Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3667) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 16555 Springs Street in White Springs, Florida, as the ``Clyde L. Hillhouse Post Office Building''.

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

Mr. Speaker, I now 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. 3667 for consideration. This measure will designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 16555 Springs Street in White Springs, Florida, as the ``Clyde L. Hillhouse Post Office Building.''

H.R. 3667 was introduced by my friend and colleague Representative Ander Crenshaw of Florida on September 29, 2009, and was favorably reported out of the House Oversight Committee by unanimous consent on October 29, 2009. In addition, H.R. 3667 enjoys the support of the entire Florida House delegation.

A native of the town of White Springs, Florida, Clyde L. Hillhouse dedicated his life to public service as a distinguished member of the United States Army Air Corps during World War II and, later in his life, as postmaster of his beloved White Springs community.

Shortly after joining the United States military in 1940, Mr. Hillhouse was deployed to the Pacific theater of operations during World War II. Notably, Mr. Hillhouse participated in the heroic defense of Corregidor Island by the American and Filipino military forces against Japanese forces seeking to advance on Manila Bay.

Despite the valiant efforts of the American and Filipino soldiers, the island fell to Japanese forces in mid-1942 and Mr. Hillhouse subsequently became one of approximately 75,000 American and Filipino prisoners of war taken in the Bataan Peninsula. During his over-3 years in captivity, Mr. Hillhouse bravely survived the infamous Bataan death march, as well as periods of slave labor in the Philippines and on the Japanese mainland.

In recognition of wounds that he received during action in the Philippines, Mr. Hillhouse was awarded the Purple Heart in 1984, also received the Bronze Star for his distinguished military service.

Following the end of World War II and his return to White Springs, Mr. Hillhouse continued his commitment to public service as a dedicated employee of the United States Postal Service for nearly 30 years. Specifically, Mr. Hillhouse served as postmaster of White Springs from July 14, 1947, until his retirement on January 19, 1973.

In addition to his service as postmaster, Mr. Hillhouse was active in the White Springs community as a longtime volunteer fire chief and as a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Service Organization.

Regrettably, Mr. Hillhouse passed away in his home in White Springs on April 26, 1998, at the age of 84.

Mr. Speaker, Clyde Hillhouse's life stands as a testament to the bravery and dedication exhibited by the men and women of the United States military, and it is my hope that we can honor this exceptional soldier and public servant through the passage of this legislation to designate the White Springs Post Office in his honor.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join in supporting H.R. 3667, along with Mr. Crenshaw, the lead sponsor.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I ask Members on both sides of the aisle to support Mr. Crenshaw and his bill.

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. 727) supporting the goals and ideals of National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, as amended.

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

Mr. Speaker, at this point I would like to yield to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Israel) for 5 minutes.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro), the lead sponsor of this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Utah for his remarks, and I want to thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Israel) and the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro) for their leadership on this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, ovarian cancer is one of the deadliest forms of women's cancer. As noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ovarian cancer is now the eighth most common cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States.

As has been noted earlier, in addition, and which has been commented on by the American Cancer Society's annual ``cancer facts and figures,'' over 21,500 new cases of ovarian cancer will have been diagnosed and approximately 14,600 women will have died from ovarian cancer in 2009 alone. Moreover, the American Cancer Society additionally notes that a woman's risk of developing invasive ovarian cancer during her lifetime is about 1 in 71, and estimates that a woman's lifetime chance of dying from invasive ovarian cancer is 1 in 95.

Despite these troubling statistics, with early detection and proper management, ovarian cancer can be highly treatable. As noted by the American Cancer Society, about 3 in 4 women with ovarian cancer survive at least 1 year after diagnosis, and almost half of women with ovarian cancer are still alive at least 5 years after diagnosis. And if ovarian cancer is found and treated before the cancer has spread outside the ovary, the 5-year survival rate is 93 percent.

However, while ovarian cancer is manageable if detected early, we know that less than 20 percent of all ovarian cancer is found at an early stage.

The Ovarian Cancer Coalition notes that ovarian cancer can strike women of any race and at any age, though women who are over the age of 55 and who have never been pregnant, have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, or have a personal history of cancer, are at higher risk of being diagnosed with the disease.

Accordingly, let us take this opportunity, through the passage of House Resolution 727, to increase the awareness regarding this serious form of cancer and encourage all women to work with their doctors in order to maximize the possibility of early detection. And this resolution has even greater importance in light of the health care debate that goes on in the Senate right now.

Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting House Resolution 727, and I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, having no further speakers on my side, I want to thank Mr. Israel and Ms. DeLauro for their leadership on this, and I urge that all Members support House Resolution 727.

I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 743) honoring the life of Frank McCourt for his many contributions to American literature, education, and culture.

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, I am pleased to present House Resolution 743 for consideration. This resolution honors the life of Frank McCourt for his many contributions to American literature, education and culture.

The measure before us was introduced on September 14 by my colleagues, Representative Chris Murphy of Connecticut and Mr. Joseph Courtney from Connecticut, and was favorably reported out of the Oversight Committee on October 29, 2009 by unanimous consent. Notably, this measure enjoys the support of over 50 Members of Congress.

At this point, I would like to yield 5 minutes to one of the lead sponsors of this resolution, Mr. Courtney of Connecticut.

