Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 441) honoring the historical contributions of Catholic sisters 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.

Mr. Speaker, 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 441 for consideration. This legislation honors and commends Catholic sisters for their humble service and courageous sacrifice throughout United States history and additionally supports the goals of the ``Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America'' traveling exhibit.

The measure before us was introduced on May 14, 2009 by my colleague and friend, Representative Marcy Kaptur of Ohio, and was favorably reported out of the Oversight Committee on September 10, 2009 by unanimous consent. Notably, this measure enjoys the support of over 60 Members of Congress.

Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 441 honors the altruistic Catholic sisters, whose passion for public service has helped shape our Nation's social and cultural landscape. Since arriving in the United States almost 300 years ago, Catholic sisters have established schools, colleges, hospitals, orphanages, homeless shelters, and various other institutions to provide for those in need. These unsung heroes have served millions of Americans as nurses, as teachers, social workers, and they continue to do so today. The Catholic sisters have also helped to educate countless young Americans by establishing the Nation's largest private school system and founding over 110 colleges and universities.

Moreover, in 2005 roughly one in six hospital patients in the United States was treated in a Catholic facility. There are many, many accomplishments which I could cite in support of this resolution and of this traveling exhibit, but I think it's important to note just a few:

The first Catholic sisters in our country to live and work here in the service of our people were nine Ursuline Sisters who journeyed from France to New Orleans in 1727. At least nine sisters of the United States' orders have been martyred since 1980 while working for social justice and for human rights overseas. Dorothy Stang, sister of Notre Dame, was martyred in Brazil in 2005.

There were 32,000 Catholic sisters in the United States who taught 400,000 children at 2,000 parochial schools by the year 1880. There were 180,000 Catholic sisters who taught nearly 4.5 million children in 1965. Today, there are approximately 59,000 Catholic sisters still serving in the United States.

I owe much of my own education to the good sisters of Notre Dame, who taught me the fear of God, and I am forever in their debt. I ask all of our Members to support this resolution.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I ask my friends on both sides of the aisle to take a moment to recognize the priceless contributions of the Catholic sisters in America and to thank them for their humble service and courageous sacrifices throughout United States history by agreeing to House Resolution 441.

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. 2215) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 140 Merriman Road in Garden City, Michigan, as the ``John J. Shivnen Post Office Building''.

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

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 pleased to present H.R. 2215 for consideration. This legislation will designate the United States Postal facility located at 140 Merriman Road in Garden City, Michigan, as the ``John J. Shivnen Post Office Building.''

Introduced on April 30, 2009, by my colleague, Representative Thad McCotter of Michigan, H.R. 2215 was favorably reported out of the Oversight Committee on September 10, 2009, by unanimous consent. Additionally, this legislation enjoys the support of the entire sitting Michigan delegation.

Mr. Speaker, the dedication of the Garden City Post Office in honor of John J. Shivnen is particularly fitting in light of Mr. Shivnen's dedicated and unparalleled service to the United States Postal Service and to his beloved Garden City community.

Specifically, Mr. Shivnen served as the postmaster of Garden City for 30 years until his retirement in 1996. In addition, Mr. Shivnen was an active member of the National Association of Postmasters of the United States for over 40 years, during which time he served in multiple leadership capacities, including area and county director, legislative chairman, parliamentarian, and postmaster representative. Moreover, Mr. Shivnen played an instrumental role with respect to the site selection and construction of the current Garden City Post Office.

In addition to his professional contributions to the Garden City community, Mr. Shivnen also demonstrated a lifelong commitment to community service. During his stewardship of the Garden City Post Office, Mr. Shivnen established an annual Christmas Basket program through which disadvantaged local families received much needed gift and food donations. Mr. Shivnen was also a dedicated member of the Garden City Lions Club service organization. Following his retirement, he remained an active member of several other community groups until his health no longer allowed him to continue.

Notably, among Mr. Shivnen's last community service projects was the creation of a replica of a rural post office located at the Garden City Historical Museum. In support of this effort, Mr. Shivnen purchased a majority of the replica items, performed much of the restoration work himself, and even paid for a portion of the contract work.

