Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Reverend Harold S. Gilleney on the celebration of his 100th birthday on August 4, 2008.

Reverend Gilleney was born on August 4, 1908 to William and Ella Gilleney. He had one sister, Vera. In 1942, Reverend Gilleney married Ida Casey, and together they had one child, later welcoming into the family two grandchildren and three great grandchildren. During his lifetime, Reverend Gilleney has lived in many places and served in the Air Force as a Designated Spotter in World War II. He has served in Presbyterian churches in Mountain View, WY, Hanson, NE, Zwingle, IA, Mount Vernon, IA, Ft. Des Moines, IA, Grimes, IA, Westminster Presbyterian in Ottumwa, IA, and Plymouth Congregational Church in Ottumwa. He is still Pastor Emeritus at Westminster Presbyterian in Ottumwa. Reverend Gilleney currently lives at the Eastern Star Masonic Home in Boone, Iowa where he is on the Resident Council.

There have been many changes that have occurred during the past one hundred years. Since Reverend Gilleney's birth we have revolutionized air travel and walked on the moon. We have invented the television and the Internet. We have fought in wars overseas, seen the rise and fall of Soviet communism and the birth of new democracies. Reverend Gilleney has lived through eighteen United States Presidents and twenty-four Governors of Iowa. In his lifetime, the population of the United States has more than tripled.

I congratulate Reverend Harold S. Gilleney for reaching this milestone of a birthday. I am extremely honored to represent Reverend Gilleney in the United States Congress, and I wish him happiness and health in his future years.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the retirement of Dr. Ron Dunham, a chiropractor at Dunham-Fritz Chiropractic in Marshalltown, Iowa.

For 40 years, Dr. Dunham has served Central Iowa as a chiropractor. He became interested in being a chiropractor when he hurt his back doing construction work after he returned from serving in the Army. His attraction to the profession led him to chiropractic college and back to Marshalltown where he has worked ever since. Dr. Dunham is known for being highly dedicated to his patients while having a sense of humor that lifts the spirits in the office each day. Dr. Dunham's practice successfully quadrupled in size during his time as a chiropractor, and the many years of exceptional service to his customers and the town of Marshalltown will be missed.

I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in commending Dr. Ron Dunham for his service to Central Iowa. I consider it an honor to represent Dr. Dunham in Congress, and I wish him and his wife Sue, a long, happy and healthy retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the American Culinary Federation 2008 Central Region Educator of the Year, Robert Anderson of Des Moines Area Community College.

Robert is the program chair of the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Careers program and Executive Chef at DMACC. He is a certified executive chef and certified culinary educator. Robert is a member of the Honorary Order of the Golden Toque, one of only 99 such chefs in the United States. Robert trained at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) and worked in several quality restaurants across the country before joining DMACC to develop the culinary program in 1974. Robert was also selected as DMACC's Distinguished Teacher of the Year in 2000 and is a two-time recipient of the ACF Greater Des Moines Culinary Association Chef of the Year Award.

I consider it a great honor to represent Robert Anderson in the United States Congress. The expertise he brings to Central Iowa is certainly valued and I wish Robert the best as he continues serving Iowa and DMACC in the culinary profession.

Madam Speaker, I wish to make the following disclosure in accordance with the new Republican Earmark Transparency Standards requiring Members to place a statement in the Congressional Record prior to a floor vote on a bill that includes earmarks they have requested, describing how the funds will be spent and justifying the use of federal taxpayer funds.

Requesting Member: Congressman Tom Latham.

Bill Number: H.R. 6599, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2009.

Account: MilCon, Air National Guard.

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Iowa Air National Guard.

Address of Requesting Entity: 7700 NW Beaver Drive, Johnston, Iowa 50131.

Description of Request: Appropriation of $5.6 million for the construction of a new Vehicle Maintenance Facility and remodeling of the existing Communications Facility located at the 133rd Test Squadron in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Updating facilities at the 133rd Test Squadron is of the utmost importance and highest priority for the Iowa National Guard. This project is approved on the U.S. Air Force Future Year Defense Plan (FYDP), and has been assigned the number HEMT039066. The facility is significantly short of space due to the expansion of the unit's mission, manning and resources. Since it is the only unit designated to test future Command and Control (C2) projects for the U.S. Air Force, the performance of the 133rd Test Squadron is vital to Air Force missions. A detailed financial plan based on form DD 1391 required by the Department of Defense for military construction projects follows.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Peggy Bang of Mason City, Iowa, on being named the 2007-08 Higher Ed Art Educator of the Year by Art Educators of Iowa.

Peggy is celebrating her 35th year as an art educator, the last 23 of which have been spent at North Iowa Area Community College, NIACC, in Mason City, where she is the current visual arts instructor. After spending the early years of her career teaching elementary art, Peggy earned an MS from Bank Street College in cooperation with Parson School of Design in New York.

