Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4861) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1343 West Irving Park Road in Chicago, Illinois, as the ``Steve Goodman Post Office Building''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and add any extraneous materials.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the House subcommittee with jurisdiction over the United States Postal Service, I am proud to present H.R. 4861 for consideration. This legislation will designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1343 West Irving Park Road in Chicago, Illinois, as the ``Steve Goodman Post Office Building.''

Introduced by my good friend and colleague, Representative Mike Quigley of Chicago, on March 16, 2010, H.R. 4861 was favorably reported out of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee on April 14, 2010 by unanimous consent. In addition, this legislation enjoys the support of the entire Illinois House delegation.

A beloved native of the City of Chicago, American folk singer and songwriter Steve Goodman was born on July 25, 1948, on Chicago's north side. Mr. Goodman graduated from Maine East High School in Park Ridge, Illinois, in 1965, and subsequently enrolled at the University of Illinois.

After 1 year, Mr. Goodman left the University of Illinois in order to pursue a musical career. In 1968, he began performing at the famed Earl of Old Town folk club in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood where he first attracted a large popular following and where he soon became a regular performer throughout the city. Mr. Goodman's subsequent and distinguished musical career evidenced his dual mastery of songwriting and performance as well as his genuine devotion to his hometown, and he left an indelible mark on both American folk music and on the city of Chicago.

As noted by the Chicago Tribune earlier this month, Mr. Goodman's collection of songs told ``wondrous, intricate stories,'' and ``if you were a fan and you lived in Chicago when he was alive, you couldn't help but feel like he was a private pleasure.''

Notably, Mr. Goodman released 10 folk music albums during his life, which were followed by five posthumous releases. Included among his most enduring songs was the ``City of New Orleans,'' a song about the Illinois Central's City of New Orleans train that was recorded by Arlo Guthrie and which became a top 20 hit in 1972. The song would also become an American standard, covered by such musicians as Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson, whose recorded versions earned Mr. Goodman a posthumous Grammy Award in the Best Country Song category in 1985. Mr. Goodman later received a second posthumous Grammy Award in the Best Contemporary Folk Album category in 1988 for his critically acclaimed album ``Unfinished Business.''

Additionally, Mr. Goodman is well-known for writing and performing a variety of humorous songs about the City of Chicago, including ``Daley's Gone,'' which is a eulogy of the late mayor Richard J. Daley, and ``A Dying Cubs Fan's Last Request,'' also ``When the Cubs Go Marching In'' and ``Go, Cubs. Go!'' in honor of his beloved Chicago Cubs. The latter song can be heard playing on the loudspeakers at Wrigley Field after every Cubs' home win.

In addition to his musical contributions, Mr. Goodman is equally remembered for the courage and positivity that he always evidenced throughout his 15-year battle with leukemia. While Mr. Goodman was diagnosed with the disease at the early age of 20, in the words of the Chicago Tribune, he was always ``a little guy with a huge smile, and he was Chicago.''

Regrettably, Mr. Goodman passed away on September 20, 1984, at the age of 36. Four days after his death, the Cubs clinched the National League's Eastern Division title, and on October 2, 1984, they played their first post-season game since the 1945 World Series. While Mr. Goodman had been asked to sing the national anthem for the occasion, Jimmy Buffet performed the ``Star-Spangled Banner'' in his absence and dedicated the song to Mr. Goodman, whose ashes were subsequently scattered at Wrigley Field.

Mr. Speaker, let us honor the life and legacy of Mr. Goodman through the passage of this legislation, H.R. 4861, to designate the West Irving Park Road Post Office in his honor. I urge my colleagues to join Mr. Quigley of Chicago in supporting H.R. 4861.

I reserve the balance of my time.

I thank the gentleman from Texas for his kind remarks, and I urge my colleagues to join with the gentleman from Chicago, Illinois, Congressman Mike Quigley, in supporting H.R. 4861.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Chief James S. Driscoll for his outstanding dedication to the town of Dedham, Massachusetts, and to recognize his achievements during his 37 years with the Dedham Fire Department.

James Driscoll is a lifelong resident of Dedham, Massachusetts. He graduated from Dedham High School in 1965 and then attended Boston College where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education in 1969. After graduating, he taught seventh and ninth grade math at Norwood Junior High School North briefly, before following his childhood dream of becoming a firefighter.

On June 28, 1972, he became a member of the Dedham Fire Department. After 6 years he was promoted to fire lieutenant and held this position until he was again promoted to Deputy Fire Chief, a position he held until November 2001. At that time, he was named Acting Fire Chief and served in this capacity until he became the permanent Fire Chief of the Dedham Fire Department in August 2004.

During his tenure with the Dedham Fire Department, Chief Driscoll continued his education, receiving a bachelor of science degree in fire science from Boston State College and a master's degree in public affairs from the University of Massachusetts--Boston in 1985, writing his thesis on fire apparatus purchasing options.

Chief Driscoll and his wife of 35 years, Carol, continue to live in Dedham, where they raised three sons, Michael G., Thomas W., and Stephen J.; all graduates of Dedham High School.

