Ron Lewis

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information for publication in the Congressional Record regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2638, the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009.

Requesting Member: Congressman Ron Lewis

Bill Number: H.R. 2638

Account: OM, A

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Fort Knox

Address of Requesting Entity: 127 6th Ave. Ste 202, Fort Knox, KY,

Madam Speaker, I rise today to welcome athletes, fans, and sponsors of the PGA Tour to the City of Louisville for the 37th Ryder Cup. The competition will take place at the Valhalla Golf Club September 16-21, 2008.

The Ryder Cup matches the 12 best American golf professionals against the best 12 from Europe. The competition will be seen by hundreds of millions of golf enthusiasts throughout the world.

In the spirit of Olympians, athlete participation is grounded in the prestige of representing their country rather than prize money. I would like to make special note of two fellow Kentuckians, Kenny Perry and J.B. Holmes, joining the American team. Their competitive spirit and good sportsmanship will make our state and country proud.

I applaud the PGA of America, the PGA Tour, and First Tee for the charitable contributions they will generate through this event. The Ryder Cup will directly raise over $780,000 in funds for charity. An additional $2.6 million will be donated on behalf of the U.S. Ryder Cup captain and team.

It is my great privilege to recognize the athletes, sponsors, and hosts of the 37th Ryder Cup for their collective contributions to charity and international goodwill through this special event.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ernestine Pigg, a remarkable citizen from my congressional district. Ernestine recently marked her 45th consecutive year teaching citizenship classes for legal immigrants.

Ernestine Pigg began teaching citizenship classes at Fort Knox, KY in 1963. Her final class graduated in 2007. Through the years, Ernestine has remained exceptionally generous with her time as she's prepared more than 2,000 students to pass a Federal test to become United States citizens.

In addition to her work with immigrants, Ernestine has also volunteered her services and expertise in foreign languages as a teaching assistant at North Hardin High School in Radcliff, KY and at Armor Office Basic classes at Ft. Knox. She has also assisted Army JROTC students with various fundraising activities and community outreach projects.

It is my great privilege to honor Ernestine Pigg today before the entire United States House of Representatives. Her spirit of volunteerism and special commitment to the future success of her students is a portrait of outstanding citizenship worthy of our collective respect and appreciation.