Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I did not expect to speak, and I do not have any prepared comments or notes; but I am going to speak on issues of science which I feel qualified to speak on because I am a scientist, specifically a nuclear physicist. I also want to make it clear I have never received any grant money from the NSF. When I did research, I was supported by the Federal Government directly through the Department of Energy or by the U.S. Navy.

The Federal Government plays an important role in guiding the economy of our Nation. Much of that role is carried forth by the National Science Foundation and some of the other funding agencies.

Let me just give one specific example which I am very familiar with because it is related to my area of research. My good friend, Charlie Townes, who won a Nobel Prize for developing the laser, discovered some years ago that he could make a maser--microwave amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. He decided he could do it with microwaves, and he could do it with light.

So he developed a laser and won the Nobel Prize. How much money did he get from the Federal Government for his research, I don't really know, but I would guess probably not more than $50,000. How much has that contributed to the economy of this Nation? Billions and billions of dollars. Just look at the laser industry and the use of lasers today in so many ways--a huge payoff on government investment in research.

Also, we tend to fund the National Institutes of Health with a healthy amount every year because we are very interested in improving health. How many in this body know that some of the greatest discoveries in health were done by physicists, many of whom were supported by the National Science Foundation? X rays, how would we get along without x rays? Discovered by a physicist, a gentleman by the name of Rontgen in Germany. What about the MRI? The basic concepts developed by physicists. The same for the CAT scan. The basic idea was developed by physicists--not by doctors, not by M.D.'s, but physicists doing basic research. And that's what the National Science Foundation is all about, and that's what keeps our economy stimulated in this Nation.

We have a great deal to fear from the nation of China. China is investing huge amounts of money and is training more engineers and scientists far more than we are producing. They are spending a lot of money on research. And if we wonder why they are doing better than we are in the Nation's economy, it is largely because they are supporting the people who contribute to the development of technology, science, et cetera.

Now, I worked on this issue several years ago. I do not claim credit for the

COMPETES Act. But I did work with Sherry Boehlert, a Congressman who was chairing the Science Committee; Frank Wolf, who was the chair of the Appropriations Committee dealing with science, and at the suggestion of Frank Wolf, I arranged for a meeting with the White House. I tried to meet with President Bush. Instead, I met with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. And over breakfast, I explained, in far more detail than I can do here, precisely what this country needed if we are going to compete in the international marketplace. And the Director of Management and Budget said afterwards, You sold me, but where are we going to get the money? I said, I have ideas for that, too, and presented my ideas.

Out of that, in the next State of the Union speech, President George W. Bush developed the idea of the COMPETES Act. And it was a delight to work with the White House, with the President and with the Office of Management and Budget in developing the COMPETES Act.

Now, I know some of you are concerned about some aspects of the COMPETES Act as it is before us today. I share some of those concerns but certainly not all of them. But the basic point here is that, if we do not act, we are letting down the manufacturers of America.

I was here for the debate on the rule, and I noticed a gentleman from Oklahoma commenting against this act, we should not be supporting this sort of thing. That is very easy to say if you are representing a State where you simply drill holes in the ground and pull out money in the form of oil. Michigan does not have that. Michigan has to work very, very hard to manufacture cars that will sell to the public and get its money, and we all know what has happened there over the last few years.

I think it's very important that we recognize we are not going to compete successfully in the international marketplace unless we invest more money in research, research which is then used by manufacturers to develop new products and to make money and provide jobs.

I strongly urge us to pass this bill. I know it has shortcomings. There are a lot of things I am not happy with either. But the Republicans are taking over next year, and we can then proceed to write the bill precisely the way we want it. But I urge that we do not kill this bill at this time but, rather, that we pass it.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor John Arnold, the Executive Director of the Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank. After working tirelessly for 28 years to help feed the hungry, John is retiring due to his advanced, inoperable cancer. My prayers and heartfelt thanks go to John and his family.

