Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I am privileged today to honor a pioneer who has helped create a strong bridge of understanding and development between the people of his country and the people of the United States of America. For over a decade Captain Wei Jiafu has been the President of COSCO, the largest ocean shipping company in the People's Republic of China. During this time Captain Wei has worked hard to increase the level of understanding between U.S. and Chinese business leaders.

Captain Wei's relationship with the U.S. has been a long and honored one. In his early years as a sea captain, Captain Wei was given special recognition by the U.S. Coast Guard for his knowledge and skill in navigating U.S. waters. In addition to Captain Wei's technical knowledge of U.S. waters, he commands a mastery of the navigational practices that make both national and international waters safe. Under Captain Wei's leadership, COSCO was the first foreign shipping company to comply with newly-enacted Homeland Security regulations governing shipping containers. As astounding as all of these accomplishments may be, Captain Wei's dedication to the U.S. goes further.

Throughout his career, Captain Wei's commitment to the American workforce has been unwavering. As President of COSCO, Captain Wei oversees the largest Chinese employer of American citizens. Under Captain Wei's guidance, COSCO has been honored by the ports of Long Beach, Seattle, New York, and Boston, for his commitment to their employees. Must notably, has been his commitment to the workers of Massachusetts, where COSCO has contributed to the creation of thousands of maritime-related jobs by establishing shipping services between the Port of Boston and ports in China. Captain Wei has even dedicated a chair to Boston's prestigious Harvard University.

In addition, Captain Wei has been instrumental in protecting our oceans. He has generously donated to the cause of cleaner oceans and the protection of sea life in Alaska.

With that in mind, I would like to commend Captain Wei for his commitment to professionalism which has facilitated both a productive and personal relationship between the people of the United States of America and the People's Republic of China. Furthermore, I would like to recognize Captain Wei for his charitable contributions in support of higher learning in the United States and around the world. Captain Wei is truly a ``Peoples' Ambassador'' to the United States of America.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Points of Light initiative. Established by a call to service by President George H. W. Bush, Points of Light has led our nation to tremendous gains in service and volunteerism over the past two decades.

The Points of Light Foundation has recently merged with Hands On Network to form the Points of Light Institute. On this special 20th anniversary, I want to commend this organization for its extraordinary work in the promotion of service, while transforming communities throughout America.

In 2008, the Points of Light Institute and its 250 Hands On volunteer action centers engaged over 1.2 million volunteers in service and managed over 520,000 volunteer projects. The value of this service is beyond measure to the neighborhoods that have been positively impacted by this remarkable contribution to the health and welfare of communities throughout the United States.

One of Points of Light's affiliates is Boston Cares. This year alone, Boston Cares has mobilized 18,250 volunteers who have donated over 50,000 hours of service to 155 Greater Boston schools and nonprofit organizations. Throughout the year Boston Cares volunteers have consistently gone above and beyond, from a drive that raised a thousand pounds of food per day throughout the month of February for struggling food pantries, to generating an additional 2,000 volunteer hours during this summer's United We Serve campaign.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to commemorate this 20-year milestone for Points of Light and I congratulate them on 20 years of identifying and managing people-powered projects to tackle critical problems across the nation. I urge all of my colleagues to join with me in honoring Points of Light and Boston Cares.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3319) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 440 South Gulling Street in Portola, California, as the ``Army Specialist Jeremiah Paul McCleery 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.

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 very proud this afternoon to present H.R. 3319 for consideration. This measure, if passed, will designate the postal facility located at 440 South Gulling Street in Portola, California, as the ``Army Specialist Jeremiah Paul McCleery Post Office Building.''

Introduced by my colleague and friend Representative Tom McClintock of California on June 23, 2009, and favorably reported out of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee on September 10, 2009, by unanimous consent, H.R. 3319 enjoys the support of the entire California House delegation.

A native of Portola, California, Army Specialist Jeremiah McCleery proudly served in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with the United States Army's 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Calvary Division out of Fort Hood, Texas. Regrettably, Specialist McCleery and his friend and fellow Californian, Army Specialist Jake Velloza, died on May 2 from wounds sustained after those two soldiers were shot by enemy forces in Mosul, Iraq. Specialist McCleery was just 24 years old at the time of his death.

Specialist McCleery's heroic commitment to the United States military began at the age of 4 after his father, Joe McCleery, took his young son to Twentynine Palms, California, to watch the homecoming of a unit of United States Marines returning from the 1991 Persian Gulf War. The opportunity to witness the triumphant return of those brave American soldiers prompted Specialist McCleery's lifelong desire to serve his country.

Even as a young boy, Specialist McCleery was passionate about becoming a member of America's military. As a child, he spent hours in his backyard playing the role of soldier, and soon enough he joined the Boy Scouts of America and subsequently the Civil Air Patrol.

