Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the storied career and public service of Albert Habhab from Fort Dodge, Iowa.

Albert began his career of public service as a soldier during World War II. Albert rarely speaks of his time at war, but he occasionally shares some of his experiences including rescuing a badly injured soldier while in the Army in Europe.

He later became the mayor of Fort Dodge in 1959, and served for a record setting 14 years. While mayor, the city expanded by over eleven miles. In 1975, after serving as mayor, Albert was appointed to the bench in the 2nd Judicial District. In 1987 he was appointed to the Iowa Court of Appeals where he was elected chief judge.

Now at the age of 83, Albert continues to show his selflessness and gives credit to many other people in his life who he believes helped him during his career.

I commend Albert Habhab for his many years of loyalty and service to our great nation and his community. I know my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in thanking Albert Habhab for his life of public service. It is an immense honor to represent Albert in Congress, and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Elaine Kline, former owner and operator of Elaine's Hair Design in Boone, Iowa.

Elaine has been a hair dresser for 50 years and a permanent makeup artist for over 20. She recently decided to hang up her shears and retire from owning Elaine's Hair Design after 36 years of business. Although she is retiring from the beauty shop, she will continue to do makeup as an independent contractor. Now that Elaine has more time on her hands, she plans to spend more time with her grandchildren and on her artwork, which she hopes to donate much of to her church and Iowa Right to Life.

Elaine has left a permanent mark on the city of Boone as several generations have passed through her salon. I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in commending Elaine for her service to her community. I consider it an honor to represent Elaine Kline in Congress, and I wish her a long, happy and healthy future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 338.

America's community colleges continue to provide a silver lining to accompany the dark clouds of economic uncertainty.

Community colleges are uniquely positioned to retrain displaced workers so they can get back into the workforce and start earning a paycheck, even as unemployment figures across the country continue to climb. They help breathe life into local economies by giving workers the expertise they need to excel in the job market.

At this very moment, our future nurses, technicians and manufacturers are gaining the experience and expertise they need to compete in the marketplace through programs offered by community colleges.

These jobs are the backbone of our economy and a central support for millions of American families. They pay well and they come with reliable benefits. And they become even more important during a time of economic uncertainty.

In Iowa--my home state--community colleges have partnered with government agencies to organize job fairs that put workers in contact with potential employers and boost the profile of local businesses. Iowa's community colleges are strengthening the state's business climate. They're laying a foundation that will meet the needs of an increasingly competitive and high-tech workforce well into the future.

Community colleges have also taken great strides in renewable energy through groundbreaking programs that provide students with hands-on experience with the latest equipment. Graduates of these programs go to work on high-tech windmills and other innovative technology.

These are truly the jobs of the future, and I'm proud that several community colleges in

Iowa are leading the way. These programs are laying the foundation for a new era of energy efficiency and environmental responsibility that will benefit everyone in America.

Community colleges provide a wealth of benefits to the people they serve. They improve the quality of life in their communities. They prepare workers for the job market, and they are often laboratories of innovation. Our communities rely on the economic spark they provide-- especially in the midst of hard times.

It's imperative that we provide these institutions the resources they need to continue their mission. Community colleges have proven that they get results. They improve lives. They strengthen communities.

I have the utmost confidence in the hard work and resiliency of the American people. Without doubt, we will recover from this economic downturn. And I'm just as certain that our community colleges will help us get there.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

I want to commend the gentleman from North Carolina on his resolution and congratulate the Tar Heels, and I rise in support of his resolution.

I was detained a few moments ago on the previous resolution here. I had a group of very bright, young eighth graders from Garner-Hayfield, Iowa, on the east steps out here. But the previously discussed resolution was mine, honoring the National Community College Month, and I just want to make sure in the Record that it reflects how important I believe our community colleges are as far as economic growth and prosperity for the future and how important a role that they play as far as giving individuals in this difficult economy the opportunity to be successful, to have real careers.

