Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 18) honoring the life, achievements, and contributions of Paul Newman.

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.

On behalf of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to stand in support of House Resolution 18, which expresses admiration and honor for the life, achievement and contributions of screen legend and philanthropist Paul Newman, who, as we all know, lost his battle against cancer last September.

Paul Newman was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to parents Arthur and Teresa Newman during the tumultuous economic times of the 1920s. A supposed athletic powerhouse, Paul Newman's first love during high school ended up being football rather than acting or theater. However, following high school graduation, the legendary Newman would eventually enlist in the United States Navy Air Corps, and would spend a portion of his service time as a radio operator in the Pacific during World War II.

Upon conclusion of his military service, Mr. Newman resumed his collegiate pursuits by attending Kenyon College of Ohio where he would major in theater, thereby fostering his love of acting and the arts. In addition to his undergraduate studies, Mr. Newman also studied at Yale's School of Drama before taking a leap of faith and pursuing his acting ambitions on New York's famed Broadway scene--and the rest, as they say, is history.

From his 1953 Broadway debut in the Pulitzer Prize winning comedy ``Picnic'' to his unforgettable roles in such films as ``Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,'' ``Cool Hand Luke,'' ``Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,'' and the 1982 version of ``The Verdict,'' Mr. Newman's talent has crossed generations and has touched the lives of millions of Americans over nearly a half century.

In addition to his acting career, Mr. Newman is also well-known for his love of Nascar racing and for his extraordinary philanthropical efforts made possible by the proceeds of his famous Newman's Own salad dressing products. Since inception, Newman's Own has donated over $250 million to thousands of charities and worthy causes around the world, including Hole in the Wall Camps, which he and his wife, Joanne Woodward, created as a safe haven for children facing life-threatening illnesses.

Mr. Speaker, there is no doubt that Paul Newman's legacy, talents and contributions to our country's cultural and social fabric will long be remembered. Nevertheless, House Resolution 18, as introduced by Steve Cohen of Tennessee and considered by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, allows our Chamber to also express our gratitude and commemoration for the life of Paul Newman. For this reason alone, I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting House Resolution 18.

I reserve the balance of my time.

At this point, I would like to recognize my friend for 5 minutes, Representative Steve Cohen from Tennessee.

Mr. Speaker, at this time I am very pleased to recognize the distinguished gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Courtney) for 2 minutes.

Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to recognize Chairman George Miller from California for 2 minutes.

(Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I yield the gentleman an additional 1 minute.

Mr. Speaker, again, I urge my colleagues to join with Mr. Cohen and the other speakers in supporting the resolution at hand.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 83) recognizing the significance of Black History Month.

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 now yield myself such time as I may consume.

As a Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and Chair of the House Subcommittee on the Federal Workforce, I'm pleased to stand in full support and consideration of House Resolution 83, which calls for Congress to recognize the significance of Black History Month, which is annually commemorated during the month of February.

House Resolution 83 was introduced by our colleague, Representative Al Green of Texas, on January 23, 2009, and was considered by and reported from the Oversight Committee on February 11, 2009, by a voice vote.

The measure has strong support and cosponsorship of over 70 Members of Congress. Yet today's floor consideration of the bill gives Members of this body an opportunity to pay tribute to the remarkable contributions that African Americans have made to America's growth department and rich history.

As we are aware, February marks the beginning of Black History Month, which was first celebrated as Negro History Week in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, a noted African American author and scholar; but it has since become a month-long commemorative celebration as a way of recognizing and highlighting the role that black Americans have played in America since its existence, and the role they continue to play in the country on a daily basis.

From the story of Crispus Attucks, a black man from my home State of Massachusetts, who became the first American casualty of the Revolutionary War during the Boston Massacre, to such powerful individuals as Harriet Tubman, Benjamin Banneker, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, Madam C.J. Walker, General Colin Powell, to the thousands of military service men and women who have bravely served our nation, to the Members of our own Congressional Black Caucus and, of course, to our now 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, who will speak to this body this evening.

