Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 158) expressing support for the designation of an Early Detection Month for breast cancer and all forms of cancer, 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.

On behalf of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am proud to present House Concurrent Resolution 158 for consideration. This resolution expresses support for the designation of an Early Detection Month for breast cancer and all forms of cancer.

House Concurrent Resolution 158 was introduced by my friend and colleague, the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Etheridge), on June 25, 2009, and was favorably reported out of the House Oversight Committee by voice

vote on December 12, 2009. In addition, the legislation enjoys the support of more than 50 Members of Congress.

In recognition of Mr. Etheridge's sponsorship, I would like to recognize him and yield him such time as he may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I want to associate myself with the remarks of the gentlemen from Illinois and North Carolina, and I want to drill down some of the numbers that have been offered by the American Cancer Society.

They report that in 2009, 1.5 million new cases of cancer were diagnosed in the United States alone. In addition, the American Cancer Society notes that roughly one out of every two American men and one out of every three American women will have some type of cancer at some point in their lifetime. They also report that the most common types of cancer in the United States are nonmelanoma skin cancer, breast cancer in women, and prostate cancer in men. One out of every eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer, and about one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Furthermore, the American Cancer Society estimates that in 2009, more than 560,000 Americans died of cancer. In other words, more than 1,500 people lost their lives to cancer every day last year. The American Cancer Society also notes that cancer accounts for nearly one out of every four deaths in the United States, which makes cancer the second most common cause of death in the United States, exceeded only by heart disease.

Now, despite these troubling statistics, with early detection and proper management, cancer can be highly treatable. As noted by the American Cancer Society, the 5-year relative survival rate for all cancers diagnosed between 1996 and 2004 is about 66 percent, up from 50 percent in 1975 to 1977. The 5-year relative survival for female breast cancer has improved from 63 percent in the early 1960s to 89 percent today. Additionally, over the past 25 years, the 5-year survival rate for prostate cancer has increased from 69 percent to almost 99 percent.

Now, cancer can strike any individual regardless of gender, race, or age; but still, it is important to note that the risk of being diagnosed with cancer increases with age. In fact, according to the American Cancer Society, 77 percent of all cancers are diagnosed in persons 55 years and older.

Mr. Speaker, greater awareness of the critical necessity of breast cancer, prostate cancer, and all other cancers will save tens of thousands of lives, and may also help decrease the financial strain on government and private health care services by detecting cancer before it requires costly medical treatment.

Accordingly, let us take this opportunity through passage of H. Con. Res. 158 to increase public awareness of breast cancer and all forms and types of cancer and encourage all Americans to work with their doctors in order to maximize the possibility of early detection.

I urge my colleagues to join Mr. Etheridge in supporting House Concurrent Resolution 158.

I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his remarks, and I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, again I encourage my friends on both sides of the aisle to join Mr. Etheridge in supporting the designation of an Early Detection Month for breast cancer and all forms of cancers through the passage of House Concurrent Resolution 158.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the grounds 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 pass the bill

(H.R. 3892) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 101 West Highway 64 Bypass in Roper, North Carolina, as the ``E.V. Wilkins 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 to add any extraneous material.

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 present H.R. 3892 for consideration.

This legislation will designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 101 West Highway 64 Bypass in Roper, North Carolina, as the ``E.V. Wilkins Post Office.''

At this time, I yield such time as he may consume to the chief and lead sponsor of this resolution, the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Butterfield).

Madam Speaker, at this time I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) to speak on Mr. Butterfield's resolution.

Madam Speaker, first, I want to thank Mr. Luetkemeyer for his articulate comments and his support of this resolution. I want to thank the lead sponsors, Mr. Butterfield, and also Mr. Etheridge I understand is a sponsor as well. I ask our colleagues on both sides to support 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 pass the bill (H.R. 4139) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 7464 Highway 503 in Hickory, Mississippi, as the ``Sergeant Matthew L. Ingram 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.

As chairman of the House subcommittee with jurisdiction over the United States Postal Service, I am pleased to present H.R. 4139 for consideration. This legislation will designate the United States Postal Service facility located at 7464 Highway 503 in Hickory, Mississippi, as the ``Sergeant Matthew L. Ingram Post Office.''

H.R. 4139 was introduced by my colleague Representative Gregg Harper of Mississippi on November 19, 2009, and reported out of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee on December 10, 2009, by a voice vote. In addition, the legislation enjoys the support of the entire Mississippi House delegation.

A native of Pearl, Mississippi, Sergeant Ingram was serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan as a proud member of the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division out of Fort Carson, Colorado. Regrettably, Sergeant Ingram was killed in action in Kunar province, Afghanistan on August, 21, 2009, after an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle and his unit came under small arms fire from enemy forces. Sergeant Ingram was 25 years old at the time of his death.

Following his graduation from Newton County High School in Decatur, Mississippi, Sergeant Ingram enlisted in the United States Army in 2003 to fulfill his lifelong goal of serving his country. One year later, Sergeant Ingram was deployed to Iraq and served two tours of duty, with distinction, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2004 to 2005 and from 2006 to 2007. In recognition of his exemplary service, Sergeant Ingram received an Army Commendation Medal, an honor bestowed on soldiers who distinguish themselves through heroism, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service.