While he intended to enlist in the United States Army following his graduation from Portola High School in 2004, Specialist McCleery delayed his enlistment after his beloved mother, Mrs. Collette McCleery, was diagnosed with cancer during his senior year. Specialist McCleery decided to stay with his family during his mother's battle with cancer, and only went on with his life's desire of enlisting in the military after his mother passed away in 2005. So, in addition to his dedication to the United States Army, Specialist McCleery will be equally remembered for his steadfast devotion to his family, especially his father, Joe, and his sister, Chastity.

Specialist McCleery enjoyed the outdoors, and specifically loved hunting, riding four-wheelers, and sport shooting with his friends, but without a doubt his favorite outdoor pastime was always fishing with his dad. Although he is no longer with us, Specialist McCleery's memory will live on with his friends and family and all those who were fortunate enough to know this great young American.

Mr. Speaker, Army Specialist Jeremiah McCleery's life stands as a shining example of the bravery and dedication of the heroic men and women who serve our great Nation at home and abroad. I urge all my colleagues to join me in honoring this fine American soldier by designating the postal facility at 440 South Gulling Street in Portola, California, in his memory.

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

Mr. Speaker, again, I encourage our friends on both sides of the aisle to join with Mr. McClintock in honoring Army Specialist Jeremiah McCleery through the passage of H.R. 3319.

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. 2877) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 76 Brookside Avenue in Chester, New York, as the ``1st Lieutenant Louis Allen Post Office''.

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, as chairman of the House subcommittee with jurisdiction over the United States Postal Service, I am proud to present H.R. 2877 for consideration.

This bill, if adopted, will designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 76 Brookside Avenue in Chester, New York, as the ``1st Lieutenant Louis Allen Post Office.''

H.R. 2877 was introduced by my friend and colleague, Representative John Hall of New York, on June 15, 2009, and favorably reported out of the Oversight Committee by unanimous consent on July 10, 2009. Notably, this legislation enjoys the strong support of the entire New York sitting House delegation.

Since this is principally sponsored by my friend, Mr. Hall of New York, I'm going to yield 5 minutes to my colleague so that he may make those remarks.

Mr. Speaker, a resident of Milford, Pennsylvania, First Lieutenant Louis E. Allen bravely served in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as a member of the Army National Guard's Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Infantry Division, out of Troy, New York.

Regrettably, as has been noted here by my friend, Mr. Hall, First Lieutenant Allen and fellow unit member Captain Phillip T. Esposito were killed in Tikrit, Iraq, on June 8, 2005, of injuries sustained when a mine explosion occurred near their location. First Lieutenant Allen was 34 years old at the time of his death.

As noted by his fellow Rainbow Division soldiers, who held a ceremony in honor of their two fallen comrades at Forward Operating Base Danger in Tikrit on June 15, 2005, First Lieutenant Allen was highly regarded as a skilled platoon leader who always took care of his troops.

``He was always running around, getting stuff for his guys--food, safety equipment, and billeting--and never forgot where he came from,'' recalled Colonel Mario Costagliola, the division's assistant chief of staff for operations.

In addition to his distinguished service to his unit and his country, First Lieutenant Allen is equally remembered as a dedicated husband to his beloved wife, Barbara, whom he made sure to call every day throughout his deployment, and as a loving father to their four boys, Trevor, Colin, Sean and Jeremy, whose pictures he always carried in his wallet and would display to anyone who would bother to take a look, according to Captain Steven Raiser, a division legal assistance officer who trained with First Lieutenant Allen.

Moreover, as a high school science teacher at George Baker High School in Tuxedo, New York, First Lieutenant Allen evidenced the same commitment, dedication and generosity to his students as he did to his fellow soldiers and his family. ``He loved kids. He had a real passion for our students,'' recalled Valley Central School District Superintendent Joseph P. Zanetti.

And as noted by all of those who were fortunate enough to know him, First Lieutenant Allen had a unique gift for making everyone around him feel more positive and happier. A family statement issued following his death perhaps best characterizes First Lieutenant Allen's effect on his loved ones: ``Everybody loved Lou for his Lou-ness.''

Mr. Speaker, the life and legacy of First Lieutenant Louis E. Allen stands as a testament to the brave servicemen and -women who have also dedicated their lives to serving our Nation in the United States military. It is my hope that we can honor this young soldier through the passage of H.R. 2877 and by designating the Chester Post Office in his honor.

With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I again urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join with Mr. Hall, the principal sponsor of this resolution, in honoring First Lieutenant Louis Allen through the passage of H.R. 2877.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 209) commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Daughters of Penelope, a preeminent international women's association and affiliate organization of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), as amended.

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

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 209 for consideration. This resolution recognizes the significant contribution of American citizens of Greek ancestry and the Daughters of Penelope.