Peggy, who was a founding member of the MacNider Art Museum foundation, has been a board member of the museum for the past 21 years and is the current Vice President. She also played an important role in the restoration of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Stockman House in Mason City and was the first coordinator for the statewide Youth Art Month.

Over the years, Peggy has contributed greatly to her community through her involvement in art, inspiring many students along the way. I am honored to represent Peggy Bang in Congress, and I wish her the very best as she continues to serve as a mentor and role model to the students and instructors at NIACC and the Mason City community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the efforts of two young citizens, Alison Chambers and Ellie Savery, in rescuing two boys in West Lake Okoboji in Iowa.

On Tuesday, July 15, at 1:30 p.m., Alison and Ellie noticed two swimmers calling for help in the choppy waters of West Lake Okoboji. The young women, trained lifeguards and swimmers on the Fort Dodge, Iowa High School team, reacted immediately and swam 25 yards out to the stranded swimmers. Moments later, the young women returned the two boys safely back to the dock. Many of the bystanders praised Ellie and Alison for their heroic rescue after they got out of the water.

The diligent effort of these young women is a testament to the bravery and compassion of Iowans; willing to do whatever is necessary for a neighbor in need. I commend them for their heroism and cooperation. I am honored to represent both of them in the United States Congress, and wish each of them health and happiness in the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the retirement of Chief Administrative Officer of Winneshiek Medical Center, Allan Atkinson, and to express my appreciation for his dedication and commitment to the medical center and Northeast Iowa.

For 25 years, Allan has worked in healthcare administration, spending the last ten years at Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah, Iowa. His long-term vision and teamwork approach has helped WMC grow and improve tremendously by offering an expanded range of services, experiencing a five-fold patient increase, and undertaking a $17 million expansion and renovation project.

With his many years of experience in healthcare administration, Allan brought valuable knowledge and ideas to the table and credits the hospital's Board of Trustees for being such a great team. Their group effort has generated more quality healthcare options to Northeast Iowa, and I offer Allan and the Board my utmost congratulations and thanks.

I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in commending Allan Atkinson for his service to WMC and Northeast Iowa. I consider it an honor to represent Allan in Congress, and I wish him a long, happy and healthy retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Humboldt Public Library on its 100th year anniversary. The Humboldt Public Library serves over 4,500 residents of Humboldt, Iowa as well as a number of residents of the surrounding areas in Humboldt County.

In 1908, the city of Humboldt completed its public library with the assistance of an Andrew Carnegie grant. From 1912 to 1963, Mrs. Nellie Pinney served 51 years as the longest serving librarian. At the time of her retirement, the library was circulating 3,500 books a year. Forty- five years later, the Humboldt library has expanded its circulation to 85,000 items to better serve the diverse interests of its citizens and the advanced technology of modern times.

Throughout the many years the Humboldt Public Library staff has thrived to meet the needs of the people in the area by providing excellent information, educational resources and encouraging citizens to read. I congratulate the Humboldt Public Library on this historic anniversary. It is an honor to represent Library Director Nikki Ehlers, the library board of trustees, and all of the Humboldt Library staff in the United States Congress, and I wish the Humboldt Public Library continued success well into the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Barb Riemenschneider for her ten years of volunteer work with the kindergarten class at Page Elementary School in Boone, Iowa, and to express my appreciation for her dedication and commitment to the youth of Iowa.

``Grandma Barb'' has contributed her time and talents to improving children's lives through education and mentoring. Ten years ago when Barb's granddaughter began kindergarten, Barb began volunteering at the school. Every Friday, she has assisted Rosanne Brown's class with number and letter skills, playing board games, and listening to students read. Her willingness to do the little things built trust with the students and created a positive experience.

Barb leaves her volunteer job having made a lasting impact on many students, and she will be dearly missed by Rosanne and the children at Page Elementary. I consider it an honor to represent Barbara Riemenschneider in the United States Congress, and I wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate two Iowans, Linda Bloom and Richard Gaard on being named national high school coaches of the year in their respective sports.

Linda Bloom is the Girls' Swimming and Diving coach at Marshalltown High School in Marshalltown, Iowa. She has coached the Bobcats for 22 years and has accumulated a career record of 172-36. She has been named Regional Swim Coach of the Year thirteen times and was the 1993 Iowa State Swimming Coach of the Year. Coach Bloom is the current president of the Iowa Girls and Women's Sports Committee and a member of the Board of Directors of the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union. She also coaches the Marshalltown Girls' Golf team.

Richard Gaard is the Boys' Golf coach at Decorah High School in Decorah, Iowa. He

has coached the Vikings 36 years and has a career record of 333-123-11. His teams have won nine conference, thirteen district, and nine regional championships. Coach Gaard helped establish and is a charter member of the Iowa Golf Coaches Association. In 2007, he was named the Iowa Golf Coaches' Association Coach of the Year and has been named conference coach of the year 10 times. Coach Gaard is also a football and basketball official as well as the head of Decorah High School's DECA Program.

