio.''

Boonton High School: Audrey Brennan for his untitled work, Amy Salas's ``Self Portrait,'' Alexander Della Torre's ``Girls from Narnia,'' Jennifer Hitchings's ``Old Caddilac.''

Mount Olive High School: Meghan Marvin's ``Waning Light, `` Cassy Nickens's ``Trapped Expression,'' Kyle Toolen's ``Lunch Break,'' Elisa Winsze's ``Riverside Wagon.''

West Morris Mendham High School: Drew Koze's ``March in Shadow,'' Chris Murphy's ``Turn Away,'' Melissa Katie Krajewski's ``Pacific Sunset,'' Andrew Herdren's ``Atmosphere Friends.''

Ridge High School: Michael Raynes's ``Organ Donation,'' Samantha Mansfield's ``Self Portrait / EEK! A mouse!,'' Paul Niziolek's ``Shut Off,'' Lisa Cirelli's ``Close-up Lens.''

Livingston High School: David Runfola's ``Swift Limits,'' Justine Bienkowski's ``Shattered,'' Tommy Li's ``Self-Reflection,'' Casey Krosser for her untitled work.

Morris Hills High School: Brian Manna's ``Proud,'' Julie Carlsen's ``Ode to Van Gogh,'' Patricia Doris's ``Our Responsibility.''

Millburn High School: Bella Manoim's ``Pearberry Trees,'' Mary D'Alessio's ``Climbing,'' Kate Silverman's ``Childhood at a Glimpse,'' Gabriella Cammarata's ``IL Duamo.''

Each year the winner of the competition's art work is hung with other winners from across the country in a special corridor here at the U.S. Capitol. Every time a vote is called, I walk through that corridor and am reminded of the vast talents of our young men and women.

Indeed, all of these young artists are winners, and we should be proud of their achievements so early in life.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating these talented young people from New Jersey's 11th Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Lake Hopatcong Historical Society, in my Congressional District. The Historical Society is celebrating fifty years of protecting documents and artifacts for the community and promoting education and historic preservation.

The actual creation of the Lake Hopatcong Historical Society occurred on August 10, 1955, at the Langdon Arms Restaurant with eight people in attendance. From the beginning, the members' goal was to establish a museum for the lake.

From the original eight individuals who attended the first meeting in 1955, the society grew to 150 members by the time the museum opened in 1965. In the early 1960's the state of New Jersey moved forward with plans for a new administration building at Hopatcong State Park. The park was on land which was previously owned by the Morris Canal and Banking Company. When the canal was abandoned in the 1920's, the 98 acres around the Lake Hopatcong dam were set aside as a state park.

Today, with nearly 800 members, the organization continues to follow its mission ``to collect, house and preserve artifacts and documents relating to the civil, political, social and general history of Lake Hopatcong and to encourage the education and dissemination of information about Lake Hopatcong's history.''

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my colleagues in the House of Representatives join with me in congratulating the Lake Hopatcong Historical Society, its trustees and all of its outstanding members and volunteers, upon celebrating its 50th Anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Ten Towns Great Swamp Watershed Management Committee of Morris County, New Jersey, a vibrant organization I am proud to represent! On June 15, 2005 the Trustees and Friends of the Committee are celebrating its Tenth Anniversary.

The Great Swamp Watershed is a 55 square mile region in Morris and Somerset Counties and includes portions of Bernardsville Borough, Bernards Township, Chatham Township, Township of Harding, Long Hill Township, Borough of Madison, Mendham Borough, Mendham Township, the Town of Morristown, and Morris Township.

The Ten Towns Great Swamp Watershed Management Committee was formed in 1995 through an Inter-municipal Cooperative Agreement among the ten municipalities that have lands within the Great Swamp Watershed. Developed under the auspices of the Morris County leadership group, Morris 2000 (now Morris Tomorrow), the Ten Towns Committee was formed for the specific purpose of developing and implementing a watershed management plan for the watershed in the Upper Passaic River basin of northern New Jersey.

Since its formation, the Ten Towns Committee has developed a full range of programs to protect water quality and water resources in the Great Swamp, including: a water quality monitoring program, development of environmental ordinances, and construction of ``Best Management Practices'' improvements to correct existing non-point source pollution conditions.