The contributions that black Americans have made to this great Nation are intricately woven into who we are as a people and as a country. And it is not just the pioneers or the leaders that have made a difference, but importantly, it is the everyday citizen that's serving as a teacher, a mentor, a pastor, a doctor, a first responder, a public servant, or a parent who continues to impact our country's history in such a powerful and positive way.

Across our great land, Black History Month is marked by the offerings of educational and cultural programs, heightened media coverage and special celebrations and events designed to share with the world the strength, the ingenuity, and accomplishments of our fellow American citizens.

Mr. Speaker, as we move to recognize Black History Month and this year's educational theme of ``The quest for black citizenship in the Americas,'' let us all recall the experience and valuable contributions of African Americans to the United States of America. Moreover, let us not forget that black history is truly American history.

And with that, I urge the swift passage of House Resolution 83.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would like to recognize the chief sponsor of this resolution, my friend from Texas (Mr. Al Green), for 4 minutes.

I yield the gentleman 1 more minute.

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I am pleased to recognize the gentlelady from New York (Mrs. McCarthy) for 2 minutes.

Mr. Speaker, at this time, it gives me great pleasure to recognize the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Scott) for 3 minutes.

Mr. Speaker, at this point, I would be honored to recognize Representative Donald Payne from New Jersey for 2 minutes.

I would like to recognize the gentleman for 1 additional minute.

I thank the gentleman from Ohio.

Mr. Speaker, again I want to urge my colleagues to join myself, Representative Al Green--who is the chief sponsor of this resolution-- Mr. Payne, and others who have spoken here today in supporting and recognizing the significance of Black History Month by voting in favor of House Resolution 83.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill (S. 234) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2105 East Cook Street in Springfield, Illinois, as the ``Colonel John H. Wilson, Jr. 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.

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 for consideration Senate bill 234, which will designate the United States postal facility located at 2105 East Cook Street in Springfield, Illinois, as the ``Colonel John H. Wilson, Jr. Post Office Building.''

Notably, this legislation was introduced by Senator Richard Durbin on January 14, 2009, and was passed by the Senate under unanimous consent on February 12, 2009. Our own colleague Representative Phil Hare of Illinois has introduced House companion bill H.R. 516, and I should note that the House measure enjoys the support of the entire Illinois congressional delegation and has been reported favorably by the House Oversight Committee.

A lifelong native of Springfield, Illinois, Colonel Wilson proudly spent 14 years on active duty in the United States Army, during which he served as a first lieutenant under General George S. Patton in World War II. As a result of his distinguished wartime service, Colonel Wilson subsequently received the Silver Star, a military distinction awarded to those members of the United States Armed Forces who have demonstrated ``gallantry in action.''

Colonel Wilson followed his active duty service by spending 17 additional years in the United States Army Reserve as a member and ultimately group commander of Springfield-based 303rd Ordinance Ammunition Group. In 1965 upon his promotion to colonel, he became the first African American resident of Illinois to obtain this distinguished military commissioned officer rank in the Army Reserve, which is an honor worthy of being celebrated today during Black History Month and throughout the year.

However, the designation of the East Cook Street postal facility in honor of Colonel Wilson is not only fitting in light of Colonel Wilson's combined 31 years of military service but also given his 57 years of dedicated civilian service as an employee of the United States Postal Service and a proud member of the American Postal Workers Union.

Regrettably, Colonel Wilson passed away in August of last year in his beloved hometown of Springfield, Illinois. He was 89 years old. Mr. Speaker, let us also show our gratitude for the service rendered by Colonel John Wilson by passing Senate 234.

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

Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to yield such time as he may consume to the chief sponsor of this resolution, the distinguished gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hare).