In recognition of Mr. Shivnen's contributions to the project, which was completed shortly before his passing, the Garden City Historical Museum Board honored Mr. Shivnen's legacy by hosting his wake at the museum. Regrettably, Mr. Shivnen passed away in January of 2007.

Mr. Speaker, it is my hope that we can honor his lifelong commitment to public and community service through the passage of this legislation to designate the Garden City Post Office in his honor. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 2215.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I again urge my colleagues to support Mr. McCotter and us in honoring Mr. John J. Shivnen through the passing of H.R. 2215. I yield back the remainder 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 concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 163) expressing support for designation of September 23, 2009, as ``National Job Corps Day''.

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 Committee, I am pleased to present House Concurrent Resolution 163 for consideration. This legislation expresses support for the designation of September 23, 2009, as ``National Job Corps Day.''

The measure before us was introduced on July 8, 2009, by my colleague, Representative Jerry Moran of Kansas, and it was favorably reported out of the Oversight Committee on September 10, 2009, by unanimous consent. Additionally, this legislation currently enjoys the support of over 65 Members of Congress.

Mr. Speaker, House Concurrent Resolution 163 supports the designation of September 23 as ``National Job Corps Day.'' Administered by the United States Department of Labor, the Job Corps is the Nation's largest career technical training and educational program for young people over the age of 16. The Job Corps offers a wide array of services, including career planning, on-the-job training, job placement, residential housing, food services, and driver education.

Since its inception via the 1964 Economic Opportunity Act, the Job Corps has provided countless young Americans with the academic, vocational and social skills training needed to help them obtain meaningful jobs and to pursue further educational opportunities.

In light of the recent economic crisis, the various services and programs offered by the Job Corps have never been more important for America's youth and for the entire Nation. The Job Corps helps to ensure that America's workforce remains capable of handling the challenges of our rapidly changing world.

Notably, the Job Corps boasts 123 centers nationwide, including centers in the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Of these 123 centers, my own congressional district is the proud home of the Job Corps' Boston regional office. This terrific regional office oversees Job Corps centers in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

In closing, I am delighted to support House Concurrent Resolution 163, and I urge all of our friends and Members to join me in recognizing the continuing success of the Job Corps.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I again urge my colleagues to support the designation of September 23, 2009, as National Job Corps Day by agreeing to House Concurrent Resolution 163.

I yield back the balance of our time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2971) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 630 Northeast Killingsworth Avenue in Portland, Oregon, as the ``Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 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 time to the gentleman from North Dakota (Mr. Pomeroy) so that he may speak on the bill that just passed.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present H.R. 2971 for consideration. This legislation, as my colleague noted, will designate the United States postal facility located at 630 Northeast Killingsworth Avenue, in Portland, Oregon, as the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Post Office.

Introduced on June 19, 2009, by my colleague, Representative Earl Blumenauer of Oregon, H.R. 2971 was favorably reported out of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee on July 10, 2009, by unanimous consent. Additionally, this legislation enjoys the support of the entire Oregon House delegation.

My friend from Utah has articulated very well the events, the life and legacy of Dr. King, from his leadership in helping to organize the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955 to his riveting ``I Have a Dream'' speech in front of the Lincoln Memorial not far from this spot, and also the passion of his pursuit of nonviolent protest to change opinions, attitudes and opportunity in this country.

Dr. King served to remind this Nation of its fundamental responsibility to safeguard the natural, God-given rights of all men and women, so that all people in this country would be free to pursue our goals and aspirations without limit.

Mr. Speaker, it is my hope that we can further honor the great life and legacy of Dr. King by joining our colleague from the State of Oregon and supporting the passage of this legislation to designate the Northeast Killingsworth Avenue post office in his honor.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 2971.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I again urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., through the passage of

I yield back the remainder of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am writing to offer my strong support of H.R. 22, the United States Postal Service Financial Relief Act of 2009, as amended, which would provide short-term relief in the form of a 1-year restructuring of the Postal Service's retiree health benefits payment. The Postal Service, after having overpaid this obligation for the past couple of years, deserves to have this payment restructured, immediately. I need to also mention that the bill before us does not constitute a bailout of the Postal Service, in any form or fashion. Instead, it is intended to provide the Postal Service with some relief from an ill-structured payment schedule that would have required the Postal Service to pay nearly $5.5 billion into the retiree health benefits fund this year, notwithstanding USPS current financial crisis. The bill before us simply lowers that payment to $1.4 billion, thereby ensuring that the Postal Service will not default on its financial requirements as defined by the 2006 Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act. Additionally, the bill before us falls in line with calls for a more fiscally responsible government, since the amended version of H.R. 22 does not score.