At the outset, I would like to take a moment to express my deepest condolences to the sponsor of this resolution, my friend and colleague, Mrs. Maloney of New York, on the recent loss of her beloved husband, Clifton. Please know that our thoughts and our prayers are with the Congresswoman and her entire family.

Mr. Speaker, the measure before us was introduced on March 4 by Mrs. Maloney and favorably reported out of the Oversight Committee on July 10, 2009, by unanimous consent. Notably, this measure enjoys the support of over 50 Members of Congress.

Mr. Speaker, let us take a moment to recognize the significant contributions Greek Americans have made to the United States. Greek Americans such as Senator Paul Sarbanes and Congressman John Sarbanes of Maryland have served their communities, and Greek Americans have served in our Armed Forces in every war since World War I. Greek Americans have enhanced the art world with works by directors such as Elia Kazan and performers such as Olympia Dukakis.

Further, the resolution makes mention of the Daughters of Penelope. Founded in 1929, the Daughters of Penelope was formed by Alexandra Apostolides Sonenfeld with the help and support of her husband, Dr. Emmanuel Apostolides.

With local chapters in the United States, Canada and Greece, the Daughters of Penelope is a nonpartisan and nondenominational organization that promotes Hellenic heritage and its ideals. Notably, the organization's dedicated members are encouraged to participate in meaningful community service projects, making the Daughters of Penelope a leader in charitable and educational activities.

In its 80 years, the Daughters of Penelope has made great gains in helping women all over the world realize their dreams and leadership potential. Moreover, the Daughters of Penelope has made significant contributions here at home through the organization's commitment to philanthropy and volunteerism, by supporting various charities, sponsoring affordable housing for senior citizens, and by helping spread awareness and providing financial support for medical research. The Daughters of Penelope also sponsors the Penelope Shelter Home for Battered Women, which helps women of all races and faiths during times of need.

Mr. Speaker, let's take a moment to recognize the considerable contributions of Greek Americans to the United States and celebrate the achievements of the Daughters of Penelope through the passage of House Resolution 209.

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

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the kind words of the gentleman from Kentucky, and we continue to reserve.

Again, Mr. Speaker, I ask that Members on both sides support Mrs. Maloney, the lead sponsor of this resolution, H. Res. 209, honoring Greek Americans and their contribution to the United States.

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

I thank the gentlelady for her courtesy and the time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the rule for H.R. 2647, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010.

In addition to the bill's robust support of our national defense and national security programs, H.R. 2647 includes several key Federal employee initiatives which will come under my jurisdiction as the chairman of the Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and District of Columbia Subcommittee. I am pleased to report that the bill significantly enhances the Federal Government's recruitment and retention capabilities, as well as further bolstering agency management and worker productivity.

The underlying bill will now allow the Federal Employees Retirement System to provide employees with retirement credit for unused sick time. Under the current system, we have half of our employees that are allowed to get credit for unused sick time, and the

others are encouraged to use their sick time whether they need it or not.

Under this new bill, Federal workers, managers, and agencies will have the flexibility they have long called for. This is a great change in our personnel management system.

Additionally, this legislation fixes a civil service retirement annuity calculation problem for those employees who wish to phase down to part-time at the end of their working careers. Under the existing system, senior employees--many times our most valuable senior employees--are forced to simply retire and not work part-time at the end of their career in order to train their successors, because the calculation would hurt their pension if they work part-time at the end of their career. This change will obviously correct that inequity.

The Office of Personnel Management supports that as a way to retain the skill-set and knowledge of employees who are nearing the end of their careers and who want to work part time to help train future agency leaders.

Also included is a provision that allows D.C. court employees to be compensated for lost retirement credits when those workers were involuntarily transferred to Federal service.

H.R. 2647 will also terminate DOD's disastrous so-called pay-for- performance personnel system.

I would like to extend my gratitude to Ike Skelton, chairman of the Armed Services Committee, and Buck McKeon, the ranking member, as well as Members Jim Moran from Virginia, Mr. Connolly from Virginia, Mr. Van Hollen from Maryland, and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton from the District of Columbia, and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer for their efforts on behalf of the Federal workforce.

Mr. Speaker, I conclude my remarks by thanking Chairwoman Slaughter for the time and restating my support for the rule.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3547) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 936 South 250 East in Provo, Utah, as the ``Rex E. Lee 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.

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

Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the subcommittee with jurisdiction over the United States Postal Service, I am proud to present H.R. 3547 for consideration. This legislation designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 936 South 250 East Street in Provo, Utah, as the ``Rex E. Lee Post Office Building.''

The measure before us was introduced on September 10 by my friend and colleague, Ranking Member Jason Chaffetz of Utah, and it was favorably reported out of the Oversight Committee on September 24, 2009, by unanimous consent. In addition, this measure enjoys the full support of the Utah House delegation.