Mr. Speaker, the measure before us, as eloquently reported by the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Courtney) and also cosponsored by Chris Murphy, honors Francis ``Frank'' McCourt who was born on August 19, 1930, in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn where his Irish immigrant parents had hoped to make a better life. In the midst of the Great Depression, Mr. McCourt and his family relocated to Limerick, Ireland, when he was 4 years old, only to sink deeper into poverty.

As noted by Mr. McCourt, his family's circumstances were so dire that he often dreamed of becoming a prison inmate so that he would be guaranteed three meals a day and a warm bed. The death of three of Mr. McCourt's six siblings in early childhood, his father's abandonment, and his family's continued poverty are only some of the hardships that plagued Mr. McCourt's childhood at the age of 19, when Mr. McCourt took his savings and boarded a ship for New York.

Following a number of jobs, Mr. McCourt joined the United States Army and was subsequently stationed in Germany during the Korean War. While his formal education ended at the age of 13, Mr. McCourt nonetheless gained admission to New York University and earned a degree in English education in 1957 on the GI bill. One year later, Mr. McCourt began teaching at the age of 28 at Ralph McKee Vocational High School on Staten Island, thus beginning his 30-year career teaching in the New York City public school system.

After earning a master's degree in English from Brooklyn College in 1967, Mr. McCourt began teaching creative writing at Manhattan's highly selective Stuyvesant High School in 1972 where he remained until his retirement in 1987. Through his popular teaching style and his initial literary endeavors, Mr. McCourt became a beloved teacher at Stuyvesant and was known throughout the school as someone that you needed to meet if you wanted to become a writer. The fact that several of his former students went on to become writers stands as a testament to the impact of Mr. McCourt's teaching.

In 1977, Mr. McCourt and his brother, Malachy, adapted their series of autobiographical sketches into a two-man play that opened off Broadway, and they subsequently took the play to several other cities. This project motivated Mr. McCourt to continue his reflections on his past, and he put pen to paper and began work on his childhood memoirs following his retirement from teaching.

1996 marked the publication of Mr. McCourt's Pulitzer-Prize winning memoir, ``Angela's Ashes.'' Detailing the challenges and impact that his childhood had on his life and the life of the people of Limerick, Mr. McCourt's beautifully written and honest tale struck a powerful chord with people of all ages and backgrounds.

The book's most famous passage begins with Mr. McCourt saying, ``When I look back on my childhood, I wonder how I survived at all. It was, of course, a miserable childhood: The happy childhood is hardly worth your while.''

Not only did his story have an effect on his readers, it also touched Mr. McCourt himself. He said of writing ``Angela's Ashes'' that he ``learned the significance of my own insignificant life.'' He followed ``Angela's Ashes'' with two more books detailing his life, including ``Teacher Man'' about his life as a public school teacher.

Regrettably, Mr. McCourt passed away on July 19, 2009, at the age of 78. He is survived by his wife, Ellen Frey McCourt; his brothers, Malachy, Alphie and Mike; his daughter, Maggie McCourt; and his three grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, let us remember and honor Frank McCourt for inspiring and influencing millions with his works and for his contributions to education through the passage of this resolution.

I urge all my colleagues to join us in supporting House Resolution 743, and I reserve the balance of my time.

At this time I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Bishop).

I thank the gentleman from Utah for his kind remarks, and I want to thank both the gentlemen from Connecticut, Mr. Courtney and Mr. Murphy, and also the gentleman from New York (Mr. Bishop) for their wonderful work and leadership on this resolution.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 10:30 a.m. tomorrow for morning- hour debate.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3767) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 170 North Main Street in Smithfield, Utah, as the ``W. Hazen Hillyard 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.

I now yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, as the chairman of the House subcommittee with jurisdiction over the United States Postal Service, I present H.R. 3767 for consideration. This legislation will designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 170 North Main Street in Smithfield, Utah, as the ``W. Hazen Hillyard Post Office Building.''

H.R. 3767 was introduced by my friend and colleague Representative Rob Bishop of Utah on October 8, 2009, and it was favorably reported out of the House Oversight Committee by voice vote on October 29, 2009. In addition, this legislation enjoys the support of the entire Utah House delegation.

A native of the city of Smithfield, Utah, Mr. W. Hazen Hillyard was born on June 6, 1893, and dedicated his life and career to serving his beloved Smithfield community. Mr. Hillyard began his career in public service as a member of the Smithfield City Council from 1930 to 1933, during which time he sponsored a variety of community projects designed to enhance and revamp the city.

Notably, Mr. Hillyard's tenure on the Smithfield City Council, on which he also served from 1964 to 1968, included his meticulous research effort to verify, upgrade, and catalog the records of the Smithfield City Cemetery. In addition, Mr. Hillyard's lifelong service to his Smithfield community included his active membership in the local Kiwanis Club, a Smithfield service organization, which elected Mr. Hillyard as its president in 1937. Moreover, Mr. Hillyard also served as chairman of the City Library Board, chairman of the Smithfield Historical Heritage Society, and vice chairman of the Cache Valley Council of the Boy Scouts of America for several years. The latter organization presented Mr. Hillyard with its Silver Beaver Award in recognition of his long-time service to the scouting program.