In 2006, Congress placed an unprecedented burden on the Postal Service by requiring the prepayment of 80 percent of future retiree health benefits--a 75-year liability--in just 10 years. No other Federal agency carries this burden. Our subcommittee has held oversight hearings of the Postal Service in the 111th Congress, and during that time the financial condition of the Postal Service has rapidly gone from bad to worse. The Postal Service is faced with rising costs and unprecedented declines in mail volume. The losses were driven by the nationwide economic recession, diversion of mail to electronic alternatives, and also by the aggressive payment schedule for retiree health benefits required by the 2006 postal reform act. The Postal Service's fiscal year 2008 payment total for current and future retiree health benefits was roughly $7 billion. It is likely that without these payments last year, the Postal Service would not have reported a net loss of over $2 billion in fiscal year 2008. The future does not appear to be getting better. Although the Postal Service has targeted $6.5 billion in savings through closures of administrative offices, an agency-wide hiring freeze, reduction of work hours, and readjustment of delivery routes, among other efforts, the Postal Service nonetheless expects losses for this year to exceed $7 billion.

Again, H.R. 22, as amended, provides the Postal Service some much needed short-term relief and improves the organization's cash position. As currently structured, the Postal Service is almost entirely self- sustaining. In fact, less than 1 percent of the Postal Service's budget is appropriated by Congress. While the measure being considered today should not be substituted for a longer-term solution to the Postal Service's financial problems, it is, nevertheless a critical component to a mix of strategies to assist the Postal Service in these dismal economic times. In the coming months, our subcommittee will continue to provide oversight of the Postal Service, including an in-depth examination of the Postal Service's business model to help determine what longer-term changes may be necessary to help the Postal Service return to financial viability.

In closing, I would like to thank Representatives John McHugh of New York and Denny Davis of Illinois for introducing this bill and for their hard work in advancing this bill through the House. Additionally, I would like to thank Chairman Edolphus Towns, the House leadership, and the House Budget Committee for their tireless efforts to bring the bill to the floor. Lastly, I want to recognize Representatives Darrell Issa and Jason Chaffetz for their ongoing assistance on this important piece of legislation. I again express my strong support, Mr. Speaker, of approving H.R. 22 as amended, and I encourage my colleagues to do the same.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3119) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 867 Stockton Street in San Francisco, California, as the ``Lim Poon Lee Post Office''.

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

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

Madam Speaker, as chairman of the House subcommittee with jurisdiction over the United States Postal Service, I am pleased to present H.R. 3119 for consideration. This legislation will designate the United States postal facility located at 867 Stockton Street in San Francisco, California, as the ``Lim Poon Lee Post Office.''

Introduced by the Speaker of the House, Ms. Pelosi of California, on July 7, 2009, and reported out of the Oversight Committee on July 10, 2009, by unanimous consent, H.R. 3119 enjoys the strong support of the entire California House delegation.

Born in Hong Kong in 1911, Lim Poon Lee and his family immigrated to San Francisco, California, when he was only 8 months old. Following his distinguished service as a United States Army counterintelligence specialist during World War II, Mr. Lee received his undergraduate education at the College of the Pacific and his Juris Doctor at the Lincoln University School of Law.

Mr. Lee would then go on to serve his beloved San Francisco community through his longtime service as a social worker, juvenile probation officer, and as a writer for the monthly Chinatown news magazine, Chinese Digest.

In 1966, Mr. Lee achieved further distinction when he was selected by President Lyndon Baines Johnson for appointment as the postmaster of San Francisco. Notably, Mr. Lee's appointment at the time was the highest Federal appointive post ever held by a Chinese American.

Mr. Lee's subsequent 14-year tenure as the postmaster of San Francisco was marked by his dedicated and successful effort to increase the hiring of minority and disabled persons, as well as the inauguration of an alcohol recovery program for post office employees.

