Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Francis Galante, in recognition of his bravery, sacrifice and service to the United States of America.

Francis is the son of Teresa (Ferrante) and Carl Galante who emigrated from Frigento, Italy. He was born on August 28, 1916 in Brockton, Massachusetts, and lived in West Bridgewater with his aunt and uncle through the Depression.

He graduated from Brockton High School, married Diana Ferrini in 1939, enlisted in the United States Reserves, and was then drafted into the United States Army. He was deployed overseas and stationed in Africa, leaving his wife and ten-month-old daughter.

Francis was later shipped to Salerno, Italy, with the 34th Infantry nicknamed the Red Bull Division. He served as a ranger behind enemy lines. He was hit with shrapnel in Leghorn, Italy, wounding both of his legs and his head. He crawled for days to get back to base in order to receive medical treatment. He received the Purple Heart while in the hospital August 9, 1945.

After being hospitalized in Italy, Atlantic City, and Framingham, Massachusetts, he was discharged August 9, 1945, VJ Day, and returned home to Brockton. He then drove an Eastern Mass bus and also worked for his father-in-law's bakery, Superior Bakery, making over 200 deliveries in one day. Later, he was an important part of the creation of the cabinet company, Wood-Hu Kitchens, in Brockton, later becoming President. He retired from Wood-Hu Kitchens in August, 1981.

Francis was a star athlete, held records in track, and was also a professional gymnast performing in many Brockton clubs. He was a member of the YMCA since he was eight years old and was the longest standing member of the YMCA until his recent illness. He was a member of the Thorny Lea Golf Club in Brockton for over forty years.

Madam Speaker, Francis had many passions in life, the most important being family. He was married at the age of twenty-three to the love of his life, the late Diana. He was the proud parent of two children, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Francis was known for his amazing health and vigor at the age of 92. He always had the ability to make people laugh while poking fun at the same time. Francis is remembered and admired by his family and many friends.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct honor to take the floor of the House today to join with Francis Galante's family, friends, and contemporaries to thank him for his remarkable service to his community of Brockton and to the United States of America.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 370) expressing support for designation of April 27, 2009, as ``National Healthy Schools Day,'' as amended.

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

I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, in the coming months we will address critical problems in the areas of education, energy and health care. National Healthy Schools Day promotes positive changes in all three areas.

I'm pleased to present the amended version of House Resolution 370 for consideration. This legislation expresses the support of Congress for the goals and ideals of National Healthy Schools Day.

House Resolution 370 was introduced by my colleague and friend Representative Paul Tonko from the Empire State of New York on April 27, which is actually the day that National Healthy Schools Day is annually commemorated.

The measure has the support of over 50 Members of Congress and has met requisite criteria for approval by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Madam Speaker, I am sure you will agree that it is important to ensure that our public schools are places that advance intellectual growth and provide healthy environments for our children to learn and to thrive.

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that only 22 percent of public schools in America have effective indoor air quality management programs. More stringent regulation of indoor air quality in public schools would protect students against dangerous environmental hazards such as carbon dioxide, radon and even asbestos.

The National Healthy Schools Day initiative encourages new efforts to combat these hazards and limits the prevalence of indoor environmental asthma triggers that have been reported to account for more than 14 million missed school days each year.

Steps to improve the indoor air quality of our public schools should work in conjunction with efforts to make our schools more energy efficient. Through the use of new ventilation systems and the construction of high-performance so-called green schools, we can make certain that our educational facilities are using less energy while providing a healthier environment for our students.

Through efforts to enhance healthy environments within our school systems, we can improve educational environments as well. Improved energy efficiency in our schools will reduce energy costs and allow more resources to be devoted to other areas, such as hiring new teachers and the acquisition of new educational tools.

Madam Speaker, the health and well-being of all American students is paramount. Therefore, let us take one step forward in providing a high- quality learning environment for our children by expressing our support for the goals and ideals of National Healthy Schools Day.

I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of House Resolution 370, as amended.

I reserve the balance of my time.

I appreciate the gentleman's words.

At this time I would like to yield 5 minutes to the chief sponsor of this resolution, the one who has brought it to the floor, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Tonko).

Madam Speaker, again, let us join with the gentleman from New York (Mr. Tonko) and send a strong message to the public that we are committed to ensuring the development and growth of healthy learning environments and schools for our children by supporting House Resolution 370.

With that, I ask my colleagues to join us.

I yield back the balance of our time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 84) supporting the goals and objectives of a National Military Appreciation Month.

Madam 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 as much time as I may consume.

I rise in strong support of House Concurrent Resolution 84, sponsored by my friend and colleague from Tennessee (Mr. Wamp), a resolution supporting the goals and objectives of National Military Appreciation Month.

Each May since 1999, Congress has taken the time to honor our Nation's bravest men and women serving in the Armed Forces. Throughout our history, they have put themselves in harm's way all over the world in order to protect and defend our country. They continue to do so today, and they deserve our gratitude.

In the wake of the tragic shooting yesterday at Camp Victory in Baghdad, we are reminded of the perils and the stress that our Armed Forces face constantly during periods of deployment. It is important, I think, that we always show our appreciation for their service, but as we continue to face two long wars, they need and deserve our support now more than ever. I am glad we are taking the time today to thank them for their service, and I know that all my colleagues keep them and their families in our thoughts and prayers.

This measure was introduced this year on March 26 by Representative Wamp of Tennessee and was referred to

the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The committee reported the bill by unanimous consent on May 6, and it comes to the House floor today with the bipartisan support of over 75 cosponsors.