In his retirement, Chief Driscoll enjoys running and reading, although you will most likely find him by the pool or pushing his young grandson, Ryan, in the stroller.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize Chief James. S. Driscoll for his 37 years of service and dedication to the people of Dedham and the Dedham Fire Department. I applaud his commitment to his community and to his family. I wish him my best in all of his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4628) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 216 Westwood Avenue in Westwood, New Jersey, as the ``Sergeant Christopher R. Hrbek Post Office Building''.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and add any extraneous materials.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, as chairman of the House subcommittee with jurisdiction over the United States Postal Service, I am proud to present H.R. 4628 for consideration. This legislation, when passed, will designate the United States Postal Service facility located at 216 Westwood Avenue in Westwood, New Jersey, as the Sergeant Christopher R. Hrbek Post Office Building. Introduced by my friend and colleague Representative Scott Garrett of New Jersey on February 22, 2009, H.R. 4628 was favorably reported out of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee on March 4, 2010, by unanimous consent. In addition, this legislation enjoys the support of the entire New Jersey House delegation.

A native of Westwood, New Jersey, Sergeant Christopher Hrbek proudly served our Nation as a field artillery cannoneer with the Third Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, Second Marine Division, Second Marine Expeditionary Force out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Regrettably, Sergeant Hrbek was killed in action on January 14, 2010, by an improvised explosive device while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. Sergeant Hrbek was 25 years old at the time of his death and on his fourth tour of duty with the United States Marine Corps.

As recalled by his family and friends, Sergeant Hrbek's enlistment in the United States Marine Corps evidenced his lifelong dedication to serving his community and his country.

At the age of 16, Sergeant Hrbek, who came from a family of firefighters, joined the Westwood Fire Department as a cadet and continued to serve his local community as a firefighter for the next 9 years. In addition to his dedication to the Westwood Fire Department and the town of Westwood, Sergeant Hrbek also aspired to serve in the United States military, and in particular, the United States Marine Corps. As noted by his loving stepfather Jaymee Hodges, Sergeant Hrbek ``knew in his soul he wanted to be a Marine . . . and Christopher ate, drank, and slept the Marine Corps.''

Accordingly, on his 18th birthday, Sergeant Hrbek asked his stepfather to take him to the Marine recruitment office in Hackensack, New Jersey, in order to enlist in the Marine Corps. Shortly thereafter, Sergeant Hrbek left for basic training at Paris Island, South Carolina. Sergeant Hrbek's subsequent and distinguished career in the United States Marine Corps included four tours of duty, three tours of duty in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and then most recently, his last tour of duty in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In recognition of his service and sacrifice on behalf of our grateful Nation, Sergeant Hrbek has been posthumously awarded the Purple Heart.

Additionally, Sergeant Hrbek has also posthumously received the Bronze Star with Valor device. This was awarded for his heroic service during combat operations several weeks before his death. Specifically, in December of 2009, in the midst of hostile gunfire, Sergeant Hrbek rushed to save the life of a fellow marine, Sergeant Major Raymond Mackey, who had lost his legs as a result of an improvised explosive device attack. Sergeant Hrbek and a Navy corpsman carried Sergeant Major Mackey to safety and quickly applied tourniquets in order to stop the bleeding. This past Christmas Eve, Sergeant Hrbek was informed that he had been nominated for the Bronze Star with Valor device in recognition of that heroism.

In addition to the distinction and honor with which he served in the United States military, Sergeant Hrbek will be equally remembered for his steadfast devotion to his family and his friends. As noted by Westwood Fire Chief Mark Fedorchak, Sergeant Hrbek would do anything for anybody. He will be sorely missed. It is a huge loss for our community.

While Sergeant Hrbek is no longer with us, his memory will continue to live on through his devoted family and friends, his loving community and the dedicated servicemen and women who were fortunate to serve with him.

Madam Speaker, the life of Sergeant Christopher R. Hrbek stands as a testament to all the brave servicemen and women who have offered the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our Nation.

Let us join with Congressman Garrett from New Jersey and honor this outstanding soldier and American hero through the passage of this legislation to designate the Westwood Post Office in his name. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 4628.

I reserve the balance of our time.

Madam Speaker, we have no further speakers on this, but I continue to reserve.

Madam Speaker, I ask all Members on both sides of the aisle to join with Mr. Garrett in honoring this proud young marine and in supporting H.R. 4628.

I yield back the balance of our time

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 267) recognizing the cultural and historical significance of Nowruz, expressing appreciation to Iranian-Americans for their contributions to society, and wishing Iranian-Americans and the people of Iran a prosperous new year.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and add any extraneous materials.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I present House Resolution 267 for consideration. This legislation recognizes the cultural and historical significance of the traditional Iranian holiday of Nowruz, expresses our appreciation for the contributions of Iranian Americans to the United States and wishes all Iranian Americans, as well as the people of Iran, a prosperous new year.

This resolution has been offered by my friend and colleague, Representative Mike Honda of California.

I am going to yield to him such time as he may consume.

Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time. I ask all Members on both sides of the aisle to join with Mr. Honda, the principal sponsor of this resolution, and support House Resolution 267.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1096) encouraging individuals across the United States to participate in the 2010 Census to ensure an accurate and complete count beginning April 1, 2010, and expressing support for designation of March 2010 as Census Awareness Month, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and add any extraneous materials.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am proud to present House Resolution 1096 for consideration. The resolution encourages individuals across the United States to participate in the 2010 Census to ensure an accurate and complete count beginning April 1, 2010, and it expresses support for designation of March 2010 as Census Awareness Month.

House Resolution 1096 was introduced by my friend and colleague, Representative Silvestre Reyes of Texas, on February 23, 2010, and it enjoys the support of over 50 Members of Congress.

Mr. Speaker, article I, section 2 of the United States Constitution requires an actual enumeration of the population of the United States every 10 years. The Founding Fathers deliberately placed this requirement in the Constitution in order to ensure fair and accurate Federal, State, and local representation, and the Census serves the same purposes today by establishing the composition of voting districts at every level of government. Accurate Census data is vital to the well-being of every person in the United States.

Census data directly affects how more than $400 billion in Federal and State funding is allocated throughout our Nation. The information obtained in the Census assists planners in determining where schools, daycare centers, health centers, roads, public transportation, hospitals, housing, and other essential infrastructure should be located.

Businesses in the United States use Census data to support new investments, and Census data also helps determine how funds are distributed to communities for neighborhood improvements in public health, education, and transportation initiatives.

Census data also helps identify changes in community makeup and is essential for distribution of adequate services to our continually growing population. In fact, the Census currently estimates that the U.S. population has increased by over 27 million people since the 2000 Census.

The 2010 Census is extremely fast, safe, and easy to complete. It consists of just 10 questions and only requires about 10 minutes to fill out. 2010 Census data is strictly confidential, and Federal law prohibits the personal information from being shared with any entity. Individual data obtained from the Census is protected under United States privacy laws and cannot be disclosed for 72 years or used against any person by any government agency or court.

Given the ease and safety of the 2010 Census, every person in the United States, including individuals in Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the

Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, and all other U.S. territories should also take time to fill out the form and be counted. It is especially important that residents of predominantly low income, minority, and-or rural neighborhoods participate in the Census because these groups are at the center of greater risk of being undercounted in the Census. This is extremely troubling considering the fact that the Census officials estimate that every individual who is not accounted for in the Census loses about $1,500 per year in Federal aid for their community. By taking just 10 minutes to complete the 2010 Census form, it can help ensure that everyone in America is properly represented and eliminate Census overcounts and undercounts.

Additionally, House Resolution 1096 expresses support for the designation of March as Census Awareness Month, which will raise public awareness about the importance of completing the Census.

Mr. Speaker, as Census Bureau Director Robert M. Groves has noted, ``Taxpayers save $85 million for every 1 percentage point increase in the national mail-back participation rate for the 2010 Census.'' With this in mind, let me take this opportunity to express my strong support for House Resolution 1096, which encourages individuals across the United States to participate in the 2010 Census and expresses support for designation of March 2010 as Census Awareness Month.

I urge passage of Mr. Reyes' resolution.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate and thank the gentleman from North Carolina for his thoughtful remarks and for his support.

At this point, I would like to yield 5 minutes to the lead sponsor of this resolution, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Reyes), the chairman of our Intelligence Committee.

I thank the gentleman from North Carolina for his courtesy and for his support.

Mr. Speaker, I do have a copy of the census form here. You can't see it, obviously, because of the size of the type, but it's mostly check- the-box answers. I commend the Census Bureau for simplifying this. As the gentleman from North Carolina has stated, it is probably the simplest version of the form that we have had in our history.

I also want to express the concern that we get about 80 to 90 percent of the forms back in the mail, and this is the most efficient way and the cheapest way to conduct the census. The costly part of the census count is in actually going out and knocking on doors and in trying to get people to respond who have not responded through the mail. That's the costly part. So, to the degree that people can cooperate, can help us out and can mail these back, it's a good use of taxpayer money. It's much cheaper. So there is a dual purpose.

Also, as the gentleman from North Carolina mentioned, the allocation of resources and the representation aspect of this is very important as well.

We have no further speakers. Just in closing, I would ask Members on both sides to support Mr. Reyes in his resolution in supporting the census and in designating March as the official Month of the Census.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Madam Chair, I rise to claim time in opposition.

Madam Chair, I actually rise to support my colleague's amendment.

As the co-chairman of the Task Force on Terrorist Financing and Proliferation, I, too, am well aware that having an effective strategy on targeting the sources of terrorists in financing their operations is a very important part of our strategy.

This straightforward amendment offered by my friend, Mr. Castle of Delaware, simply restates the basic requirement that the President, through the Treasury Department, report to Congress on the current status of U.S. efforts to combat terrorism financing. This reporting requirement is not new; in fact, it was mandated in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorist Prevention Act of 2004. A report was due out in 2005, but here today it has yet to be submitted.

