Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, on Monday, April 16, 2012 I had a previously scheduled meeting with constituents in Ogden, Illinois. As a result, I am unable to attend votes this evening. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on H.R. 3001, the Raoul Wallenberg Centennial Celebration Act; and ``yea'' on H.R. 4040, to provide for the award of a gold medal on behalf of Congress to Jack Nicklaus in recognition of his service to the Nation in promoting excellence and good sportsmanship in golf.

personal explanation

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate four exceptional 10th grade students from University Laboratory High School in Urbana, Illinois.

Max Li, Gloria Ha, Roberto Chapa, and Ananth Nandakishore have exemplified amazing success with their project ``MIROR'' (Minimally- Invasive Robotic Orofacial Repair Technology). This is a prenatal technology that would utilize an in-womb robotic technology to repair diagnosed cleft lip or palate defects in the third trimester, effectively eliminating the scarring defect and consequently and future needs for operations or rehabilitation.

These young men and woman were selected as Regional Winning Finalists in the 20th annual Toshiba/National Science Teachers Association ExploraVision Program, the world's largest K 12 student science and technology competition. They were selected from a group of 4,807 entries, representing 14,602 students from the U.S. and Canada.

I want to also thank their teacher, David Stone, for his dedication to encourage the pursuit of excellence in every student at University Laboratory High School. These outstanding students represent the best of this nation's youth and I wish them continued success in their high school careers and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Coach Mia Smith and Illinois Wesleyan University's women's basketball team for winning the NCAA Division III national title. The Titans capped their 28 5 season by winning the school's sixth overall national championship and the first in women's basketball.

The Titans were led by tournament MVP Olivia Lett, and Melissa Gardner, who set an IWU single-season record with 94 3-pointers this year.

``There wasn't a moment in the ballgame where I felt we wouldn't be the national champion when the buzzer sounded,'' Titans coach Mia Smith said. ``Even when we were down four, down five, there was not a drop of fear on the bench. That's been that way all season. It's reminiscent of every time we stepped on that floor.''

I'd like to also note that Coach Smith was named the 2012 Schelde North America/Women's DIII News ``Coach of the Year''. She's compiled a 282 108 record at IWU, including a 145 51 record in the CCIW (College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin), six league championships and seven NCAA Tournament appearances.

I would like to congratulate Mia Smith and the Illinois Wesleyan University Women's Basketball National Champs. Their accomplishments are celebrated by their families, fans, and the entire Titan community.

Madam Speaker, on Monday, March 26, 2012, I had a previously scheduled meeting with small business owners in Champaign, Illinois. As a result, I am unable to attend to attend votes this evening. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on H.R. 2779--To exempt inter-affiliate swaps from certain regulatory requirements put in place by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act; ``aye'' on H.R. 2682, the Business Risk Mitigation and Price Stabilization Act of 2011.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Stephanie Glance, Illinois State University's women's basketball coach, for being named the 2012 Coach of the Year in the Missouri Valley Conference. Glance guided ISU to an 18 12 record in advance of their appearance in the Women's National Invitation Tournament on March 15th. She is in her second year as head coach of the Redbirds, after 15 seasons as an assistant at North Carolina State and one at Tennessee.

The ISU women's team finished second in the regular season this year after returning just one of its top six scorers and landing sixth in the MVC preseason poll. Glance was named Maggie Dixon Division I Rookie Coach of the Year in 2011.

Glance credited her players for being eager to learn and improve. ``They respond so positively to anything you talk to them about,'' she said. ``It's really a special group.'' She also pointed to assistant coaches Sheila Roux, Danielle Santos, and Ryan Bragdon for their contributions. ``My staff works really hard. They are very driven,'' said Glance. ``They are people who want to be their best. This is not some kind of individual award. It's about the whole program.''