Mr. Speaker, every single day our soldiers, sailors, airmen and air women, marines, and their families, make tremendous sacrifices in service to our country. I have seen this firsthand on many, many deployments by these soldiers during my regular visits to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Our country is at war, and our military is certainly deserving of our support now more than ever. Today I ask my colleagues to join all Americans in giving thanks to our men and women in uniform.

Mr. Speaker, House Concurrent Resolution 84 gives us the opportunity to show our appreciation and respect to members and veterans of the armed services, men and women that hail from all walks of life but are bound together by one noble characteristic and take one simple but profound act. They have put on the uniform of our country, and they are together committed to protecting Americans and their liberties that we hold so dear.

Thus, to the military personnel from my own congressional district and to those of every congressional district represented in this body, we sincerely thank you, our men and women in uniform, for your service to our country.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of our time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers at this time; however, I will continue to reserve.

Mr. Speaker, again, I would like to urge my colleagues to join with Mr. Wamp, the gentleman from Tennessee, who is the chief sponsor of this resolution, to show our support for our men and women in uniform by supporting this measure.

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 agree to the resolution (H. Res. 388) celebrating the role of mothers in the United States and supporting the goals and ideals of Mother's Day.

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, there are fewer great honors, I think, in Congress than to stand in support of this bill which affirms the goals of Mother's Day and celebrates the role of mothers in the United States. I first would like to thank Mr. Fortenberry, the gentleman from Nebraska, for his courage in going out on a limb here and introducing this legislation. I would also like to commend Chairman Towns and my colleagues on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform for bringing this resolution to the floor by unanimous consent in their infinite wisdom.

On Sunday, we celebrated the 101st Mother's Day. It may come as a surprise to some, particularly our own mothers, that it took our country over 130 years to officially designate a day praising motherhood. Nevertheless, it is important to annually pause and recall that our lives and our country's history would have been much different but for the contributions of our mothers to our families and to our country.

I would not presume, nor am I brave enough, to speak on behalf of America's 82 million mothers; instead, I would simply like to speak to their importance in shaping our society and our future.

Mothers are indeed the backbone of the American family. With great love and compassion, they lay the foundation for all children to grow into honorable citizens. It is no stretch to say that our sustained national character of goodwill and moral strength is the result of dedicated motherhood.

Many of our greatest national heroes attribute their own successes to the guidance of their mothers. While examples are numerous, I will quote President Abraham Lincoln who once said of his own angel mother, ``I remember my mother's prayers, and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.''

I am sure that similar thanks and acknowledgements are appropriate for

the mothers of every American. I am sure of that.

Mr. Speaker, I am sure my colleagues would agree that it is inadequate to spend just 1 day a year celebrating the contributions of America's mothers, but as our small measure of gratitude, I urge this body to join its 56 cosponsors and agree to House Resolution 388.

And I reserve our time.

Mr. Speaker, I join and support the gentleman's words.

We have no further speakers on our side at this time, so I will continue to reserve.

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I just want to ask all Members to join with Mr. Fortenberry, the gentleman from Nebraska, in support of this resolution.

I yield back the balance of our time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2162) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 123 11th Avenue South in

Nampa, Idaho, as the ``Herbert A. Littleton Postal Station''.

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 pleased to present H.R. 2162 for consideration. This legislation will designate the United States postal facility located at 123 11th Avenue South in Nampa, Idaho, as the Herbert A Littleton Postal Station.

Introduced by my colleague, Representative Walter Minnick, on April 29, 2009, and reported out of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee on May 6, 2009, by unanimous consent, H.R. 2162 enjoys the support of both members of the Idaho House delegation.

Marine Private First Class Herbert A Littleton was born on July 1, 1930, in Mena, Arkansas, to his loving parents, Paul and Maude Littleton. He attended high school in Sturgis, South Dakota, where he played both football and basketball and was subsequently employed by the Electrical Appliance Corporation in Rapid City, South Dakota.

On July 29, 1948, Private First Class Littleton enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 18. He completed boot camp in San Diego, California, before receiving additional training at nearby Camp Pendleton, which was then responsible for training the country's fighting force for the Korean War.

Private First Class Littleton was deployed to Korea in December of 1950, bravely serving with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Artillery Forward Observation Team, Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines. His distinguished service and tremendous bravery during the conflict quickly earned him the admiration of his comrades and eventually resulted in his posthumous receipt of the Medal of Honor, the United States military's highest decoration. Private First Class Littleton also posthumously received the Purple Heart, the Korean Service Medal with one bronze star, and the United Nations Service Medal.

As recounted by the citation accompanying Private First Class Littleton's Congressional Medal of Honor, the young soldier exhibited conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life and above and beyond the call of duty, in action against enemy aggressor forces on April 22, 1951, in Chungchon, Korea.

Specifically, in response to a violent night attack against his company, Private First Class Littleton quickly alerted his forward observation team and immediately moved into an advantageous position in order to assist in calling down artillery fire on the hostile force. Shortly after the arrival of other team members, an enemy hand grenade was thrown into PFC Littleton's vantage point. Without hesitation, the 21-year-old private sacrificed his life by hurling himself on the grenade and absorbing its full impact. PFC Littleton's Medal of Honor citation goes on to recognize that through his prompt action, he not only saved the other members of his team from serious injury or death, but also enabled them to carry on their vital mission which resulted in their ability to resist the hostile attack.