As the Executive Director for the West Michigan Food Bank for the past 21 years, John has run one of the most innovative food banks in the entire country. During his career, John has helped secure and distribute more than 300 million pounds of food aid across Michigan.

In an ambitious effort to end hunger throughout Michigan, John's food bank took on the challenge of adding the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to their service area. In addition to extending service to remote rural areas, John has developed more than 1,300 outlets for food, to ensure that every person in their 40-county service area has reasonable access to food aid.

The West Michigan Food Bank is so successful that it is able to provide food for less than a tenth of what it would cost at a grocery store. In 2010, the food bank expects to hit the 25 million pound mark for distributed food.

In 1994, under John's leadership, the food bank launched their ``Waste Not, Want Not Project'' with Michigan State University, to determine how communities in America can adequately address their hunger problems. This project has won international awards and has allowed the food bank to meet its goal of 15 percent growth per year until all needs are met.

As a participant in my church's food distribution program in Grand Rapids, I recognize full well the dramatic impact a little food aid can make in the lives of struggling families.

Although John's life may regrettably be cut short by his aggressive cancer, he should take comfort in knowing that his efforts have helped save and improve the lives of thousands of hungry people across Michigan. We are most grateful for and appreciative of all that John Arnold has done to aid the poor and hungry people in Western and Northern Michigan. He serves as a model for all food bank directors and executives across our Nation.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to join with students, parents, friends and staff of Mr. Donald Williams, Sr., to pay tribute to him as he steps back from his intense community involvement including his work with the Gerald R. Ford Job Corps Center. I have had the privilege of working on many civic and community activities with Don throughout the years, and am delighted to honor him today.

Don Williams, Sr. received his Bachelor's degree in special education at Eastern Michigan University and went on to receive a Master's degree in educational administration from West Virginia University. Assuming responsibility for the administration of special colleges at Rutgers University was the beginning of Don's career, which has spanned over 30 years of experience in the administration of special programs with special emphasis and political sensitivity.

Throughout his career, Don has received widespread recognition for his considerable talent in assisting minority students. In 1980, his devotion to improving opportunities for minority youth led him to Grand Rapids, when he was approached by a group of educators and professionals working to create a residential training center for youth. This position led Don to be named Director of the Minority Business Education Center at the prestigious F.E. Seidman School of Business at Grand Valley State University. In 1989, he was named GVSU Dean of Minority Affairs/Multicultural Center. During his service at GVSU, Don coordinated and developed programs to assist minority students on campus, and created a

very visible and dynamic outreach to other community organizations and activities, including development of the Minority Teacher Education Center and Minority Science Education Center. For the past several years, Don has devoted his time and talents to the Gerald R. Ford Job Corps Center, an organization that provides quality job training and education so students can become equipped with the skills and self- discipline necessary for success in today's workforce.

Don has been recognized by the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce as Minority Advocate of the Year, has received the coveted Liberty Bell award from the Grand Rapids Bar Association, and was named the Walter E. Coe Giant for Outstanding Community Service in 1991. In 2008, he received special recognition from the Grand Rapids community by being named their ``Giant Among Giants.''

When Don received the Giants award, I wrote him that his life is notable because of his commitment to ending racial inequities and mentoring the next generation. Through his strong convictions, Don has demonstrated to others that lives can be transformed. He has a unique and wonderful willingness to be outspoken when he senses an injustice. Many of us have been influenced by Don's unwavering principles but, along the way, he has never lost his perspective or his great sense of humor.

Having the chance to impact students in a very positive way lured Don to our community, and with his vision of hope, he has mightily impacted not just our youth, but all of us as well. May his love for community, students and a brighter future through education never end!

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise today in support of House Resolution 1663, supporting the goals and ideals of Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month.

