Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 2006 World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals. Join me in congratulating the front office, the coaches and the players in bringing home the 10th World Series Title in franchise history and the first since 1982.

After struggling for much of the regular season's final four months, the redbirds overcame numerous injuries and ended the regular season with an 83-78 mark to take the National League Central Division Pennant over the Houston Astros by a game and a half.

St. Louis was an underdog going into the playoffs and upon victory became only the second franchise in Major League history to win the World Series without having home field advantage in any of their postseason series. Cardinal Manager Tony LaRussa, who also won a World Series in 1989 with the Oakland Athletics, joined Sparky Anderson as the only manager to win a World Series title in both the American and National Leagues. Many analysts of the game have said that this was Tony LaRussa's finest season of management after a long and historic career.

After barely holding on to their playoff spot, the St. Louis Cardinals found new life and energy from their reinvented pitching staff. The Starting rotation of 2005 Cy Young Award winner Chris Carpenter, Jeff Weaver, Jeff Suppan, and Anthony Reyes pitched brilliantly and were backed up by a host of relievers led by closer Adam Wainwright. Wainwright finished his extraordinary postseason with 1 win along with 4 saves and 15 strikeouts in 9.2 innings of work.

Upon defeating the San Diego Padres in four games and winning a heated seven game series against the New York Mets, the match up between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Detroit Tigers proved to be one for the history books. Some of the series highlights include Chris Carpenter's game 3 performance where he pitched 8 innings of shutout baseball, tallying 6 strikeouts, no walks, and allowing only three hits. Also, during the series Scott Rolen came through in the clutch with a .421 batting average and a .476 on base percentage with 5 runs scored.

In Game 5, Starter Jeff Weaver crafted an amazing 2 run, 8 inning performance; He finished the postseason with a 2.43 earned run average, which paced all Cardinal starters. David Eckstein, World Series Most Valuable Player, drove in the first run and scored the Cardinals' final run in the Cards' 4-2 win over the Tigers. His hard nosed, strong willed series performance that totaled 8 hits and 5 RBIs in the final 3 games acted as the catalyst for Cardinal victory.

Once again I want to congratulate the 2006 World Series Champions for bringing the city of St. Louis and the Cardinal Nation its 10th World Series title.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the achievements of NASA astronaut, Joseph Tanner for his outstanding service to his country in the name of space exploration, including his recent mission to the International Space Station on the Space Shuttle Atlantis.

Joseph Tanner was born in Illinois in 1950 and graduated from Danville High School in Danville, Illinois in 1968. He pursued a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Illinois graduating in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Upon graduation, Mr. Tanner joined the Navy where he earned his pilot wings in 1975 before serving as an A-7E pilot with the Light Attack Squadron 94 aboard the U.S.S. Coral Sea. He finished his active service with the Navy as an advanced jet instructor pilot with Training Squadron 4 in Pensacola, Florida.

In 1984, Mr. Tanner began working for the NASA Johnson Space Center as an aerospace engineer and research pilot. His primary flying responsibilities involved teaching the astronaut pilots Space Shuttle landing techniques in the Shuttle Training Aircraft and instructing the pilots and mission specialists in the T-38. In addition to his flying duties, Mr. Tanner held positions as the aviation safety officer, the head of the pilot section, and the Deputy Chief of Aircraft Operations Division. In total, Mr. Tanner has accumulated an impressive no less than 8,862 hours in military and NASA aircraft.

Selected as an astronaut candidate by NASA in March 1992, Mr. Tanner reported to the Astronaut Office in August 1992 where he completed one year of initial training and worked in the Shuttle Avionics Integration Laboratory before being assigned to his first mission. Mr. Tanner also served as part of the Astronaut Support Personnel team at the Kennedy Space Center, supporting Space Shuttle launches and landings. Throughout his NASA career, Mr. Tanner has participated in four space flight missions.

The most recent space flight Mr. Tanner flew on was STS-115, the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Atlantis launched on September 9, 2006 with six crew members to continue construction on the International Space Station. The 12 day mission included several space walks to construct crucial components to ensure the future of the International Space Station, including the installation of two solar arrays to assist the station in generating power. Mr. Tanner performed two space walks on this particular mission, bringing his total number of space walks to seven. Atlantis landed in Florida at the Kennedy Shuttle Landing Facility on September 21, 2006 in the early morning. The Space Shuttle Atlantis accomplished its mission of delivering the first major new component to the International Space Station since 2002 and laid important groundwork for upcoming station construction.

I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the crew of the Space Shuttle Atlantis and especially to astronaut, Joseph Tanner.