Mr. Speaker, Private First Class Littleton's dedicated service is a testament to all of the brave men and women in the United States Armed Forces who have offered this Nation the ultimate sacrifice. It is for this reason that the community of Nampa, Idaho, Private First Class Littleton's residence at the time of his death, marks every April 22 by holding a flag ceremony at the city's Herbert A Littleton flag pole in remembrance of his brave act. And it is for this reason that the city of Nampa has also named the road adjacent to PFC Littleton's grave in his honor.

Mr. Speaker, let us further this brave soldier's remembrance by passing this legislation to rename the Nampa postal facility after him. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 2162.

I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I do want to say on behalf of Walter Minnick, who is the lead sponsor of this resolution who is flying in right now and did not have an opportunity to speak on

the floor, on his behalf I ask all Members to join with us. It is fitting, I think, that in this month of May, which marks Military Appreciation Month, let us join together once again to show our appreciation for all men and women in uniform by voting in favor of this resolution which would name this post office in memory of Private First Class Herbert A Littleton and pass H.R. 2162.

I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 774) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 46-02 21st Street in Long Island City, New York, as the ``Geraldine Ferraro 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 House subcommittee with jurisdiction over the United States Postal Service, and as we commend the dedicated service of our Nation's public servants during Public Service Recognition Week, I am pleased to present H.R. 774 for consideration.

This legislation would designate the United States postal facility located at 46-02 21st Street in Long Island City, New York, as the Geraldine Ferraro Post Office Building in honor of an exceptional public servant who has dedicated over 30 years of life to serving our country.

Introduced by my colleague, Representative Carolyn Maloney of New York, on January 28, 2009, and reported out of the Oversight Committee on March 18, 2009, by unanimous consent, H.R. 774 enjoys the strong support of the New York House delegation.

Born in the city of Newburgh, New York, to her father Dominick, an Italian immigrant restaurant owner, and her mother Antonetta, a first generation Italian American seamstress, Geraldine Ferraro stands as a living testament to an often-cited passage from her historic address to the 1984 Democratic convention: ``America's history is about doors being opened, doors of opportunity for everyone, no matter who you are, as long as you are willing to earn it.'' Ms. Ferraro spoke these words upon her introduction as the first female and Italian American major party candidate for the Vice Presidency of the United States.

Ms. Ferraro graduated from the Marymount High School in Manhattan in 1952. She was awarded a scholarship to Marymount Manhattan College, and in 1956 earned her bachelor of arts degree, becoming the first woman in her family to receive a college education.

In her subsequent service as a public elementary school teacher in Astoria, Queens, Ms. Ferraro attended Fordham University School of Law at night. She courageously ignored an admission officer's admonition that she would be taking ``a man's place'' in the class. In 1960, she received her juris doctorate as one of only two women in her graduating class of 179 students.

Following her admission to the New York State bar in 1961, Ms. Ferraro practiced law part time in the private sector while raising her family. In 1974, she was appointed to serve as an assistant district attorney for Queens County. In 1977, she was chosen to head the recently established Queens County Special Victims Bureau, where she specialized in cases involving abused women and children.

Ms. Ferraro was elected to the United States Congress in 1978, and honorably represented New York State's Ninth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1979 to 1985. Throughout her tenure in Congress, Ms. Ferraro devoted much of her legislative attention to women's rights and human rights advocacy. To this end, she admirably sought passage of measures such as the Equal Rights Amendment and the Women's Economic Equity Act.

In 1984, Ms. Ferraro became the first woman and the first Italian American to be nominated to the Vice Presidency of the United States by a major American political party when she was chosen by Democratic Presidential candidate Walter Mondale to join the 1984 national ticket. Her historic nomination continues to stand as evidence that, as Ms. Ferraro proclaimed in her acceptance address, ``America is the land where dreams can come true for all of us.''

Following her remarkable Vice Presidential run, Ms. Ferraro remained active in public and community service. In 1993, she was appointed by President Bill Clinton as Ambassador to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights. As noted by President Clinton, Ms. Ferraro's appointment came in recognition of her longstanding dedication to international women's rights issues. Ms. Ferraro continues to serve the Nation through a variety of public and private sector efforts, specifically as a widely regarded author and political commentator. She keeps the American public well informed regarding issues of public policy.

Through her nonprofit organizational work, she continues her commitment to creating educational and professional opportunities for women, as well as addressing wage and training disparities in the workplace. Furthermore, as a cancer survivor, Ms. Ferraro admirably and successfully advocates in support of increasing much needed funding for cancer research.

Mr. Speaker, let us honor a dedicated public servant through the passage of H.R. 774, and by designating the 21st Street postal facility in Long Island City in honor of Geraldine Ferraro. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 774.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the lead sponsor of this resolution, the gentlelady from New York (Mrs. Maloney).

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman's support for the naming of this Post Office Building on behalf of Geraldine Ferraro.

At this point, I would like to yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey) who is also in her own right a champion of women's rights. So it is appropriate that she speak on this bill as well.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all Members to support both Member Carolyn Maloney, the lead sponsor of this measure, and Mrs. Lowey, who also spoke on behalf of this measure, in naming this post office after Geraldine Ferraro.

I yield back the balance of our time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1397) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 41 Purdy Avenue in Rye, New York, as the ``Caroline O'Day Post Office Building''.

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

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would like to yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey).

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

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present for consideration this legislation that will designate the United States postal facility located at 41 Purdy Avenue in Rye, New York, as the Caroline O'Day Post Office Building in honor of a wonderful and dedicated public servant.