Sickle cell anemia is a serious disease in which the body makes sickle-shaped red blood cells. Sickle shaped means that the red blood cells are shaped like the letter ``C.'' Normal red blood cells are disc shaped and look like doughnuts without holes in the center. They move easily through your blood vessels. Red blood cells contain the protein hemoglobin. This iron-rich protein gives blood its red color and carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Sickle cells contain abnormal hemoglobin that causes the cells to have a sickle shape. Sickle-shaped cells do not move easily through your blood vessels. They are stiff and sticky and tend to form clumps and get stuck in the blood vessels. The clumps of sickle cells block blood flow in the blood vessels that lead to the limbs and the organs. Blocked blood vessels can cause pain, serious infections, and organ damage.

This disease affects an estimated 70,000 to 100,000 people in this country. Approximately 1,000 babies are born with sickle cell disease each year in the United States. More than 2 million Americans have the sickle cell trait, and 1 in 12 African Americans carry the trait. There is a 1 in 4 chance that a child born to parents who have the trait will have the disease. The life expectancy of a person with sickle cell disease is about 45 years of age. Researchers have yet to find a cure for this disease. However, there is hope that sickle cell disease, when properly treated like other chronic diseases, will not interfere with activity,

growth, and development of affected children.

Today we recognize the importance of prevention, treatment, research, and education on sickle cell disease and support the designation of September as Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and I simply want to close by saying that this is primarily a disease of African Americans. For years it has been known that they tend to have, by far, the largest number of sickle cells in their bodies; and, therefore, there is a real demand, a great need to find out what the source of this disease is and what can be done to prevent it because it has a dramatic affect on the African Americans in our Nation. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise today in support of House Resolution 1637, supporting the goals and ideals of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2010 and expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress should continue to raise awareness of domestic violence in the United States and its devastating effects on families and communities, and support families and practices designed to prevent and end domestic violence.

Women disproportionately experience domestic violence in their lives. Boys who are exposed to domestic violence are four times as likely to perpetrate domestic violence of adults. The cost of intimate partner violence exceeds $8.33 billion each year. As evident by these staggering statistics, domestic violence has far-reaching effects in our society.

Domestic violence is the willful intimidation, assault, battery, sexual assault and/or other abusive behavior perpetrated by an intimate partner against another. It is an epidemic that affects individuals in every community, regardless of age, economic status, religion, nationality, educational background or gender.

Domestic violence is far-reaching and affects men and women of all ages and backgrounds. Male victims are less likely than women to report violence and seek services, but are often victims of domestic violence. Both men and women experience the same dynamics of interpersonal violence and face many of the same hurdles thereafter, including job loss, increased rates of drug and alcohol abuse, and increased rates of suicides.

Unfortunately, children are often victimized as the witnesses of domestic abuse. Research has shown that children who witness domestic violence and living in an environment where violence occurs may experience some of the same trauma as abused children. Children who witness domestic violence are more likely to become abusers as adults and face many of the same risk factors as the victims of abuse.

Domestic violence affects the victim, children, the abuser and entire families and communities. It is important that we support the promotion of awareness of this issue and those individuals and organizations that work to prevent and end domestic abuse.

I urge my colleagues to support House Resolution 1637.

Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Cassidy), and I ask unanimous consent that he be allowed to control that time.

Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 543 I missed the vote because I was summoned to an extremely important telephone call. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1560, which supports the increased understanding of, and interest in, computer science and computing careers among the public and in schools, and ensures an ample and diverse future technology workforce through the designation of National Computer Science Education Week.

The week of December 5 has been chosen as National Computer Science Education Week to honor the birthday of Grace Murray Hopper, one of the first female computer scientists. This will mark the second annual celebration of this important week.

Computing technology and the innovations it yields are transforming our world and are critical to the global competitiveness of our economy. However, we are not preparing an adequate and diverse workforce to meet the ever-growing demand for the information technology sector, which includes some of the country's most innovative and successful companies.

While it is very important that students in K-12 are exposed to computer science, many do not get a chance to learn about it in schools today. The lack of understanding of computer science and how it fuels innovation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines contributes to a lack of interest in computing careers, especially among women and underrepresented minorities, whose participation rates in computer science are among the lowest of any scientific field. By introducing students to computer science at an early age and providing them with learning experiences in computer science at all educational levels, we can reverse this trend and expand and diversify our technology workforce.