On May 26, 2009, Sergeant Ingram began a tour of duty in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and remained in service to his country until his passing on August 21 of last year.

Madam Speaker, those that were fortunate enough to know Sergeant Matthew Ingram remember him as a loyal, hardworking, and positive young man whose dedication to serving his country was only surpassed by his devotion to his loving family. In the words of his loving father, James, Sergeant Matthew Ingram was a ``mighty good man.''

As noted by his beloved wife, Holly, Sergeant Ingram was a soldier at heart, whose service in the United States Army afforded him the opportunity to do exactly what he loved to do. However, Sergeant Ingram always considered being a good dad to his daughter, Chloe, now over 1 year old, as his most important mission in life. ``He loved his baby and would do anything for her,'' recalled Holly Ingram upon her husband's passing.

Similarly, Sergeant Ingram's classmates and teachers at his alma mater, Newton County High School, remember their fallen friend as a dedicated and courageous young man.

As noted by Sergeant Ingram's former teacher, Sue Geter, I am very honored to have taught him. And the fact that he gave the ultimate price is something I am proud of, that I had an opportunity to teach him.

Madam Speaker, the life of Sergeant Matthew L. Ingram stands as a testament to the courage and dedication of all our brave servicemen and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our Nation. Let us pay tribute to the life and service of Sergeant Matthew L. Ingram through the passage of this legislation, H.R. 4139, to designate the Hickory, Mississippi, postal facility in his honor. I urge all of my colleagues to join us in supporting H.R. 4139.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I ask all Members on each side as well to support this resolution, which will designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located in Hickory, Mississippi, in honor of Matthew L. Ingram.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 692) to provide that claims of the United States to certain documents relating to Franklin Delano Roosevelt shall be treated as waived and relinquished in certain circumstances.

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 my such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I present Senate bill 692 for consideration.

This legislation will facilitate the donation of the Grace Tully Archive to the National Archives and Records Administration. Senate bill 692 is the Senate companion to H.R. 1506, which was introduced by Representative Louise Slaughter. H.R. 1506 passed the House by voice vote on November 16, 2009, after it was approved by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform by voice vote on October 29, 2009. Senate bill 692 is identical to H.R. 1506, and was introduced by Senator Chuck Schumer on March 25, 2009. The legislation was reported out of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs without amendment on October 5, 2009, and was passed by the United States Senate on October 14, 2009, by unanimous consent.

Madam Speaker, Ms. Grace Tully served as the personal secretary of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt from June of 1941 to April of 1945. In her capacity as personal secretary to the President, Ms. Tully preserved an assortment of personal papers and other historical items related to President Roosevelt that have come to form a historically significant collection. While the private owner of the Grace Tully Collection would like to donate the materials to the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Presidential Library, the National Archives and Records Administration, which administers the Roosevelt Library, has asserted a claim to a portion of the collection. The claim asserted by the National Archives impacts whether the private owner may claim a tax deduction for the donation. In order to facilitate the donation of the Grace Tully Archive, Senate bill 692 waives the government's claim to the records and will thereby allow the collection to be gifted to the Roosevelt Library.

Madam Speaker, the Grace Tully Archive represents an important part of American history. Through the passage of Senate bill 692, we will ensure that this collection will be properly preserved and made publicly available through the Roosevelt Library.

I'd also like to note that this legislation enjoys the support of the National Archives. As noted by former Acting Archivist Adrienne Thomas in a letter sent to the Oversight Committee in October of 2009, ``I write to express my strong support for the ongoing legislative effort to facilitate the donation to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library of the Tully Archive.'' Ms. Thomas went on to say that, ``It is very important to the National Archives and Records Administration, and for future historians that might want to study these papers, for the Tully Archive to be kept intact and made fully accessible to the American people in a public government archives.''

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting Senate bill 692.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Likewise, Madam Speaker, I urge support of Senate bill 692, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2646) to amend title 31, United States Code, to enhance the oversight authorities of the Comptroller General, and for other purposes.

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 rise in strong support of H.R. 2646, the Government Accountability Office Improvement Act of 2009. This legislation, introduced by the chairman of the Oversight Committee, Representative Ed Towns of Brooklyn, will increase the effectiveness of the GAO by clarifying and strengthening the GAO's authority in several critical areas, including its access to records.

Congress relies heavily on the GAO as a force multiplier in carrying out the investigative and oversight functions vested in the legislative branch. The GAO helps inform the Congress and executive agencies and the public about areas and programs within the Federal Government that are performing well and those that need to be improved or are vulnerable to waste, fraud, and abuse. General Accounting Office audits provide reliable assessments as to whether the taxpayers are receiving full value from important government programs. This legislation is necessary to ensure that GAO can successfully carry out all of these important functions for the Congress.

Specifically, the GAO Improvement Act addresses a 2002 Federal court decision that limited the GAO's ability to question agency access determinations in court. The bill explicitly provides the Comptroller General with standing to pursue litigation if the Comptroller General determines that the performance of her official duties has been harmed by an agency improperly withholding information.