Caroline Love Goodwin O'Day was born in the city of Perry in Houston County, Georgia, on June 22, 1875. Ms. O'Day completed her academic studies at the Lucy Cobb Institute in Athens, Georgia, in 1886, and initially chose to pursue a career as an artist, spending 8 years as an art student and painter in Paris, Holland and Munich.

In 1902, Ms. O'Day relocated to what would become her lifelong hometown of

Rye, New York, where she would embark on an admirable and dedicated career devoted to public service. Following her husband's sudden death in 1916, Ms. O'Day became actively involved in the women's suffrage movement as well as a number of other social welfare groups, including the New York affiliate of the National Consumer's League and the Women's Trade Union League, dedicated to improving wages and workplace conditions for both women and children.

In furtherance of her social and community causes, Ms. O'Day also served on the Rye school board and played an integral role in the establishment of the women's division of the Democratic State Committee. In 1923, she was elected by State party leaders to head the women's division as well as serve as chairman of the Democratic State Committee. Then First Lady of the United States, Eleanor Roosevelt, described Ms. O'Day's election to one of the State party leadership positions as ``breaking down a major barrier against women in the Democratic Party.''

That same year, Governor Al Smith appointed Ms. O'Day to serve on the State Board of Social Welfare, a position that she held for over a decade. In 1924, Ms. O'Day was elected as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention and was elected as chairman of the New York State delegation, marking the first time that a woman had received such an honor from either major political party.

Ms. O'Day proceeded to serve as a delegate for the party's next three national conventions. In 1934, at the age of 65, Ms. O'Day was elected to Congress as a Representative at Large in the 74th Congress. As noted by the author, Paul DeForest Hicks, in his profile of Ms. O'Day that appeared in the New York Historical Association Magazine, Ms. O'Day's 1934 campaign materials ``evidenced a commitment for higher standards for wage earners, adequate relief to taxpayers, a sound and enlightened fiscal policy, friendly foreign relations, and advanced opportunities for women in government.''

In addition, as recently noted by Rye City Councilman Mack Cunningham, Ms. O'Day's tenure in Congress was marked by a strong interest in social welfare measures. It is noteworthy that she was only the second congresswoman to chair a major committee, the Committee on Election of President, Vice President and Representatives.

On a final note, I would like to mention that, as a New York Representative at Large, Ms. O'Day played a vital role in facilitating the construction of the Rye Post Office that is now the subject of this legislation. In fact, she presided over the post office's ribbon- cutting ceremony on September 5, 1936, and now we stand here some years later seeking to name this post office after Ms. O'Day.

Mr. Speaker, let us honor this dedicated public servant with the passage of H.R. 1397, and let us follow the leadership of the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey) by designating the Rye Post Office in honor of Caroline O'Day. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1397.

I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 299) expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that public servants should be commended for their dedication and continued service to the Nation during Public Service Recognition Week, May 4 through 10, 2009, and throughout the year.

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

Mr. Speaker, this week marks the 25th anniversary of Public Service Recognition Week. From May 4 through May 10, 2009, Public Service Recognition Week is designed to commemorate the hard work, dedication and sacrifice made by our Nation's Federal, State, and local government employees.

As chairman of the House Subcommittee on the Federal Workforce, Postal Service and the District of Columbia, I am proud to have introduced H. Res. 299 as it sends a strong message to public workers everywhere that their work and effort on behalf of this country is valued and their services appreciated.

I introduced H. Res. 299 on March 30, 2009, and I am pleased to report that the measure has been considered and reported from the Oversight Committee as of April 23, 2009.

While this measure has the support of only 60 Members of Congress, it affords each and every one of us a chance to celebrate and pay tribute to the thousands of civilian and military personnel that commit themselves daily to the greatness and prosperity of our country. To all of the public servants that touch our lives, our great teachers, our mail carriers, our firefighters, we say ``thank you.'' From the soldiers in the field to the agents on the border, the service rendered by public service workers may be the key to our basic functionality, but yet it is so often overlooked.

While Public Service Week lasts only 7 days, I believe that the contributions and sacrifices of public servants should be recognized and appreciated throughout the entire year. As chairman of the Subcommittee on the Federal Workforce, my highest priority is to improve the working conditions, benefits and opportunities afforded to our civil servants. They deserve our highest recognition and praise, but all too often they are criticized and undervalued. During this session, I have introduced or supported legislation that would provide paid leave to Federal employees that are new parents, that would protect postal workers' jobs from being contracted out to the private sector, and that would allow Federal employees a credit for their unused sick leave when computing their retirement annuities.

Commemoration of Public Service Recognition Week runs from the first Monday through the first Sunday of May and will involve job fairs, student activities and agency exhibits, all designed to highlight the significance of public service and to encourage young people to consider public service. This week offers all Americans the opportunity to both recognize and learn more about the significant contributions that public sector employees make on a daily basis to our local communities, States and our Nation.

The theme for this year's celebration is ``Government Goes Green.'' This will give government agencies an opportunity to showcase how they are working to have a positive impact on the globe through environmentally friendly practices and energy-efficient initiatives.

Whether it is the Environmental Protection Agency keeping our air and water safe, the Department of Interior preserving and managing our Nation's parks, or the Department of Energy developing cleaner fuel alternatives, public servants have been on the forefront of protecting our Earth.

Also, Public Service Recognition Week offers a chance for Americans, especially young Americans, to learn more about various careers in the public service. By showing younger generations that hard work, dedication and passion in serving the common good leads to a productive and successful career, we will inspire our young people to seriously consider entering the field of public service.