During his later years, Mr. Lee continued his admirable commitment to public service through his service as a Methodist chaplain and his membership on the boards of several community organizations, including the Chinatown YMCA, the Chinese American Civil Council, and the Chinatown

Community Service Organization. Additionally, Mr. Lee was well known in San Francisco as the master of ceremonies for the city's annual Chinese New Year parade for several years.

Regrettably, Mr. Lee passed away in 2002 at the age of 91. Madam Speaker, let us honor this dedicated public servant and distinguished Chinese American and postal employee through the passage of this legislation to name the San Francisco Chinatown Post Office in his honor, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 3119.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, at this time, I would like to yield such time as she may consume to the gentlelady from California, the Speaker of the House, Ms. Pelosi.

Madam Speaker, at this time, I would like to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Honda).

Madam Speaker, I simply want to thank Speaker Pelosi for bringing this bill forward. I thank Mr. Honda for his remarks and the ranking member for his comments as well. And I ask that all Members join us in honoring Lim Poon Lee by naming the San Francisco Chinatown Post Office in his honor.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 534) supporting the goals and ideals of ``National Children and Families Day.''

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

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

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 534, the resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Children and Families Day. The strength of our Nation relies heavily upon the future success of today's children. To ensure this success, families across the Nation work hard to instill resiliency, health and wisdom in their children.

This bill was introduced on June 11 and was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The committee reported the bill by unanimous consent on June 10, and it comes to the House floor today with bipartisan support from over 56 cosponsors.

Madam Speaker, American families together make tremendous sacrifice each day to ensure the quality of their child's development. Families play a critical role in the care of children, including their health and developmental needs. Families, including those with children of special needs, should be encouraged to create safe and secure and supportive environments to foster confidence and self-esteem.

Madam Speaker, House Resolution 534 gives us the opportunity to celebrate and reflect upon the role that all these families play in developing well-rounded, well-educated children and the positive outcomes this creates for the Nation's future. We sincerely thank them for their contribution to our country.

And with that, Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

At this point I would take great pleasure to yield 5 minutes to the lead sponsor of this resolution, the gentlewoman from Maryland (Ms. Edwards).

I yield the gentlelady 1 additional minute.

Madam Speaker, I just ask all Members to support the gentlewoman from Maryland (Ms. Edwards) and her resolution, and I yield back the balance of our time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2972) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 115 West Edward Street in Erath, Louisiana, as the Conrad DeRouen, Jr. Post Office.

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

Madam Speaker, I now yield myself such time as I may consume. As chairman of the House subcommittee with jurisdiction over the United States Postal Service, I'm pleased to present H.R. 2972 for consideration. This legislation will designate the United States Postal Service Facility located at 115 West Edward Street in Erath, Louisiana, as the ``Conrad DeRouen, Jr. Post Office.''

Introduced by my colleague, Representative Charles Boustany of Louisiana, on June 19, 2009, and reported out of committee on July 10, 2009, by unanimous consent, H.R. 2972 enjoys the support of the entire Louisiana House delegation.

Born on February 12, 1921, Conrad ``Snookie'' DeRouen graduated from Erath High School in 1937, and subsequently attended Vanderbilt University, graduating with a master's degree in health and physical education.

At the age of 21, Conrad DeRouen volunteered for service in the United States Marine Corps and was commissioned as a second lieutenant at Quantico, Virginia. Following additional training at Camp Pendleton, Second Lieutenant DeRouen was deployed to the Asiatic theatre during World War II, serving with the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Division.

In July of 1944, after serving overseas for a few months, Second Lieutenant DeRouen was involved in the Battle of Saipan in the Marianas Islands. Regrettably, Second Lieutenant DeRouen was gravely wounded in the neck by enemy forces and subsequently died from his wounds at the age of 23.

In recognition of his distinguished service, Second Lieutenant DeRouen posthumously received the Navy Cross, awarded for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force and going beyond the call of duty.

As noted by the accompanying citation, Second Lieutenant DeRouen, despite his wounds, ``gallantly refused to be evacuated and remained steadfast in his station until he collapsed from pain and blood loss.''