The community colleges today are where the rubber meets the road. I'm very proud to be co-chairman of the Community College Caucus, and I just want to introduce my formal statement into the Record. But I did want to come to the floor to congratulate my good friend from North Carolina but also to speak to the National Community College Month.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the Office of Biotechnology at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa on their 25-year anniversary.

In 1984, Vice President of Research Daniel Zaffarano appointed a Biotechnology Council comprised of five colleges at the university: Agriculture, Engineering, Home Economics, Science and Humanities, and Veterinary Medicine. Despite facing early skepticism by some, within two years the Iowa General Assembly backed the biotechnology program with $17 million in funding after the Council convinced the public of the benefits.

Over the last 25 years, the Office of Biotechnology has provided critical support to many of the university's academic colleges and to K-12 outreach programs. The office has also helped provide research funds to new faculty and equipment and resources to 28 different service facilities at the university.

I congratulate Iowa State University's Office of Biotechnology on this historic anniversary and for its great contributions to science and the State of Iowa. It is an honor to represent current director Walter Fehr, as well as each current and past member of the Office of Biotechnology in the United States Congress and I wish the Office great success in the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize James Grabau, a resident of Boone, Iowa, and president of R. H. Grabau Construction Inc.

James, who has been the president of R.H. Grabau Construction Inc. since 1984, was recently honored with The Master Builders of Iowa ``Build Iowa Award.'' The award is given to one Master Builder member each year who best exemplifies skill, integrity, and responsibility in the construction industry and in the member's community.

James has offered his time and talents to many community organizations. Among many other contributions, he has served as President of Boone's Future, the Boone Chamber of Commerce, Boone's Industrial Development Corporation, and the Master Builder's of Iowa. He has served on the boards of Boone County YMCA and Hawkeye Federal Savings Bank. Additionally, he has served as Global Ambassador for the Rotary Group Study Exchange to Australia, Church Elder, and Chairman of the Congregation of the Trinity Lutheran Church. Through his work, he has been honored with such awards as the Al Kinney Award, DMACC Alumni Award, National Leadership Award, and the Associated General Contractors of America Chapter President of the Year Award while President of the Master Builders of Iowa.

I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in commending James Grabau for his professional contributions to the construction industry, his leadership and dedication to representing Iowa in his career, and committing time to his community. I consider it an honor to represent James and his family in Congress, and I wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize and congratulate Dr. Tom Renze, Principal of Woodbury Elementary School in Marshalltown, Iowa, on receiving the Dr. Carmen P. Sosa Leadership Award.

The Dr. Carmen P. Sosa Leadership Award recognizes administrators who exhibit outstanding leadership and advocacy for English language learners. Woodbury School has a dual language program and helps students learn English or Spanish as a second language.

Dr. Renze credits the award and success of the dual language program to the efforts of and support from the teaching staff and parents of the school's students. This award comes at a special time for Dr. Renze, who is retiring at the end of the 2009 school year.

I know my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in thanking Dr. Renze for his work with the dual language program and service to the Marshalltown Community School District. I consider it an honor to represent Dr. Renze and his family in Congress, and I wish him the best in his future retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Brady Young on earning an Eagle Scout Award. Brady is an 11th grade student from South Hardin High School in Eldora, Iowa.

The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about 5% of Boy Scouts earn the Eagle Scout Award. The award is a performance based achievement that has maintained similar standards over the years. To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout is obligated to pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges, as well as completing an Eagle Project to benefit the community. Brady's project was replacing the railing, steps, landscaping and entrance to the west of the Youth

Building at the Hardin County Fairgrounds in Eldora.

Brady has been involved in scouting since he was in Tiger Cubs and continues to be an active member of the Eldora Boy Scout Troop 334 today. He has completed over 50 merit badges, 12 of which are required to become an Eagle Scout. While in Scouts, Brady has earned various awards which include: the Bronze Palm, Arrow of Light Award, 50 Miler Award, God and Country Religious Award, World Conservation Award and various others. Brady is also a Member of Order of the Arrow-- Brotherhood Level and completed the Den Chief Leadership training.