In our busy daily lives, we often take for granted the hard work and services provided by government employees. These people are what make our country move, and they make it the greatest country in the world. Therefore, we have an obligation to recognize and honor the contributions made by those who put their love of country above personal motivations.

In short, they are all American heroes and the subject of today's measure, H. Res. 299, the commemoration of Public Service Recognition Week.

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to ask a letter from the Office of Personnel Management Director, John Berry, praising our Nation's public employees to be entered into the Record. I know that Director Berry and the President alike share my commitment in making the Federal Government a better place to work. Therefore, it is with a warm sense of appreciation and deep gratitude that I stand to urge support for this measure.

Office of Personnel Management,

Washington, DC, May 5, 2009.

Hon. Stephen F. Lynch,

Chairman, Subcommittee on the Federal Service, Postal

Service, and District of Columbia, House of

Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Mr. Chairman: I am writing to thank you for your

sponsorship of H. Res. 299, a resolution expressing the sense

of the House of Representatives that public servants should

be commended for their dedication and continued service to

the Nation during Public Service Recognition Week, May 4

through 10, 2009, and throughout the year.

As you know, Public Service Recognition Week, celebrated

the first Monday through Sunday in May since 1985, is a time

set aside each year to honor the men and women who serve

America as Federal, State and local government employees.

Throughout the Nation and around the world, public employees

use the week to educate citizens about the many ways in which

government serves the people and how government services make

life better for all of us.

As the Director of the Office of Personnel Management

(OPM), Public Service Recognition Week is the perfect time to

spread President Obama's call to public service and to

recognize public employees. I am committed to making the

Federal Government a better place to work by speeding up the

hiring process, increasing opportunities for veterans, and

implementing programs that help employees balance work and

family life.

Thank you for your continued leadership in recognizing the

hard work of our public servants during Public Service

Recognition Week and I look forward to working with you to

make the Federal Government a better place to work.

Sincerely,

John Berry,

Director.

I reserve the balance of my time.

I thank the gentleman for supporting this measure. I appreciate his support.

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. 1271) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2351 West Atlantic Boulevard in Pompano Beach, Florida, as the ``Elijah Pat Larkins Post Office Building''.

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

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

I am pleased to present H.R. 1271 for consideration. This legislation will designate the United States postal facility located at 2351 West Atlantic Boulevard in Pompano Beach, Florida, as the ``Elijah Pat Larkins Post Office Building,'' in honor of a man who dedicated over 25 years of his life to public service.

Born to farm worker parents in the then-segregated city of Pompano Beach, Florida, on April 29, 1942, Elijah Pat Larkins graduated from Blanche Ely High School in 1960, and subsequently attended Tennessee State University.

In 1962, Mr. Larkins embarked on a career as a community housing activist, first serving as a housing director with a Pompano community action agency. In 1969, Mr. Larkins was one of the two honorees in the State of Florida to receive the prestigious Ford Foundation Fellowship, which afforded him the opportunity to attend the National Housing Institute in Washington, D.C., and become a federally-certified housing development specialist.

In 1972, Mr. Larkins brought his new expertise back to his community by creating the Broward County Minority Building Coalition, an organization dedicated to ensuring the participation of minority-owned companies in south Florida's construction sector.

In 1982, Mr. Larkins first won elected office, becoming only the second African American elected to the Pompano Beach City Commission, and only the eighth African American local elected official in Broward County. He proceeded to serve 19 consecutive years.

Notably, Mr. Larkins served an unprecedented seven terms as the first African American mayor of Pompano Beach. He also served three terms as vice mayor, elected by his fellow city commissioners.

Under Mr. Larkins' leadership, the city of Pompano Beach initiated a variety of successful efforts to advance modern affordable home development and promote the growth of small and minority-owned businesses.

In addition to elected service, Mr. Larkins played an active role in a variety of social and religious organizations, including the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Broward County Boys and Girls Club, the United Way, and the Urban League.

Regrettably, illness forced him to retire from public service in May of 2008. In February of 2009, he passed away at the age of 66, after a 16-month battle with brain cancer.

As noted by Mr. Larkins himself, he always had a great affinity and love for the city of Pompano Beach, and it was his hope that he would be remembered for giving all that he had to public service.

Mr. Speaker, let us honor this dedicated public servant through the passage of this legislation by dedicating the Pompano Beach Postal Facility in honor of Elijah Pat Larkins. I urge my colleagues to do the same.

I reserve the balance of my time.

I just want to note that the lead sponsor of this resolution to name this post office after Elijah Pat Larkins is our friend and great Congressman from Florida, Mr. Hastings. I just want to recognize his leadership in bringing this to the floor. I thank him for his energy and his leadership.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 340), expressing sympathy to the victims, families, and friends of the tragic act of violence at the American Civic Association in Binghamton, New York.

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, with House Resolution 340, this Chamber expresses its profound sympathy to the victims of the tragic attack at the American Civic Association in Binghamton, New York, on April 3. Our thoughts continue to be with the families, friends, and the people of Binghamton, and they remain in our prayers. Thirteen men and women were murdered in this attack and four were wounded, shaking the community and the entire Nation.

House Resolution 340 was introduced by our friend and colleague, Representative Hinchey of New York, and is co-sponsored by over 50 Members of Congress.

Given the tragic events on which House Resolution 340 is based, the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform moved quickly to consider a report on the bill, which brings us to today's consideration of the resolution.