Additionally, the citation noted that, ``By his initiative, courage, and devotion to duty throughout these hazardous operations, Second Lieutenant DeRouen upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.''

Madam Speaker, Second Lieutenant Conrad DeRouen's life stands as a testament to the bravery and dedication of the heroic men and women who have offered the ultimate sacrifice in service to our Nation.

Let us together honor this distinguished Marine through the passage of this legislation to designate the West Edward Street Postal Facility in his honor.

I urge my colleagues to join Mr. Boustany, the lead sponsor of this resolution, in supporting H.R. 2972.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers at this time, but I will continue to reserve the balance of my time.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 566) congratulating the 2008-2009 National Basketball Association Champions, the Los Angeles Lakers, on an outstanding and historic season.

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

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

Madam Speaker, as chairman of the House Subcommittee on the Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and the District of Columbia and on behalf of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, I am pleased to join my colleagues, and principally Ms. Waters from the State of California, in the consideration of H. Res. 566, which provides for the recognition of the National Basketball Association Champion Los Angeles Lakers for capturing their 15th NBA championship.

House Resolution 566 was introduced by Representative Maxine Waters of California on June 19, 2009, and currently has the support and cosponsorship of 50 Members of Congress, none of whom are from the city of Boston, courtesy of Chairman Towns. The measure has been considered and approved by the Oversight Committee and now comes to the House floor as a means of highlighting the Lakers' successful 2008-2009 NBA season and their final victory.

Madam Speaker, the Los Angeles Lakers stand as one of sporting history's greatest franchises. The team was founded in 1946 in Detroit and moved to Minneapolis where it adopted its name, the Lakers, after Minnesota's State nickname, Land of 10,000 Lakes. The Lakers relocated to Los Angeles in 1960.

In the 1980s, the Lakers became one of the NBA's most electrifying and successful teams, winning five championships with Hall of Famers Earvin ``Magic'' Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy, and Coach Pat Riley. The Lakers' dominance extended into the 21st century as they won three consecutive NBA championships from 2000 to 2002.

Thanks to this year's impressive NBA Finals victory over the Orlando Magic, the Lakers now boast the NBA franchise record for the most wins, the highest winning percentage, and the most NBA Finals appearances. Of course, I would be remiss if I failed to mention that my own beloved Boston Celtics still hold the record for the most NBA Finals championships. You would think they would have picked someone else to do this resolution, but I am happy to congratulate a job well done.

Led by Head Coach Phil Jackson, one of the most successful coaches in NBA history, and Finals MVP Kobe Bryant, the Lakers' road to the NBA championship was lined with its fair share of challenges. While playing in the highly competitive Western Conference, the Lakers earned the conference's best regular season record and were dominant throughout the playoffs.

For this accomplishment, Madam Speaker, we stand to commend the Los Angeles Lakers franchise, the players, coaches and, of course, the diehard Lakers fans on a job well done. I am sure that the Lakers' championship is an enormous source of pride for the residents of Los Angeles, the surrounding area, and the great State of California as well.

In closing, I urge the adoption of House Resolution 566.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, at this time it gives me great pleasure to yield 5 minutes to the lead sponsor of this resolution, Ms. Maxine Waters.

Madam Speaker, I, as well, want to congratulate the Lakers and the gentlelady from California. I congratulate her on her resolution and for the victory that it represents.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 350) honoring the life and accomplishments of Harry Kalas for his invaluable contributions to the national past-time of baseball, the community, and the Nation.

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, on behalf of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to present House Resolution 350 for consideration. This resolution honors the life and accomplishment of Harry Kalas.

House Resolution 350 was introduced by my colleague, Representative Joe Sestak, on April 21, 2009, and was favorably reported out of the Oversight Committee by unanimous consent on June 18, 2009. Additionally, House Resolution 350 enjoys the support of over 50 Members of Congress.

Born on March 26, 1936 in Naperville, Illinois, Harry Kalas graduated from Naperville High School in 1954 and from the University of Iowa in 1959, after receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech, Radio and Television.

Following his graduation, Mr. Kalas served in the United States Army for 2 years, after which he began his distinguished career in broadcasting by calling baseball games for the University of Hawaii, as well as the Hawaii Islanders of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League.