The bill also clarifies the GAO's access to information in two important areas. First, it confirms the GAO's right to make and retain copies of records, which has been denied by Federal agencies in some cases. And it provides the GAO with the right to interview agency officers and employees. The bill also says that the GAO's access to agency information should be limited only if an act passed by the Congress expressly and specifically extends to limit such access.

Additionally, the bill clarifies GAO's authority to administer oaths, an important tool in conducting audits and taking statements. Lastly, it provides agencies more flexibility in reporting to Congress in their responses to GAO recommendations. The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform reported H.R. 2646 favorably on a voice vote on June 4, 2009.

At the committee markup, a bipartisan amendment was added to the bill that would have allowed the GAO to conduct reviews of certain actions taken by the Federal Reserve that previously have been exempt from GAO review. However, similar language was included in the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act which passed the House before the holiday recess.

Therefore, the legislation that we are considering today is the bill introduced by Representative Towns on June 4 and is without the committee's amendment related to the Federal Reserve.

Madam Speaker, the Congress and the American people need the GAO to help us remain informed about what's being done well and what needs to be improved within the Federal Government. The GAO can only do this effectively if it has access to all the information it needs. This bill strengthens the GAO in this manner. It is an important good-government initiative that will improve the effectiveness of government operations.

I urge all Members to support the legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 10 minutes to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Luetkemeyer).

Madam Speaker, in closing, before I yield back, I just want to say that I understand the spirit in which the gentleman from Ohio has brought this issue forward. I do understand the central role that oversight and investigation have in this Congress. It is the only way that we can make sure that the executive follows the legislative mandate of Congress and that the resources provided by the taxpayer are properly used to limit fraud, waste and abuse. So I understand the spirit in which he acts.

I think his desire for transparency is spot on, and I agree with it. I think the position of the chairman, Mr. Towns of New York, is that we have included a provision in another bill recently passed that would provide for all of that. I understand, however, that the belt-and- suspenders approach that the gentleman would like to see, which is, let's put it in every bill that we send over there, is germane. And I respect that urgency.

However, I do in this case agree with the chairman that we have addressed those concerns in the other bill, and we will need to be diligent in making sure that the effect of that language is carried into law.

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

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 303) to reauthorize and improve the Federal Financial Assistance Management Improvement Act of 1999, 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.

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

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and Chairman Ed Towns, I am proud to present S. 303, the Federal Financial Assistance Management Improvement Act of 2009, for consideration.

Senate 303 was introduced by Senator George Voinovich of Ohio on January 22, 2009, and passed by the United States Senate on March 17, 2009, by unanimous consent. The legislation was subsequently referred to the House Oversight Committee on March 18, 2009, and approved with a manager's amendment on December 10, 2009, by voice vote.

Madam Speaker, the legislation will reauthorize and enhance the Federal Financial Assistance Management Improvement Act of 1999. Specifically, Senate 303 reauthorizes and makes significant enhancements to the Web site, www.grants.gov, which serves as a central location for grant applicants to search and apply for Federal grants, as well as to submit the necessary financial reports. The Web site is a one-stop-shop for grant recipients, alleviating much of the paperwork burden that has traditionally been associated with the grant application process and allowing recipients to focus their attention on serving the American public.

In addition to reauthorizing the grants.gov Web site, Senate 303 directs the Office of Management and Budget to improve the administration of Federal grants and submit corresponding reports to Congress on its progress towards this end.

I'd also like to note that the gentleman from California, Representative Darrell Issa, and the ranking member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform joined Chairman Towns in offering a manager's amendment to this legislation during our committee business meeting last week.

The amendment makes a number of important technical changes to the bill. Specifically, it incorporates the provisions of H.R. 2392, the Government Information Transparency Act, legislation directing the Office of Management and Budget to adopt a single data standard for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of business and financial information. The standard must be common across all Federal agencies and make the data widely available to the public.

This standard will also be applied to the data on Federal grants, making it easier to evaluate the use of grant funds. This will make Federal financial information much more accessible to the public, thereby improving the transparency of this data and allowing the public to analyze it more easily. It will also improve the availability and interoperability of financial data reported to the government by the private sector, addressing concerns that the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform raised in their hearings earlier this year.

Madam Speaker, Senate 303 will help strengthen a great resource for Federal grant recipients as well as improve the public's access to important financial data.

I'd like to close my statement by thanking Chairman Ed Towns, the gentleman from Brooklyn, New York, and Ranking Member Darrell Issa, the gentleman from California, for their work on this measure, and I urge my colleagues to join both of those gentlemen in supporting S. 303.

And I reserve the balance of our time.

Madam Speaker, in closing, I would just ask all Members to join with Senator Voinovich, Chairman Towns, and Ranking Member Issa in support of this resolution, and I yield back the balance of our time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 779) recognizing and supporting the goals and ideals of National Runaway Prevention Month, 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 add any extraneous materials.

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

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to present House Resolution 779 for consideration. This resolution recognizes the importance of youth runaway prevention and at-risk youth programs. House Resolution 779 was introduced by my friend and colleague, Representative Judy Biggert of Illinois, on September 25, 2009, and was favorably reported out of the Oversight Committee December 10, 2009, by unanimous consent. Notably, this measure enjoys the support of 55 Members of Congress.

