Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, unfortunately yesterday, May 7, 2007, I was unable to cast my votes on H.R. 407, H.R. 1025, and H. Res. 371.

Had I been present for rollcall No. 302 on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 407, the Columbia-Pacific National Heritage Area Study Act, I would have voted ``aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 303 on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 1025, the Lower Republican River Basin Study Act, I would have voted ``aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 304 on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H. Res. 371, In observance of National Physical Education and Sports Week, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, unfortunately today, May 8, 2007, I was unable to cast my votes on H. Res. 377 and H. Res. 370.

Had I been present for rollcall No. 305 on passage of H. Res. 377, Providing for the consideration of H.R. 1294, Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act, I would have voted ``nay.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 306 on passage of H. Res. 370, Providing for consideration of the concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 21) setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal

year 2008 and including the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2007 and 2009 through 2012, I would have voted ``nay.''

Madam Speaker, unfortunately yesterday, April 23, 2007, I was unable to cast my votes on H. Res. 179, H.R. 1434, and H.R. 1402 and wish the record to reflect my intentions had I been able to vote. Had I been present for rollcall No. 245 on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 179, expressing support for a National Foster Parents Day, I would have voted ``aye''; had I been present for rollcall No. 246 on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 1434, designating the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 896 Pittsburgh Street in Springdale, Pennsylvania, as the Rachel Carson Post Office Building, I would have voted ``aye.''; had I been present for rollcall No. 247 on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 1402, designating the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 320 South Lecanto Highway in Lecanto, Florida, as the Sergeant Dennis J. Flanagan Lecanto Post Office Building, I would have voted ``aye.''

Madam Speaker, unfortunately yesterday, March 19, 2007, I

was unable to cast my votes on H. Res. 138, H.R. 658, and H.R. 839.

Had I been present for rollcall No. 157 on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H. Res. 138, Recognizing the importance of Hot Springs National Park on its 175th anniversary, I would have voted yea.

Had I been present for rollcall No. 158 on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 658, the Natural Resource Protection Cooperative Agreement Act, I would have voted yea.

Had I been present for rollcall No. 159 on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 839, the Arthur V. Watkins Dam Enlargement Act, I would have voted yea.

Madam Speaker, unfortunately yesterday, March 12, 2007, I was unable to cast my votes on H.R. 85, H. Res. 136, and H. Res. 89 and wish the record to reflect my intentions had I been able to vote.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to address the President's plan to deploy an additional 21,500 American troops in Iraq. I oppose this course of action and feel that contributing more troops to this war is not in the best interest of our country.

One only needs to look back on the timeline of events in Iraq to realize how much we have given that country. From the deposing of Saddam Hussein and his ruthless heirs, to the drafting of a constitution and free elections, the United States has fulfilled its role in liberating Iraq. However, the sacrifices our country has made must be met by an even stronger commitment by Iraq's leaders to face the challenges of a fledgling democracy and ensure the safety and freedom of its own people.

Our troops have served with tremendous bravery during this nearly 4 year endeavor. The resolution we are discussing today contains a pledge that Congress will ``continue to support and protect'' our courageous men and women who are serving or who have served in Iraq. This is a promise we must keep and I will work with like-minded colleagues to ensure that the members of the United States Armed Forces continue to have the resources they need while they are in harms way and after they return home.

However, I am in disagreement with the President on sending 21,500 more troops to Iraq because the time has passed for the leaders and citizens of Iraq to ascend and defend their country. The people of this country sent a message to the Congress a few months ago and my constituents have made it increasingly clear to me that they do not support the escalation of U.S. troop involvement amidst the seemingly endless sectarian strife inside Iraq.

Therefore, I rise in support of this resolution.

Madam Speaker, unfortunately I was unable to cast my votes on the following rollcall votes on February 12, 2007. I request that the Record state my intentions on these votes had I been present to vote.

On rollcall No. 93--on the motion to Suspend the Rules and pass H. Res. 134, recognizing and honoring the employees of the Department of Homeland Security for their efforts and contributions to protect and secure the Nation, I would have voted ``yea.''