In 1934, Mr. Hillyard began a new career in public service when he was appointed to serve as postmaster of Smithfield. Notably, at the beginning of Mr. Hillyard's tenure, the city of Smithfield did not provide home delivery, and as a result, residents had to call the post office in order to receive their mail. While Mr. Hillyard thoroughly enjoyed his interaction with residents as they stopped by the general delivery window for mail services, he also recognized the need for enhanced postal facilities and services as the population of Smithfield grew over the years. Accordingly, Mr. Hillyard played an instrumental role in obtaining a new and larger post office facility for Smithfield in 1957, and in 1963, he led a successful effort to implement home delivery of the mail to all houses in Smithfield.

During his service as Smithfield's postmaster, Mr. Hillyard was an active member of the Utah chapter of the National Postmasters Association and was eventually elected to serve as president of the Utah chapter in 1952. That same year and in furtherance of his role, Mr. Hillyard visited every single post office in the State of Utah.

In recognition of Mr. Hillyard's service to the Smithfield community, the Smithfield Lion's Club presented Mr. Hillyard with its Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award in 1974.

Regrettably, Mr. Hillyard passed away on April 22, 1992, at the age of 99. However, while he is no longer with us, Mr. Hillyard's life and legacy of public service will live on through his various accomplishments on behalf of his beloved Smithfield community.

Mr. Speaker, let us take this opportunity to honor Mr. W. Hazen Hillyard through the passage of this legislation to designate the Smithfield post office facility in his honor. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 3767.

I reserve the balance of my time.

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

I would ask all our Members to join with Representative Rob Bishop of Utah in supporting this very deserving resolution to name this post office on behalf of W. Hazen Hillyard.

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 (S. 1825) to extend the authority for relocation expenses test programs for Federal employees, and for other purposes.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I present Senate bill 1825 for consideration. This legislation will grant the General Services Administration the permanent authority to approve Federal agency requests to operate programs that test alternative methods of compensating employees for relocation and travel expenses.

Senate 1825 was introduced on October 21, 2009, by Senator Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, and it was favorably reported by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on November 4, 2009. In addition, the legislation passed the United States Senate by unanimous consent on November 9, 2009.

Mr. Speaker, the General Services Administration was granted the authority to approve Federal agency travel and relocation expenses test programs via the Travel Transportation Reform Act of 1998. Through the test programs facilitated by the act, Federal agencies have been able to test new and innovative methods of reimbursing relocation and travel expenses in order to enhance cost savings for the Federal Government. Notably, the current authority granted to the General Services Administration is scheduled to expire in December of 2009.

Mr. Speaker, S. 1825 will therefore ensure that agencies will continue to have the flexibility to use the compensation methods with respect to relocation and travel costs that work best for them and that are in the best interests of the Federal Government. In addition, I would like to note that according to the Congressional Budget Office, the net impact of S. 1825 on the Federal budget would not be significant.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting Mr. Lieberman and S. 1825.

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

Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend for his kind words. Again I ask all the Members from both sides of the

aisle to join with Senator Lieberman in supporting Senate 1825.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3539) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 427 Harrison Avenue in Harrison, New Jersey, as the ``Patricia D. McGinty-Juhl 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 material.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present H.R. 3539 for consideration. This legislation will designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 427 Harrison Avenue in Harrison, New Jersey, as the ``Patricia D. McGinty-Juhl Post Office Building.''

H.R. 3539 was introduced by my friend and colleague, Representative Albio Sires, on September 8, 2009, and favorably reported out of the House Oversight Committee by unanimous consent on October 29, 2009. In addition, this legislation enjoys the support of the entire New Jersey House delegation.

A native of the town of Harrison, New Jersey, Patricia McGinty-Juhl dedicated the majority of her life to public service as an employee of the United States Postal Service for over 33 years.

Ms. McGinty-Juhl began her distinguished career with the postal service in 1973 as a distribution clerk at the New York International and Bulk Mail Center located in Jersey City, New Jersey. During her more than three decades of service, Ms. McGinty-Juhl also served in a variety of personnel and benefits positions with the Postal Service Human Resources Division, as well as in the Government Relations Department at postal headquarters as a congressional liaison.

Most recently, in recognition of her tremendous talent and admirable dedication to her coworkers, Ms. McGinty-Juhl served as western area manager of human resources from April of 2001 until her unexpected passing on October 16, 2006.

In remembrance of Ms. McGinty-Juhl's life and career, United States Postmaster General Jack Potter offered the following tribute upon the untimely passing of this dedicated postal employee: ``Patti will be greatly missed, both as a manager and as a warm and giving person. She made a difference for the postal service and for our employees.''

Mr. Speaker, let us take this opportunity to honor Ms. Patricia McGinty-Juhl for her 33 years of public service by designating the Harrison Avenue postal facility in Harrison, New Jersey, in her honor.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 3539.

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

I thank the gentleman from Tennessee for his kind remarks.

Mr. Speaker, again I urge my colleagues to join with Representative Albio Sires from New Jersey in honoring Ms. Patricia McGinty-Juhl to the passage of H.R. 3539.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1506) 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.