I've had an opportunity, as co-chair of the task force, to spend a lot of time with our Treasury employees, very brave and courageous Treasury and State Department employees, in Afghanistan and Pakistan and Jordan and the Maghreb, North Africa; and they're doing wonderful and courageous work. However, that much being said, Congress still retains its oversight responsibility; and without this report we are not able to be certain, I think, that we have an accurate picture of the entire antiterrorist financing protocol and we are not fully informed as to whether or not we are operating as effectively as we could be. Only by understanding where we currently stand--what our strengths are and, indeed, what our weaknesses are--can we ensure that the best possible strategy for cutting out terrorist financing is ultimately accomplished.

Again, I want to thank Congressman Castle, the gentleman from Delaware, for his support of this amendment, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4425) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2-116th Street in North Troy, New York, as the ``Martin G. `Marty' Mahar Post Office''.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and add any extraneous materials.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, as chairman of the House subcommittee with jurisdiction over the United States Postal Service, I am pleased to present H.R. 4425 for consideration. This legislation if adopted will designate the United States Postal Service facility located at 2-116th Street in North Troy, New York, as the Martin G. ``Marty'' Mahar Post Office.

This legislation has been introduced by my colleague and friend Representative Paul Tonko of New York, and I would like to yield to him such time as he may consume in presenting this resolution.

Madam Speaker, Marty Mahar was truly an extraordinary American, and as my colleague has so eloquently described, his life was really a shining example of the possibilities of the American Dream. Marty Mahar, as has been noted, began his longstanding commitment to public service as a member of the United States Marine Corps during World War II. As a paratrooper in the Asiatic-Pacific theater, Mayor Mahar earned his four Battle Stars, as has been mentioned, through heroic service on the island of Iwo Jima. He received a Presidential Unit Citation and a Purple Heart in recognition of that service, and serious injuries were sustained during that combat. Mayor Mahar's meritorious service to our Nation was further recognized in December of 2005 as he was inducted into the inaugural class of the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame, following his nomination by Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno.

After his tour of duty in World War II, Mayor Mahar returned home to serve his community in a civilian capacity as a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service and a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers. It is fitting that this letter carrier will now have the local post office in North Troy named after him. I can think of no greater tribute to this man, as his active membership with the letter carriers spans 51 years.

Following his tenure with the United States Postal Service, Mayor Mahar continued his commitment to serving his community as a highly regarded elected official. Specifically, Mayor Mahar's political career included service as a member of the Troy City Council for 10 years, deputy mayor of Troy for 2 years, and, ultimately, mayor of his beloved hometown from 1990 to 1991. Additionally, Mayor Mahar served on a variety of local community organizations and committees in fulfillment of his lifelong commitment to addressing the needs of America's military veterans and improving the lives of all Troy's citizens.

Included among Mayor Mahar's various community service positions were his chairmanship of the City of Troy Veterans Committee, his membership on the Legislative Committee for the Veterans of Foreign Wars, his tenure as youth activities director for the Department of New York VFW, and his membership on the National World War II Monument Committee here in Washington, D.C. Mayor Mahar will forever be remembered by the city of Troy as the founder of the Troy Flag Day Parade, which many regard as the largest parade in the Nation in honor of the American flag.

Madam Speaker, while, regrettably, Mayor Mahar passed away in October of 2007, his lifelong dedication to public service, to America's military veterans, and to the city of Troy will ensure that his legacy will never be forgotten. The life of Mayor Martin G. Mahar stands as a testament to public service, and it's my hope that we can honor this dedicated and remarkable American through the passage of this legislation to designate the North Troy post office in his honor.

I have no further speakers on this side, but I will continue to reserve the balance of my time.

I thank the gentlelady from North Carolina for her remarks, and I encourage my colleagues to join with Mr. Tonko, the lead sponsor of this resolution, H.R. 4425.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4238) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 930 39th Avenue in Greeley, Colorado, as the ``W.D. Farr Post Office Building''.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to add any extraneous materials.

Madam Speaker, I now yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, as chairman of the House subcommittee with jurisdiction over the United States Postal Service, I am pleased to present H.R. 4238 for consideration. This legislation will designate the United States Postal Service facility located at 930 39th Avenue in Greeley, Colorado, as the W.D. Farr Post Office Building. This resolution has been introduced by my colleague Representative Betsy Markey of Colorado on December 8, 2009.

H.R. 4238 was favorably reported out of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee on January 27, 2010, by unanimous consent. In addition to Representative Markey, H.R. 4238 enjoys the support of the entire Colorado House delegation.

Because Ms. Markey is the chief sponsor of this resolution, I will yield to her for such time as she may need to lay forth the details of this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I just wish to associate myself with the remarks of the gentlelady of North Carolina and with the remarks of the chief sponsor of this legislation, the gentlewoman from Colorado (Ms. Markey). Truly, Mr. Farr was an extraordinary individual.

We have no further speakers on our side on this matter. Madam Speaker, I simply ask all Members to support Ms. Markey in support of this resolution.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 526) recognizing the 70th anniversary of John Mercer Langston Golf Course, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to add any extraneous materials.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to present House Resolution 526 for consideration. This legislation recognizes the historical and cultural significance of the John Mercer Langston Golf Course as well as its contributions to achieving racial equality.