The Ten Towns Committee has been recognized as a model in the state of New Jersey and has received awards for its work from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

It has also been my pleasure on several occasions to assist the Association with Federal support which enhances their critical work that both protects this remarkable national asset, the Great Swamp, and protects, for future generations, precious water supplies.

Mr. Speaker, I urge you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the members of the Ten Towns Great Swamp Watershed Management Committee on the celebration of the Committee's ten years serving the Great Swamp Watershed area. Special praise is due to their dedicated staff and active volunteers who work tirelessly to protect and enhance the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and Wilderness Area.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of this Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill and would like to commend the gentleman from New York--Mr. Walsh--and the gentleman from Texas Mr. Edwards--(and their very able staff) for their good work on this legislation.

Mr. Chairman, many of us will spend this weekend doing exactly what we should be doing--returning home to our communities to pay solemn tribute to those brave men and women who have paid the ultimate price in service of our Nation.

We are painfully mindful that we are a Nation at war. Our young fighting men and women are in action around the world, serving with distinction and dedication. To honor them, we should pass this legislation which provides important assistance to our American heroes--past and present--our veterans and our current warfighters.

This legislation: Significantly increases funding devoted to military housing and health care. Increases total funding for the VA by 3.5 percent; Boosts Veterans Medical Services $1 billion above the budget request and $1.64 billion over last year's levels: (Over the last 2 years, funding for Veterans medical care has increased by 18 percent.)

Appropriates $20 billion for the Defense Health Program--a 9.9 percent increase over fiscal 2005. Proposes a 10-percent increase in the basic allowance for military housing; Hikes total military construction 4.2 increase above last year's levels.

Mr. Chairman, our troops--active, reserve and Guard--are enduring extraordinary mental and physical stress during long tours of duty battling an insurgency engaged in intense guerilla warfare. Clearly, these troops will have special needs, including mental health needs, when they rotate from the combat zone. I am proud that this bill goes to extraordinary lengths to fund treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, and doubles funding for mental health research.

We know from experience that the mental health and physical health of our troops are closely linked, and mental health disorders can exacerbate or even induce physical disorders. Returning service men and women need to be treated for both through integrated physical and mental health care and this bill recognizes that fact on many important levels.

Mr. Chairman, I would also like to point out what is NOT in this bill, namely higher copays at veterans health care facilities and new annual surcharges for certain categories of veterans.

Mr. Chairman, we are a Nation at war. And our young fighting men and women have real needs. Our veterans have real needs.

I want to thank the Appropriations Committee for providing for those needs and urge support for the bill.

Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time, and I rise in strong support of the Energy and Water appropriations bill. First, let me thank and commend Chairman Hobson and Ranking Member Visclosky for their hard work in crafting a bill that addresses so many complex national energy and water infrastructure needs. They make a good team.

Our bill includes essential funding for energy programs that seek to make our country more efficient and less dependent on traditional fossil fuels and foreign oil. As a nation, we are facing an energy crisis which does not allow us to put off significant policy changes as to how we can invest our energy infrastructure dollars any longer.

This year, we have made a significant investment in nuclear energy technology. This energy provides a clean, renewable energy source already capable of providing an alternative source of electricity to fossil fuels. Nuclear energy already provides 20 percent of our Nation's electricity and, in my home State of New Jersey, nearly 50 percent of the electrical capacity.

I am also pleased that our subcommittee continues to fund fusion science. Our committee has been a leader in advancing fusion so that some day we will be able to realize the promise of the cleanest of energy sources. Thirty years ago the first power produced in a laboratory from fusion was barely enough to light a small light bulb. Today, our DOE labs are capable of creating enough power from fusion to light a small town.

Mr. Chairman, I credit the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Hobson) and the ranking member for grappling with some tough policy decisions in this bill. For example, Yucca Mountain, which is facing delays, this bill includes money, $660 million for Yucca Mountain, in anticipation of a licensing agreement being signed.

This bill also prioritizes the Army Corps' work on a number of essential navigation and flood control projects to ensure that such construction projects authorized by Congress are actually completed.

But most importantly to me and to the New York-New Jersey region, in the Army Corps' portfolio, this bill reflects our committee's continued recognition of the value of our Federal investment in the New York-New Jersey harbor deepening project. This project has been recognized as one of five national priorities by the President. It is not only an issue of national security; it is an issue of economic security. The economic return on keeping open our Nation's third largest port to larger container ships is huge. I note that the Army Corps itself has listed this deepening project as one of its highest return investments.