Mr. Speaker, again I urge my colleagues to join me and Representative Hare. It is not every day that we are able to dedicate a postal building in memory of a career postal clerk and member of the American Postal Workers Union. So for that reason I ask our colleagues to join us in supporting Senate 234.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. Peter Smyth and the Bordes Family, for their outstanding dedication to Greater Media of Braintree, Massachusetts, and to mark the great achievement of being presented with the 2009 Broadcasters Foundation of America Golden Mike Award.

Greater Media was co-founded in 1956 by Peter A. Bordes and is one of the last remaining family-owned broadcasting companies in the United States. Now parent company of 23 AM and FM radio stations in the Boston, Charlotte, Detroit, New Jersey and Philadelphia markets, Greater Media continues to be a shining example of good corporate citizenship in the fast paced and ever evolving media industry.

From its beginning, Greater Media has stressed the autonomy of local management, dedication to local community service, and leadership in developing and adapting new technology and services to improve media communications. Greater Media consistently seeks to improve the lives of their listeners and readers, and the communities in which they live.

In 1986, Peter Smyth joined the Greater Media family. In October 2000, Mr. Smyth was named President and Chief Operating Officer, and in March 2002, was promoted to Greater Media's President and Chief Executive Officer. He was named Chairman of the Board in October 2008.

Since his arrival at Greater Media, Mr. Smyth has received such prestigious honors as ``America's Best Broadcaster'' and has been named one of the 40 ``Most Powerful People in Radio'' for eight years. Most recently he was honored with the ``Radio Executive of the Year'' award.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize Mr. Smyth and the Bordes Family for their commitment to excellence in broadcasting and journalism. I applaud their success, and I wish them the best in their future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Francesco ``Kid'' Fratalia, in recognition of his remarkable life and outstanding career in the boxing ring.

Born in 1926 in his beloved hometown of Citivavecchia, Italy, ``Kid'' Fratalia, nicknamed by his dear friend Rocky Marciano, began his amateur career in 1939 at age 13. As an amateur welterweight, Fratalia had 81 fights in a 10-year period, during which time he became the regional state champion of Lazio, Italy, from 1946 to 1948, and was selected to represent his country in the Olympic Games. He celebrated the joy and endured the agony of a boxing career that stretched 15 years and spanned 3 decades, included 112 fights, and covered 2 continents.

Fratalia's professional career led him to the United States in 1949, specifically, to Brockton, Massachusetts, where he met and began a lifelong friendship with the legendary Rocky Marciano. More importantly in 1949, he met the love of his life, Gloria Vena, of Roxbury. Within 55 days they married and subsequently raised 6 wonderful children; Ernest, Vincent, Stephen, Francesca, Robert, and Christopher.

``Kid'' Fratalia's American experience included noteworthy undercard bouts, once to a Joe Louis main event and twice to Rocky Marciano's main events. He returned to fight in Europe in 1951, and in that year solidified his reputation as a fighter's fighter. But it was to America, his new home, that he returned in 1952, to complete his career and raise his family.

When all was said and done, ``Kid'' Fratalia battled his way to 92 wins against 14 losses, along with 6 draws. In his 112 amateur and professional fights, one thing was certain: he emptied his bucket every time; there was nothing left when the final bell rang. For ``Kid'' Fratalia, a true warrior, win, lose or draw, it was about effort and valor in the face of a challenge. In October of 2008, Francesco ``Kid'' Fratalia was inducted into the Massachusetts Ring 4 Boxing Hall of Fame. Bestowed by his peers, this recognition was an honor that he and his family were deeply proud of, and that he cherished to the end.

The real winners in this remarkable life and career were ``Kid's'' family and friends, both home and abroad, who were so very proud of him. Hard work, fearless determination, respect for others and unwavering devotion to family was what mattered most to him.

Francesco ``Kid'' Fratalia was truly a man to be reckoned with, a man to emulate, a man to respect, a man to fear, a father and husband to love, a true friend to count on in time of need and a man of character and uncommon kindness. His gifts of family values and his tireless work ethic truly defined him as a man and will be his lasting legacy.