I would like to congratulate Stephanie Glance on a great year at the helm of the Redbirds. The players and their families, as well as Redbird fans and the entire Illinois State University community are extremely proud of her accomplishments and contributions.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in solemn recognition of a tragedy that took place in my home State of Illinois and throughout the Midwest last week. On February 29th, storms ravaged homes and businesses leaving 39 people dead due to the severe weather that swept through the middle of the country.

I offer my condolences to the families who have lost loved ones in this tragedy. I know that my words offer little in the way of comfort, but I must offer them, for the families that have been affected are in my thoughts and prayers. The lives taken in these recent events are truly a misfortune to behold. I mourn the lives lost and feel heartfelt sorrow for the families that have been denied future time with their loved ones. I ask my countrymen for their assistance to help alleviate the anguish of the victims of this disaster, either through volunteering or by being there for your neighbor in their time of need.

While it is difficult to find positives amidst such a catastrophe, upon further examination, admiration and honor should be recognized. As we can see across the country, there are stories of courage, generosity, selflessness, and kindness. These acts deserve our praise. At this moment, there are people volunteering to help rebuild communities that have been damaged and destroyed. Such communities are a representation of a cause greater than one's self. By helping to rebuild a neighborhood people are demonstrating their belief in an altruistic form of living. I offer my admiration to the volunteers' courage and sacrifices made in the face of extreme adversity. I thank the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Team Rubicon, and other organizations for their efforts during this crisis. Their support has proven to me that these storms may destroy homes, level businesses, and take valuable lives in the process, but they cannot destroy the human spirit. One person's willpower is stronger than wooden buildings, brick foundations, and steel structures. During times of great hardship, Americans have routinely made a determined effort to move forward. So, to all those that have been affected by this tragedy: victims, rescuers, and volunteers alike, may God bless you all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor of the life of Virgil Wikoff.

The Champaign-Urbana community grieves at the loss of Virgil Wikoff. This former Champaign mayor and State Representative was a rock of strength and stability through some of the most tumultuous times in local history. Virgil Wikoff saw us through those times with courage and a steadfast temperament.

His passing follows in far too short an order the passing of former Champaign Mayor Bill Bland, and former Urbana Mayors Jeff Markland and Hiram Paley. I served with Mayors Markland and Paley on the Urbana City Council, and with Mayor Wikoff in the General Assembly. The loss of these men hits close to home. One is always reminded of one's own mortality with the loss of friends and colleagues.

But the losses of these individuals, each of them exceptional, is even more profound. They represented the best of our two cities, selfless in their public service and passionate in executing the duties of their offices.

Mr. Chairman and Members of the House, first of all, let me thank the chairman for his willingness to allow me to speak on an issue on which we do not agree. I appreciate the courtesy; I appreciate the lively debate that has preceded me in, I think, probably a far more articulate way than I'm going to be able to articulate. But let me just, Mr. Chairman and Members of the House, address this in a bigger sense and then maybe in a specific sense from the standpoint of a Republican Member of the United States Congress.

To begin with, I believe that this addition is largely unrelated and almost entirely disconnected from the underlying bill. I believe it demonstrates some concern--or I believe it reveals some lack of concern--for sensitivity, and I think in a lot of ways reveals the duplicitousness that I think is inherent in a discussion of this issue. I think it is statist and antithetical to our beliefs, at least my beliefs and I think most of the Members' on this side of the aisle, with respect to what America is all about.

I look at this from the standpoint of a Republican Member in a Republican Party who has been a forerunner and who has dealt with the issue of states' rights and, quite frankly, has attacked this health care bill--and the Attorneys General--on a states' rights and interstate commerce basis. It is a classic example, Mr. Chairman and Members of the House, of what has historically been an area for states' rights. Whether it's the criminal justice or domestic law or civil justice, our Founding Fathers set in place a Federal level and a State level of government, and this strikes at the core of states' rights.