In 1965, Mr. Kalas made his major league baseball debut as a sportscaster with the Houston Astros. Six years later he embarked on what would become a 39-year Hall of Fame career as a sports broadcaster with the Philadelphia Phillies, where he was ultimately paired with his good friend and Phillies' Hall of Famer, center fielder Richie Ashburn.

Nicknamed ``Harry the K'' by Phillies fans, Mr. Kalas originated his now-famous ``Outta Here'' home run call in the mid-1970s and, as the nearly 40-year voice of the Phillies, called a number of memorable Philadelphia and Major League Baseball moments. Among them were the first games played at the Houston Astrodome, Veterans Stadium and Citizens Bank Park, also Mike Schmidt's 500th home run, and every one of Steve Carlton's starts from 1972 to 1986, and, of course, the Phillies' two World Series championships in 1980 and in 2008.

In recognition of his distinguished career, Mr. Kalas received the Ford C. Frick Award in 2002 from the National Baseball Hall of Fame, which actually bestows the award to broadcasters who have made major contributions to the game of baseball.

However, Mr. Kalas' career was not limited to baseball. In addition to his work with the Phillies, Mr. Kalas called a variety of notable sports events over the course of his nearly 50-year career and served as the longtime voice of NFL films, as featured on the HBO program ``Inside the NFL.'' Mr. Kalas also lent his voice to a number of well- known commercials and television specials. But most importantly, Mr. Kalas will be equally remembered as a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Eileen, and father to his three sons, Todd, Brad, and Kane.

Regrettably, Harry Kalas passed away on April 13, 2009. In honor of their beloved friend and colleague, the 2009 Philadelphia Phillies can be seen wearing a black ``H.K.'' patch over the heart of their jerseys, and Mr. Kalas' famous home run call can currently be heard playing in Citizens Bank Park after every Phillies homer.

Additionally, the Phillies have renamed their TV broadcast booth the Harry Kalas Broadcast Booth.

Mr. Speaker, let us further honor this distinguished American through the passage of this commemorative resolution to honor his life and achievements.

I urge my colleagues to do so and support House Resolution 350.

I reserve the balance of my time.

I thank the gentleman from Florida for his remarks and adding that personal touch.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers at this time, and I will reserve.

Mr. Speaker, having no further speakers, I do want to ask all of our colleagues to join with the lead sponsor of this resolution, Mr. Sestak, in supporting his resolution honoring Mr. Kalas.

I yield back the balance of my time.

I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.

As the co-Chair of the House Task Force on Terrorist Financing and Nonproliferation, I rise to engage in a colloquy with my distinguished colleague, Chairwoman Lowey.

I would like to confirm that the $57 million requested by President Obama for nonproliferation, antiterrorism, demining, and related programs in Afghanistan, will be fully funded.

Is it the chairwoman's intent that those critical security and humanitarian-related activities will be funded at the President's requested level?

Thank you.

Is it also the chairwoman's view that the State Department should ensure that these funds are used to support the range of programs, such as export control and border security, antiterrorism assistance, terrorist interdiction activities, counterterrorism financing, humanitarian demining, and destruction of small arms and other weapons?

Thank you. I want to thank the chairwoman for her courtesy, and to the gentleman from Illinois for his bipartisanship on this and all of our critical efforts in Afghanistan.

I thank the gentlelady from Guam for yielding me this time. I also would like to thank our chairman, Nick Rahall, and Ranking Member Doc Hastings of the Natural Resources Committee for their cooperation in allowing this bill to move forward.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1129, legislation to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to provide annual grants for the development of regional ironworker training programs for Native Americans. Notably, an identical version of this legislation passed the House of Representatives under suspension of the rules by the 110th Congress by a vote of 302-72.

Currently, only one ironworker training program that is specifically geared towards Native Americans exists in the United States, and that is the highly successful National Ironworkers Training Program for American Indians based in Broadview, Illinois. The Broadview program has stemmed from a strong and enduring partnership between the Federal Government's Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Ironworkers International Union, one that has lasted over 35 years.