Introduced by my colleague, Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton of the District of Columbia, on June 10, 2009, H. Res. 526 enjoys the support of 50 Members of Congress. In addition, a Senate companion bill to this legislation, Senate Resolution 162, was introduced by Senator Russ Feingold, and was subsequently passed by the United States Senate on May 21, 2009, by unanimous consent.

Madam Speaker, over the course of its 70-year history, the John Mercer Langston Golf Course has stood as a symbol of the struggle for racial equality in the District of Columbia and across our Nation. In addition, the Langston Golf Course continues to serve as a regional hub for the promotion of golf as a recreational and as a professional sport in the Greater Washington, D.C., area as well as being an invaluable community institution dedicated to providing greater educational opportunities to area residents.

Located alongside the Anacostia River in northeast Washington, D.C., the Langston Golf Course was constructed in the mid-1930s in response to the exclusion of African Americans from all but one of the District's public golf courses. Appropriately, the Langston Golf Course was named in honor of a renowned African American educator and political figure, John Mercer Langston, who founded and became the first dean of the Howard University School of Law, the first president of Virginia State University and, in 1888, the first African American Congressman elected to represent the State of Virginia.

From its official opening in 1939, the Langston Golf Course has served as the home course of the Royal Golf Club and the Wake Robin Golf Club--the Nation's first clubs for African American men and women. In addition, the Langston Golf Course has consistently attracted a variety of outstanding African American golfers, including Ted Rhodes, Calvin Peete, Jim Thorpe, and Lee Elder, who, along with his wife, Rose, managed the course during the 1970s.

Moreover, as home of the widely known Capital City Open Golf Tournament, the Langston Golf Course has attracted a variety of prominent Americans from the world of politics, sports, and entertainment, including President Gerald Ford, heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis, and comedian Bob Hope.

Today, the Langston Golf Course continues to serve the general public by offering year-round educational and golf instruction designed to promote the sport of golf as well as educational opportunities in the Washington, D.C., community.

In 2002, the Langston Golf Course entered into a partnership with Howard University to establish the Interpretive Educational Center, a learning facility that offers comprehensive child and adult educational programs as well as life skills workshops. Additionally, for over 15 years, the Langston Golf Course has served as the home course for three junior golf programs--the Masons Army, the Junior Boys and Girls, and the First Tee, D.C. Collectively, the program participants are known as the ``Jimmy Garvin All-Stars'' in honor of Langston's longtime general manager, community leader and member of the African American Golfers Hall of Fame, Jimmy Garvin. Notably, these juniors must utilize the Interpretive Education Center as a prerequisite to learning golf and to using the Langston facilities.

Overall, the junior programs at Langston Golf Course include the participation of over 200 local boys and girls. In addition to offering golf instruction, they focus on cultivating

principles of honesty and integrity as well as highlighting the interrelationship between excellence on the golf course and excellence in the classroom.

Notably, the Langston Golf Course is also home to the annual Jimmy Garvin Legacy Scholarship Tournament. Proceeds from the tournament are donated to Langston's Interpretive Educational Center in furtherance of Langston's mission of teaching the sport of golf to area youth while also developing them as higher learners.

Madam Speaker, in recognition of its historical and cultural significance, the Langston Golf Course was placed on the National Register of Historical Places in 1991. It is my hope that we can further honor this distinguished community institution through the passage of House Resolution 526. I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting House Resolution 526.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, at this time, I yield 5 minutes to the lead sponsor of this resolution, the very capable Representative from the District of Columbia, Eleanor Holmes Norton.

Madam Speaker, I just want to ask all of our colleagues to join with the lead sponsor of this resolution, Eleanor Holmes Norton. And I

must confess that I have had the opportunity to travel out to--Langston is about 10 minutes from my house, so I have been out there. I've seen the youth programs that they have had. Absolutely fantastic. Jim Garvin does a wonderful job there as the groundskeeper and general manager, the crew there. You can tell the way the people there who run and maintain that golf course, they understand the history. They understand the importance of the Langston Golf Course from when it was home to the Negro Golf League during the days of segregation, and they understand going forward what a treasure it really is. So I am particularly happy to call on our Members to support House Resolution 526.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1039) supporting the goals and ideals of American Heart Month and National Wear Red Day.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to add any extraneous material.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I present House Resolution 1039 for consideration. This legislation expresses our support for the goals and ideals of American Heart Month and National Wear Red Day.

Introduced by my colleague Representative Christopher Lee of New York on January 26, 2010, House Resolution 1039 enjoys the support of over 50 Members of Congress. In addition, today's floor consideration allows Members of this body an added opportunity

to express their support for this thoughtful commemorative resolution.

Madam Speaker, House Resolution 1039 expresses our support for the goals of American Heart Month, which is annually commemorated during the month of February as a way of highlighting the devastating impact of cardiovascular disease on our Nation. As noted by the American Heart Association, heart disease, including stroke, continues to serve as the number one cause of death in the United States. In addition, an estimated 81.1 million adult Americans currently suffer from one or more types of heart disease. Accordingly, since 1963, Congress and the American Heart Association have partnered to draw attention to the cause and effects of heart disease, an effort that is reflected in the resolution authored by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Lee).