I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in congratulating Coach Linda Bloom and Coach Richard Gaard on their coaching success and for making a difference in the lives of Iowa's youth. It is an honor to represent Coach Bloom and Coach Gaard in the United States Congress, and I wish them the best as they continue to provide a positive impact as role models and mentors.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the retirement of Dean Hauge, groundskeeper at Elmwood-Saint Joseph Cemetery in Mason City, Iowa, after serving his community for over 29 years.

Dean's father, Morris, was the groundskeeper of Elmwood for 27 years prior to Dean taking over the reigns. His uncles Truman Hauge and Virgil Cox also worked at the cemetery. Dean's groundskeeper job at the 120-acre cemetery included maintaining the property, digging and filling graves, erecting tents and chairs for funerals, and assisting families in locating burial sites and headstones. Dean's big heart and dedicated service has helped many families deal with the unfortunate loss of loved ones over many years.

I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in commending Dean for his service to his community and congratulating him on his retirement. I consider it an honor to represent Dean in Congress, and I wish him and his wife Janice a long, happy and healthy retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dale Morse for his longtime service to the International Lions Club.

Dale has been a member of the Rippey, Iowa Lions Club for 40 years. The International Lions Club is a volunteer organization which works together to answer the needs that challenge communities around the world, including an end to preventable blindness, cleaning local parks and providing essential supplies to victims of natural disasters. Dale's dedication to his community and fulfilling the objectives of the Iowa Lions Club has made a lasting impact on those around him.

Although Dale is no longer able to regularly attend meetings, his Lions Club membership remains active, and his community remains grateful for his service and continued participation. I consider it an honor to represent Dale Morse in the United States Congress, and I wish him the very best in his future.

Mr. Speaker, last week I argued on the floor that the House should not leave for its 5-week August break until we pass emergency disaster funding for the Midwest. We have been told by the House and Senate leadership that there simply isn't enough time to get the job done before we leave. I say, Why not? The history of this House is replete with time after time--in hours--passing bills to help for national disasters.

Instead, today, we're going to do 38 bills on the floor of the House, things like naming a post office in New York; things like supporting the goals and ideals of National Apple Month and the Apple Crunch; congratulating University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow for winning the Heisman Trophy; congratulating the University of Tennessee for winning the national championship.

Isn't it ironic that the Democrat leadership less than 2 weeks ago found time for a 4-day tour of the gulf to pat themselves on the back on disaster aid and don't have time for the Midwest?

We should not leave here without passing disaster aid for the Midwest, and anyone who votes for adjournment should be held accountable.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the collective effort of citizens and officials in Hamilton, Boone and Webster

Counties in rescuing two gentlemen from the flooded Boone River in Iowa.

On Monday, June 9, at 2:45 p.m., Charlie Davis noticed two men floating down the Boone River. He quickly dialed 911 on his cellular phone and got through to the Hamilton County Dispatch Center. He relayed the message but got disconnected because he was in a limited cellular signal area. When Charlie redialed 911, this time he was connected to the Webster County Dispatch Center. As a result, Fire and Rescue Departments in Kramer, Stratford, Stanhope and Webster City, the Boone County Search and Rescue Team, Hamilton County Conservation staff, Hamilton County Chief Deputy Scott McConnell, First Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Mercy AirLife helicopters, pilot Ralph Storm, and others were all on the scene to help.

As the two men floated down the river, rescue crews set up on the Stagecoach Road Bridge waiting for the men to float to them. After waiting for a period of time, Ralph Storm flew his spray plane up and down the river until he spotted them. Once spotted, the Boone Rescue Team; Brian Pontius and Dallas Wingate, were notified to put their boat in the river and then retrieved the brothers from the water at 3:50 p.m.

The diligent team effort of all involved in this rescue effort is a testament to the bravery and compassion of Iowans; willing to do whatever is necessary for a neighbor in need. I commend all those involved for their heroism and cooperation. I am honored to represent each of them in the United States Congress, and wish each of them health and happiness in the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the retirement of Winnebago Industries Chief Executive Bruce Hertzke, and to express my appreciation for his dedication and commitment to his company and employees.

For over 36 years, Bruce dedicated his time and talents to Winnebago Industries. A native of Lakota, Iowa, Bruce graduated with an associate degree in accounting and business management from Iowa Lakes Community College. He began as a line worker at Winnebago in 1971, and for the past 10 years, he served as the chief executive and chairman of one of the industry's largest and most successful RV manufacturing firms. With his many years of service to the company, Bruce provided a wealth of knowledge and experience to the RV industry. Bruce leaves Winnebago Industries, which celebrated its 50th Anniversary on February 12, 2008, in strong financial standing, providing a source of economic strength and security for the surrounding community.

I know that my colleagues in the United States Congress join me in commending Bruce Hertzke for his service to Winnebago Industries and the employees he served. I consider it an honor to represent Bruce in Congress, and I wish him and his wife, Jan, a long, happy and healthy retirement.