Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, December 5, 2012 I had a previous engagement that necessitated my involvement. I was speaking to students from Lakeland College during one of their American Government Classes. The Professor's name is Shane Roger and his class was American National Government. I missed procedural votes on the following votes--S. Con. Res. 50, which is a concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress regarding actions to preserve and advance the multi-stakeholder governance model under which the Internet has thrived; H.R. 6602, which would make revisions in title 36, United States Code, as necessary to keep the title current and make technical corrections and improvements; and finally on S. 2367 the 21st Century Language Act of 2012, which removes references to the word ``lunatic'' from rules of construction of the U.S. Code and banking law provisions concerning: (1) trust powers of banks, and (2) bank consolidations and mergers.

Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on the above stated bills.

Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, December 4, 2012 I had a meeting with my constituents from Shelby, Douglas and Cole counties in Illinois and I missed procedural votes on approving the Journal and motion to adjourn. I also missed one Suspension vote on H.R. 6582, which would allow for innovations and alternative technologies that meet or exceed desired energy efficiency goals, and to make technical corrections to existing Federal energy efficiency laws to allow

American manufacturers to remain competitive.

Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on the above stated votes.

Twelve years ago, I took an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States. I am here today to urge my colleagues to uphold our Second Amendment right to bear arms.

Congress has to put aside partisan differences and act to uphold a citizen's right to bear arms in every State in the Union. Unfortunately, in my home State, residents are denied the ability to carry firearms even though the residents of every other State in the Union are allowed to protect themselves and their property. The Second Amendment is clear and concise, and it was meant to protect all residents no matter where they live.

I urge Congress and the States to uphold this fundamental and basic right.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge this House to come together and support a new comprehensive farm bill. Farmers in my district are the most efficient producers in the world; however, their productivity and efficiency could be hindered if this body does not act on a new farm bill.

After facing a historic drought this year, farmers saw a tremendous drop in yields. Crop insurance was there to keep them afloat; however, there is so much uncertainty that, if we don't act soon, the producers in my district and across the country could be facing unjust consequences when going to buy their seed, fertilizer, and other inputs for the 2013 crop.

There are differences between the bill that was passed by the House Ag Committee, of which I'm a member, as compared to that of the Senate. That's why we need to bring the House bill to the floor for a vote, so that we can go to conference committee and work out our differences just as we did last year in the highway bill.

Certainty is what the farmers need right now in order to continue to produce the safest and most affordable food in the world. I urge both sides to come together and pass a new 5-year farm bill before the end of the year.

Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, November 13th, 2012 I had obligations that necessitated my attention in Champaign, Illinois and missed the suspension vote on H.R. 6371, Streamlining Claims Processing for Federal Contractor Employees Act, which transfers authority from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to the Department of Labor for processing claims for wages due to laborers and mechanics hired by contractors on public works projects.

Had I been present, I would have voted, ``aye'' on the above stated bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the life of Mr. Anastase Pomonis, lifelong entrepreneur and community icon. He was born in Athens, Greece on May 3, 1941 and passed away on July 10, 2012. He was an inspiration to the local Greek community and the community at large. He came to the Champaign-Urbana area in the 1960s and soon developed many entrepreneurial ventures.

Anastase, or Stacy as he was commonly known, was an excellent example of what living the American dream is all about. He came from a far away land to become a life story of great American success. Stacy developed The Brown Jug club in Champaign, whose house bands included the now famous REO Speedwagon. He went on to establish several local restaurant and diner chains, as well as several other businesses that thrive to this day.

He was proclaimed a Patriarch of the Three Hierarchs Greek Orthodox Church upon his passing. It is important to also remember him as a good father and husband. He was a man who was a mentor to many people. Speaking five languages and capable of reciting philosophic doctrine from heart, he was known as an intelligent and insightful man. He offered himself to the community through his words, heart and charity. Thank you, Anastase, for

your extraordinary life and contribution to our community. We will miss you tremendously.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the University of Illinois' Division of Campus Recreation as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.

The Division of Campus Recreation provides resources for all University of Illinois students and staff, as well as offering community members opportunities to utilize their vast resources. There are seven facilities under the control of Division of Campus Recreation, including the Activities and Recreation Center (ARC) which was renovated and reopened in 2008 as one of the nation's largest on- campus recreation centers. Campus Recreation provides recreation centers, an ice rink, outdoor recreation fields, a picnicking grove, and swimming pools. All of the Campus Recreation facilities provide opportunities for users to engage in an array of activities that can satisfy a wide spectrum of abilities. The inclusiveness to which Campus Recreation strives is a reflection of its quality and an expression of its mission within the University of Illinois.

Throughout its existence, the Division of Campus Recreation has also provided a place of employment for countless students as they pursue their degrees. While most students leave Campus Recreation upon their graduation, there are those who stick around and find it a place to make a successful career.