On rollcall No. 94--on the motion to Suspend the Rules and pass H. Con. Res. 44, honoring and praising the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People on the occasion of its 98th anniversary, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, unfortunately I was unable to cast my votes on the following rollcall votes on February 13, 2007. Had I been present to vote, I would have voted as follows:

On rollcall No. 95--On the Motion to Suspend the Rules and pass H. Res. 122, Recognizing the significance of the 65th anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and supporting the goals of the Japanese American, German American, and Italian American communities in a National Day of Remembrance, I would have voted ``aye.''

On rollcall No. 96--On Ordering the Previous Question on H. Res. 157, the Rule providing for consideration of H. Con. Res. 63, disapproving of the decision of the President announced on January 10, 2007, to deploy more than 20,000 additional United States combat troops to Iraq, I would have voted ``nay.''

On rollcall No. 97--On Agreeing to H. Res. 157, the Rule providing for consideration of H. Con. Res. 63, disapproving of the decision of the President announced on January 10, 2007, to deploy more than 20,000 additional United States combat troops to Iraq, I would have voted ``nay.''

On rollcall No. 98--On the Motion to Suspend the Rules and pass H.R. 437, naming a post office after Lino Perez, Jr., I would have voted ``aye.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 150th Birthday of the First United Methodist Church in Champaign, Illinois. This sesquicentennial celebration marks not only a significant moment for the church, but also a significant moment in the community, culture and history of Champaign.

The First United Methodist Church was first recognized as a Methodist Episcopal church on December 7, 1856 by the Illinois Annual Conference; however, the contributions of the Church go further back to 1793. With its rich history and loyal dedication to serving the community, the Church has been a vital influence in the shaping of the fine citizens of Champaign.

Officially recognized in 1856, the First United Methodist Church began with holding Sunday services in a brick schoolhouse nearby. Started with a small loyal following, the Church grew to record highs of 4,163 members. As its size and congregation grew, so did their devotion to the community.

The First United Methodist Church has been steadfast in providing a positive influence to the entire community of Champaign. Members of the Church have active roles in mission programs both local and international, volunteered in local service projects, and helped run local food banks.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the 150th Birthday of the First United Methodist church as well as their 150 years of accomplishments and noble servitude for the city of Champaign.

Madam Speaker, unfortunately today, February 5, 2007, due to major delays in my airline options, I was unable to make it into Washington, DC in time to cast my votes on H. Res. 94 and H. Con. Res. 35.

Had I been present for rollcall No. 74 on final passage of H. Res. 94, as amended, Supporting the goals and ideals of National Consumer Protection Week, I would have voted ``yea.''

Had I been present for rollcall No. 75 on final passage of H. Con. Res. 35, as amended, Supporting the goals and ideals of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, I would have voted ``yea.''

Madam Speaker, unfortunately I was unable to cast my votes on the following rollcall votes on January 24, 2007. Had I been present to vote, I would have voted as follows:

On rollcall 51--The Previous Question for the Rule to consider H. Res. 78--I would have voted ``no.''

On rollcall 52--To Table the Motion to Reconsider--I would have voted ``no.''

On rollcall 53--Final Passage of the Rule for H. Res. 78--I would have voted ``no.''

On rollcall 54--The Motion to Table the Priveleged Resolution--I would have voted ``no.''

On rollcall 55--The Motion to Adjourn--I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 56--The Question of Consideration of H. Res. 78--I would have voted ``no.''

On rollcall 57--To allow Delegates and the Resident Commissioner to vote in the Committee of the Whole--I would have voted ``no.'' Our Constitution clearly sets forth who is allowed to vote in Congress and I believe that this bill is in direct violation to that provision.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Arnold ``Red'' Auerbach, the legendary coach, general manager, and president of the Boston Celtics. Red was the architect and mastermind of one of the most dominant franchises in professional sports history.