Working in conjunction with the International Association of Bridge, Structural and Ornamental Iron Workers, the Broadview center provides highly specialized training in ironworking skills and related fabricating and welding shop classes and on-the-job education to Native American Indians from across the United States.

Upon completion of the program, each student possesses essential knowledge in union structure and history, OSHA safety regulations and a variety of ironworking skills, including blueprint reading and related math, arc welding and the erection of structural steel. Broadview graduates are subsequently placed as apprentices at local ironworker unions nationwide and, as a result, are afforded the opportunity to pursue productive and high-quality construction careers.

H.R. 1129 will build upon the success of the Broadview, Illinois, program by facilitating the establishment of regional ironworker training centers for Native Americans across the United States through the authorization of annual Interior Department grants. Mr. Speaker, the impetus behind the legislation is to provide occupational training to Native Americans residing in economically depressed communities, to accord them the opportunity to secure good jobs in the ironworking trade and ensure a solid future for themselves and their families.

H.R. 1129 also stems from and expands upon the ironworkers longstanding relationship with the Native American community. As a structural ironworker for 20 years, I have been a member of Iron Workers Local 7 for 30 years, and I am actually past president of that union. I am well aware of a longstanding contribution made by Native Americans to the ironworking industry.

As noted by the Ironworkers International Union and its president, Joe Hunt, Native Americans have been a part of ironworker history since 1886, when the St. Lawrence River was bridged on tribal land in Quebec and ironworkers' foremen first hired Native Americans as ironworkers.

In my own role here, as an ironworker apprentice, I worked under a number of Native American foremen and general foremen. It was a number of Native American journeymen ironworkers who taught me how to weld and gave me a chance at that trade. As an ironworker foreman and a general foreman myself, I had an opportunity to have a lot of young Native American Indians working in my crews, not only in the Boston area, but out in Indiana and Illinois, as well as New Mexico and Arizona.

And I have had a long relationship with members from the Navajo Tribe. I actually lived for a while on the Navajo Reservation, and I count those men and women as some of my closest friends, and I am greatly indebted to them. I also worked with members of the Apache Tribe and Mohawk Tribe in the New England area. This will really, I think, give a wonderful opportunity to Native Americans who have sort of adopted the ironworking industry as a family business. And it was not uncommon for me to be, as a Caucasian, a minority on a lot of the construction sites that I worked on in New Mexico and in other parts of the country where American Indians really provided the majority of the working members on those jobs.

Again, I would like to thank Chairman Rahall and Ranking Member Hastings for their wonderful support on this legislation, also, Member Dale Kildee, who has also put his shoulder to the wheel on this bill.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 1129.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 142) supporting National Men's Health Week.

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

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I present House Concurrent Resolution 142 for consideration. This resolution expresses our support for the goals and ideals of the annual National Men's Health Week, the observance of which is designed to heighten awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men.

Introduced by my colleague, Mr. Cummings of Maryland, on June 3, 2009, and reported out of the Oversight Committee by unanimous consent on June 18, 2009, H. Con. Resolution 142 enjoys strong bipartisan support.

Mr. Speaker, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nine of 10 of the leading causes of death in America among men, including heart disease and cancer, affect men at a significantly higher percentage than women. In addition, the CDC has reported that women are 100 percent more likely than men to seek annual medical examinations and preventative health care.

Moreover, health statistics also indicate that, despite advances in medical care, men continue to live an average of approximately 6 fewer years than women--with African American men having the lowest life expectancy.

Nonetheless, many male-related health problems, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and colon cancer, are treatable upon early detection. Specifically, the use of prostate cancer-specific antigen exams, blood pressure screenings, and other exams, when coupled with clinical examination and self-testing for testicular cancer, can lead to early detection and increase survival rates to nearly 100 percent.

Accordingly, we must do more to encourage healthy behavior and disease prevention within America's male population. A more concentrated focus on male-related health conditions such as prostate, colon, and testicular cancer, along with a genuine commitment to addressing heart health, will go a long way toward ensuring that men have access to critical health information and treatment.

In addition, it's important to remember that prevention and treatment of men's health conditions are critical not only to men, but also to the health and well-being of the American family; and having just recently celebrated Father's Day, I believe that it is important for this legislative body to recognize men's health from a family perspective.