I cannot overstate the economic importance of the port which is the third largest in the United States. Every day thousands of goods come through the port of New York and New Jersey, and through its terminals many other goods are exported to the rest of the world. Those goods and the assets that protect them allow our Nation to proceed and keep its economy going. Therefore, I rise in support of the bill and urge other Members to do so as well.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the rule and of H.R. 1544. I commend the gentleman from California (Chairman Cox) and his committee for their great work on this essential legislation.

This legislation is an issue of great importance for our Nation, but it is also a huge priority for New Jersey, which lost, as the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Menendez) said, 700 residents on September 11, 2001.

The 9/11 Commission recommendations rightly stated: ``Homeland security assistance should be based strictly on an assessment of risks and vulnerabilities. Federal homeland security assistance should not remain a program for general revenue sharing. It should supplement State and local resources based on the risks or vulnerabilities that merit additional support. Congress should not use this money as a pork barrel.''

Both the President in his budget and, most recently, the Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security in their bill just passed out of full committee have echoed this important recommendation.

Since September 11, 2001, U.S. intelligence reports that our New York-New Jersey region is still among the most attractive targets for terrorists. For all of our critical infrastructure of the trans-Hudson tunnels, airports, seaports, oil refineries, chemical manufacturing, population density, financial centers in both lower Manhattan and in Jersey City, our basic close relationship with New York City, anti- terrorism experts continue to acknowledge that the risk of terrorism remains.

Yet, despite the best efforts of the President, homeland security officials and Members of Congress, these security funds continue to be distributed to States based on population, rather than risk and vulnerability. That is why this bill needs to be passed in its present form.

Fortunately, the legislation addresses our concerns and follows the Commission's recommendations. We are sending more Federal homeland security to States like New Jersey and other high-threat areas where risk is greatest and critical infrastructure must be better protected against terrorism.

H.R. 1544 establishes a more rational approach to distributing homeland security funding by sending more resources to where they are needed. As we learned on September 11, terrorists do not arbitrarily select their targets. Therefore, homeland security funding cannot be arbitrarily distributed.

This legislation would ensure that homeland security grants are awarded according to an assessment of risk and vulnerability, not just population.

For these and many other reasons, Mr. Speaker, this bill and this rule needs to be supported.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1268 making supplemental appropriations to ensure that our forces who are hard at work in Iraq and Afghanistan, and elsewhere, have the tools they need to do their job, and are well protected.

Mr. Speaker, this week we witnessed the establishment of Iraq's first democratically elected government in over half a century and their swearing in. This event is yet another historic milestone in Iraq's progress toward a representative and transparent government.

But even as we see important movement toward democracy, we are reminded that ``freedom is not free.'' As those of us who have seen war know, it is paid first by the sacrifices of those who serve.

Their courage is our inspiration. We wish them Godspeed, swift victory and safe return.

However, while it pales in comparison to the sacrifices of our brave men and women in the field, there is another part of the equation. And it is before us today.

With this legislation, Congress is acting decisively to ensure that our soldiers, sailors and airmen have the resources they need to keep Iraq on the road back to the community of civilized nations.

This bill contains over $76 billion to support military activities. This sum will: pay for the troop deployment; repair and replace damaged vehicles being chewed up in an extreme harshly operating environment; replenish stores of munitions and supplies; and provide additional armor for vehicles, improved communications gear and more night-vision equipment.

I would also add that this bill also provides over $60 million for additional electronic devices designed to protect our forces from the ``weapon of choice'' of the insurgents--IEDs.

Mr. Speaker, this ``wartime supplemental'' appropriations bill meets our military, humanitarian and foreign policy requirements.

We have every reason to be proud of young men and women at war. Every single word of praise uttered on this floor today is justified.

But while our young men and women in uniform appreciate our vocal support, they need this bill. It will provide them with the tools they need to get their job done as quickly as possible so they can return home to their families.

I commend Mr. Lewis, the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee-- the gentleman from California--for his leadership.

And I urge passage of the legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Head Start Community Program of Morris County, New Jersey, a vibrant organization I am proud to represent! On May 4, 2005 Head Start is celebrating its Fortieth Anniversary.