Madam Speaker, according to the National Runaway Switchboard, between 1.6 million and 2.8 million young people run away from home every year. As additionally noted by The New York Times in an October 25, 2009, article on this issue of runaway youth, this societal problem is growing. Specifically, The New York Times reported that the number of contacts made by federally financed outreach programs with runaways increased to 761,000 in 2008, and that was up from 550,000 in 2002, the year that the current methods of counting began.

Notably, National Runaway Switchboard reports that among those young people at greatest risk of running away and facing homelessness are those that have been expelled from school, those that have suffered domestic abuse, and those that have been discharged by State custodial systems without the benefit of an adequate transitional planning program. Additionally, young people who have separated from their parents by death or divorce, live in poverty, and/or are unable to access adequate or mental health resources are similarly at risk of running away and becoming homeless. And the National Runaway Switchboard also reports that youth homelessness affects males and females equally, although females are more likely to seek help through shelters and hotlines.

Despite these concerning reports and statistical programs, there are efforts, such as The National Network for Youth and the National Runaway Switchboard, that provide effective support to runaway youth and assist young people and their families in remaining together by developing partnerships with families, community-based agencies, schools, and faith-based organizations.

These two programs offer invaluable services, including advocacy on behalf of the runaway youth and their families, crisis intervention, and various forms of community-based support to address critical needs. In addition, the two programs have worked together to cosponsor National Runaway Prevention Month, which occurs in November, and attempts to increase public awareness of the life circumstances of youth in high-risk situations and the need for safe, healthy, and productive alternatives, resources and support for runaway youth and their families.

Madam Speaker, in light of the prevalence of the problem of runaway youth as well as youth homelessness,

let us take this opportunity to join Mrs. Biggert of Illinois to pass House Resolution 779 and recognize the important role that youth runaway prevention and at-risk youth programs play in addressing these issues.

Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to join Mrs. Biggert in supporting H. Res. 779, and I reserve the balance of our time.

Madam Speaker, I want to thank Mrs. Biggert for her leadership on this very important issue, and I want to urge my colleagues to support House Resolution 779.

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. 942) commending the Real Salt Lake Soccer Club for winning the 2009 Major League Soccer Cup.

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, at this time I would like to recognize the principal lead sponsor of this resolution, the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Matheson), for 5 minutes.

Madam Speaker, I just want to amplify what has been said by both the speakers. I think there's a certain magic about this championship, that it was totally unexpected, and I, too, want to congratulate Coach Jason Kreis, who became the youngest coach to win a Major League Soccer Cup, and goalkeeper Nick Rimando, the Most Valuable Player. The Real Salt Lake won their first Major League Soccer Cup in only their second appearance in the Major League Soccer playoffs. As a Red Sox fan who suffered forever, I envy the early success.

I do want to note that after compiling a regular season record of 11 wins, 12 losses, and 7 ties, Real Salt Lake narrowly earned the final spot on the 2009 Major League Soccer Playoffs. This is a Cinderella team if there ever was one.

Despite being the underdog, Real Salt lake orchestrated a series of improbable victories against the defending champion Columbus Crew and the Chicago Fire before--as has been mentioned here--beating the favored Los Angeles Galaxy in the Major League Soccer Cup.

In the championship game, the Los Angeles Galaxy struck first with a goal by Mike Magee in the 41st minute of play, and many thought that might be it, but Real Salt Lake continued to play hard and managed to tie the game in the 61st minute of the game with a goal by Robbie Findley. The game ended in a tie and eventually went to penalty kicks, which Real Salt Lake won by a score of 5-4.

Real Salt Lake's victory in the MLS Cup stands as a testament to what can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and relentless team spirit. As USA Today wrote after the game, ``Major League Soccer has its most improbable champion in its 14-year history.''

Real Salt Lake's commitment to teamwork and perseverance in the face of adversity is both inspiring and commendable. Their achievement deserves our praise, and personally I want to applaud the team's players, coaches, management, and its fans who never gave up--all of those who helped in this unprecedented success in the Major League Soccer Cup.

Madam Speaker, let us, as a body, take this opportunity to commend this year's Major League Soccer Cup Champions through passage of House Resolution 942, join with Mr. Matheson of Utah and congratulate Real Salt Lake on winning the 2009 Major League Soccer Cup.

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 concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 160) honoring the American Kennel Club on its 125th anniversary, 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 add any extraneous materials.

Madam Speaker, at this time, I would like to recognize the lead sponsor of this resolution, Representative David Price, my friend from North Carolina, for 5 minutes.

Madam Speaker, I simply want to stand and join with Mr. Price of North Carolina in honoring the American Kennel Club for its service on behalf of the study, the responsible breeding and ownership of dogs.

I do want to add that in addition to Mr. Price, who is the lead sponsor, this resolution has enjoyed the support of over 50 Members of Congress. As others have noted here, there's been a long and illustrious history of the AKC in the United States, and they sanction and regulate the events of its 609 member clubs as well as monitor over 400 licensed and sanctioned clubs located throughout the United States that hold events pursuant to AKC rules and regulations. And as has been noted, the American Kennel Club sanctioned or regulated nearly 23,000 individual events across the country last year.