Since it is the legislation sponsored by my friend, I will allow him to fill in the details.

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

Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague's support of this bill and authorship and thank him for his energy on behalf of this measure.

The object of H.R. 3547, as my friend has indicated, will dedicate the United States Postal Service facility in Provo, Utah, to the life and legacy of Mr. Rex Lee.

Mr. Lee dedicated his entire life to serving others, as my friend has noted. In 1972 he left a very promising legal career as a partner at the prestigious Arizona law firm of Jennings, Strouss & Salmon to become the founding dean of the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University.

It's no exaggeration to say that Mr. Lee's hard work as the law school's first dean really and truly put it on a track to become one of today's top American law schools.

After a successful tenure at the J. Reuben Clark Law School, Mr. Lee entered the field of public service, began his career as an assistant Attorney General in charge of the civil division of the United States Department of Justice from 1975 to 1976, and then went on to serve as Solicitor General for the United States from 1981 to 1985.

As Solicitor General, Mr. Lee was able to focus his attention on his favorite legal practice area: litigation. And he argued several cases before the United States Supreme Court.

During his time as America's Solicitor General, Mr. Lee developed a distinct and enduring reputation as a man of principle. In fact, he was so passionate that up until the time of his death Mr. Lee was still in the midst of preparation for arguing another case before the Supreme Court.

After resigning from his position as Solicitor General, Mr. Lee returned to Brigham Young University in 1986; and shortly thereafter, he was regrettably diagnosed with cancer. Following a year of medical treatment and therapy, Mr. Lee recovered for a time and was named president of BYU. He served the Brigham Young University community with distinction from July 1, 1989, through December 31, 1995, leaving the position 2\1/2\ months before he passed away on March 11, 1996.

Although Mr. Lee is no longer with us, his memory lives on through his wife, Janet, his seven children, 10 grandchildren, and all of those who were fortunate enough to know him.

As my friend, Mr. Chaffetz from Utah, has noted, Mr. Lee earned the great respect of quite a few people at the United States Supreme Court, and those quotes have been included.

In closing, I wholeheartedly support this measure, and I urge all of my colleagues to join with Mr. Chaffetz, the gentleman from Utah, and myself in favor of voting for H.R. 3547.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, in closing I encourage all of my friends on both sides of the aisle to join with Mr. Chaffetz, the gentleman from Utah, and myself in honoring the life of Rex Lee by voting in favor of

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2174) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 18 Main Street in Howland, Maine, as the ``Clyde Hichborn Post Office''.

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

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present H.R. 2174 for consideration.

This measure will designate the United States Postal Service facility located at 18 Main Street in Howland, Maine, as the ``Clyde Hichborn Post Office''.

Introduced by my friend and colleague, Representative Michael Michaud of Maine, on April 29, 2009, and reported out of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee on May 6, 2009, by unanimous consent, H.R. 2174 enjoys the support of the entire Maine House delegation.

Born on August 29, 1920, Clyde Hichborn dedicated over 60 years of his life to public service. A distinguished veteran of the United States Army, Mr. Hichborn served during World War II, including a 2- year tour in the European theater as captain in the Adjutant General Corps.

Additionally, after receiving his bachelor's degree in education and a master's degree in school administration, Mr. Hichborn served his local community in the town of Howland as a long-time superintendent of schools. Notably, the Hichborn Middle School in Howland was named in his honor for his admirable service in the field of education.

Mr. Hichborn's dedication to his local community also included service as a town selectman, a town manager, and subsequently, a State legislator. Specifically, Mr. Hichborn's tenure in the Maine State Legislature included eight terms in the Maine House of Representatives, one term in the Maine State Senate, and service on the joint standing committees on education, transportation, appropriations, economic development, and State and local government.

Mr. Hichborn's legislative efforts in the Maine State House reflected his prior experience as an educator and town official. Mr. Hichborn focused his attention on school funding and improvements as well as enhancing the local business environment.

In addition to his distinguished career in public service, Mr. Hichborn is also fondly remembered for his love of adventure and his willingness to confront any challenge. In 1980, Mr. Hichborn embarked on a 7-hour climb to the top of Mt. Katahdin, the highest peak in the State of Maine, on his 80th birthday.

Regrettably, Mr. Hichborn passed away on March 31, 2005, at the age of 94.

Mr. Speaker, let us honor this outstanding public servant through the passage of this bill, which designates the Howland Post Office in honor of Clyde Hichborn. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting

Mr. Speaker, at this point, I would like to yield 5 minutes to the lead sponsor of this bill, Mr. Mike Michaud of Maine who is also, as we have seen earlier today, a very powerful and able member of our Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I again urge my colleagues to join with me, Mr. Chaffetz, and the lead sponsor of this resolution, Mr. Michaud of Maine, in honoring Clyde Hichborn through the passage of

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2092) to amend the National Children's Island Act of 1995 to expand allowable uses for Kingman and Heritage Islands by the District of Columbia, and for other purposes, as amended.