Mr. Speaker, on September 29, 2006, I was away from my official duties due to a family matter, and subsequently missed a recorded vote on rollcall No. 512, on ordering the Previous Question on H. Res. 1064, waiving points of order against the conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 4954) to improve maritime and cargo security through enhanced layered defenses, and for other purposes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, on September 29, 2006, I was away from my official duties due to a family matter, and subsequently missed a recorded vote on rollcall No. 513, on ordering the previous question on the motion to refer the privileged resolution to the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, on September 29, 2006, I was away from my official duties due to a family matter, and subsequently missed a recorded vote on rollcall No. 514, on a motion to refer the Privileged Resolution to the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, on September 29, 2006, I was away from my official duties due to a family matter, and subsequently missed a recorded vote on rollcall No. 515, to suspend the rules and pass S. 3661, a bill to amend section 29 of the International Air Transportation Competition Act of 1979 relating to air transportation to and from Love Field, Texas. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, on September 29, 2006, I was away from my official duties due to a family mater, and subsequently missed a recorded vote on Rollcall No. 516, on final passage of H.R. 4954, a bill to improve maritime and cargo security through enhanced layered defenses, and for other purposes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, due to circumstances beyond my control on Thursday, September 7, 2006, I regrettably missed the vote on H. Res. 981, a bill providing for consideration of H.R. 503, the Horse Protection Act.

H. Res. 981 presents a reasonable rule that made several amendments in order, and allowed adequate time to have a full and fair debate on the underlying bill.

In turn, I would have voted ``yea'' on H. Res. 981, so that we could begin to consider the underlying provisions of H.R. 503.

Madam Speaker, we find ourselves once again on disturbingly familiar ground as Israel continues to defend itself against armed attacks by terrorist groups targeting civilian populations. As a sovereign nation, Israel has the right and, more importantly, the responsibility to defend its borders from acts of terrorism and threats to its national security. The War on Terror continues to combat terrorist organizations and their State sponsors, and as such, Hamas and Hezbollah must be held accountable for their destructive actions.

The recent unprovoked rocket attacks in Israel and the kidnapping of Israeli soldiers are obvious acts of war against the democratic nation by Hezbollah and Hamas. The U.S. has been a strong leader in the War on Terror and these offensive acts of violence are no exception in the mission to stop terrorist activities around the world. Increased international pressure to call for an end to terrorism must be a priority, as an unstable Middle East can have dire consequences to the entire international community, as confirmed by the extensive evacuations currently taking place in Lebanon.

The Governments of Syria and Iran, as supporters of both Hamas and Hezbollah in their terror activities, must be held accountable for the violence taking place in Israel to protect the innocent populations of both Israel and Lebanon that find themselves in the middle of continued violence. Additionally, the Lebanese Government must call for an end to all terrorist violence and do everything possible to expel Hezbollah from within its borders. These terrorist organizations cannot be ignored and Lebanon must protect its sovereignty in the presence of any terrorist activity by taking decisive action.

I commend Israel for minimizing civilian casualties by focusing defensive attacks on infrastructures and weapons facilities, intentionally avoiding towns and villages. In the face of such violence, Israel continues to follow democratic and civilized principles of war in protecting its people and Country. I continue to support the right of Israel to vigorously defend itself in response to attacks of violence that threaten the existence of the Israeli people and pray for the end of violence and a peaceful outcome in the Middle East.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Mental Health Center of Champaign County on the celebration of its 50th anniversary.

The Champaign County Mental Health Clinic opened its doors 50 years ago as a program of the Champaign County Mental Health Society. On July 22, 1968, the Mental Health Center became incorporated and changed its name to the Mental Health Center of Champaign County. Throughout its years of service to the community, the Mental Health Center has continually expanded mental health services to meet the needs of the public.

The Mental Health Center of Champaign County is committed to providing critical mental health services to the community. Since its inception, the Mental Health Center has provided residential, outpatient, school-based, and 24-hour crisis services to promote the recovery, awareness, and the understanding of mental health and related illnesses.

The citizens of the 15th district and I are very proud of the Mental Health Center of Champaign County for their continued efforts to provide quality services to those in need of them. We look forward to a prosperous future in which the Mental Health Center will continue its dedication to mental health services.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the Mental Health Center of Champaign County on its 50th anniversary of service to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the career of retiring Lake Land College President Robert K. Luther. Dr. Luther concluded his exceptionally accomplished 18-year tenure on June 30, 2006.

Before coming to Lake Land, Dr. Luther served on Governor Jim Edgar's Integration of Workforce Education task force and Governor George Ryan's Illinois Workforce Investment Board. Upon arriving at the college, Dr. Luther faced many challenges in reforming and improving the college's educational system and atmosphere, including reversing a substantial budget deficit and shrinking student enrollment, as well as beautifying a deteriorating campus.

Today, the college operates on a stable budget and is considered one of the most beautiful places in central Illinois, but Dr. Luther considers his greatest accomplishment to be increasing the college's headcount enrollment by 113 percent since his arrival.

Dr. Luther has helped to create many of Lake Land College's successful off-campus programs. Lake Land is the largest provider of postsecondary education to correctional centers in the State of Illinois, and the college now offers over 160 online courses. In addition, Dr. Luther has been an exceptional fundraiser, increasing Lake Land's annual scholarship fund six fold, from $50,000 to $300,000.