Moreover, in promoting canine health and well-being, the American

Kennel Club has implemented a variety of kennel inspector training initiatives, with AKC-employed kennel inspectors conducting over 5,200 inspections each year. This is all great work that needs to be done and is proudly done by the AKC, an organization that funds research projects focused on the genetics of canine disease and to which the AKC has donated over $22 million since 1995.

So, in closing, I would simply ask Members on both sides of the aisle to support Mr. Price and his resolution.

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

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

Good evening, Madam Chair. I believe I have an amendment at the desk.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Chair, firstly, I would like to thank Chairman Frank, Chairman Peterson and also Chairman Waxman for their great work on this bill, and I want to thank those three chairmen for supporting this amendment.

My amendment addresses a fundamental problem in the derivatives industry, and it seeks to close a gap in the underlying legislation.

Madam Chair, what many Members of Congress and the public don't realize is that the U.S. derivatives market is about $605 trillion, which is more than five times the value of the stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

More important than simply the scale of the derivatives industry is the fact that, according to the Comptroller of the Currency, a total of 97 percent of the derivatives trading in this country is controlled by just five banks. So it's a near monopoly. Four of those five banks were top recipients. During their recent financial meltdown, these same banks engaged in very risky behavior involving complex derivatives, which endangered the entire financial system. They had to be bailed out by the taxpayers. As a result of all of these banks--Citigroup, Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, and Morgan Stanley--as well as major swap participants, such as AIG, they received $200 billion in taxpayer money.

The Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act attempts to prevent that from happening again. The bill would require over-the- counter trading to be conducted through clearinghouses, which are set up to police derivatives trading and to make sure there is sufficient protection from the reckless behavior that these ``too big to fail'' banks have engaged in. Clearinghouses are a good idea. Think of them as financial police stations. That's the function they are intended to serve. Some describe them as a blast wall that will prevent the failure of a derivatives deal from impacting the real economy.

However, the problem is--and in my view, this is a huge problem with the bill--the bill would allow these same big banks to purchase the clearinghouses that are being created to police the big banks in their derivatives trading. The big banks would be allowed to own and control the clearinghouses and to set the rules for how their own derivatives deals are handled.

My amendment would prevent those big banks and major swap participants, like AIG, from taking over the police station--these new clearinghouses. It would do so by limiting to a 20 percent voting stake the ownership interest in those banks and the governance of the clearing and trading facilities. Essentially, by providing entry to the market, it would introduce competing commercial interests to bring competition and transparency to the derivatives industry and to keep those banks honest.

At this time, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Chair, I yield 1 minute to the chairman of the Financial Services Committee, my friend,

the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank).

The gentleman should perhaps read the amendment. This does not interpose government into the clearinghouses.

Ironically, this is very light regulation. The people who are against this amendment are the five banks, the five big banks. They are the ones that are against this.

What this does, instead of inserting the government in here, what we are doing is allowing competitive commercial interests to balance out, rather than allow these five banks. These five banks control 97 percent of the market here; 97 percent. And the gentleman is complaining that it might reduce competition? It's a monopoly now. We are trying to break it open and allow more companies in and lower the costs of operating.

Look, this is a pretty simple issue. The ``too big to fail'' banks caused huge damage to the taxpayer, the way they operated this derivatives market.

We are creating a clearinghouse. They are trying to buy the clearinghouse.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3951) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2000 Louisiana Avenue in New Orleans, Louisiana, as the ``Roy Rondeno, Sr. 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 pleased to present H.R. 3951 for consideration. This legislation will designate the United States Postal Service facility located at 2000 Louisiana Avenue in New Orleans, Louisiana, as the ``Roy Rondeno, Sr. Post Office Building.''

Introduced by my colleague, Representative Anh ``Joseph'' Cao of Louisiana on October 28, 2009, and reported out of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee on November 18, 2009 by unanimous consent, H.R. 3951 enjoys the support of the entire Louisiana House delegation.

A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Roy Rondeno, Sr. served his beloved community as a dedicated employee of the United States Postal Service for over 30 years. Notably, Mr. Rondeno worked at the United States Postal Service facility at Uptown Station located at 2000 Louisiana Avenue in New Orleans, the very facility that we seek to designate in his honor.

The true embodiment of the old adage that ``neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet'' will keep a postman from completing his rounds, Mr. Rondeno was roundly known as a dedicated and beloved letter carrier who would never fail to deliver even the smallest package in the pouring rain.

As noted by the New Orleans Times-Picayune newspaper, many residents along Mr. Rondeno's route had formed a close relationship with this letter carrier and described him as a charismatic man who always had a kind word for everyone. According to friend and Uptown resident Susan Hereford, Mr. Rondeno did not only deliver the mail every day but rather also delivered ``a little piece of himself'' and connected with everyone on his route. Dr. Brian Ghere, another Uptown resident, further describes Mr. Rondeno as ``an exceptional human being, a great letter carrier, and a real credit to his profession.''