In addition, House Resolution 1039 also expresses our support for the goals and ideals of National Wear Red Day, which this year was held on Friday, February 5. Notably, National Wear Red Day is designed to support the fight against heart disease in women by encouraging all Americans to wear red at their workplaces, places of worship, out in their communities, and at home. Through the simple act of wearing red, all Americans can ensure that National Wear Red Day continues to serve as a powerful tool by which to raise our national awareness of heart disease and stroke, especially among women.

Madam Speaker, American Heart Month and National Wear Red Day are both valuable efforts in the fight against heart disease. For this reason, I urge my colleagues to join Mr. Lee, myself, and others in supporting House Resolution 1039.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I want to thank the gentlewoman from North Carolina for her eloquent words and for her support.

I simply ask all Members to support Mr. Lee of New York in this resolution, House Resolution 1039.

Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1046) recognizing the significance of Black History Month.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and add any extraneous materials.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I present House Resolution 1046 for consideration. This legislation recognizes the significance of Black History Month, which is annually commemorated during the month of February.

Introduced by my colleague, Representative Al Green of Texas, on January 27, 2010, House Resolution 1046 enjoys the support of over 60 Members of Congress. Notably, today's floor consideration of the bill offers Members of this body an additional opportunity to pay tribute to the remarkable and diverse contributions that African Americans have made to our Nation's history and culture.

Madam Speaker, as we all know, the month of February marks our annual commemoration of Black History Month. Originally celebrated as Negro History Week in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, a renowned African American author and scholar, our annual tribute to the leading role of African Americans in our Nation's history has since grown to a month-long commemorative celebration.

Whether we recall the story of Crispus Attucks, an African American from my home State of Massachusetts who became the first American casualty of the Revolutionary War, or the works of such compelling individuals as Harriet Tubman, Dr. King, Malcolm X, Madam C.J. Walker, and General Colin Powell, we all understand that the contributions of African Americans are intricately woven into our identity as a people and as a Nation.

Similarly, we need not look further than the thousands of brave military service men and women who have served and who are continuing to serve our Nation with honor and distinction at home and abroad, or the distinguished members of our own Congressional Black Caucus, or of course our 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, to witness the diverse and significant influence of African Americans on American society.

Madam Speaker, it is also important to note that it is not just our African American pioneers or leaders that have made such a difference. Importantly, it is the everyday citizen that is serving as a teacher, a mentor, a pastor, a doctor, a first responder, a public servant, or a parent who continues to impact our Nation's history in an equally powerful and positive way.

Across our Nation, Black History Month is marked by a variety of educational and cultural programs, as well as special celebrations and events designed to share the strength, ingenuity, and accomplishment of our fellow citizens with the world.

Madam Speaker, as we move to recognize Black History Month in 2010, let us all recall the experience and valuable contributions of African Americans to the United States of America. Moreover, let us not forget that black history is, in truth, American history.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting House Resolution 1046.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I welcome and appreciate the kind remarks of the lady from North Carolina.

In closing, I simply ask all Members to support Representative Al Green of Texas, who is the lead sponsor of this resolution. I urge all members to vote ``yes'' on House Resolution 1046.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Madam Speaker, I don't have to remind you that much of the public policy debate in this country has largely focused on healthcare reform and on how best to tackle rising costs, while ensuring access and quality at the same time. These calls for change in the healthcare policy arena have also been coupled with demands for a more fiscally responsible federal government.

Many policymakers look to the FEHBP as a model for providing health care. That's why it's important to ensure the program is providing the best benefits and at the best price for subscribers. Having conducted a Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service and the District of Columbia hearing in June, a September policy forum with key stakeholders, and months of additional research and collaboration, I have discovered that when it comes to prescription drugs, our federal employees and retirees are not receiving the best benefit at the best price. Considering that prescription drug costs comprise nearly 30% of the FEHBP's premiums, it is imperative that we do everything in our power to ensure that federal employees and the taxpayer are getting the best value for their dollar.

In short, the FEHBP health plans contract with Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) to price and to provide the pharmacy benefit to FEHBP members. In contrast with other federal health programs, the FEHBP does not regulate or negotiate drug pricing for its members. Instead it relies on competition among the various carriers and PBMs to keep prices low. However, as we recently affirmed, prices are not low! In fact, when comparing FEHBP drug prices to those of other federal programs, such as the Veterans Administration, the Department of Defense, Medicare, Medicaid and the Public Health Service's 340B Program, the FEHBP is paying substantially more for its drugs. Even more alarming is that some research actually shows that Costco and drugstore.com offer their employees better prices for drugs than the FEHBP does for federal workers and retirees. In these economically challenging times, it is unacceptable to ask federal employees and the American taxpayer to put up with such an irregularity. If the FEHBP wants to remain a model for providing health benefits, legislative changes that allow for alternative prescription drug benefit contracting and pricing are in order.