In addition to that, Mr. Chairman and Members of the House, separation of powers. We have been critical--and I think legitimately-- from this side of the aisle with respect to HHS waivers that have been granted. We've been critical of the EPA and the U.S. DOT and so forth for their administration and their promulgation of rules without legislative authorization. And yet this entirely desecrates, in some ways, our whole judicial function, our whole judicial function regarding liability and damages. It is an intrusion into the judicial arena, which is something that is sacrosanct, and I think that's essential to our viewpoint of what the Constitution is all about.

It also strikes at the core of our free market system. I have been involved from a number of standpoints in the law practice; and I see a system that, in an overwhelming number of cases, works to effect justice. Two attorneys or more, witnesses, jurors, a judge, and the common law of 200 or 250 years almost inevitably results in just results. And now we have a situation, despite that commitment to free market that we have, where we're now proposing that the Federal Government dictate an imprimatur to override this whole system that's already in place and I think infringes on our constitutional right to a trial by jury.

It also strikes, I think, Mr. Chairman and Members of the House, what we Republicans say we believe in in terms of individual worth. One of our attacks, quite frankly, on the passage of this bill, which I largely subscribe to the attacks, is one that deals with the deep personalization of the individual inherent in President Obama's health care approach. This bill is a collectivist attack on personal realities and is a disregard for age, circumstances, State or community of residence; and I think that addresses in a very serious way the concept that we have constitutional worth of the individual.

In conclusion, this bill has essentially nothing to do with revenue production. We all know that. It obfuscates the underlying purpose of the bill, which is, quite frankly, to dismantle the inherent bureaucracy in the health care bill, which I largely subscribe to. It injects politics into a legitimate debate on a substantive public policy and prevents Republican and Democrat Members from an up-or-down vote and strikes, I think, at our fundamental beliefs of states' rights, of individualism and on constitutional premise.

In summary, I believe that a ``no'' vote is a vote to preserve individual dignity. Our ``no'' vote is one to maintain constitutional values, and it is to safeguard states' rights and the separation of powers. I know this is well intended, but this is not the vehicle to do it in. The vehicle is Austin, Texas, or Albany, New York, or Springfield, Illinois. I have some serious concerns about State legislation that would also interfere with separation of powers, but this is not the arena to do it in; it is not the bill to do it in; and I think, quite frankly, it is one that, unfortunately for me, strikes at the core of why I'm here. I'm not here to dismantle our common law system; I'm not here to dismantle the free market system; and I'm not here to dismantle states' rights. I'm here to stand up for what I think the American people sent us here for.

I don't think the health care bill was well considered. I think it should be substantially addressed in terms of this and other legislation. But this bill doesn't do it, ladies and gentlemen; and I, with all due respect, ask my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join with me in a ``no'' vote on what I think may be a well intended, but certainly misdirected, effort. And I join with my colleagues over here and some over here in urging a ``no'' vote.

You are very kind to do that, Mr. Conyers.

I think I probably pretty well addressed it. I think between myself and my inarticulate comments and your opposition and some opposition over here, I think the debate has been very good and good for the process. And this is one I'm with you on, sir.

Mr. Speaker, on Monday, March 19, 2012, I had a previously scheduled meeting with constituents in Champaign, Illinois. As a result, I am unable to attend votes this evening. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on H.R. 3992, to allow otherwise eligible Israeli nationals to receive E 2 nonimmigrant visas if similarly situated United States nationals are eligible for similar nonimmigrant status in Israel.

Mr. Speaker, on Monday, March 5, 2012, I had a previously scheduled meeting with constituents in Champaign, Illinois. As a result, I am unable to attend votes this evening. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye,'' on H.R. 3637, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 401 Old Dixie Highway in Jupiter, Florida, as the ``Roy Schallern Rood Post Office Building.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address an issue that is of principal importance to our fiscal situation today in this Congress. I am referring to our own fiscal responsibility within the confines of our Congressional offices.