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 present H.R. 1506 for consideration. This legislation will facilitate the donation of the Grace Tully archive to the National Archives and Records Administration. H.R. 1506 was introduced by my friend and colleague, Representative Louise Slaughter of New York, on March 12, 2009, and favorably reported out of the Oversight Committee by voice vote on October 29, 2009. In addition, the Senate companion bill to H.R. 1506, Senate bill 692, introduced by Senator Charles Schumer of New York, was passed by the United States Senate on October 14, 2009, by unanimous consent.

Mr. 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. Notably, 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, H.R. 1506 waives the government's claim to the records and will thereby allow the collection to be gifted to the Roosevelt Library.

Mr. Speaker, the Grace Tully archive represents an important part of American history. Through the passage of H.R. 1506, we will ensure that this collection will be properly preserved and made publicly available through the Roosevelt Library. I would 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 last month: ``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 through House bill H.R. 1506 and its Senate companion, Senate 692.''

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 archive.''

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 1506.

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

On behalf of the sponsor here, Representative Louise Slaughter, I encourage my friends from both sides of the aisle to join us in supporting H.R. 1506.

I yield back the balance of our time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 780) recognizing the celebration of Filipino American History Month in October.

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 H. Res. 780 for consideration. This resolution recognizes the celebration of Filipino American History Month.

House Resolution 780 was introduced on September 25, 2009, by my friend and colleague Representative Bob Filner of California. In addition, this resolution was favorably reported out of the Oversight Committee by unanimous consent on October 29, 2009, and it enjoys the support of over 50 Members of Congress. Moreover, the United States Senate passed a companion resolution to this legislation, Senate Resolution 298, by unanimous consent on October 1, 2009.

Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 780 recognizes the celebration of Filipino American History Month as a unique opportunity to reflect upon the significant advancements of Filipino Americans in our country as well as highlight the countless and diverse contributions of Filipino Americans to our national history and culture.

This monthlong celebration of Filipino American History Month was established in 1988 by the Filipino American National Historical Society to coincide with the 225th anniversary of the permanent settlement of Filipinos in the continental United States.

Notably, the Filipino American National Historical Society recognizes the year 1763 as the date of the first permanent Filipino settlement in the continental United States in the small fishing village of Saint Malo, located in what is now Saint Bernard Parish in Louisiana. These early settlers were formerly impressed sailors who escaped their oppressive conditions aboard Spanish galleons to establish a Filipino community in present-day Louisiana. The existence of this Filipino settlement was first reported in an 1883 Harper's Weekly article, which is widely believed to be the first article written about Filipino settlers in these United States.

Today, according to the most recent United States Census Bureau estimate, the Filipino American population in the United States is nearly 3.1 million, making the Filipino American community the second largest Asian American group in the United States. And while the majority of our Filipino American population is concentrated in the States of California and Hawaii, Filipino contributions in the field of public service, literature, business, science and other areas have deeply enriched the lives of all Americans across our Nation.

Whether we recall the approximately 250,000 brave Filipino Americans that served during World War II, or our Filipino Americans deployed in the support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, our brave Filipino American servicemen and -women have continually demonstrated their commitment to safeguarding our Nation at great personal sacrifice.

Accordingly, I would like to thank the sponsor of this resolution, my friend and colleague Mr. Filner of California, for his great work as chairman of our Veterans' Affairs Committee and for ensuring that the economic stimulus legislation signed by President Obama earlier this year included a provision which required that our roughly 15,000 living Filipino veterans of World War II receive their full and deserved veterans benefits.

The contributions of Filipino Americans to our national history are also evident in various other areas, including government and journalism. Notably, in 1994, Benjamin J. Cayetano became the first Filipino American elected a United States Governor. And in 1997, Filipino American journalists Byron Acohido and Alex Tizon of The Seattle Times were the recipients of Pulitzer Prizes for their outstanding contributions to American journalism.

Mr. Tizon, a native of Manila who came to the United States at the age of 4, was honored for a series of investigative articles about the widespread corruption and inequities in the Federally sponsored housing program for Native Americans. Mr. Acohido received his Pulitzer for his reporting on the conditions of the American aerospace industry.

Mr. Speaker, these are only a few of the many Filipino Americans whose achievements have greatly contributed to our national history. It is my hope that we can commemorate the contributions of all Filipino Americans

through the passage of House Resolution 780 and by recognizing the significance of Filipino American History Month.

I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting H. Res. 780.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers. But I do want to point out that the reason we are here, dealing with noncontroversial items and commemorative items, in fact, is because the House is not scheduled to take up votes, according to the calendar, until 6:30. So we use this time to take up matters that are noncontroversial, and we postpone votes so that Members can come in during the day. They are flying in during the process.

So this is a regularly scheduled event here. This is when we take up matters that are noncontroversial, such as this one, which recognizes the importance of Filipino Americans. This is important to the Filipino American community. It is very, very important and well deserved. I think it is appropriate at a time like this to take the time to recognize their accomplishments and for being an important part of our Nation's history and our culture.

I resent the fact that the inference has been made here that somehow we are using valuable time in the House when this particular time has been segmented so as to not interrupt the important business to be taken up later in the week. We are taking this time now, while Members are flying in and we don't have a full quorum, to address these commemorative issues. We will be in for the full week, so we'll have plenty of time to take those other matters up when the House is fully assembled.