Founded in 1965, the Head Start Community Program of Morris County is a nonprofit organization serving approximately 200 low-income children between the ages of three and five and their families. Head Start's comprehensive program continues to demonstrate immense success by being instrumental in preparing children to begin school successfully. They offer a comprehensive approach to early success in school, from medical check-ups to nutritional meals.

Today, Morris County's Head Start program is stronger and more successful than ever. Eileen Jankunis, the Executive Director of the Head Start Community Program of Morris County, her staff, and core of dedicated volunteers are a testament to Head Start's accomplishments. They are ensuring our children, those who need it most, are given the same opportunities as other children to get a ``Head Start'' in a nurturing environment. Above all, they are demonstrating tremendous focus and dedication to providing every child with the building blocks of learning so that they can succeed in school and later in life.

Head Start is an integral part of establishing a sound foundation for our children. The continued success of Morris County's Head Start program demonstrates that, and I am honored to represent their needs in Congress. Early-childhood development is a key component of our educational system, and Morris County's program is doing a superb job of getting our kids ready for the future.

Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to honor Morris County's program. I urge you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the members of the Head Start Community Program of Morris County for their forty years of service! Again, I offer my praise and thanks to their dedicated trustees, administration, wonderful teachers, support staff, volunteers and active parents who work tirelessly on behalf of Head Start's children.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the ECLC School of New Jersey, in the Borough of Chatham, in Morris County, a vibrant community I am proud to represent! On May 5, 2005, the ECLC School is celebrating its Thirty-Fifth Anniversary.

For 35 years, the ECLC has been an accredited nonprofit school, providing special education for children. The children have severe learning and/or language disabilities, autism, or multiple disabilities. Students go to the ECLC School when their local public school determines that an out of district placement is needed. The school also serves an additional 110 young adults with Community Personnel Services (CPS), their supported employment program.

The ECLC School's mission is to help each child develop socially, emotionally, academically and physically. The program integrates academics with speech, language, physical and occupational therapies, counseling, social skills development, vocational preparation, activities of daily living and real job experiences. The goal is to prepare their students to face the world of work and to prepare them to integrate into the communities in which they live.

At the ECLC School, administrators, teachers and parents believe that maintaining student individuality is paramount to success. Because children's needs are always changing, the program is designed with flexibility in mind. Students work at their own pace, using a variety of creative and motivating materials. Students are measured by their own successes, of which there are many!

Mr. Speaker, I urge you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the members of the ECLC School of NJ on the celebration of its thirty-five years serving Morris County and Central New Jersey! And special praise is due to their dedicated administration, wonderful teachers, support staff, volunteers and active parents who work tirelessly on behalf of the disabled community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Spanish American Federal Credit Union, in the Town of Dover, in Morris County, New Jersey, a vibrant community I am proud to represent. On April 17, 2005, the Spanish American Federal Credit Union is celebrating its 35th Anniversary.

For 35 years, the Spanish American Federal Credit Union has lived up to its purpose by providing basic financial services to its members. The board of directors and administration of the credit union made a commitment in 1998 to improve the quality and delivery of the services provided. To that end, the credit union has made large investments in employee development, a new location and technology.

The credit union's employees are prepared to meet the demands of a growing, more diverse membership that requires top-quality service and commitment. The staff at the Dover, NJ, Spanish American Federal Credit Union maintains a high degree of professionalism and continues to strive for member service excellence. During recent months, the credit union has also made use of technological advances in order to provide its member-owners with better services.

After 30 years, the Dover, NJ, Spanish American Federal Credit Union still follows its purpose faithfully and proudly.

Mr. Speaker, I urge you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the members of the Spanish American Federal Credit Union on the celebration of its 35 years serving Morris County.

Mr. Speaker, every year, more high school seniors from the 11th Congressional District trade in varsity jackets for navy pea coats, Air Force flight suits, and Army brass buckles than most other districts in the country. But this is nothing new--our area has repeatedly sent an above average portion of its sons and daughters to the nation's military academies for decades.

This fact should not come as a surprise. The educational excellence of area schools is well known and has long been a magnet for families looking for the best environment in which to raise their children. Our graduates are skilled not only in mathematics, science, and social studies, but also have solid backgrounds in sports, debate teams, and other extracurricular activities. This diverse upbringing makes military academy recruiters sit up and take note--indeed, many recruiters know our towns and schools by name.