According to the Chicago Tribune, the number of members from Illinois that have returned more than one million dollars from their office accounts, called Member representational allowances, or MRA account only totals four members. They are Congressmen Costello, Jackson, Manzullo and I. I encourage my fellow colleagues from my home state, and those across the county, to accept my challenge to strive for this respectable marker, to ensure the general public that we in Congress can also ``Live within our means.'' We ask those who we serve, our constituents to make sacrifices to do so, and therefore we are expected to do the same in return.

I understand that returning this money will not offset our debts significantly and is a nominal amount when compared to our ever increasing colossal debt. But, the country and our citizenry demand a Congress that is in tune with their needs and values. Consequently, fiscal responsibility is tantamount to operating a home and a business, and we as leaders should make an effort, no matter how minuscule, in order to gain back the public's trust in this government.

I thank you Mr. Speaker for allowing me to speak on this issue. I praise my Colleagues from Illinois that are motivated to pursue fiscally responsible policies, and I encourage all Members of Congress as a whole, to follow our example.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of a talented group of student athletes from LeRoy, Illinois.

The LeRoy Panthers wrestling team recently captured the Illinois High School Athletic Association Class 1A Dual Team state wrestling finals after placing 2nd in 2009 and 3rd in 2011. The Panthers won with an impressive 40 24 victory over Lena-Winslow.

I hope that members of the LeRoy community continue to support and promote local athletics, as I believe that physical activity and extra circulars are an important staple of our education system. This team was considered being cut in the past, and now it is clear that this program has positively impacted the lives of these young men.

I would like to congratulate Head Coach Doug DeWald for all of his hard work with the team. But most of all, I want to congratulate the 2012 state champion wrestling team from LeRoy. These young men have represented themselves, their school and their community in an exemplary fashion and I want to join with all the members of this House in wishing them continued success in their athletic and academic endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, on Monday, February 27, 2012 I had a previously scheduled meeting with constituents in Urbana, Illinois. As a result, I am unable to attend votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on the Senate Amendments to H.R. 347, the Federal Restricted Buildings and Grounds Improvement Act of 2011.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Joe Ringhausen Orchard and Apple House of Fieldon, Illinois in winning the 23rd Annual Illinois Cider and National Cider Contests on January 12 13, 2012. Joe and his wife Sina, along with son Dennis and other family members, exemplify excellence in their business and contribute to the overall economic success of their community. The orchard makes between 500 and 700 gallons per week during peak season. The Ringhausen Orchard is well known for their award-winning ciders. Joe's experience in cider-making spans forty years.

It should be noted that the judges conducted blind evaluations to eliminate bias and the Ringhausen Orchard beat out other ciders from apple-producing states like Michigan and Washington.

I want to also thank the Illinois State Horticultural Society for sponsoring the event in conjunction with Illinois Specialty Crop, Agritourism and Organic Conference, Illinois Department of Agriculture, and the University of Illinois Extension Service. Each provides an invaluable service to farmers in Illinois for guidance, resources, and a clearinghouse of information.

I want to congratulate the Ringhausen family and join the Illinois House members in wishing them continued success at their orchard.

The Telegraph.com

Ringhausen, who has been making cider for approximately 40

years, has won awards before but never the ``triple crown''

of Illinois cider.

National awards are open to all U.S. producers, and

Illinois awards are open to all Illinois producers. ``I'm so

surprised by this,'' he said.

Ringhausen's son, Dennis, was in Springfield to accept the

awards on behalf of the orchard. The Ringhausen cider beat

out about 25 other varieties to win the Illinois title and

growers from both Washington and Michigan to win the national

title.

The orchard entered its signature sweet cider, which is

blended from equal amounts of tart apples, such as Jonathans,

and sweet apples, like Fujis.

The sweet cider is a mainstay at the Apple House from

September until Christmas time, routinely selling out by the

first of the year.