The extent of Mr. Rondeno's commitment to his job and his Uptown residents that he was proud to serve was never more evident than on September 26 of this year. Mr. Rondeno volunteered to work on his day off given that the Uptown Station lacked enough letter carriers to cover the day's route. As Mr. Rondeno was sorting mail on the back of his truck, he was struck by a car and tragically lost both of his legs as a result of the accident.

The outpouring of support for Mr. Rondeno and his family that followed his hospitalization stands as a true testament to Mr. Rondeno's standing in Uptown New Orleans as a model public servant and community member. Notably, local merchants and community leaders promptly established a donation fund to assist Mr. Rondeno in his recovery, and signs of support for the letter carrier could be seen hanging in a variety of local storefronts along his route.

Regrettably, on October 2, only 6 days after this accident, Mr. Rondeno died from heart failure during surgery. Mr. Rondeno was only 57 years old at the time of his death, and he had planned on retiring from the postal service early next year so as to focus his attention on serving his New Orleans community in a different capacity, through an outreach ministry that he had recently founded with his beloved wife, Shirley.

As noted by Acting Louisiana District Manager Peter Sgro upon Mr. Rondeno's passing, ``Roy was a dedicated postal employee who wore his uniform proudly. Everybody who knew him agreed he had a tremendous work ethic and always worked to provide the best service to his customers and the postal service.''

Mr. Speaker, while Mr. Rondeno is no longer with us, his memory will undoubtedly live on through his wife, Shirley; his three sons, Roy, Richard, and Ryan; and all those who were fortunate enough to know this dedicated and hardworking public servant.

Mr. Speaker, it is my hope that we can pay tribute to the life and legacy of Mr. Roy Rondeno, Sr. through the passage of this legislation to designate the Uptown postal facility in his honor. I urge all of my colleagues to join us and Mr. Cao, the chief sponsor of this measure, in supporting H.R. 3951.

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

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I urge all our colleagues to join Mr. Cao, the principal author of this bill, to support House Resolution 3951, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4017) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 43 Maple Avenue in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, as the ``Ann Marie Blute Post Office''.

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 5 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), the chief sponsor of this measure.

Mr. Speaker, as a procedural matter, H.R. 4017 was introduced by my friend and colleague, Representative Jim McGovern, who we heard from earlier, on November 4, 2009, and was favorably reported out of the House Oversight Committee by unanimous consent on November 18, 2009. In addition, I am proud to say that I am an original cosponsor of H.R. 4017, which enjoys the support of the entire Massachusetts House delegation.

A beloved resident of the town of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, Mrs. Ann Marie Blute passed away on May, 1, 2009 at the age of 83. While Mrs. Blute is no longer with us, she will forever be remembered for her dedication to her loving family as well as her genuine and longstanding commitment to public service.

Born in the city of Boston on May 30, 1925, and as the oldest daughter of eight children, Mrs. Blute quickly learned how to help in raising a large and very busy family. In addition, Mrs. Blute was also able to witness the value of public service at a very early age as her father, Colonel Paul Hines, a distinguished veteran of World War I, went on to serve in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. As noted by the Boston Globe upon Mrs. Blute's passing, a commitment to public service ``ran in the genes'' of the Blute family, as Mrs. Blute's brother, Peter, served as chairman of the Boston city council and her son, Peter, as has been mentioned earlier by Mr. McGovern, was elected to the United States Congress.

After receiving her education in the Boston public school system, Mrs. Blute accepted a position in the business office at the Boston Post newspaper where her mother, Margaret Galvin Hines, worked as a reporter. In 1947, however, Mrs. Blute left Boston for the town of Bremerhaven, Germany, after marrying Dr. Robert Blute, a doctor with the United States Army and Mrs. Blute's beloved husband for the next 62 years. Together, Mr. and Mrs. Blute would go on to have 11 children-- five sons and six daughters.

Upon their return from Germany, the Blute family settled in the town of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, where Mrs. Blute embarked on her life's work and journey as a mom, not only to her own 11 children but also to the many neighborhood children that entered her life. In addition, Mrs. Blute's arrival in Shrewsbury also marked the continuation of her lifelong dedication to serving others. A devout Roman Catholic and devoted parishioner of St. Mary's, as has been mentioned, Mrs. Blute actively participated in a variety of church community programs and activities. Specifically, Mrs. Blute served on the Women's Guild, taught catechism, as Mr. Cao has mentioned, and became a Eucharistic minister. In addition, she was a founding member of the Associates of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, based in Ipswich, Massachusetts. And in 1994, Mrs. Blute, as Mr. McGovern has mentioned, was called to St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York by Cardinal John O'Connor to receive the title of Dame of Malta, granted to those who demonstrate an intense devotion to service and one of the Catholic church's highest honors.

Moreover, Mrs. Blute also served as a dedicated board member of various community organizations, some of which have been mentioned, including the Nazareth Home for Boys in Leicester, Massachusetts, and the Mustard Seed homeless shelter in the city of Worcester.

In addition, Mrs. Blute's community work included her service as a trustee of the Shrewsbury Library, as well as her membership in the Shrewsbury Garden Club, the Ladies Auxiliary of St. Vincent's Hospital, and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Massachusetts Medical Society. Notably, Mrs. Blute also spent several years volunteering for the non-profit organization, Aid to Incarcerated Mothers.