Francesco ``Kid'' Fratalia passed away on Tuesday, December 9, 2008. He and his kind spirit will never be forgotten.

Madam Speaker, in closing, I offer this; to ``Kid'' Fratalia others of his time and era, may you rest in the eternal peace and light of the Almighty. We thank you for making this world a more interesting and better place.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 110) congratulating the National Football League champion Pittsburgh Steelers for winning Super Bowl XLIII and becoming the most successful franchise in NFL history with their record 6th Super Bowl title.

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 now yield myself such time as I may consume.

As chairman of the House Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Post Office, and the District of Columbia, and on behalf of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, I'm pleased to join my colleagues from the State of Pennsylvania, even though this may be a little painful for me as a New England Patriots fan, but I do heartily join them in congratulating the Pittsburgh Steelers in the consideration of House Res. 110, which provides for the recognition of the National Football League's champion Pittsburgh Steelers for winning Super Bowl XLIII and for becoming, indeed, the most successful franchise in NFL history by capturing their sixth Super Bowl title. I also want to take this opportunity to welcome our new ranking member, Mr. Chaffetz from Utah, in his new role as ranking member of the committee.

House Resolution 110 was introduced by Representative Mike Doyle of Pennsylvania, of Pittsburgh, on February 3, 2009, and currently has the support of over 60 Members in cosponsorship, including myself. Also through the 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 Steelers' successful 2008-2009 NFL season and their Super Bowl victory.

Mr. Speaker, the Pittsburgh Steelers stand as one of sporting history's greatest franchise stories. Founded back in 1933 during the heyday of Pittsburgh's steel-producing era by the legendary Art Rooney, or who many refer to as ``The Chief,'' the Steelers are the fifth oldest NFL franchise. And as a result of their remarkable win against the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII, the Steelers are now the most successful NFL team with six Super Bowl rings.

Led by Coach Mike Tomlin, the youngest coach to capture the coveted Lombardi trophy, the Steelers road to Super Bowl XLIII was lined with its fair share of advancements and challenges as the Steelers moved through the hardest ranked 2008-2009 NFL schedule, a road that I must mention, came through Foxboro, Massachusetts, the home of my beloved New England Patriots. And that road ended in Tampa Bay, Florida, with the unforgettable game winning touchdown pass from Ben Roethlisberger to Santonio Holmes in the waning seconds of the fourth quarter.

For this accomplishment, Mr. Speaker, we stand to commend the Pittsburgh Steelers, their franchise, their organization, the players, coaches and the Rooney family, and of course, the supportive fans that make up the ``Steeler Nation,'' on a job well done. As the city of Pittsburgh and its surrounding countryside continue to celebrate its 250th anniversary, I'm certain that the Steelers win in Super Bowl XLIII only adds to the occasion of such a historical landmark.

In closing, I urge adoption of House Resolution 110.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, at this point, I would like to yield to the chief sponsor of this resolution, the gentleman from Pittsburgh, Mike Doyle, for 5 minutes.

Madam Speaker, at this time I would like to yield 2 minutes to Mr. Scott of Virginia.

Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve.

Madam Speaker, we continue to reserve.

Madam Speaker, may I inquire how many more speakers the gentleman has?

We will reserve the balance of our time.

Again, I ask that all Members support the underlying Resolution 110, congratulating the Pittsburgh Steelers on their Super Bowl championship.

I yield back.

Madam 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.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 112) supporting the goals and ideals of American Heart Month and National Wear Red Day.

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

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

On behalf of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform,

under the leadership of our new chairman, the Honorable Edolphus Towns of New York, I am pleased to stand in support of House Resolution 112, which expresses support for the goals and ideals of both the American Heart Month and for National Wear Red Day.