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 the amended version of H.R. 2092, the Kingman and Heritage Islands Act of 2009, for consideration. This legislation would permit the District of Columbia to use Kingman and Heritage Islands for educational, environmental, and recreational purposes, thereby benefiting District residents and visitors.

I would like to thank the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton) for introducing this bill and for her hard work and advocacy in support of this legislation. I would also like to thank our committee chairman, Ed Towns of Brooklyn, New York, for his leadership and support on this particular measure.

Kingman and Heritage Islands were created in the Anacostia River from sediment gathered by the Army Corps of Engineers back in 1916. The islands were managed by the National Park Service of the Department of the Interior from 1916 to 1996. In 1996, Congress passed the National Children's Island Act which required the Federal Government, specifically the Secretary of the Interior, to transfer title of these islands to the District of Columbia for use as a children's recreational park. The law included a reversionary provision allowing the Department of the Interior to reclaim the islands if the theme park was not built, which is the reason H.R. 2092 is now needed.

In the years following passage of the Children's Island Act, a variety of problems, including lengthy litigation, prevented full implementation of the original goal. The National Park Service did not take any steps towards reclaiming the land for another use. As times have changed, the District no longer believes that a theme park is the best use of the space.

In 2003, the District of Columbia developed the Anacostia Waterfront Framework Plan to redevelop and revitalize the Anacostia waterfront pursuant to a memorandum of understanding between the District and several Federal agencies, including the National Park Service. The waterfront plan envisions the use of the islands for nature-focused exhibitions and educational uses. The plan calls for a nature reserve park to restore the ecosystem and provide usable open space for visitors. The renovated islands will also include a memorial tree grove dedicated to District of Columbia schoolchildren who were victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

The District has taken steps towards implementing the plan by using the islands for environmental education programs. Currently, a renovated pedestrian bridge provides access to these islands for environmental programs and viewing by the general public.

H.R. 2092 would clarify that these activities are permissible under the law. The bill would amend the Children's Island Act to expand the allowable uses for the islands to include recreational, environmental, and educational uses consistent with the Anacostia Waterfront Plan.

The bill would retain a reversionary interest for the Federal Government for 30 years from the date of enactment of H.R. 2092. The Federal Government would be able to reclaim the islands in that period if the Secretary of the Interior determines that they are not being used for recreational, environmental, or educational purposes.

The provision retains a role for the Federal Government in ensuring that the islands are used for the purposes stated in the Children's Island Act, as amended by H.R. 2092. At the same time, the provision encourages the District of Columbia to use the islands for productive purposes.

As Chair of the subcommittee with jurisdiction and oversight over the District of Columbia, I am pleased to see that the District of Columbia government is moving forward with its plans to develop and provide appropriate environmental and educational experiences, particularly for its children and young people. I wholeheartedly support the city's efforts in this regard and urge my colleagues to do the same by voting in favor of H.R. 2092, the Kingman and Heritage Islands Act of 2009.

Lastly, Mr. Speaker, I would like to enter into the Record an exchange of letters between our committee, the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and the House's Natural Resources Committee, which expresses Chairman Rahall's and the Natural Resources Committee's support of H.R. 2092 and waives their jurisdictional interest in this bill.

House of Representatives,

Committee on Natural Resources,

Washington, DC, October 7, 2009.

Hon. Edolphus Towns,

Chairman, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform,

Rayburn H.O.B., Washington, DC.

Dear Mr. Chairman: Thank you for the opportunity to work

with you on H.R. 2092, the Kingman and Heritage Islands Act

of 2009, which contains matters within the jurisdiction of

the Committee on Natural Resources.

Knowing of your interest in expediting this legislation, I

will not seek a sequential referral of H.R. 2092. Of course,

this waiver is not intended to prejudice any future

jurisdictional claims over the provisions of this legislation

or similar language. I also reserve the right to seek to have

conferees named from the Committee on Natural Resources on

these provisions, and request your support if such a request

is made.

Please place this letter into the Congressional Record

during consideration of H.R. 2092 on the House floor.

With warm regards, I am

Sincerely,

Nick J. Rahall, II,

Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton), who is the sponsor, the lead sponsor and the driving force behind H.R. 2092.

Mr. Speaker, I simply ask all Members on both sides of the aisle to support this measure sponsored by Ms. Norton, the delegate from the District of Columbia, and also supported by Mr. Rahall, the chairman of Natural Resources.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 16) supporting the goals and ideals of National Life Insurance Awareness Month.

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

I now 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 16 for consideration. This resolution expresses our support for the goals and ideals of National Life Insurance Awareness Month.