Citizens of the 15th District of Illinois honor Dr. Luther for his innovation and leadership at Lake Land College. He has done a great service to our community and greater central Illinois.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the career of Lake Land College President Robert K. Luther.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 331 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the St. Joseph-Ogden Spartans, the 2006 Class A State Softball Champions. The Spartans concluded their season on June 3, 2006 with a 1-0 victory in the girls' softball State Championship in East Peoria.

It had been an arduous season for the Spartans, defeating number two- ranked Beecher and number one ranked Taylor Ridge en route to a 31-6 season. The victory was the 665th in just 839 games for their head coach, Randy Wolken; a perfect finish for a team that had overcome so many challenges throughout the season.

Though they had reached the final four last year, the Spartans entered these playoffs huge underdogs. But strong defense and leadership helped the team to far exceed expectations, even for many of its players, culminating in its surprise State Championship.

The citizens of this district and I are very proud of the St. Joseph- Ogden Spartan softball team, and we look forward to continued success in the future. Let us honor the Spartans' tremendous accomplishments this season.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the St. Joseph-Ogden Spartans, the 2006 Class A Softball State Champions.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to explain my missed votes of yesterday June 12, 2006. Unfortunately, due to maintenance problems with numerous airplanes I was not able to arrive into Washington, DC until the votes had already closed. Had I been here for rollcall votes 521, 522, 523, 524, and 525 I would have voted aye on all 5 votes.

Mr. Speaker, for far too long the Nation of China has had a record of abusive and abhorrent human rights violations. I am pleased that H. Res. 608, H. Res. 804, and H. Res. 794 were brought to the House floor to bring attention to the continued religious persecution and to remember the horrible events in Tiananmen Square. We must continue to hold China accountable for its actions and these resolutions were a step in the right direction.

I am also glad that H. Con. Res. 338 was brought to the floor again calling on the nations of the Western Hemisphere to work together in combating Islamist terrorist organizations. Terrorism will never be an issue on which we can rest and we must ensure that all nations are working together to secure our borders and our nations against terrorist activities.

Again, I am sorry I was unable to be here for the votes on June 12, 2006, but I hope this explanation adequately conveys my support for these 5 votes.

Mr. Speaker, in the course of my excused absence from official duties on Thursday, June 8, 2006, I regrettably missed the vote on the question of consideration of H. Res. 850, providing for consideration of the bill H.R. 5252, the Communications Opportunity, Promotion, and Enhancement Act of 2006. A point of order arose on the grounds that the bill included unfunded mandates as defined by the Congressional Budget Office, CBO.

It was argued that based on supposed intergovernmental mandates identified by CBO, the threshold required under the rule for identifying the unfunded mandate had been met, and thus was subject to a point of order. CBO stated that in implementation of the COPE Act, new entrants along with incumbent cable

providers, while engaged in a national franchise as proposed by the bill would be required to pay each franchise authority six percent of their gross revenues as a fee to support use of local rights-of-way and local Public Education Government channels. This payment was seen as an unfunded mandate.

However, under all franchise agreements across the country, companies are required to pay this type of fee in some form. It is not something newly mandated. I believe that the bill merely continues, and in most estimates, could exceed, the current flow of money from cable providers to local franchise authorities. In doing this, I believe the bill's authors intended to make sure that cities would not lose revenue they counted on from local franchise agreements, and I fully support that cause.

Due to this, I would have supported the opportunity to consider H.R. 5252, so that a true debate could continue on the underlying provisions of the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 150th birthday of Tuscola, Illinois. This sesquicentennial celebration marks a significant moment in the rich history of this prairie town in rural Douglas County, Illinois.

The city of Tuscola was established to help develop and support the Illinois Central Railroad. Congress granted alternate one mile square sections of land to the Illinois Central Railroad and the city of Tuscola occupies that original square mile given to the company.

The town was laid out on July 9, 1857 as a part of Coles County and shortly there after the State of Illinois re-designated the northern section of Coles County where Tuscola is located into a newly formed county that was named after Illinois Senator, Stephen A. Douglas. The city of Tuscola has since thrived as the Douglas County seat and is a hidden gem in America's heartland.

One of Tuscola's native sons was former Speaker of the House, 1903- 1911, Joseph G. Cannon. Mr. Cannon is acclaimed by most historians as one of the most powerful Speakers of the House of Representatives and until current Speaker J. Dennis Hastert passed him on June 1, 2006, he was the longest-serving Republican Speaker in history.

This political icon of his era got his start as one of the original members of a group of fourteen men voting to ratify the city's charter on March 11, 1859. He went on to become the first State's Attorney of Douglas County and then a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1873 through 1922. On his last day in office he appeared on the first cover of Time Magazine.

Joe Cannon said of Tuscola, ``my heart is buried in your cemetery; my little son for whom I had such high hopes; my Quaker mother; my brothers and their families; and memories of my struggle to a foothold in my professional life; the faithful friends. Yes, Tuscola is home to me and always will be.'' (June 12, 1913)

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the 150th birthday of Tuscola, Illinois.