Mr. Speaker, we thank the American Civic Association for its continued service over the years as it has helped immigrants and refugees with counseling, resettlement, citizenship, family reunification, language skills, and other critical services, playing a vital role in the effort to secure the dreams of immigrants seeking U.S. citizenship. We want them to know that they have our prayers and our heartfelt sympathies during this difficult time.

I would also like to commend the City of Binghamton Police Department, the Broome County Sheriff's Department and the New York State Police for their swift response to this attack. In addition, we thank the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office, and other Federal agencies for their assistance.

We were all deeply saddened to hear of this attack, and it is difficult for us to comprehend such an act of violence. We will feel its effect for years, but we can be sure that in time Binghamton will heal, emerging from this tragedy stronger and more united than ever before.

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

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Arcuri).

Mr. Speaker, I want to say in closing for myself that this is an experience that no Member of Congress wishes to face. However, at the same time, I must confess admiration not only for the law enforcement authorities and the medical staff and families who have been affected in this case but also, and I think especially from our standpoint here in the House, the way in which Representative Maurice Hinchey, faced with this disaster, this terrible tragedy in his district, flew back to his district, rolled up his sleeves, opened his heart to the people that he cares about and represents here in Congress every day, and began the very difficult work of helping his community in Binghamton heal from these wounds.

And I just want to say there are occasions that are forced upon us unwillingly that really show, I think, in a greater depth and a more meaningful extent the true content of our character, and seeing the way the community in Binghamton came together in this tragedy to comfort those who were victimized and to bring some peace to those families, the way the law enforcement community and the nurses and docs in taking care of those families came together, and seeing how Mr. Hinchey sprang to action and addressed the tragedy himself was a shining example, I think, of the strength of the United States and of our core communities. And I just think that if there is any silver lining that one can gain from this tragedy, it is just that: The way this community has responded to a senseless, senseless tragedy and the way they have provided comfort to people in their own communities is truly admirable.

I think, as Members of Congress here on both sides of the aisle have acknowledged here, the way that Maurice Hinchey had weighed into the process was truly, I think, exemplary for all of us, unwanted admittedly but certainly extremely admirable under the circumstances. And we will pay special attention to this tragedy going forward.

At this point, Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Hinchey), the lead sponsor of this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I simply urge our colleagues to join Mr. Hinchey in supporting this resolution.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 341) expressing heartfelt sympathy for the victims and families of the shootings in Geneva and Coffee Counties in Alabama, on March 10, 2009.

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 myself such time as I may consume.

As a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I solemnly join my colleagues in the consideration of House Resolution 341, which expresses our heartfelt sympathy for the victims and families of the shootings in Geneva and Coffee Counties of Alabama on March 10, 2009.

House Resolution 341 was introduced by our colleague Congressman Bobby Bright of Alabama on April 21, 2009, and was considered by and reported from the Oversight Committee on April 23, 2009, by voice vote. This measure has the support and cosponsorship of 58 Members of Congress.

On March 10, 2009, the people of Geneva and Coffee Counties in southeast Alabama suffered senseless shootings that resulted in the loss of 10 lives and a number of injuries. On that tragic day, the reckless killings began at the shooter's, Michael McLendon, residence in Kinston, Alabama, where he killed his own mother and in addition set the house on fire. The shooter then drove a dozen miles southeast to Samson in Geneva County, where he gunned down six more victims, including four members of his own family. The victims of this senseless act included James Alford White; Tracy Michelle Wise; Dean James Wise; and 74-year-old Virginia E. White, the shooter's own grandmother. Also killed were the wife and daughter of local sheriff's deputy Joshua Myers, Andrea Myers and Corinne Myers, who was only 18 months old.

The shooter continued on his rampage, killing three more people. These random and innocent victims were James Irvin Starling, Sonja Smith, and Bruce Wilson Malloy.

The rampage ended another 12 miles farther east in Geneva at the metals plant where, with a valiant attempt to end the rampage, the State troopers of the Dothan Post, the police department, and county sheriff's department and an officer of the Conservation and Natural Resources Department were among the first to respond and help resolve the situation. After a gun battle with police, Mr. McLendon took his own life.

The memory, the pain, and the grief of this reckless killing spree will remain with the victims in the communities of Geneva and Coffee, Alabama.

Mr. Speaker, with this bill we have the opportunity to acknowledge the lives lost and the courage and resolve of the many law enforcement officials and community members that helped end the situation. I would like to thank the gentleman from Alabama for introducing and ushering through this House such a thoughtful and considerate measure which can only express the heartfelt sympathy we all feel on behalf of those Americans that were impacted by this tragic event.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I urge my fellow colleagues to support the adoption of House Resolution 341.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the chief sponsor of this resolution, the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Bright).

Mr. Speaker, at this point I would like to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Davis).

Mr. Speaker, I simply urge my colleagues to join with Congressman Bright and Congressman Davis in support of this measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1595) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3245 Latta Road in Rochester, New York, as the ``Brian K. Schramm 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 House subcommittee with jurisdiction over the United States Postal Service, I am pleased to present H.R. 1595 for consideration. This legislation will designate the United States postal facility located at 3245 Latta Road in Rochester, New York, as the Brian K. Schramm Post Office Building.

Introduced on March 18, 2009, by my colleague Representative Chris Lee of New York and reported out of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee on April 2, 2009, by unanimous consent, H.R. 1595 enjoys the support of the entire sitting New York House delegation.