The measure now before us was authored by Representative Chris Lee of New York, and it enjoys the cosponsorship of nearly 60 Members of Congress. On Wednesday, February 11, the House Oversight Committee took up House Resolution 112 and reported the bill favorably, which brings us to today's consideration of this thoughtful, commemorative resolution.

Madam Speaker, House Resolution 112 is designed to support the goals of American Heart Month, which is annually commemorated during the month of February as a way of highlighting the devastating impact of cardiovascular disease on our Nation. In fact, heart disease, including stroke, serves as the number one killer of Americans. Since 1963, the American Heart Association and Congress have worked collectively to draw our attention to the causes and effects of heart disease, and I am happy to be joining the gentleman from New York today as we continue to emphasize the need for greater research and awareness of heart disease through House Resolution 112.

In addition to American Heart Month, House Resolution 112 also expresses support for National Wear Red Day, which this year was held on Friday, February 6. National Wear Red Day is designed to support the fight against heart disease in women by encouraging Americans to wear red at their workplaces, in places of worship, out in their communities or at home. While a simple concept in theory, in practice, National Wear Red Day is a powerful way of raising awareness among our population of heart disease and stroke among women.

Madam Speaker, given the worthy causes prompted by the American Heart Month and by National Wear Red Day, I stand in full support of House Resolution 112, and I urge my colleagues to do the same by voting in support of the resolution.

I now reserve the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, again, I join my colleagues across the aisle in supporting the underlying resolution (H. Res. 112), and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam 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.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 139) commemorating the life and legacy of President Abraham Lincoln on the bicentennial of his birth.

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

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

On this exact day 200 years ago, the great Abraham Lincoln was born in a small cabin in Hardin County, Kentucky. Therefore, it is with extreme honor and admiration that I stand before the American people today to call up House Resolution 139, which celebrates both the life and legacy of President Abraham Lincoln which he left behind.

House Resolution 139 was introduced by Representative Hare from the Land of Lincoln--the State of Illinois. It is cosponsored by some 63 Members of Congress. I thank the gentleman for introducing the measure which gives us the opportunity to, once again, highlight the accomplishments and greatness of our 16th President.

Born into very humble beginnings, Abraham Lincoln was a self-educated man who would rise from his midwestern roots to lead our Nation through its most divisive moments. A fervent believer in the principles of the Declaration of Independence, Abraham Lincoln fought for the rights of all Americans and for the preservation of the Union, the very union that makes us one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

It was in this same spirit that Lincoln wrote in his second inaugural address that it is ``with malice toward none, with charity for all; with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in.''

Madam Speaker, as we tackle our country's economic crisis, let us be reminded of Lincoln's famous words and work together to carry out the people's business in order that we may form a perfect Union.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, at this time I'd like to recognize the gentleman who is the lead sponsor of this resolution, the distinguished gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hare), for 5 minutes.

Madam Speaker, I urge that all Members join us in supporting the underlying resolution.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam 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.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 663) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 12877 Broad Street in Sparta, Georgia, as the ``Yvonne Ingram-Ephraim Post Office Building''.

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

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

Madam Speaker, as Chair of the House subcommittee with jurisdiction of the United States Postal Service, I am pleased to present for consideration H.R. 663 which renames the postal facility located at 12877 Broad Street in Sparta, Georgia, as the ``Yvonne Ingram-Ephraim Post Office building.''

A lifelong public servant, Yvonne Ingram-Ephraim rose from public school teacher to become the first African American elected to serve on the city council of Sparta, Georgia.

H.R. 663 has the support of the entire Georgia congressional delegation, and the measure was authored by my friend from Georgia, Representative John Barrow, who at this moment I'd like to yield to for 4 minutes to speak further on the bill.

Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve.