Personally, I have made much use of the facilities and opportunities provided by the Division of Campus Recreation. As a longtime member, I have used the swimming pools, workout facilities and exercise tracks to help maintain a healthy lifestyle. The facilities have seen great changes during my membership, but the superb assistance and innumerable friendly conversations with the staff at Campus Recreation have remained the same.

I would like to commend the Division of Campus Recreation on its 50th anniversary, and wish to see its continued excellence into the future.

Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 597, I was off the floor and inadvertantly missed the vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``present.''

Amendment No. 10 Offered by Mr. Markey

Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 I had to

meet with constituents in the Champaign-Urbana area concerning financial matters of local Government and I missed suspension votes on H.R. 5044, the Andrew P. Carpenter Tax Act, which amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income any amount attributable to the discharge of student loan indebtedness of a veteran who died as a result of a service-connected disability, Also I missed votes on H.R. 5912, which would Amend the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit public funds for political party conventions.

Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on the above stated bills.

Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, September 20, 2012 I had a delay on my American Airlines flight 1342 from Chicago to Washington, D.C. due to mechanical difficulties. I missed procedural votes on ordering the Previous Question and the Adoption of the rule for Welfare Work Requirements and Stop the War on Coal.

Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on the above stated bills.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of Olympic Swimming Gold Medalist Tyler McGill.

Champaign native, Tyler McGill, took home Olympic Gold last month. McGill was part of the 4X100-meter medley relay team that won gold in London.

McGill, born and raised in Champaign, Illinois, was a State Champion swimmer at Champaign Central High School, and went on to become an All- American swimmer at Auburn University.

Tyler has consistently been one of the top butterfly swimmers in the country. He qualified for the London Games, finishing second behind Michael Phelps at the USA Swimming Trials, with a time of 51.31 seconds.

In London Tyler qualified third for the finals of the 100-meter butterfly, eventually finishing seventh. His medaling opportunity came shortly after his seventh place finish as he swam the butterfly leg during the prelims of the 4X100-meter medley relay. USA went on to capture gold in that event and McGill took home some hardware.

I would like to congratulate Tyler's parents, Jeff and Susan, for the encouragement and support they have given Tyler over the years to become the exceptional Olympian that he is today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my good friend and fellow Illinois Representative, Congressman Jerry Costello.

I can say with sincerity that Jerry Costello, after 24 years of dedication, has gone above and beyond in every way possible to serve the 12th District of Illinois and this nation. Throughout his tenure, Congressman Costello has worked tirelessly to improve the economic standing of Southern Illinois, as well as foster positive change for this nation.

Jerry Costello has been one of the most ardent workers for improving national transportation and has received many honors and recognition over the years for his work on agricultural issues of great importance to Illinois

farmers. With his bipartisan approach to issues, Congressman Costello has garnered results time and again for the State of Illinois.

Not only do Congressman Costello and I share this strong, cross-party attitude, but we also sit together on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Through our work together, I have witnessed first- hand the amount of effort and hard work that he has put into the improvement of transportation infrastructure in the 12th District of Illinois as well as nationwide. Most importantly Congressman Costello never left his district and always came back to Illinois after the session was over. This enabled him to truly stay grounded and in touch with his constituents.

I would take this moment to honor Congressman Costello and all his years of service. Thank you, Congressman Jerry Costello and congratulations on your numerous achievements. I wish you the best of luck in all future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, on Monday, September 10, 2012 I had obligations that necessitated my attention in Champaign, Illinois and missed suspension votes on H.R. 6186, which directs FEMA to assess options, methods, and strategies for making voluntary community-based flood insurance policies available through the National Flood Insurance Program. H.R. 2139, which directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue as legal tender $1 coins in commemoration of the centennial of the founding of the Lions Clubs International. And lastly, H.R. 6122, which directs the Librarian of Congress to accept in the interest of the Library of Congress, its collections, or its service personal property valued at $25,000 or less, nonpersonal services, or voluntary and uncompensated personal services.

Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on the above stated bills.

Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, July 31, 2012 I missed votes due to a meeting in my district with constituents in Urbana, IL on pressing local issues. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' for S. 679, Presidential Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining Act of 2011; ``aye'' for H.R. 828, Federal Employee Tax Accountability Act of 2011; and ``aye'' for H.R. 3803, District of Columbia Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act.

Mr. Speaker, on Monday, July 23, 2012, I was unable to attend votes due to a previously scheduled appointment. At that time I was in my district meeting with constituents to discuss environmental issues impacting the town of Clinton, IL and DeWitt County, IL.

Had I been present, my votes would have been as follows: for H.R. 2362 and H.R. 3477 I would have voted ``yea''; for S. 2039, I would have voted ``nay''.