For this reason, I am proud to be introducing legislation today that will afford the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) greater oversight authority in the contracting and pricing of the FEHBP prescription drug benefit. Titled ``The FEHBP Prescription Drug Integrity, Transparency, and Cost Savings Act'', this bill will prohibit certain ownership relationships; require Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) to return 99% of all monies received from manufacturers for FEHBP business; cap prices paid by the health plan to the Average Manufacture Price (AMP); restrict drug switching by PBMs; and require enhanced transparency and disclosure of all contract terms and related information. These requirements intend to not only

lower costs of prescription drugs in the FEHBP but to also provide our federal employees with a safer, higher quality prescription drug benefit.

In this day and age, when every effort is being made to reduce federal spending and to find money to fund healthcare reform and other domestic policy priorities, the level of ambiguity around costs and drug prices under the FEHBP is appalling and must change. What we have before us is an issue that can save the taxpayer billions of dollars while at the same time reduce premiums for federal workers and their families. All I ask of my colleagues is for their support in passing this important legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3250) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1210 West Main Street in Riverhead, New York, as the ``Private First Class Garfield M. Langhorn Post Office Building''.

I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and add any extraneous materials.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the House subcommittee with jurisdiction over the United States Postal Service, I am proud to present H.R. 3250 for consideration. This legislation will designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1210 West Main Street in Riverhead, New York, as the ``Private First Class Garfield M. Langhorn Post Office Building.''

H.R. 3250 was introduced by my colleague and friend Representative Tim Bishop of New York, on July 17, 2009, and was favorably reported out of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee by unanimous consent on October 29, 2009. In addition, the legislation enjoys the support of the entire New York House delegation.

Born on September 10, 1948, in Cumberland, Virginia, Private First Class Garfield Langhorn distinguished himself through his brave, dedicated, and selfless military service during the Vietnam War as a member of the United States Army's Troop C, 7th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Aviation Brigade.

In recognition of his heroic actions during the Vietnam War, Private First Class Langhorn posthumously received the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration awarded by the United States Government, as well as the Purple Heart. Private First Class Langhorn was one of 20 African American soldiers to receive the Medal of Honor for their service during the Vietnam War.

As noted by the citation accompanying his Medal of Honor, Private First Class Langhorn demonstrated ``conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life and beyond the call of duty'' while serving as a radio operator in Troop C in Vietnam's Pleiku province on January 15, 1969.

Specifically, the citation recounts that Private First Class Langhorn's

platoon had been inserted into a landing zone in order to rescue two pilots of a downed Cobra helicopter. While members of his platoon, who had found the two pilots dead, attempted to take the men's bodies to a nearby pickup location, Private First Class Langhorn provided radio coordination and covering fire as the platoon came under intense fire from enemy forces.

As darkness fell, an enemy hand grenade landed directly in front of Private First Class Langhorn and only a few feet from several wounded members of his platoon. In response, and without hesitation, Private First Class Langhorn threw himself on the grenade and absorbed the ensuing blast, thereby saving the lives of his comrades by sacrificing his own.

Accordingly, the Medal of Honor citation further notes that, ``Private First Class Langhorn's extraordinary heroism, at the cost of his own life, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military, and reflects great credit on himself, his unit, and the United States Army.''

Mr. Speaker, in continued tribute to Private First Class Langhorn's bravery and self-sacrifice, the members of the United States Army's 7th Squadron, 17th Cavalry, past and present, have committed themselves to ensuring that his legacy and his memory lives on.

As noted by retired Sergeant Major Tony Morton, president of the 7th Squadron 17th Air Cavalry Association, all cavalry troopers assigned to the squadron must ``earn their spurs'' through the completion of a grueling 3-day series of tests and tasks known as the ``spur ride.'' It is notable that completion of one of the stations requires soldiers to possess a detailed knowledge regarding the service and sacrifice of Private First Class Langhorn, a requirement that, according to Sergeant Major Morton, serves to ensure that Private First Class Langhorn ``will go on in this squadron as long as this squadron is flying the colors.''

In addition, in 2008, the squadron cut the ribbon on a conference center named after Private First Class Langhorn and the unit's other Medal of Honor recipient from Vietnam, Sergeant Ray McKibben. Moreover, the squadron also rededicated a memorial to the two soldiers that has been relocated from Fort Knox, Kentucky, to the unit's new headquarters at nearby Fort Campbell on the Kentucky-Tennessee border.

Mr. Speaker, the life of Private First Class Garfield M. Langhorn stands as a testament to the lives of all those brave men and women who have served in the United States military and offered our Nation the ultimate sacrifice. Let us further honor the courageous soldiers through the passage of H.R. 3250, which designates the Riverhead, New York, Postal Service building in Private First Class Langhorn's name.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 3250.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman's kind words.

I yield 3 minutes to the chief sponsor of this bill, Mr. Bishop of New York.

Mr. Speaker, I again, in closing, urge my colleagues to join the gentleman from New York (Mr. Bishop) in honoring Private First Class Garfield Langhorn through the passage of H.R. 3250.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum

is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 708) congratulating Nancy Goodman Brinker for receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and add any extraneous materials.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am proud to present H. Res. 708 for consideration. This legislation expresses our congratulations to Ms. Nancy Goodman Brinker for receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

House Resolution 708 was introduced by my colleague and friend Representative Aaron Schock of Illinois on July 31, 2009, and was favorably reported out of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee by voice vote on December 10, 2009. In addition, the legislation enjoys the support of nearly 60 Members of Congress.