Madam Speaker, again, I stand with my colleagues, especially our sponsor, Representative John Barrow of Georgia, in full support of H.R. 663 to designate the ``Yvonne Ingram-Ephraim Post Office Building,'' and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam 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 rise today in strong support of the Paycheck Fairness Act. This legislation will put an end to pay disparities based merely on gender and ensure that employee rights enforced through the Equal Pay Act fulfill the act's original intent. Specifically, this legislation will require employers to prove that pay disparities between men and women have a business justification.

According to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau statistics, year- round full-time female workers make 77.8 percent to the dollar of their male counterparts. Specifically, the median income for year-round full- time male workers is $45,113. In contrast, the median income for year- round full-time female workers is $35,102. Based solely on statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, the apparent wage disparities between men and women clearly indicate that the provisions contained within the Equal Pay Act need to be revised.

I believe that this legislation will strengthen current law to make certain that wage discrimination based on gender ceases to exist.

Before I close, I would like to thank Representative Rosa DeLauro for having introduced this legislation since 1997 and praise her for being a champion of this issue.

I urge all of my colleagues to join me in voting in support of this important measure to ensure its swift passage.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Michelle Jasmin, an exceptional artist from West Roxbury, Massachusetts, who has earned the Green Light Competition Award of Excellence.

Since 2005, Michelle has been involved in Brookline Massachusetts' Gateway Arts program which encourages individuals with disabilities to passionately study and create art. Michelle's award winning artwork patriotically expresses fellow American's feelings of loss and personal struggle through her paintings of soldiers who have lost their lives in the Iraq war.

Michelle's work consists of a hand-bound book of acrylic paintings, ``Gone But Not Forgotten,'' which contains the names, ages, military rank, and towns of Massachusetts soldiers who have died in the Iraq war and is accompanied by unique portraits of each solider. A specific painting, ``A Soldier's Prayer,'' shows depictions of the sorrows of war combined with prayer. Additionally, her painting series ``Untitled'' depicts a suffering man, a reaching hand, a poem on suffering, and a figure breaking free from chains, which outwardly expresses how humans can overcome the feeling of loss.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct honor to take the floor of the House today to join with Michelle's family, friends and Gateway Arts to honor her for her exceptional accomplishments as an artist.

I hope my colleagues will join me in celebrating Michelle's talent and wish her good health and success in all her future endeavors.

I thank the gentleman from Connecticut for yielding me this time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5772, the Frank Melville Supportive Housing Investment Act of 2008. This is the only HUD permanent supportive housing program that is exclusively for people with disabilities.

I am pleased to support this legislation, which will reform and strengthen section 811 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act. This bill will actually increase efficiency

and better serve eligible disabled persons and, importantly, I think, this bill will streamline the bureaucracy.

Those of us who have tried to assist disabled persons with their housing understand the hoops that one must go through. This bill, I think, through the great work of Congressman Murphy and others, has solved much of that. But there is much to be said about the improvements to the current rental assistance program and the system for disbursing capital advances, which actually create and maintain affordable units.

Additionally, this bill will require HUD to carry out an important competitive demonstration program to expand the supply of truly supportive housing. I am especially pleased that this bill also authorizes appropriations for that assistance under section 8 in fiscal year 2009.

Having grown up in public housing, I am probably more aware than most of the important role that public housing fills in terms of the needs of our disabled community. This is especially true for our disabled citizens, who have a greater need for housing and facilities that meet their particular disabilities.

I encourage my colleagues to support those most in need in our country by voting for this important bipartisan measure. I must say Mr. Murphy has been very gracious in recognizing everyone who has been involved here, but I must, in turn, I think, recognize his great involvement and great leadership here.

On behalf of all the families out there, like mine, who have disabled persons, and we recognize the challenges that they deal with every day on a regular basis, I just want to extend our thanks to Chris Murphy, the Congressman from Connecticut, for his great work on this bill.

I thank the chairman for yielding the time.