As so eloquently stated by her beloved husband, Robert, Mrs. Blute's lifelong ambition was ``to perform each of the works of mercy--to feed the hungry, to help the poor, to visit the prisoner, and give aid to the sick and the stranger.'' Mrs. Blute's driving purpose was evidenced time and time again through her many good deeds. Among them was the kindness and generosity that she displayed toward Lucy Hoang, a Vietnamese immigrant who Mrs. Blute lovingly took into her home for 3 years.

Mr. Speaker, the life of Mrs. Ann Marie Blute stands as a testament to public service. Her memory will undoubtedly live on through her husband, Robert; their 11 children, 23 great grandchildren, four great- grandchildren, her four siblings, and the countless friends and neighbors for whom Mrs. Blute's dedication to community service made the ultimate difference. It is my hope that we can pay further tribute to Mrs. Blute's remarkable legacy through the passage of this legislation to rename the Shrewsbury post office in her honor. I urge my colleagues to join Mr. McGovern, the chief sponsor of this bill, in doing so and supporting H.R. 4017.

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

Again, Mr. Speaker, in closing, I urge Members on both sides of the aisle to support Mr. McGovern in the sponsorship of this measure, H.R. 4017.

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.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2711) to amend title 5, United States Code, to provide for the transportation of the dependents, remains, and effects of certain Federal employees who die while performing official duties or as a result of the performance of official duties, 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 chairman of the full Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Chairman Towns, and its members, I am proud to present H.R. 2711, the Special Agent Samuel Hicks Families of Fallen Heroes Act, for consideration.

This bipartisan legislation was introduced on June 4, 2009, by Representative Mike Rogers of Michigan and several members of the Oversight Committee, including Chairman Ed Towns and Representatives Bill Foster, Elijah Cummings, and Brian Bilbray. In addition, this legislation was favorably reported out of the Oversight Committee on September 10, 2009, by voice vote. H.R. 2711 is a worthy and important issue and I am pleased to be an original cosponsor of this bill.

As reported by the Oversight Committee, the legislation would authorize the FBI to pay the relocation and moving expenses for families of FBI agents who are killed in the line of duty. Under current law, the FBI is only authorized to pay these expenses if an FBI agent or an employee is killed overseas, but cannot pay for relocation if the death occurs in the U.S.

FBI employees and their families are moved routinely by the Bureau within the United States to take on assignments that further the mission of the agency and the security of the country. While we wish this legislation was not necessary, tragically there have been instances in the recent past where such authority was needed to support the families of agents or employees who gave their lives.

Of course, untimely deaths in the Federal law enforcement community are not limited to the FBI, and the Bureau is not the only Federal agency that relocates its employees to better protect the country. Recognizing this, the bill we are considering on the floor today includes a straightforward but important amendment that recognizes the service and sacrifice of all Federal law enforcement officers. The amendment simply extends the authority in this legislation to the other agencies that employ Federal law enforcement officers.

This amendment has strong support from the Federal law enforcement community. I should also note that the costs associated with this bill remain small as the number of Federal law enforcement officers killed annually is approximately 12 to 15 officers. We can and should assist each and every one of these families by supporting this amendment and this bill. Moreover, the amendment also pays tribute to the memory and service of Special Agent Samuel Hicks by renaming the legislation in his honor. Special Agent Hicks was assigned to the Pittsburgh FBI office and was shot fatally on November 19, 2008 at the age of 33 while executing a Federal search warrant associated with a drug distribution ring. He is survived by his wife and their 2-year-old son.

Special Agent Hicks was a former police officer with the Baltimore police department. He and his family relocated to Pittsburgh when he became an FBI agent. Unfortunately, after the loss of Special Agent Hicks, the Bureau was unable to assist the Hicks family in moving back to Baltimore because of statutory limitations.

This legislation would correct this problem and prevent future families from suffering additional unnecessary grief and hardship. I encourage all the Members to support Mr. Rogers and his legislation.

I reserve the balance of our time.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Michigan for his kind words and articulate words.

At this time, Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings), who is also a driving force behind this bill, for 5 minutes.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I want to thank Mr. Cao and Mr. Rogers, the gentleman from Michigan, as well as the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings), and one other driving force behind this, our own chairman, Ed Towns, for supporting this measure, H.R. 2711, as it really provides Federal law enforcement agencies with the necessary authority to support these families in their greatest time of need.

I yield back the balance of our time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 742) congratulating the Warner Robins Little League softball team from Warner Robins, Georgia, on winning the 2009 Little League Softball World Series.

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 pleased to present H. Res. 742 for consideration. This resolution congratulates the Warner Robins Little League softball team from Warner Robins, Georgia, on winning the 2009 Little League Softball World Series.

The measure before us was introduced by my friend and colleague, Representative Jim Marshall of Georgia, on September 14, 2009, and favorably reported out of the Oversight Committee on November 18, 2009, by unanimous consent. Notably, this measure enjoys the support of over sixty Members of Congress.

Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 742 applauds the Warner Robins Little League softball team for their championship run during the 2009 Little League Softball World Series.