Since the 1830s, Members of Congress have enjoyed meeting, talking with, and nominating these superb young people to our military academies. But how did this process evolve? In 1843, when West Point was the sole academy, Congress ratified the nominating process and became directly involved in the makeup of our military's leadership. This was not an act of an imperial Congress bent on controlling every aspect of Government. Rather, the procedure still used today was, and is, a further check and balance in our democracy. It was originally designed to weaken and divide political coloration in the officer corps, provide geographical balance to our armed services, and to make the officer corps more resilient to unfettered nepotism and handicapped European armies.

In 1854, Representative Gerritt Smith of New York added a new component to the academy nomination process--the academy review board. This was the first time a Member of Congress appointed prominent citizens from his district to screen applicants and assist with the serious duty of nominating candidates for academy admission. Today, I am honored to continue this wise tradition in my service to the 11th Congressional District.

The Academy Review Board is composed of six local citizens who have shown exemplary service to New Jersey, to their communities, and to the continued excellence of education in our area--many are veterans. Though from diverse backgrounds and professions, they all share a common dedication that the best qualified and motivated graduates attend our academies. And, as true for most volunteer panels, their service goes largely unnoticed.

I would like to take a moment to recognize these men and women and thank them publicly for participating in this important panel. Being on the board requires hard work and an objective mind. Members have the responsibility of interviewing upwards of 50 outstanding high school seniors every year in the academy review process.

The nomination process follows a general timetable. High school seniors mail personal information directly to the Military Academy, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, and the Merchant Marine Academy once they become interested in attending. Information includes academic achievement, college entry test scores, and other activities. At this time, they also inform my office of their desire to be nominated.

The academies then assess the applicants, rank them based on the data supplied, and return the files to my office with their notations. In late November, our Academy Review Board interviews all of the applicants over the course of 2 days. They assess a student's qualifications and analyze character, desire to serve, and other talents that may be hidden on paper.

This year the board interviewed over 40 applicants. Nominations included 10 to the Naval Academy, 11 to the Military Academy, 4 to the Merchant Marine Academy and 4 to the Air Force Academy--the Coast Guard Academy does not use the congressional nomination process. The recommendations are then forwarded to the academies by January 31, where recruiters reviewed files and notified applicants and my office of their final decision on admission.

As these highly motivated and talented young men and women go through the academy nominating process, never let us forget the sacrifice they are preparing to make: to defend our country and protect our citizens. This holds especially true at a time when our nation is fighting the war against terrorism. Whether it is in Afghanistan, Iraq, or other hot spots around the world, no doubt we are constantly reminded that wars are fought by the young. And, while our military missions are both important and dangerous, it is reassuring to know that we continue to put America's best and brightest in command.

Academy Nominees for 2004, 11th Congressional District, New Jersey

Air Force Academy

Dennis N. Stenkamp, Sparta, Sparta H.S.

Bryant J. Tomlin, Sparta, Sparta H.S.

John P. Libretti, Pine Brook, Seton Hall Prep

Benjamin A. Kalfas, Montville, Montville H.S.

Merchant Marine

Matthew R. Brady, Chatham, Chatham H.S.

Ryan T. Davidson, Randolph, Randolph H.S.

Anthony J. Day, Flanders, Mt. Olive H.S.

Ashley Lally, Sparta, Sparta H.S.

Military Academy

Anthony Arbolino, Netcong, Lenape Valley H.S.

Brianna A. Beckman, Kinnelon, Kinnelon H.S.

Kristen Cassarini, Rockaway, Morris Hills H.S.

Christopher R. Elam, Oak Ridge, Jefferson H.S.

Matthew J. Gnad, Kinnelon, Kinnelon H.S.

John M. Kilcoyne, Essex Fells, West Essex H.S.

Kristen Laraway, Long Valley, West Morris Central H.S.

Shawn P. McKinstry, Bloomingdale, Trinity Christian School

Michael A. Robinson, Brookside, West Morris Mendham H.S.

Abigail E. Zoellner, Basking Ridge, Ridge H.S.

Joshua A. Lospinoso, Florham Park, Hanover Park H.S.

Naval Academy

Raymond F. Allen, Califon, West Morris Central H.S.

Ashley Asdal, Chester, West Morris Mendham H.S.