``I think we'll put the trophies and plaques in the

market,'' said Ringhausen, whose family purchased the

extensive orchards in 1929.

Unlike sweet cider, hard cider has an alcoholic content;

sugar is added to the sweet cider to initiate fermentation.

Joe's wife, Sina, supervises this process. They don't have a

license to sell the hard cider, so they gift it to family and

friends for their personal enjoyment.

The annual Hard Cider Contest, in its 10th year, awards

points based on characteristics including clarity, color,

bouquet, balance of alcohol, acidity, sweetness, body and

flavor, among other criteria. Judges evaluated the entries

using a 25-point rating scale for cider quality

characteristics, awarding the top scores to Ringhausen's

entries.

The Illinois State Horticultural Society sponsors the event

in conjunction with the Illinois Specialty Crops, Agritourism

and Organic Conference held in Springfield.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture and the University

of Illinois Extension Service also participate. Edwardsville

Extension Center Specialist Elizabeth Wahle served as cider

contest coordinator. The Illinois State Horticultural Society

was formed in 1857 for the purpose of representing fruit tree

producers, sharing research findings and promoting the

industry to consumers. The Society is one of the oldest

continuously operating membership organizations in the state

of Illinois.

Mr. Speaker, James J. Coleman, professor of materials science and engineering at the University of Illinois, was one of 66 to be elected into the National Academy of Engineering. A pioneer of photonics and semiconductor lasers, Coleman will join the 2254-member, 206 foreign associates Academy. He was elected for his contributions to the fields of technology and engineering.

Coleman, who earned his bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Illinois, is a researcher in the Micro and Nanotechnology Lab and the Coordinated Science Lab.

``Dr Coleman's research has added considerable knowledge to the field of semiconductor lasers and photonic devices, and his many successful patents and contributions to the engineering literature remain a testament of those achievements,'' comments Ilesanmi Adesida, dean of the College of Engineering. ``He is also an Illinois alumnus, so we are doubly proud of his achievements.''

[From SemiconductorToday.com]

Photonics and semiconductor laser pioneer James J. Coleman

(the Intel Alumni Endowed Chair in Electrical and Computer

Engineering and a professor of materials science and

engineering at the University of Illinois) is one of 66

people newly elected to membership of the U.S. National

Academy of Engineering (NAE), along with new 10 foreign

associates (joining the existing 2254 members and 206 foreign

associates, distinguished by outstanding contributions to the

fields of technology and engineering).

Coleman, a researcher in the Micro and Nanotechnology Lab

and the Coordinated Science Lab, was cited for his work in

semiconductor lasers and photonic materials. His research

focuses on materials for optoelectronics. Having helped to

develop metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD), as

the director of the Semiconductor Laser Laboratory at

Illinois he oversees research using MOCVD growth of III V

semiconductors to explore applications in lasers, quantum

dots and other optical structures.

``Dr Coleman's research has added considerable knowledge to

the field of semiconductor lasers and photonic devices, and

his many successful patents and contributions to the

engineering literature remain a testament of those

achievements,'' comments Ilesanmi Adesida, dean of the

College of Engineering. ``He is also an Illinois alumnus, so

we are doubly proud of his achievements.''

Coleman earned his bachelor's, master's and doctoral

degrees in electrical engineering from the University of

Illinois. He worked at Bell Laboratories and Rockwell

International before joining the faculty in 1982. He has

published more than 400 journal articles and holds seven

patents. Coleman is a fellow of the Institute of Electrical

and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the Optical Society of

America (OSA), SPIE (the international society for optics and

photonics), the American Association for the Advancement of

Science (AAAS), and the American Physical Society (APS).

Also among the new members and foreign associates announced

by the NAE was Illinois engineering alumnus Supriyo Datta (MS

1977, PhD 1979, Electrical Engineering), who is the Thomas

Duncan Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer

Engineering at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana

(cited for ``quantum transport modeling in nanoscale

electronic devices'').