A lifelong resident of the town of Greece in Rochester, New York, Lance Corporal Brian K. Schramm bravely served in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. On October 15, 2004, Lance Corporal Schramm was killed in action at the age of 22 during an enemy shrapnel attack in Bail Province, Iraq.

Upon his graduation from Greece Olympia High School in 2001, Lance Corporal Schramm chose to fulfill one of his life's dreams and join the United States Marine Corps. He served his first tour of duty in Iraq shortly following the March 20, 2003, launch of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and he bravely returned to the region in June of 2004 for his second tour.

As noted by his devoted father, Keith, Lance Corporal Schramm was a genuine American hero who clearly knew what he wanted to do in life and he did it. Brian's loving family members also described the young soldier as a strong leader and motivator who was never down. He loved life and treated every day as an opportunity for adventure.

Lance Corporal Schramm's friends and teachers at Greece Olympia High School and the surrounding community similarly remember Brian for his depth of decency, his contagious sense of humor, and his refusal to quit any assignment or mission, regardless of the difficulties he faced or the challenges that he met.

Lance Corporal Schramm's genuine devotion to community service will also never be forgotten. In addition to his courageous military service, Brian frequently returned to his alma mater to discuss the war in Iraq, and was hoping to eventually become a police officer.

It is in light of Brian's character and devotion to public service that Greece Olympia High School has already established the Brian Schramm Scholarship, awarded annually to a college-bound senior who demonstrates the extraordinary qualities exhibited by Brian Schramm. And it is my hope that we can further honor this fallen hero through the passage of this legislation, to dedicate the Latta Road post office building in his name.

Mr. Speaker, Lance Corporal Brian Schramm's life stands as a testament to the bravery and dedication of our heroic men and women who have served our Nation at home and abroad, and I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting H.R. 1595.

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

Mr. Speaker, we have no further speakers, but I continue to reserve.

Mr. Speaker, I join with the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Westmoreland) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Lee) in asking our Members to unanimously support this designation of this post office in memory of Brian Schramm.

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 agree to the resolution (H. Res. 342) expressing support for designation of May 2, 2009, as ``Vietnamese Refugees Day''.

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 stand to join my colleagues in the consideration of House Resolution 342, which expresses our support for the designation of May 2, 2009, as ``Vietnamese Refugees Day.''

And House Resolution 342 was introduced by the gentleman from Louisiana, Congressman Cao, on April 21, 2009, and was considered by and reported from the Oversight Committee on April 23, 2009, by unanimous consent. This measure has the support and cosponsorship of 67 Members of Congress.

Basically, Vietnamese refugees were asylum-seekers from Communist- controlled Vietnam. In the late 1970s, many Vietnamese escaped in boats and by land across the Cambodian, Laotian and the Thai borders into refugee camps in Thailand after the Vietnam war. Over 2 million Vietnamese boat people and other refugees are now spread across the world, in the United States, Australia, Canada, France, England, Germany, Japan, China, Hong Kong and South Korea, also in the Philippines and other nations. Over half of all overseas Vietnamese are Vietnamese Americans, and Vietnamese Americans are the fourth largest Asian American group in the United States.

As of 2006, 72 percent of Vietnamese Americans were naturalized United States citizens, the highest rate among all Asian groups. Vietnamese Americans have made significant contributions to the rich culture and economic prosperity of the United States.

Vietnamese Americans have distinguished themselves in fields of literature, the arts, science and athletics, and include actors and actresses, physicists, an astronaut, and Olympic athletes and so on. And on May 2, 2009, many will come together to recognize what has been designated as ``Vietnamese Refugees Day.''

Mr. Speaker, with this bill, we have the opportunity to commemorate the arrival and integration of Vietnamese refugees into the United States and remember the arduous task that many citizens and the citizens of the world have had to travel to attain for their liberty, safety and prosperity.

I thank the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Cao) for authoring such an important resolution, and I urge my colleagues to join all of us here on the floor now in support of the bill.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, we have no further speakers, but I continue to reserve my time.

Mr. Speaker, we continue to reserve.

Mr. Speaker, we continue to reserve.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I want to congratulate Mr. Cao on his leadership in sponsoring this resolution. I want to thank the gentleman from Georgia for his leadership as well.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 320) honoring the life and achievements of Dr. John Hope Franklin.

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, it is with deep respect that I rise in support of House Resolution 320, which celebrates the life of legendary scholar, professor, author and historian, Dr. John Hope Franklin. I would first like to thank my colleague and friend from North Carolina, Congressman Mel Watt, for sponsoring this afternoon's condolence measure which has amassed over 90 cosponsors since being introduced on April 2nd, 2009. I would also like to thank Congressman David Price and Congresswoman Barbara Lee and Senator Kay Hagan for cosponsoring similar legislation. The outpouring of bipartisan support surely speaks to Dr. Franklin's legacy.

Dr. Franklin was more than a historian. His academic and civic contributions helped integrate the African American narrative into American history. He did as much or more to influence the American historical perspective than nearly any scholar in recent memory in this respect.

One of Dr. Franklin's first contributions to our national story came when he was a young academic working alongside Thurgood Marshall and the NAACP in the landmark 1954 Supreme Court case, Brown v. Board of Education. By his work, Dr. Franklin helped bring an end to the ``separate but equal'' doctrine in America's public schools, ending decades of institutionalized injustice.

John Hope Franklin graduated from Fisk University in 1935, and received both a master's and Ph.D. in history from Harvard University. He taught at a number of institutions, including Fisk University, North Carolina Central University, St. Augustine's College and Howard University.