Sean K. Bergstrom, Mendham, Delbarton School

Thomas D. Brenner, Jr., Livingston, Livingston H.S.

Michael Collett, Chester, Delbarton School

Jonathan E. DeWitt, Mendham, West Morris Mendham H.S.

Mark Infante, Chester, Delbarton School

Patrick Leahey, Morris Plains, Morristown H.S.

Ashwin Rajaram, Flanders, Mount Olive H.S.

Brian Schoenig, Pompton Plains, Pequannock H.S.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Kinnelon Fire Department, of the Borough of Kinnelon, in Morris County, New Jersey, a vibrant community I am proud to represent. On January 29, 2005, the good citizens of Kinnelon are celebrating the fire department's seventy-fifth anniversary.

For seventy-five years, members of the Kinnelon Fire Department have been protecting and serving the residents of their community. The fire department is made up of

ninety volunteers, led by Fire Chief Keith Pavlak. Other dedicated members of the fire department include First Assistant Chief Alan Bresett and Second Assistant Chief Gail Bresett.

The Kinnelon Fire Department has a deep history that is evident in their desire to commemorate the department's 75 year anniversary. Volunteers, along with Mayor Sisco and other council members, will join to celebrate and recognize the volunteers and their predecessors.

From its charter members to its current roster, the membership of the Kinnelon Fire Department, has dedicated itself to the safety and welfare of Kinnelon's good citizens. Kinnelon's firefighters, dedicated public servants, past and present, are to be commended for a job well done.

Mr. Speaker, I urge you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the members of the Kinnelon Fire Department on the celebration of its seventy-five years protecting one of New Jersey's finest municipalities.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Martin Luther King Observance Committee of Morristown, NJ, in my congressional district, which this year is celebrating its 35th Anniversary.

The committee, a local public service group, has solicited the involvement of the total Morris County community, and especially its young people, in its annual services commemorating the birth of Martin Luther King, Jr., since 1970. This celebration of faith, endurance, and commitment is a tribute to the rich legacy of the life and works of Dr. King.

The Observance for 2005 marks the 20th year that Dr. King's birthday will be commemorated as a national holiday. As an expression of local unity and in recognition of this important event, the Martin Luther King Observance Committee is inviting the Morris Clergy Council to cooperate with the committee in jointly sponsoring the commemorative services on Monday, January 17, 2005.

The Martin Luther King Observance Committee will use for a theme ``The Dream of Peace is Dedicated Wholly to Truth.'' Each of us still makes a difference. Each of us needs to trust, to hope, to care, and to have the courage to make our democracy work for all of us. Yes, today we face great uncertainty and trepidation. Nevertheless, we will pull together as a community and nation during time of crisis. We are Americans indeed.

From those individuals who spearheaded the initial celebration, the late Rachel Viola Jones and Dr. Felicia B. Jamison, the planning efforts has broadened to include members of the Morris Area Clergy Council, with representatives from all major faith traditions. In addition to the two founders, other volunteers who assisted in the early years included Emma L. Martin, George Dorsey, William ``Jack Harris, Reginald and Emanueline Smith, Flora Webb, Norman Jean Matthews, Woody Huff, Elizabeth Lubar, Cecelia Dowdy, Rabbi Z. David Levy, and the Rev. Charles Marks.

The core planning committee is continuing to carry on tradition of excellence for this great program and has grown to include dedicated volunteers. Some of those individuals include Charles Jamison, Jr., James Mack, Janet Bonar, Patricia Johnson, Esq., Barbara Klingsporn, Mae Williams, Ronnie Rogers, Elie Sims, Nadine Alston, Rabbi Donald Rossoff, James Vance, Horace Melton, Marian Sykes Johnson, Gerald Martin, Dorothy C. Parker, Agnes Boyd, Rev. Paul Ratzlaff, and the Rev. Jerry M. Carter, Jr. Pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church, Minister Dr. David Hollowell, Dr. Judy L. Banks.

Mr. Speaker, I am quite certain that the Martin Luther King Observance Committee will continue in the years ahead to promote the cause of equality and educate our community in helping to promote opportunities for our young people to pursue productive, fulfilling lives. I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Martin Luther King Observance Committee of Morristown as they celebrate 35 dedicated years of serving our community, and especially Chairwoman, Dr. Felicia Jamison.