He coached the Celtics from 1950 to 1966, and during his tenure the franchise won nine NBA titles, including eight straight from 1959 to 1966--the longest string of championships in the history of North American professional sports. His historic coaching career ended in 1966 with 938 regular season victories, a record that stood until Lenny Wilkins broke it in the 1994-95 season and 9 championship rings, an amount only matched by the current Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson.

Auerbach was revered for his unique ability to scout and recognize talent. Throughout his time as a coach and in the front office he engineered some of the most historic trades and draft selections in NBA history. One of the most notable was in the 1956 NBA Draft when the franchise traded up to the second pick in the draft and selected Future Hall of Famer Bill Russell from the University of San Francisco. Also, while in the Celtic's front office, Auerbach assembled arguably the greatest front line in NBA history when he drafted Larry Bird in 1978 as a ``junior eligible'' selection and then in 1980 worked out a deal that brought Robert Parish to the team and allowed the franchise to draft Kevin McHale out of the University of Minnesota. All three players are now members of the NBA Hall of Fame and became the nucleus that led the Celtics to 3 world Championships in the 1980's.

Auerbach's influence on the game went beyond the numerous victories and championships; he also was a pioneer in advancing race equality within the NBA. In 1950, the Celtics franchise selected Chuck Cooper of Duquesne University in the second round as the first black player to ever be selected in the NBA Draft. In addition during the 1963-64 season, Auerbach's starting line up of Bill Russell, K.C. Jones, Sam Jones, Tom Sanders, and Willie Naulls became the first all black starting line up in NBA history. And finally upon his retirement in 1966, Auerbach chose Bill Russell to succeed him as the coach of the Boston Celtics becoming the first African American to coach an American professional sports team.

Please join me in recognizing this American legend, his contributions to both the game of basketball and the nation will be forever remembered.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a dear friend of mine, Representative Henry Hyde. Henry has been a devoted public servant to the people of Illinois and this Nation for many decades and it is hard to see him leave the Halls of Congress at the end of this session.

Henry began his political career in the Illinois State House in 1966, rising to the rank of majority leader before turning his sights to Washington. Coming to Congress in 1975, Henry is leaving Washington as one of the most distinguished and well respected Members to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives. He had the unique honor to serve as Chairman of two of the biggest committees, the Judiciary Committee and the International Relations Committee. Throughout his time here he has fought diligently for many worthwhile causes and led us through some of the most tumultuous times in our nation's history, but what I will remember Henry Hyde most for was the way he carried himself while serving our citizens.

Always honest, passionate, and fair, Henry Hyde is an example to us all about the ways we should carry ourselves in these hallowed halls. Mr. Speaker, this Congress will miss Henry Hyde and his influence and I rise today to say thank you and God Bless.

Mr. Speaker, unfortunately as the result of a death in the family and my need to return to Illinois by Saturday morning for the funeral services, I was unable to cast my votes on the following pieces of legislation. I request that the Record state my intentions on these votes had I been present to vote.

I would have voted ``aye'' for H. Res. 1100, the rule providing for consideration of H.R. 6406, to modify temporarily certain rates of duty and make other technical amendments to the trade laws, to extend certain trade preference programs, and for other purposes.

I would have voted ``aye'' on H.R. 5948, the Belarus Democracy Reauthorization Act of 2006. Passage of the Belarus Democracy Reauthorization Act supports Belarus as an emerging democracy with U.S. assistance by strengthening democratic institutions and processes within the country. Our country has a long history of promoting democracy worldwide and this bill will assist the people of Belarus with foreign aid and the risk of U.S. sanctions should the recent political upheavals and the repression of democratic groups in the country continue.

I would have voted ``present'' in response to the Call of the House. I am sorry to have missed Speaker J. Dennis Hastert's farewell speech. I respect and admire him, and am proud to serve with him in the Illinois congressional delegation. His long tenure as the Speaker of the House is historic, and he will be celebrated as an esteemed statesman.