House Resolution 16 was introduced on January 6, 2009, by my colleague, Representative Judy Biggert of Illinois, and favorably reported out of the Oversight Committee on September 24 by unanimous consent. In addition, this legislation enjoys the bipartisan support of over 50 Members of Congress.

Mr. Speaker, the life insurance industry estimates that approximately 68 million Americans lack sufficient life insurance coverage to safeguard the financial security of their families. Accordingly, House Resolution 16 seeks to increase the awareness regarding the importance of life insurance products to the financial security of American families by supporting the goals and ideals of National Life Insurance Awareness Month.

While preparing for the inevitable may be a difficult task, it is a task that we should all take time to complete. Life insurance products are intended to better insure the financial security and stability of our loved ones by allowing them to meet impending and future financial obligations in the event of a death, disability or other uncertainty in their family. Given the importance of life insurance to sound financial planning, I would encourage all families to review their financial situations and consider life insurance products as a possible safeguard against the financial impact of an unforeseen event.

I'd like to thank the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Kanjorski) for offering this informative measure, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting House Resolution 16.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I will simply urge my colleagues to support this measure offered and sponsored by Mrs. Biggert of Illinois and also Mr. Kanjorski of Pennsylvania.

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. 693) honoring the life and accomplishments of Jim Johnson and extending the condolences of the House of Representatives to his family on the occasion of his death.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Res. 693.

Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Brady).

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am proud to present House Resolution 693 for consideration. This resolution serves to honor the life and accomplishments of NFL coaching legend Jim Johnson, as well as extend our condolences to the Johnson family on his passing.

The measure before us was introduced on July 29, 2009, by my colleague who spoke earlier, Representative Bob Brady of Pennsylvania.

This measure was reported out of the Oversight Committee on September 4, 2009, by unanimous consent.

Additionally, House Resolution 693 has been cosponsored by over 50 Members of Congress and enjoys strong support from the members of the Pennsylvania House delegation.

Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 693 honors the life and accomplishments of Mr. Jim Johnson, whose celebrated football career spanned over 40 years at the collegiate level and with the National Football League.

A native of Maywood, Illinois, Coach Johnson began his career in football as a player--first as an All-Big Eight quarterback from 1959 to 1962 at the University of Missouri, under Coach Dan Devine, and subsequently as a tight end with the Buffalo Bills of the American Football League from 1963 to 1964.

In 1967, Mr. Johnson turned his attention to coaching and was hired by Missouri Southern College as the head football coach. Coach Johnson's 2-year tenure at the school was followed by 4-year tours at Drake University and at Indiana University, and ultimately led to a 6- year stint as a defensive backs coach and defensive coordinator at the University of Notre Dame. Notably, the Fighting Irish won the national championship in Coach Johnson's first season with the team.

After leaving Notre Dame in 1984, Coach Johnson went on to coaching positions with the Oklahoma Outlaws and Jackson Bulls of the United States Football League, and in 1986 entered the National Football League as a defensive line and secondary coach for the Arizona Cardinals.

Coach Johnson would later join the defensive coaching staffs of the Indianapolis Colts and the Seattle Seahawks before Philadelphia Eagles Coach Andy Reid pursued and hired Johnson to be the Eagles' defensive coordinator in 1999. It is Coach Johnson's 10-year period with the Eagles that perhaps most epitomizes his mastery of defensive schemes and cemented his status, as noted by Andy Reid, as the ``best in the business at what he does.''

Coach Johnson's tenure in Philadelphia witnessed 26 Pro Bowl selections for the Eagles' defense, including seven by safety Brian Dawkins and five by quarterback Troy Vincent.

As noted by the Philadelphia Inquirer, Coach Johnson's Eagles career will be remembered as ``one of the finest decades of defensive football in the Eagles' history, and when the chapter about the top of the 21st century is written about this football team, the name Jim Johnson will be mentioned prominently.''

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Coach Johnson will be equally remembered as a loving husband to his wife, Vicky; a dedicated father to his son, Scott, and daughter, Michelle; and an endearing grandfather to four grandchildren.

Regrettably, Coach Johnson passed away in July of 2009 at the age of 68. Mr. Speaker, it is my hope that we can honor the life and accomplishments of Coach Jim Johnson, as well as express our sincerest condolences to his family, through the passage of House Resolution 693. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution.

I reserve the balance of my time.

In closing, I urge my colleagues to join with the lead sponsor of this resolution, Bob Brady of Pennsylvania, in supporting House Resolution 693.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 186) supporting the goals and ideals of Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month.

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

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, I'm proud to present House Concurrent Resolution 186 for consideration. This legislation expresses our support for the goals and ideals of Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month.