I also want to thank the chairman, Mr. Frank, for his work on this bill, along with the ranking member. I do have to say that I think much of the fairness that we find in this bill has come at the insistence of the chairman.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to also note that while this bill accomplishes quite a bit, the package that the chairman has brought before us today includes not only the overhaul of FHA and the GSEs but also has grants and tax provisions for cities and homeowners alike, but also I would add that it gets at the root of our problem.

The root of our problem today is really the origination process for these subprime mortgages. And what this bill does is it includes a tool, a new tool, that will allow us to combat these abuses by creating a nationwide mortgage lending system and registry to license and register individual mortgage brokers. I want to just point out that it's estimated that about $514 billion worth of the loans resetting in 2008, 70 percent are subprime loans.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the underlying bill, the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act, and I want to congratulate the chairman, Mr. Oberstar, and also the ranking member for their great work on this.

Mr. Chairman, I rise to engage in a colloquy with you. As you know, I submitted an amendment on this bill earlier in the week related to security training for Amtrak frontline employees. I have been encouraged to withdraw the amendment in order to expedite consideration of this bill, which is very important and which I support. However, I remain troubled by one underlying issue.

As evidenced by the terrorist attacks against rail systems in Madrid and in London and in Moscow and in Tokyo and Mumbai, and 3 days ago in Algeria, terrorists have demonstrated their intent to continue to target public transit systems as a favored tactic against civilian populations.

In response to this continued threat, Congress in the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 directed the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue comprehensive rail and transit worker training directives to prepare our rail workers and transit workers to prevent and respond to potential terrorist attacks against our public transit systems.

With respect to railroad employees, the law required the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop and issue security training regulations by last February, 4 months ago, so that each carrier could develop a training program based on this guidance.

Regrettably, however, and this gets to the issue of my amendment, the Secretary has failed to comply with the 9/11 Act's rail worker training directives and has not issued a single mandated regulation. Worse yet, this missed deadline comes on the heels of yet another missed deadline by the Department on issuing interim training regulations for transit workers.

If the locomotive engineers, security personnel, our dispatchers, our conductors, train workers and rail workers don't understand what our plan is in the event of an attack, then we really don't have a plan.

Mr. Chairman, in light of the continued reports from our Nation's front line rail workers, I respectfully ask you to join me in sending a letter to the Amtrak Inspector General asking him to conduct a review of the current state of security training provided to front line Amtrak employees. It is my understanding that the Inspector General would welcome this responsibility.

I yield to the gentleman from Minnesota.

Mr. Chairman, thank you. I want to congratulate you on the great work on this bill. I do want to encourage my colleagues to support the underlying bill.

Firstly, I would like to thank Representative Brown for graciously yielding me time for speaking on this important resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Concurrent Resolution 336 a resolution which honors the sacrifice and contributions made by America's disabled veterans. The brave men and women currently serving in our Armed Forces, and the veterans who have put on the uniform before them, deserve our utmost appreciation for their continued commitment to the protection of this Nation.

Regrettably, millions of these veterans have been wounded and disabled while defending the rights and freedoms that uniquely define our country. According to the latest statistics provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs, there are approximately 2.9 million disabled veterans now receiving services from the VA. Of the 2.9 million disabled veterans, a total of 30,000 have served in either Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

The great sacrifice that these men and women have made on behalf of the American people cannot go unnoticed. American veterans have earned our undying gratitude and our continued support. During last year's appropriation process, we began to head in the right direction, in my opinion, when Congress allocated $87.59 billion to the Department of Veterans Affairs, an $8 billion increase from the previous year.

Of this total, $37.2 billion was provided the Veterans Health Administration, with $3.6 billion allocated to post-traumatic stress disorder funding, and $189.25 million for traumatic brain injury funding, and $500 million for medical and prosthetic research. Our commitment to America's disabled veterans is exemplified by honoring these men and women in the present and continuing to invest in their future.

I thank Mr. Altmire for introducing this thoughtful resolution and urge my colleagues to join me in supporting House Concurrent Resolution 336.