I would have voted ``aye'' on H.R. 6406, to modify temporarily certain rates of duty and make other technical amendments to the trade laws, to extend certain trade preference programs, and for other purposes. This package contains trade provisions I have supported in the past and will continue to do so in the future. These provisions will help expand the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers and exporters within the global marketplace.

I would have voted ``aye'' on the Conference Report on H.R. 5682, the Henry J. Hyde U.S.-India Peaceful Atomic Energy Cooperation Act of 2006. India has been a longtime and important ally to the U.S. and U.S. assistance in the development of a civilian nuclear energy program will only cement the strategic partnership between our two countries. With the passage of the cooperation agreement with India the U.S. can be assured the peaceful sharing of nuclear energy technologies under international safeguards while preventing the spread of nuclear weapon information to rogue countries, such as North Korea and Iran.

I would have voted ``aye'' on H.J. Res. 102, making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2007. While I am disappointed that we were not able to pass the remaining appropriations bills under regular order, I feel that it is important that we continue to fund our government program at adequate levels until we can address the appropriations bills in the next session of Congress.

Finally, I would have voted ``aye'' on the following bills, considered under suspension of the rules:

1. H.R. 6407--Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act

2. H. Res. 1104--Providing for a severance payment for employees of leadership offices and committees of the House of Representatives who are separated from employment solely and directly as a result of a change in the party holding the majority of the membership in the House

3. H.R. 6060--Department of State Authorities Act of 2006

4. S. 4050--Sergeant First Class Robert Lee `Bobby' Hollar, Jr. Post Office Building Designation Act

5. S. 4093--A bill to amend the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to extend a suspension of limitation on the period for which certain borrowers are eligible for guaranteed assistance

6. H.R. 5304--Preventing Harassment through Outbound Number Enforcement Act

7. S. 3821--COMPETE Act of 2006

8. S. 4042--A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit disruptions of funerals of members or former members of the Armed Forces

9. H.R. 6427--To increase the amount in certain funding agreements relating to patents and nonprofit organizations to be used for scientific research, development, and education, and for other purposes

10. H.R. 6428--To authorize the Secretary of the Army to carry out certain elements of the project for hurricane and storm damage reduction, Morganza to the Gulf of Mexico, Louisiana

11. S. 2735--Dam Safety Act of 2006

12. S. Con. Res. 123--A concurrent resolution providing for correction to the enrollment of the bill H.R. 5946

13. H.R. 5946--Stevens-Inouye International Fisheries Monitoring and Compliance Legacy Act of 2006

14. H.R. 4075--Marine Mammal Protection Act Amendments of 2006

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the memory of Linda Mills of Champaign, Illinois who passed away on Thursday, September 14, 2006. A great community leader and active businesswoman, Linda Mills has left a footprint in Central Illinois that will always be remembered.

Linda Mills was dedicated to improving the lives of those in the Champaign-Urbana community for many years. As President of Busey Travel and director of Busey Bank, Mrs. Mills volunteered at the Don Moyer Boys & Girls Club where she served as president for many years. The executive director of this club remembers Linda Mills as an extremely compassionate lady, she was very interested in the education of our kids. Along with the Boys & Girls Club, Mrs. Mills also volunteered her time at the Cunningham Children's Home where the President and CEO of the Home always remembers Linda Mills' heart for the community, helping to meet the needs of children and adults who needed help overcoming the odds. She did so many great things in an unassuming fashion. She was someone who wasn't flashy. So much she did, no one would ever know about.

One longtime friend, Carol Scharlau, has said that Linda Mills had a commitment to building a better community and in such a sincere and caring way. Some people volunteer for different reasons. But with Linda, compassion for others came through in everything she did.

In 2005, Linda Mills and her husband Doug pledged $10 million to establish the Mills Breast Cancer Institute at Carle Clinic in Urbana. As one who had suffered from breast cancer herself, Mrs. Mills felt very strongly about the research and the help this organization could give to serve others who suffer from breast cancer.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring the memory of Mrs. Linda Mills.