In 1956, Mr. Franklin became the Chairman of the Department of History at Brooklyn College and in 1964 he joined the faculty of the University of Chicago and served as Chairman of the Department of History from 1967 to 1970.

In 1982, Dr. Franklin joined the faculty of Duke University, where he remained until his passing. He held such positions as the James B. Duke Professor of History, Professor of History Emeritus and Professor of Legal History at Duke University Law School. In 2000, Duke University opened the John Hope Franklin Center for Interdisciplinary and International Studies, dedicated to new methods of knowledge sharing and collaborative understanding.

In 1947, Dr. Franklin published the seminal piece, ``From Slavery to Freedom: A History of African Americans.'' Now in its seventh edition, it is considered the preeminent account of the African American experience in the United States. Other works by Dr. Franklin include ``The Emancipation Proclamation,'' ``The Free Negro in North Carolina,'' ``The Militant South,'' ``A Southern Odyssey, Travelers in the Antebellum North,'' ``Reconstruction After the Civil War,'' and his influential autobiography, ``Mirror to America.''

Dr. Franklin was active in an array of professions and educational organizations. He served as President of the Organization of American Historians, the Southern Historical Association, the American Studies Association, and the United Chapters of Phi Beta Kappa. In 1979, he became the first African American to serve as President of the American Historical Association, and he also served his country on national delegations and commissions, such as the National Council on the Humanities and the Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy. In 1997, President Clinton tapped Dr. Franklin to chair the Race Initiative Advisory Board.

Dr. Franklin was the recipient of countless awards and accolades, including the Nation's highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Dr. Franklin received the inaugural W.E.B. DuBois Award from the Fisk University Alumni Association, the Organization For American Historians Award for Outstanding Achievement, the Alpha Phi Alpha Award of Merit, the NAACP's Spingarn Medal, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Academy of the Arts and Sciences.

Dr. Franklin married his college sweetheart, Aurelia Whittington, in 1940. Aurelia passed away on January 27, 1999. They are survived by their son, John Whittington Franklin.

I ask that this body join the American people in celebrating the life of Dr. John Hope Franklin, who we lost on March 25, at the age of 94. We will certainly miss his keen intellect, his graceful humility and humor. He was a true scholar and stalwart for justice, whose chronicling of American history affirmed the dignity of African Americans everywhere, while giving us a richer understanding of our journey together as Americans.

And so, Mr. Speaker, let us collectively and formally express our appreciation for Dr. John Hope Franklin's life and accomplishments and career by agreeing to House Resolution 320.

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

Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to yield 5 minutes to the lead sponsor of this measure, the distinguished gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Watt).

I yield the gentleman an additional 2 minutes.

Mr. Speaker, at this point I would like to yield to the gentleman from North Carolina, who is also a cosponsor of this legislation, and earlier the lead sponsor until that position was assumed by Mr. Watt, the distinguished gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Price) for 5 minutes.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, this is a travel day for Members of Congress, but I do want to recognize the other cosponsors of this measure: Representative James Clyburn from South Carolina; the chairman of our committee, Representative Ed Towns from Brooklyn; Representative Barbara Lee from California; Representative Sheila Jackson-Lee from Texas; Representative Steve Cohen from Tennessee; and the gentleman John Lewis from Georgia, who also, but for the fact that they are traveling today on their way to Washington, would be here to speak in favor of this resolution as well.

Together, we all, the cosponsors and those who have spoken on the floor today, urge our colleagues to join us in this great recognition of Dr. Franklin.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 254) recognizing the designation of March 2009 as Irish-American Heritage Month and honoring the significance of Irish- Americans in the history and progress of the United States, as amended.

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, representing the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and being one of Irish heritage, I am happy to rise in support of this resolution, House Resolution 254, which is a bill to recognize the importance of Irish-American heritage and to honor the significance of Irish-Americans in the history of the United States.

This bill was introduced by my friend and colleague last month, Carolyn McCarthy of New York, on St. Patrick's Day, and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform amended the measure on April 2 in order that it be reported by unanimous consent.

House Resolution 254 gives the Members of this Chamber the chance to honor the valuable contributions that Americans of Irish heritage have made to our country since its inception. In fact, nine of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence were men of Irish origin, and Irish-Americans have served in the Armed Services for this country in every war in which the United States has ever fought. At least 19 Presidents of the United States can claim Irish heritage, including our current President, Barack Obama.

The works of Eugene O'Neill, F. Scott Fitzgerald and George Bernard Shaw remain invaluable parts of our literary history. Artists including Gregory Peck, John Wayne and Helen Hayes have helped enrich our Nation's culture, and social reformers such as suffragist Leonora Barry and labor organizer Mary Kenny O'Sullivan fought to extend basic rights to others. Henry Ford's assembly line revolutionized manufacturing, and Irish immigrants who settled here in the 1840s helped to make our largest cities into centers of commerce and industry.

I would like to thank my colleague, the gentlelady from New York, Carolyn McCarthy, for sponsoring this measure. I would also like to thank the ranking member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, the gentleman from California (Mr. Issa), for helping us to get it to the floor today.

Many emigrated here from Ireland, hoping to share in our freedom and prosperity. In turn, they have helped to make our country great. For their countless contributions to American history and progress, I urge my colleagues to support the quick passage of House Resolution 254.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I just want to thank the gentlelady from New York (Mrs. McCarthy). As others are, she is also traveling to Washington at this time, and wanted to be here for this resolution. I ask our colleagues to join Member Carolyn McCarthy in supporting the resolution.

I yield back the balance of my time.