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

Mr. Speaker, the point I was making is that this time, this time right now, has been reserved for this purpose specifically; and this is a regular occasion during the week that we do this. Again, while we have extended a courtesy to Members of the Republican side, from the minority, so that they would know when votes are expected on the floor, and we have put that to a time certain.

The reason that we are dealing with ceremonial matters, commemorative matters here, is because Members are not all in the District of Columbia right now; they're not all in Washington. They are traveling here. This is a matter of courtesy, a courtesy extended to the minority Members so that when matters of contest and of dispute might arise, they would be here in full numbers, having the full opportunity to debate those matters.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 159) honoring the New Hampshire State Senate for becoming the 1st statewide legislative body with a majority of women in the United States, 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 pleased to present House Resolution 159 for consideration. This resolution pays tribute to the New Hampshire State Senate for becoming the first statewide legislative body in United States history with a majority of women members.

House Resolution 159 was introduced on February 11, 2009, by my friend and fellow New Englander, Representative Paul Hodes of New Hampshire. In addition, this resolution was favorably reported out of the Oversight Committee by unanimous consent on October 29, 2009, and enjoys the support of nearly 60 Members of Congress.

Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 159 honors the New Hampshire State Senate for the remarkable distinction of becoming the first statewide legislative body to consist of a majority of women members. According to 2008 Census Bureau estimates, women comprise roughly 50.7 percent of the American population, yet despite the extent of their representation in the U.S. population, women remain significantly underrepresented at local, State and Federal Government levels. Notably, out of the 435 Members of the House of Representatives, women hold 77 congressional seats. Moreover, in the United States Senate, women hold 17 of the Senate's 100 seats.

In light of these and similar statistics evidencing the underrepresentation of women in government, the advancement of female legislators in the New Hampshire State Senate can be characterized as a defining moment in our Nation's history.

Following the State legislature elections of November 2008, the State of New Hampshire began its current legislative session on December 3, 2008, with a historic female majority in the State Senate. Specifically, women legislators currently hold 13 of New Hampshire's 24 State Senate seats. In addition, nine female Senators are currently serving as Chairs in the State Senate, which consists of 14 standing committees. Moreover, the Honorable Sylvia Larsen is currently serving her second consecutive term as State Senate president with the Honorable Terie Norelli also serving her second consecutive term as Speaker of the New Hampshire House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to recognize that this watershed moment in American history would not have been possible without the efforts of previous female leaders in New Hampshire politics, including the Honorable E. Maude Ferguson and the Honorable Vesta Roy. Senator Ferguson, who served in the New Hampshire State House from 1931 to 1933, has the distinction of becoming the first woman elected to the New Hampshire State Senate. Ms. Roy made history as the first woman elected to serve as president of the New Hampshire State Senate as well as the first woman to serve as the Governor of New Hampshire from 1982 to 1983.

Mr. Speaker, the remarkable achievements of these women legislators are as inspirational as they are historic, to all those Americans that are committed to the equality of all citizens regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or gender.

Let us as a body take this opportunity to honor the great State of New Hampshire and its State Senate for this fine achievement by passing House Resolution 159. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I will just point out that last week, we actually finally had an official draft of the health care reform bill. My colleagues on the other side have insisted, rightly, that they have 72 hours to review that bill; that it be placed online. I think it is a courtesy to keep controversial issues off the floor today to allow Members to consider that legislation because it is so important. I think if we jammed the schedule today with controversial matters, you might hear the complaint from my colleagues and others that they weren't given a full and fair opportunity to read that health care reform bill.

So, you're darned if you do sometimes, and you're darned if you don't. But I certainly do want to join with the lead sponsor and my colleague, the gentleman from North Carolina, but especially Paul Hodes from New Hampshire, who is the lead sponsor of this resolution, in congratulating the New Hampshire State Senate. I happen to be a member of the New Hampshire bar, so this is particularly a proud moment for me as well in celebrating their terrific accomplishment through the passage of House Resolution 159.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 736) honoring President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address on ``Dedication Day'', November 19, 2009.

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 as much time as I may consume.

On behalf of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am proud to present House Resolution 736 for consideration. This resolution pays tribute to the historic Gettysburg Address delivered by President Abraham Lincoln in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on November 19, 1863.

House Resolution 736 was introduced on September 10, 2009, by my great friend and colleague, Representative Todd Platts, Republican of the 19th District of Pennsylvania. In addition, this resolution was favorably reported out of the Oversight Committee by unanimous consent on October 29, 2009, and enjoys the support of over 50 Members of Congress.

Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 736 honors one of the most remarkable and significant political contributions in terms of speeches made by one of our greatest Presidents, the Gettysburg Address delivered by President Abraham Lincoln at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on Thursday, November 19, 1863. This resolution is not only fitting but also timely, as earlier this year we celebrated the bicentennial anniversary of the birth of President Lincoln, and on November 19 we will mark the 146th anniversary of Dedication Day and the Gettysburg Address.

In his invitation letter to President Lincoln, dated November 2, 1863, Gettysburg attorney David Wills requested that President Lincoln participate in the dedication ceremony by delivering ``a few appropriate remarks,'' as Wills noted that former Senator Edward Everett of Massachusetts was already scheduled to deliver the central oration. Accordingly, the dedication address delivered by President Lincoln more than 4 months following the pivotal battle of Gettysburg is not remembered for its length, but rather for the depth of its content.