Led by manager Emily Whaley, coach Roger Stella, coach Patti Carriker and president Kenneth Hathaway, this group of talented young women clinched their first Little League Softball World Series title and helped the Warner Robins Little League become the first Little League to have won both the baseball and softball Little League World Series championships.

In the championship game in Portland, Oregon, the Georgia club convincingly beat the formidable Crawford Little League softball team from Crawford, Texas by a score of 14 to 2. Throughout their championship run, these young women demonstrated the type of teamwork, camaraderie, and never-say-never spirit necessary to succeed in all facets of life.

I also want to take this opportunity to applaud the Little League Softball World Series organizers for orchestrating another successful tournament.

First held in 1974 in Freeport, Long Island, the Little League Softball World Series began with four teams from U.S. regions East, West, Central and South. Since that inaugural year, 236 teams have participated in the Little League Softball World Series, including teams from over 25 States and 13 countries world-wide. Today, the Little League Softball World Series is a tremendous sporting event that

continues to instill the values of hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship in today's youth.

In closing, let us, as a body, take this opportunity to congratulate the Warner Robins Little League Softball Team for their spectacular achievement and also congratulate the organizers of Little League Softball World Series for coordinating another resoundingly successful tournament.

I encourage all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this measure.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield at this point to the lead sponsor of this resolution, Mr. Marshall of Georgia, for 5 minutes.

Mr. Speaker, we have no further speakers at this time. But I continue to reserve.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I just want to ask Members on both sides to support Mr. Marshall in his resolution to congratulate the Warner Robins, Georgia, 2009 Little League Softball World Series winner from his hometown.

I yield back the balance of our time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3634) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 109 Main Street in Swifton, Arkansas, as the ``George Kell Post Office''.

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 pleased to present H.R. 3634 for consideration. This measure will designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 109 Main Street in Swifton, Arkansas, as the ``George Kell Post Office.''

This bill was sponsored solely and principally by my friend Representative Marion Berry of Arkansas, and I would like to yield to him for 5 minutes for presenting this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, whenever a former member of the Red Sox is recognized, I have to join in those accolades, and I am very pleased to support the resolution offered by my friend Mr. Berry from Arkansas.

George Clyde Kell distinguished himself as an exceptional professional baseball player over the course of 15 major league seasons and in his later life, as has been mentioned, as a beloved broadcaster for the Detroit Tigers.

Mr. Kell made his major league debut with the Philadelphia Athletics in 1943, playing in one game, and became a consistent starter over the following two seasons. Notably, Mr. Kell was traded to the Detroit Tigers early in the 1946 season, which he finished with a .322 batting average and thereby began establishing himself as a Hall of Fame- caliber third baseman.

Over the course of his distinguished professional baseball career, Mr. Kell was selected as an All-Star 10 times, as has been mentioned, and hit at least .300 in nine major league seasons and led the American League's third basemen in fielding percentage seven times. Mr. Kell's finest season came in 1950 when he led the American League with 218 hits, 56 doubles, and set a career high with 101 runs batted in and 114 runs scored.

In addition, Mr. Kell holds the distinction of winning the closest batting crown race in Major League Baseball history. Mr. Kell captured the American League batting crown in 1949 on the final day of the regular season during which he went two for three against future Hall of Famer Bob Lemon of the Cleveland Indians and succeeded in edging out Boston Red Sox legend Ted Williams for the batting title by two- thousandths of a point.

After hitting for a .319 batting average in 1951, Mr. Kell was traded to my own Boston Red Sox in 1952 in a multiplayer deal, and the next season set a career high in home runs. Following his stint with the Red Sox, Mr. Kell played for the Chicago White Sox and concluded his playing career in 1957 with the Baltimore Orioles.

During his two seasons with the Orioles, Mr. Kell helped to groom his successor at third base, fellow Arkansas native Brooks Robinson, who would later join Mr. Kell as an inductee into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame in 1983. It was during their Cooperstown induction ceremony that Mr. Kell noted how incredible it was that two Arkansas natives had traveled the same path to the same place.

Although Mr. Kell ended his playing career in 1957, he never truly left the game, as has been noted here. In 1958, he began broadcasting on CBS's Game of the Week and the following year joined the Detroit Tigers' broadcast crew, teaming with Van Patrick and Ernie Harwell, and later, Tigers' Hall of Fame outfielder Al Kaline. Mr. Kell continued to cover the Tigers until retiring after the 1996 season.

Mr. Speaker, regrettably, George Kell passed away in his hometown of Swifton, Arkansas, on March 24 of this year at the age of 86. And although he is no longer with us, Mr. Kell's memory will live on through his beloved family, including his wife, Carolyn, and his brother, former major leaguer Everett ``Skeeter'' Kell, as well as the countless baseball fans that he entertained as both a player and a broadcaster.

Let us honor Mr. Kell by designating the postal facility in his hometown of Swifton, Arkansas, as the ``George Kell Post Office,'' and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join us and join Mr. Berry in sponsoring and supporting his resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I don't believe we have any more speakers on our side, but I continue to reserve.

Mr. Speaker, just very briefly, I ask all of our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join with Mr. Berry and Mr. Boozman in support of this resolution, and I yield back the balance of our 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.