The measure before us was introduced on September 16, 2009, by my colleague and good friend, Representative

Danny Davis of Illinois, and favorably reported out of the Oversight Committee on September 24, 2009, by unanimous consent. In addition, this measure enjoys the support of over 70 Members of Congress, and I am proud to say that I am also an original cosponsor.

Mr. Speaker, House Concurrent Resolution 186 highlights the importance of Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month. Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that predominantly affects people of sub-Saharan African ancestry. Today, an estimated 70,000 to 100,000 Americans suffer from this disease, and nearly 1 in 500 African American newborns is born with sickle cell.

Individuals with sickle cell have red blood cells that assume a rigid sickle shape. When these blood cells travel through small blood vessels, they often become stuck and clog blood flow. This causes repeated episodes of severe pain, organ damage, serious infections, and/or anemia.

Tragically, the life expectancy of those with sickle cell is also greatly reduced--42 years for males and 48 years for females. In Africa, more than 90 percent of children with sickle cell die before the illness is even diagnosed.

There is no cure for this illness; although, with careful supervision, individuals with sickle cell can live full and healthy lives. Treatment today is primarily aimed at avoiding crises, relieving symptoms, and preventing complications.

Despite its prevalence and seriousness, little is known publicly about sickle cell disease. For this reason, Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month presents a valuable opportunity to increase public understanding of this illness and to work collectively to find a cure for sickle cell.

In closing, I wholeheartedly support this measure and encourage all my colleagues to join myself and Representative Danny Davis of Illinois in voting in favor of House Concurrent Resolution 186.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I don't have any further speakers on this matter, but I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

I thank my colleague, and I also urge all of our friends on both sides of the aisle to join with Congressman Danny Davis, who's the lead sponsor of this measure, to support the ideals and goals of Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month by voting for House Concurrent Resolution 186.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 725) congratulating the Chula Vista Park View Little League team of Chula Vista, California, for winning the 2009 Little League World Series Championship.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the lead sponsor of this resolution, the gentleman from California (Mr. Filner).

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to support House Resolution 725 for consideration. This resolution congratulates the Chula Vista Park View Little League team of Chula Vista, California, for winning the 2009 Little League World Series championship. The measure before us was introduced on September 9 by my colleague and friend, Representative Bob Filner of California, and it was favorably reported out of the Oversight Committee on September 24 by unanimous consent. Notably, this measure enjoys the support of over 50 Members of Congress.

Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 725 applauds the Chula Vista Park View Little League baseball team's Little League World Series championship run. Led by Coach Ric Ramirez and Manager Oscar Castro, this group of young men clinched the sixth Little League World Series title for the State of California and extended America's Little League World Series championship streak to 5 years.

In the championship game, the California club overcame a three-run deficit to beat a formidable team from Taipei, China, 6-3. These young men demonstrated the type of teamwork, camaraderie and never-say-never spirit necessary to succeed in all facets of life. I wish them the best in their future endeavors, and I hope if any pursue a career in baseball, they find their way to my beloved Red Sox.

I also want to applaud the Little League World Series organizers for orchestrating another successful tournament. The Little League World Series was first held in 1947, and although only American teams competed in the inaugural tournament, today the competition is a truly international event, welcoming teams from Canada, the Caribbean, Latin America, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

In closing, let us, as a body, applaud the Chula Vista Park View Little League baseball team for their hard work and success and congratulate the organizers of the Little League World Series for helping to instill the indispensable values of teamwork, sportsmanship, and dedication in today's youth. I encourage all of my colleagues to support this measure.

I reserve the balance of my time.

I thank my colleague for his remarks. I want to ask all of our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join with Mr. Filner of California, the lead sponsor of this measure, to congratulate the Chula Vista Park View Little League team by agreeing to House Resolution 725.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 734) expressing the support for and honoring September 17, 2009 as ``Constitution Day,'' as amended.

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.

On behalf of the Oversight Committee, I now present House Resolution 734 for consideration. This resolution expresses support for the goals and ideals embodied in Constitution Day. House Resolution 734 was introduced on September 10, 2009, by my colleague, Representative Robert Latta of Ohio, and favorably reported out of the Oversight Committee on September 24, 2009. In addition, this resolution enjoys the support of over 60 Members of Congress.

Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 734 expresses our support for Constitution Day, which is routinely celebrated on September 17. Eleven years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, 55 delegates from the first American States came together in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to create a Constitution for a Federal Republic. After much hard work and careful deliberation, the Constitution of the United States was signed on September 17, 1787, by 39 delegates from 12 States.

As the supreme law of the United States, the Constitution provides the basic structure for the organization of the American Government. It is no exaggeration to say that the United States Constitution is one of the most important documents in history, often referred to as a living document. This framework from our representative and democratic system of government has served the American people for over 200 years, making it the oldest Federal Constitution still in use in the world. With its separation of powers, its checks and balances and preservation of rights, the Constitution is a worthy example to burgeoning democracies everywhere.