In less than 3 minutes and in only 10 sentences, President Lincoln eloquently commemorated the lives of those who had fallen on the hallowed battlefield, reaffirmed the founding principles of the then- divided United States of America, and set forth the impetus behind the continuation of the shared struggle to unify the Nation amidst a deadly Civil War.

As noted by President Lincoln at the conclusion his historic address: ``It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus so far nobly advanced . . . that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain; that this Nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom; and that government of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish from this Earth.''

The elegance of President Lincoln's brief words was noted by Senator Everett, whose oration at Gettysburg preceded the President's address and lasted approximately 2 hours. In a letter that he sent to President Lincoln following the dedication ceremony, Senator Everett wrote: ``I should be glad if I could flatter myself that I

came as near to the central idea of the occasion in 2 hours as you did in 2 minutes.''

And the profound impact of President Lincoln's address on our national history has been evident for generations. In addition to its prominence on the south wall of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., the Gettysburg Address has served as a timeless source of inspiration in our eternal commitment as a Nation to achieve equality among all citizens. Notably, President Lincoln's address was referenced in the equally historic ``I Have a Dream'' speech delivered by the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in August of 1963.

Mr. Speaker, in acknowledgement of the lasting impact of President Lincoln's words, the 79th Congress approved House Joint Resolution 35 on August 7, 1946, thereby designating the day of November 19 as Dedication Day. The 79th Congress additionally characterized the Gettysburg Address as ``the outstanding classic of the ages'' and recognized that ``it will touch the hearts of men and inspire faith in our matchless democracy as long as time endures.''

Mr. Speaker, let us pay further tribute to President Lincoln in the year of his bicentennial birthday celebration and in anticipation of the 146th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address through our support of Representative Todd Platts of Pennsylvania's resolution, 736.

I would like to thank my colleague Mr. Platts for introducing this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution.

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

Mr. Speaker, I want to point out that the current resolution is offered by my dear friend and colleague who happens to be a Republican; so if I did not extend him the courtesy, Mr. Platts of Pennsylvania, to offer this resolution, I think it would not comport to the level of courtesy that this House requires.

I do want to point out that of the last seven resolutions that we have taken up in the House today, five out of the seven were offered by Republican Members: Senate 475 by Senator Burr, House Resolution 773 by Representative Boozman, again 1168 by Representative Boozman. Those are all dealing with veterans' issues. Representative Cao of Veterans' Affairs, House Resolution 828; and H. Res. 398 by Representative Fortenberry, another one of my great Republican friends.

So if the gentleman wanted to complain and restrain his own Members from offering what I think are meritorious and deserving resolutions with respect to veterans and to the people of their own districts, that's a courtesy that I fully and fairly recognize and choose to honor, but if the gentleman wants to press with his desire to curtail--

The gentleman has already exhausted his time to no apparent purpose. It would be an attack on common sense for me to yield to him at this time.

With that being said, Mr. Speaker, I ask all Members to support Mr. Platts of Pennsylvania in his resolution, my Republican friend.

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. 790) supporting the goals and ideals of a national day of remembrance on October 30, 2009, for American nuclear weapons program workers and uranium miners, millers, and haulers, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which they may revise and extend their remarks and include 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 House Resolution 790 for consideration. This legislation expresses our support for the goals and ideals of a national day of remembrance on October 30, 2009, in honor of America's nuclear weapons program workers and uranium miners, millers and haulers.

House Resolution 790 was introduced by my friend and colleague, Representative Shelley Berkley of Nevada, on October 1, 2009, and it enjoys the support of over 50 Members of Congress. In addition, the United States Senate unanimously approved a companion measure to this legislation, Senate Resolution 151, on May 20, 2009.

Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 790 seeks to honor the hundreds of thousands of uranium and nuclear weapons workers who have served our Nation at great personal sacrifice since World War II and during the height of the Cold War. Regrettably, many of these dedicated workers developed disabling and fatal illnesses, including cancer and lung disease, as a result of their workplace exposure to beryllium, ionizing radiation and other hazards associated with the development and testing of nuclear weapons.

As noted in 2007 by Denver's Rocky Mountain News, which published a report on the human costs associated with the domestic production and development of nuclear weapons, nearly 37,000 Americans have suffered from serious illness as a result of their exposure to radiation and toxic chemicals during their employment at above-ground nuclear weapons test sites and underground uranium mines. The same publication additionally reported that at least 4,000 of these nearly 37,000 individuals have died as a result of illnesses associated with their work.

Moreover, it's important to note that these statistics were only based on government figures, tracking those individuals that have been approved for compensation. As additionally noted by the Rocky Mountain News, many other nuclear weapons and uranium workers may have been affected, though they have yet to apply for compensation or have had their claims denied due to the difficulty in establishing a causal connection between their illness and their work.

Mr. Speaker, these dedicated workers have served our Nation at great risk and sacrifice to not only themselves but to further generations of their families. It is my hope that we can honor their service and sacrifice through the passage of House Resolution 790.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting Ms. Berkley, who is the lead sponsor of this resolution, in expressing our support for the goals and ideals of a national day of remembrance for American nuclear and uranium workers.