Furthermore, while an effort to encourage prevention and wellness among the male population can help meet our primary goal of improving health outcomes, in aggregate, utilization of these preventive services can lower health costs that currently are spiraling out of control.

Mr. Speaker, since 1994, National Men's Health Week has served as a catalyst for increased attention towards men's health issues. I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in supporting House Concurrent Resolution 142, recognizing the tremendous importance of these efforts.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, at this time I don't believe we have any further speakers on this issue, so I will continue to reserve the balance of my time.

I thank the gentleman from Mississippi for his kind words and his support.

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. 127) Recognizing the significance of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month.

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

On behalf of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I present House Concurrent Resolution 127 for consideration. This resolution expresses our support for the goals and ideals of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month.

Introduced by my colleague, Representative Barbara Lee of California, on May 14, 2009, and reported out of the Oversight Committee by unanimous consent on June 18, 2009, House Concurrent Resolution 127 enjoys the support of over 50 Members of Congress.

Since June of 2005, Congress has taken time each year to recognize Americans of Caribbean descent for their significant contributions to American culture and history during National Caribbean Heritage Month.

Beginning as early as the year 1619, generations of Caribbean immigrants have come to America and significantly contributed their rich traditions and culture, ethnic, and religious diversity to our social fabric.

Regrettably, we must acknowledge that many Caribbean-Americans arrived against their own volition--as slaves and indentured servants, whose struggles for freedom continue to reverberate. Many others came to this country in search of a better life for themselves and their children; and today, over 5 million Americans proudly share Caribbean heritage.

Caribbean-Americans have offered lasting contributions to every sector of our society, from public service, science, and athletics to business, education, and entertainment.

Prominent Caribbean-Americans include such historical and cultural figures as Alexander Hamilton--who was born in the Caribbean region-- former Secretary of State Colin Powell; Eric Holder, our current Attorney General; and Shirley Chisholm, the first African American Congresswoman and first African American candidate for President.

Other influential Caribbean-Americans include Harlem renaissance poet, Claude McKay; actor and civil rights activist Harry Belafonte; and Sidney Poitier, the first African American actor to receive an Academy Award for best performance in a leading role.

Mr. Speaker, these and countless other Caribbean-Americans have made invaluable contributions to our Nation, and it is fitting that we on honor them today. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting House Concurrent Resolution 127.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to yield such time as she may consume to the lead sponsor of this measure, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee).

Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to yield 3 minutes to a cosponsor of this measure, the gentlelady from the U.S. Virgin Islands, Donna Christensen.

Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia, Mr. Hank Johnson, also a cosponsor of this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, I'd just ask all of our Members to support Ms. Barbara Lee, the lead sponsor of this legislation, in support of Caribbean-American Heritage Month, and I ask all of our Members to join her in that effort.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I would like to thank Chairman Towns and Chairman Skelton for their leadership on this bill, H.R. 2990, and I am pleased to be a cosponsor of this bill. There is a saying which is true, that we can never fully repay our men and women in uniform for what they have given to our Nation. We can never fully repay them for their sacrifice and their service. But I am happy to say that Chairman Skelton is trying his best, along with Chairman Towns and the ranking member, to do just that.

As chairman of the Subcommittee on the Federal Workforce, Postal Service and the District of Columbia, I am delighted that key civil service retirement provisions are also approved by this Chamber included in the measure being considered today.

Federal employee and postal unions, as well as employee retiree and management groups, all support these provisions. These provisions will improve the Federal Employee Retirement System by providing workers with retirement credit for unused sick leave. Additionally, the civil service retirement annuity calculations problem for those employees who wish to phase down to part-time work at the end of their Federal careers will also be rectified. The Office of Personnel Management has long supported this fix as a way to retain the skilled and knowledgeable employees who are nearing the end of their careers at a time of a more mature Federal workforce. The government, as an employer, must take the lead in addressing these workplace realities.

This bill will also provide retirement credit for hundreds of D.C. Government employees who now serve as Federal employees. I would like to make it clear that these retirement provisions are paid for by treating Federal workers in Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Northern Mariana Islands the same as all other Federal employees, and I look forward to working with the respective delegates of those areas on this issue.