Furthermore, the values and principles it enshrines continue to be central to our Nation's identity. I am sure my colleagues share my pride in serving, protecting and defending the United States Constitution, and I am pleased that we are taking the opportunity today to honor this most treasured document of our democracy.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting House Resolution 734.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, we have no further speakers at this time, and I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues for their remarks and support of this resolution. I urge them to support Mr. Latta and his lead sponsorship of this resolution in support of the goals and ideals of Constitution Day, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting House Resolution 734.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, Mr. Markey, the dean of the New England delegation, for reserving this time in order for us to pay a special tribute to our friend and colleague, Senator Ted Kennedy. If you have been watching tonight, you will notice that the Members with the most seniority have been given the privilege to speak first, which is the way it works down here. The longer you are here, the more you appreciate that. However, I am one of the more junior members of the delegation, and unlike some of the fellows that have been around here forever, like Mr. Markey and Mr. Frank and Mr. Delahunt, I had a relatively short time, 8 years, to spend working with Ted Kennedy. And I cherish every one of those years. But in addition to working with Ted, as a colleague--and Ted could, he could get it done. He could get it done. And I was always amazed at that.

But I also had a different perspective of Ted Kennedy. I saw him in action before I came to this House. I grew up in the public housing projects in South Boston, the Old Colony housing projects. And I can tell you that whether you lived in the housing projects in Old Colony in Southie or Bromley-Heath or Mission Main or Franklin Field, if you grew up, if your family struggled to make ends meet in public housing, no one in public housing had a better champion, a more valiant and noble champion than Ted Kennedy. And that's really the first perspective that I had of Ted Kennedy as someone who was working for our benefit as a family growing up in public housing and in pretty tough circumstances. He was there for us.

I also had a perspective of working as an iron worker for 18 years, strapping on a pair of work boots, becoming a union president for the iron workers. I can say from that perspective as well, whether you were an iron worker, like I was, working in the building trades with a lot of my union brothers and sisters, or whether you worked on a factory floor, or maybe you were a nurse going out every day working double shifts and overtime, or you were a policeman or a fireman, no working person in this country had a more gallant champion to protect their rights and protect the conditions on the job than we had in Ted Kennedy. And the outpouring of love that we saw during the memorial service and the wake and the funeral and even during Ted's illness, it reflected that collective experience of

not only the people of Massachusetts but of New England and the United States. And it was something to see.

My mom raised us in public housing, and when the motorcade came along Carson Beach in the shadow of the housing project where we grew up, my mom insisted that I help her down there--she's not as young as she used to be, but I helped her down there and just to give respect to the Kennedy family and to Ted during that last journey, last part of his journey. There is a saying from the iron workers, especially in the steel mills, that the strongest steel comes through the hottest fire. And really, when you looked at Ted's life and saw what he accomplished and the challenges that he had; his brother, President of the United States, taken in violence; his brother, the Attorney General, candidate for the presidency, taken from us in the same way; the huge challenges to Ted. They were unthinkable, unimaginable, yet he worked through it, and not only did he overcome that, but he also reached out to other people and shared a strength that he gathered from those experiences.

I'll never forget--this is my only Ted Kennedy story that I'll relate tonight, but I was a freshman, actually, I was very early in my career as a State Representative, and we had six of our brave fire fighters killed in a terrible fire in Worcester, Massachusetts. We all went to the Worcester Centrum for that ceremony. The families were there and every seat was taken and every bit of space on the floor was taken. The place was filled to the rafters. And that's where I was sitting, far above the floor. But I'll remember Ted's remarks. Here are six families that just lost their loved ones. And Ted Kennedy, you know, you could have heard a pin drop in that Centrum that day.

He basically said to the family--I'll never forget his words. He said, From my own experience, I have found that every once in a while life breaks your heart. And even though there were thousands and thousands and thousands of people in that Centrum that day, in reality, it was just Ted and it was just those six families, and he was helping them through that. And that's a gift.

We all go to wakes and funerals and try to help families through tough times, but I never saw anybody carry it off with the grace and the profound empathy and love that Ted was able to accomplish.

I just want to say that I'm delighted that we had an opportunity tonight to say our thoughts and to share our concerns for Ted's family, Patrick and the entire family. We know what they're going through.

I think the test of all of us who are born on this Earth, the true test of our time, however short it is on this Earth, is whether the work we do while we're on this Earth is going to live after us and is it going to positively affect the people that we leave behind.

By any measure, by any test, Ted has passed that test with flying colors. He has left the power of his example for all of us to try to follow.

I want to thank you, the dean of our delegation, Ed Markey, for the opportunity to share my thoughts. My prayers and the prayers of my family go out to the Kennedy family.