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

Mr. Speaker, at this point I would like to recognize for 5 minutes Representative Shelley Berkley of Nevada, the lead sponsor of this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the cosponsor of this resolution, the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Loebsack).

Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to yield 2 minutes to another lead cosponsor of this measure, the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Perlmutter).

Mr. Speaker, I would now like to yield 3 minutes to another lead cosponsor of this resolution, the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Titus).

Mr. Speaker, at this point I would like to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Davis).

(Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, again I urge my colleagues to join with Ms. Berkley and Mr. Wamp on the other side of the aisle to recognize and honor America's nuclear industry and uranium workers through the passage of House Resolution 790.

I yield back the balance of our time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 568) recognizing the 150th anniversary of John Brown's raid in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, 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 pleased to present House Resolution 568 for consideration. This resolution recognizes the 150th anniversary of John Brown's raid at Harpers Ferry in what is now West Virginia. The measure before us was introduced on June 19th, 2009, by my friend and colleague Representative Capito of West Virginia and enjoys the support of over 50 Members of Congress.

Mr. Speaker, the controversial but passionate abolitionist John Brown organized the raid in Harpers Ferry, which served as a precursor to the Civil War and as a driving force behind the abolishment of the unjust institution of slavery. This moment in our Nation's history also stands as a testament to the strength and courage of all of those Americans who have advanced the antislavery and civil rights movements, not only in our country, but beyond our borders as well.

Intent on leading an uprising in the South that would end the practice of slavery in the summer of 1859, John Brown began to develop a plan to raid the Federal armory and arsenal in the small town of Harpers Ferry, located in present-day West Virginia. In preparation for the raid, Brown rented the nearby Kennedy farmhouse, and with his small provisional army of 21 men, with arms supplied by northern abolition groups, he took residence several miles from the arsenal site.

On the night of October 16th, 1859, Brown and his men advanced towards Harpers Ferry and quickly succeeded in capturing both bridges along the Shenandoah River, the U.S. Armory and Arsenal, the U.S. Rifle Works on Hall's Island, and several hostages, including Lewis Washington, grand-nephew of John Washington, and John Allstadt.

By the morning of October 17th, 1859, news of the raid had spread, and as a result, local farmers and militia swiftly descended on Brown and his men and surrounded the arsenal. A bloody battle thereafter ensued, and by the afternoon of October 17th, President James Buchanan had ordered a detachment of 90 United States Marines to march on Harpers Ferry under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Robert E. Lee of the United States 2nd Calvary.

On the morning of October 18th, 1859, Lee ordered his men to storm the engine house adjacent to the arsenal, resulting in the capture of John Brown and his remaining men. Sixteen men were killed in the raid at Harpers Ferry, including 10 of John Brown's men.

Brown subsequently faced charges of murder, conspiring with slaves to rebel, and treason against the State of Virginia. On November 2nd, 1859, following a 5-day trial, Brown was convicted of all charges and sentenced to hang on the gallows.

Brown's address to the Virginia court on the last day of his trial evidenced his strong conviction regarding the justness of his actions at Harpers Ferry, when he said:

``Had I interfered in the manner which I admit, had I so interfered in behalf of the rich, the powerful, the intelligent, the so-called great, or in behalf of any of their friends, and suffered and sacrificed what I have in this interference, it would have been all right, and every man in this court would have deemed it an act worthy of reward rather than punishment.''

Brown was thereafter executed on December 2, 1859, and through his death, the slave liberation movement gained a hero.

Mr. Speaker, the raid organized by John Brown at Harpers Ferry in October of 1859 was a critical moment in our Nation's history and served to move our country forward in its struggle to abolish slavery. As noted by his good friend, Frederick Douglass, who, while opposing Brown's violent tactics, said, ``If John Brown did not end the war that ended slavery, he did at least begin the war that ended slavery.''

Let us recognize the important place in our history that John Brown and the raid on Harpers Ferry played in the history of our Nation's civil rights movement through the passage of House Resolution 568. I urge my colleagues to join myself and the lead sponsor of this measure, Mrs. Capito of West Virginia, in supporting this legislation.

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

I continue to 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, in closing, we ask Members on both sides to support Mrs. Capito on her resolution, House Resolution 568.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 783) recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrating the vast contributions of Hispanic-Americans to the strength and culture of the United States.

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 you may consume.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am proud to present House Resolution 783 for consideration. This resolution recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrates the vast contributions of Hispanic Americans to the strength and culture of these United States.

The measure before us was introduced on September 29 by my colleague and friend Representative Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida and enjoys the support of nearly 60 Members of Congress.

Mr. Speaker, each year Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 in celebration of the many contributions of Hispanic Americans to our Nation. This observation began in 1968, following President Lyndon Baines Johnson's designation of a Hispanic Heritage Week, and was expanded to cover the 30-day period of September 15 to October 15 by President Ronald Reagan in 1988.

Notably, September 15 marks the anniversary of the independence days of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, the 30-day period of observance also covers the anniversary of the independence days of Mexico and Chile, as well as the anniversary of the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas.