Mr. Speaker, seeing that my colleague is the lead sponsor of this, I will reserve the balance of my time and allow the gentleman to offer this resolution.

I thank the gentleman for his remarks.

As was noted, on August 12, 2009, President Obama awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is our Nation's highest civilian honor, to Ambassador Nancy Goodman Brinker in recognition of her efforts to advance breast cancer awareness and research. As noted by the President during the 2009 Medal of Freedom ceremony, the life of Nancy Goodman Brinker serves truly to answer the question whether one person can truly make a difference.

It is correct, as the gentleman from Illinois has noted, that this began as a promise between sisters. As she was falling victim to breast cancer, Susan G. Komen asked her beloved sister, Nancy, to promise to do everything she could to ensure that other families battling breast cancer had the help they needed to fight the deadly disease. From that simple promise between sisters, and in the honor of her sister, Ambassador Brinker has devoted her life to advancing breast cancer awareness and research.

In 1982, 2 years following her sister's passing, Ambassador Brinker, a breast cancer survivor herself, established Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a global nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting breast cancer research, a program that has affected millions of families in America. Notably, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, which also serves as the world's largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists, has raised nearly $1.5 billion to support advancements in breast cancer research, education, and health services since its inception. From its advocacy at the local, State, and Federal levels in support of enhanced breast cancer screening and treatment programs to its coordination with local health groups around the world to assist women in nearly 200 countries in overcoming social, cultural, and economic barriers to breast health treatment, Susan G. Komen for the Cure stands as a testament to the bravery of Susan G. Komen, as well as the commitment and vision of Ambassador Brinker.

As noted by Ambassador Brinker, Susan G. Komen for the Cure faced an immediate uphill battle in its mission to promote breast cancer awareness and research. In 1982, the disease received scant media attention and the fight against breast cancer was hampered by scarce resources, an inadequate supply network, and limited treatment options. However, under the dedicated and creative leadership of Ambassador Brinker, the breast cancer movement has managed to break the silence surrounding the disease and secure major advances with respect to breast cancer research, funding, education, and treatment.

In 1982, Ambassador Brinker founded the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, which is big in my district and is presently the world's largest and most successful education and fundraising event for breast cancer. In addition, Ambassador Brinker has also pioneered the concept of cause-related marketing, through which her foundation has established a variety of strong and enduring partnerships with businesses that share her commitment to ending breast cancer. Annually, the foundation raises over $30 million through its marketing partnerships.

Moreover, Ambassador Brinker and her foundation have played an instrumental role in securing the passage of key legislation to promote public investment in breast health and breast cancer care. Most recently, the organization contributed to the passage of an amendment authored by Senator Barbara Mikulski of Maryland to the Senate health care reform bill to ensure that breast cancer screening is available for women between the ages of 40 and 49. As noted by Ambassador Brinker, she will continue her efforts until the amendment becomes law.

In addition to her work on behalf of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Ambassador Brinker's commitment to ending breast cancer can be witnessed through her service as Goodwill Ambassador For Cancer Control for the United Nation's World Health Organization. In this capacity, Ambassador Brinker has sought to raise breast cancer awareness and strengthen treatment programs in impoverished nations as well as advocate in support of stronger global action for cancer prevention in accordance with the global strategy for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases that was endorsed by the World Health Assembly in 2008.

Mr. Speaker, in light of Ambassador Brinker's tireless efforts on behalf of ending breast cancer and her distinguished public service, it is not surprising that she was named as one of our Nation's Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients for 2009. Let us congratulate Ambassador Brinker on her receipt of our Nation's highest civilian honor and commemorate her life's worth through the passage of H. Res. 708.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 708.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, again I urge my colleagues to join Mr. Schock of Illinois in congratulating Ms. Nancy Goodman Brinker on receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom through the passage of H. Res. 708.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4095) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 9727 Antioch Road in Overland Park, Kansas, as the ``Congresswoman Jan Meyers Post Office Building''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and add any extraneous materials.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

As chairman of the House subcommittee with jurisdiction over the United States Postal Service, I am pleased to present H.R. 4095 for consideration. This legislation will designate the United States Postal Service facility located at 9727 Antioch Road in Overland Park, Kansas, as the ``Congresswoman Jan Meyers Post Office Building.'' Introduced by my friend and colleague Representative Dennis Moore of Kansas on November 17, 2009, H.R. 4095 was reported out of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee on December 10, 2009, by voice vote. Notably, H.R. 4095 has the support of the entire Kansas House delegation.

Since the lead sponsor, Mr. Moore, is here, I would like to yield him such time as he may consume in bringing this resolution to the floor.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time; however, I will continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, again I encourage my friends on both sides of the isle to join Mr. Moore of Kansas in honoring the life and legacy of Congresswoman Jan Meyers through the passage of H.R. 4095, and I yield back the balance of my time.