The example set by this young man demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and perseverance. I am honored to represent Brady Young in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues join me in congratulating him on earning an Eagle Scout ranking and wish him continued success in his future education and career.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Travis Jeske on earning an Eagle Scout Award. Travis is a 10th grade student from South Hardin High School in Eldora, Iowa.

The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about 5% of Boy Scouts earn the Eagle Scout Award. The award is a performance based achievement that has maintained similar standards over the years. To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout is obligated to pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges, as well as completing an Eagle Project to benefit the community. Travis's project was building gate extensions for the Hardin County Fair Board, at the Hardin County Fairgrounds in Eldora.

Travis has been involved in scouting since he was in Tiger Cubs and continues to be an active member of the Eldora Boy Scout Troop 334 today. He has completed over 50 merit badges; 12 of which are required to become an Eagle Scout. While in scouts, Travis has earned various awards which include: the Bronze Palm, Arrow of Light Award, 50 Miler Award, God and Country Religious Award, World Conservation Award and various others. Travis is also a Member of Order of the Arrow-- Brotherhood Level and completed the Den Chief Leadership training.

The example set by this young man demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and perseverance. I am honored to represent Travis Jeske in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues join me in congratulating him on earning an Eagle Scout

ranking and wish him continued success in his future education and career.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Bradley Young on earning an Eagle Scout Award. Bradley is an 11th grade student from South Hardin High School in Eldora, Iowa.

The Eagle Scout rank is the highest advancement rank in scouting. Only about 5% of Boy Scouts earn the Eagle Scout Award. The award is a performance based achievement that has maintained similar standards over the years. To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Boy Scout is obligated to pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges, as well as completing an Eagle Project to benefit the community. Bradley's project was working on the Good Shepherd Preschool Playground at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Eldora, Iowa.

Bradley has been involved in scouting since he was in Tiger Cubs and continues to be an active member of the Eldora Boy Scout Troop 334, today. He has completed over 50 merit badges; 12 of which are required to become an Eagle Scout. While in scouts, Bradley has earned various awards which include: the Bronze Palm, Arrow of Light Award, 50 Miler Award, God and Country Religious Award, World Conservation Award and various others. Bradley is also a Member of Order of the Arrow-- Brotherhood Level and completed the Den Chief Leadership training.

The example set by this young man demonstrates the rewards of hard work, dedication and perseverance. I am honored to represent Bradley Young in the United States Congress. I know that all of my colleagues join me in congratulating him on earning an Eagle Scout ranking and wish him continued success in his future education and career.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Dennis Wilcox, Publisher of the Madrid Register News, on being named 2009 Master Editor and Publisher by the Iowa Newspaper Association.

The Iowa Newspaper Association nominates publishers and editors for the award, and winners are selected by previous Master Editor-Publisher winners. Dennis was selected on the criteria of working hard, thinking soundly, being influenced unselfishly, and living honorably.

I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in congratulating

Dennis Wilcox on his accomplishments. It is an honor to represent Dennis in Congress, and I wish him the best in his future.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Jesse Purvis, a high school student and Boy Scout, from Woodward, Iowa.

Jesse, who remembers the tornado that stormed through his town in November 2005, distributed emergency kits throughout Woodward this February. The emergency kits contain information provided by the Red Cross, Dallas County Emergency Management, Iowa One Call, and Iowa Homeland Security including directions on what to do in case of an emergency or disaster, and colored ribbons to be used on homes to help first responders during emergencies.

Jesse's concern and sacrifices for his community serve as wonderful examples of the compassionate nature of Iowans. I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in thanking Jesse Purvis for his philanthropy and setting an example as a young leader. I consider it an honor to represent Jesse in Congress, and I wish him the best in his future.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Jerry Patterson, a native of Fort Dodge, Iowa, on being inducted into the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Jerry, a 70-year-old resident of Fort Dodge has done everything in the game of baseball. He played high school baseball in Fort Dodge, has coached for many years, and has even owned a ball park. Fort Dodge's baseball field, Patterson Field, is named after Jerry.