Mr. Speaker, according to the most recent United States Census Bureau estimate, the Hispanic American population in the United States is roughly 47 million people, which is about 15 percent of the Nation's population, making American citizens of Hispanic ancestry our Nation's largest ethnic or racial minority. Moreover, the Census Bureau has also recognized our Nation's Hispanic population as the fastest-growing minority group and notes that 16 States, including California, New York, Florida, Texas, and my home State of Massachusetts, currently include at least a half million Hispanic residents. The Census Bureau additionally estimates that there are approximately 1.1 million Hispanic American veterans, proud veterans, of the United States Armed Forces.

Over the course of several generations, American life has been deeply enriched by Hispanic contributions in the fields of government, the arts, sports, education, and countless other areas. Within the past 2 years alone, we have witnessed historic firsts for Americans of Hispanic heritage that evidence the historical, cultural, and social significance of Hispanic Americans as a vital part of our Nation.

Founded in December 1976, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus currently consists of 24 Members of Congress. In August of 2009, the United States Senate confirmed Sonia Sotomayor as the first Hispanic American to serve on the United States Supreme Court. In February of 2009, the United States Senate also confirmed Hilda Solis as the Nation's first Hispanic American woman to serve as our Secretary of Labor. And in April of 2008, renowned Hispanic American author Junot Diaz became the first Dominican American author to receive the Pulitzer Prize for fiction and only the second Hispanic American author ever to win the prestigious award.

Hispanic American activists such as Cesar Chavez have fought tooth and nail to organize workers and attain the basic rights that all Americans deserve. Baseball greats, including Roberto Clemente, Juan Marichal, and Rod Carew, have helped to make America's pastime the great international sport it is today. Musicians such as Tito Puente and Carlos Santana have delighted millions with their music. And actors such as Benicio Del Toro and Jimmy Smits continue to entertain us in films and television. And celebrated authors, including Richard Rodriguez and Sandra Cisneros, continue to advance America's rich literary history with their works.

Mr. Speaker, let us take this opportunity to honor the contributions of these and all Americans of Hispanic ancestry to the historical, cultural, and social fabric of our Nation through the recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting House Resolution 783.

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

Mr. Speaker, we have no further speakers, and I continue to reserve our time.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would simply ask that Members on both sides of the aisle join with the gentleman from Florida in supporting H. Res. 783, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 729) expressing support for designation of a ``National Firefighters Memorial Day'' to honor and celebrate the firefighters of the United States.

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 729 for consideration. This resolution seeks to honor our brave firefighters across the United States, as well as commemorate those firefighters who have been disabled or

killed in the line of duty by expressing the support of the House of Representatives for the designation of a National Firefighters Memorial Day.

The measure before us was introduced on September 10 by my colleague, Representative Ted Poe of Texas, and enjoys the support of nearly 60 Members of Congress.

Mr. Speaker, according to the National Fire Protection Association, there are over 1.1 million firefighters serving throughout more than 30,000 fire departments across the Nation, including over 300,000 career firefighters, and over 800,000 volunteer firefighters. As we have witnessed time and again, whether in the midst of the terrorist attacks on September 11, in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, or in the face of the daily emergencies faced by our local communities, these brave men and women are always on the front lines in the event of a local, State, or national crisis, and are willing to serve and safeguard their fellow citizens, at great risk to their own personal safety.

According to the United States Fire Administration, which annually collects data on firefighter fatalities across the country, last year witnessed 118 on-duty firefighter fatalities, including the deaths of 66 volunteer firefighters and 34 career firefighters. In addition, the United States Fire Administration has provisionally reported that to date this year, there have been 77 firefighter fatalities, including deaths of two heroic firefighters from my own home State of Massachusetts, firefighter Paul J. Roberts of the Beverly fire department, and fire fighter Kevin M. Kelly of my own Boston fire department.

Notably, the bravery and self-sacrifice demonstrated by our local, State, and Federal firefighters are not limited to their public service on behalf of their fellow citizens, communities, and country here at home. Many of these exceptional public servants are currently deployed overseas in Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan, and other nations in the Middle East, as well as serving on aircraft carriers in support of our military and reconstruction missions abroad, including Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

As reported just last week by the International Association of Firefighters, 16 IAFF members are currently serving together at Kirkuk Regional Air Base in Iraq as members of the 22nd Air Force Reserve Command. Collectively, these soldiers represent 11 IAFF affiliates and constitute one of the largest numbers of IAFF members to serve together in Iraq.

Mr. Speaker, our brave local, State, and Federal firefighters stand as a shining example of the public service and principle of shared sacrifice that has come to define our Nation. It is my hope that we can honor their dedication to their fellow citizens, as well as commemorate the lives of our fallen firefighters, through the passage of House Resolution 729. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I want to thank the gentleman for offering this resolution. I want to thank him for his kind words and eloquent words on behalf of our firefighters. I offer my own condolences to the families of Houston--the Harlow, Burke, Kulow, Jahnke, Mayo and Smith families--as well as in my own State, the Roberts family and Beverly and Kevin Kelley's family out of Local 718 in Boston because their loss has been so recent and heartfelt.

I want to also mention Bill Pascrell of New Jersey, who on our side is a true champion of the cause of firefighters for all the reasons that the gentleman has articulated.

I thank the gentleman. And I ask all our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this resolution honoring American firefighters by passing House Resolution 729.

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