Jerry was recently honored in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in front of a crowd of approximately 1,000 people from across the state. Patterson has been inducted to the Hall of Fame in honor of his passion, dedication, and contributions to the game of baseball and Fort Dodge.

Jerry, who has been successfully battling cancer for over 12 years, continues to serve as an inspiration to his community, and his contributions have made a lasting impact across the state. I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in congratulating Jerry Patterson on his induction into the Hall of Fame. I consider it an honor to represent Jerry in Congress, and I wish him and his wife happiness and health in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution to honor our great friend, Jim Leach, by naming the courthouse in Davenport, Iowa, after him. It is a well-deserved honor.

Jim Leach is missed around the Capitol because he was a resource of institutional knowledge, he shared his tremendous sense of humor and his insight. I always enjoyed his ability to bring thoughtfulness to the debate. Most importantly, Jim Leach was and remains a great advocate for the State of Iowa. Jim is also a great Iowa Hawkeye supporter because, of course, he had the Hawks in his district. I represent the University of Iowa's state rival, Iowa State University. Obviously, we had a lot to tease each other about throughout the years.

Jim Leach will be remembered here in this body for his 30 years of dedicated service and his great intellect. He was a well-rounded member. You could call on him to stop gambling predators over the Internet or, as someone who knew and understood the many facets of foreign affairs; we could seek his counsel during an international crisis. His talent was being able to bring that forth and convey complex subjects in a very kind and thoughtful way.

Jim Leach represents the very best of what constituents expect from their Representatives in Congress. His legacy is promoting bipartisanship, protecting the dignity of the House by standing as an example of putting thought before politics and actions over posturing. Jim is someone who I have the greatest personal respect for.

I'm pleased that Mr. Loebsack has brought this resolution to the floor of the House, and I urge my colleagues to support this resolution in honor of former Representative James Leach.

Mr. Speaker, today we come to the House chamber to consider a package of the remaining fiscal year 2009 appropriations bills. We are five months late in acting on these bills, and for no good reason.

The net effect of this delay is two-fold: One, the delay has prevented a number of Federal programs from making necessary mission changes simply because those programs have been frozen in-place under the CR.

Number two, the $410 billion contained in this bill represents annual spending increases for hundreds of programs. These increases are well above necessary levels, especially given that we just passed a stimulus bill that carried $301 billion in new discretionary spending--much of which is for the same programs contained in this omnibus measure, and that we fund every year in the annual process.

In short, many of the programs in this package will get a double dose of funding. Unfortunately, this extra dose will be built into future spending, and that's not fair to the American taxpayer--why, because it locks in trillion dollar deficits.

Apart from the problems with the spending totals in this package, we are allowing a laundry list of policy issues to pass through Congress without any public scrutiny.

A number of these policy issues are troubling to many of us. For example, the omnibus eliminates the ``Reading First'' Program within the Department of Education. I don't remember debating this issue in the stunted '09 process.

The ``Reading First'' Program was widely supported for its emphasis on raising reading levels, particularly among low-income children. Just yesterday, I met with an elementary school principal from Iowa who praised the program as one which has made a difference to lots of children in my State.

Another policy change, done through a funding reduction, is a de- emphasis on Yucca Mountain. At a time when we need to be looking at all forms of energy, why would we want to halt construction and design work at Yucca since nuclear waste storage is a big issue. At a minimum, we should have had a debate on this subject.

In the end, this entire process has been a giant abdication of our responsibilities in this body, representing a shameful performance. Our constituents deserve better than the bill before us represents.

I hope that for the FY 2010 funding cycle, the majority will re- discover the value of regular order and transparency. In this way, we can add a little more credibility to the process, and the reputation of this House.