I am very pleased that Congressman Polis joined me in introducing this resolution. Also, I thank Cameron Wilson with the Association for Computing Machinery and Joel Adams with the Department of Computer Science at Calvin College for their efforts in raising the awareness about the importance of computer science education. In addition, I thank Julia Jester, formerly of my staff, for her help on drafting and introducing this resolution, as well as for her dedicated service as the staff director of the STEM Education Caucus.

Please join me in supporting the designation of the second annual National Computer Science Education Week to raise awareness about these important issues.

I thank the gentleman for yielding. First of all, I will say that I do support the arts. In fact, in a town meeting once, I was attacked by one of my constituents for my support of the arts. He objected to the amount of money that I had voted for for the National Endowment for the Arts.

I told him that I hated to take up too much time in my town meeting defending myself on that issue, and I would appreciate very much if he would write me a letter and send it to me with his reasons for why he felt that way. Then I added to that, I told him if you do in fact write me a letter, the amount you pay for the paper, the envelope, and the stamp will exceed the total amount that you have paid toward the National Endowment for the Arts. It was a simple calculation. I see my fellow physicist smiling because that is the sort of thing he would do, too. I calculated the per capita cost of the National Endowment for the Arts, and, indeed, it was less than the cost of the paper, envelope, and stamp.

The audience laughed. I don't think the person who asked the question was laughing very much, but he took it in good spirit.

What I want to do is to make some comments about the previous resolution which was passed, which is something I submitted last year and again this year. I think it is important to emphasize it because we are losing the computer science battle among the nations of the world. I did not realize the extent of that until one of my constituents at Calvin College--literally in my backyard--Dr. Joel Adams, met with me. He explained what was happening nationally with the enrollments in computer science, and they were alarmingly low.

So last year, for the first time, we established a day of recognition for computer science and to honor the birthday of Grace Murray Hopper, one of the first female computer scientists. This will mark the second annual celebration of this important week.

Computer technology and the innovations it yields are transforming our world and are critical to the global competitiveness of our economy. Not only that, they are very important in developing the science of cyberwarfare, on which we are trying to get up to speed, but we are not preparing an adequate and diverse workforce to meet the ever-growing demand for the information technology sector, which includes some of the country's most innovative and successful companies.

While it is very important that students in K-12 are exposed to computer science, many do not get a chance to learn about it in schools today. The lack of understanding of computer science and how it fuels innovation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines contribute to a lack of interest in computing careers, especially among women and underrepresented minorities, whose participation rates in computer science are among the lowest of any scientific field. By introducing students to computer science at an early age and by providing them with learning experiences in computer science at all levels, we can reverse this trend and can expand and diversify our technology workforce.

I am very pleased that Congressman Polis joined me in introducing this resolution. Also, I thank Cameron Wilson from the Association for Computing Machinery, and I thank Joel Adams with the Department of Computer Science at Calvin College for their efforts in raising awareness about the importance of computer science education. In addition, I thank Julia Jester, formerly of my staff, for her help in drafting and introducing this resolution, as well as for her dedicated service as the staff director of the STEM Education Caucus.

I ask all of my colleagues to join in supporting the designation of the second annual National Computer Science Education Week to raise awareness about these important issues.

Once again, I thank Congressman Todd Platts for giving me the time to insert extraneous material on this particular topic of the arts.

I thank the gentleman for yielding again.

Madam Speaker, I would like to follow up on comments made by my fellow physicist, Dr. Holt, about how art is spreading and multiplying.

In the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, the center of my district in my hometown, we have established the ArtPrize. A relatively young man by the name of Rick DeVos started this last year. It has been extremely successful. There have been entries from all over the world--many very, very good entries. We have just this week started again the ArtPrize for this year, again under the leadership of Rick DeVos. With the assistance of his family, they have done tremendous work.

I could not believe the quality of the art that was on display last year when my wife and I and some members of my family strolled through the streets of Grand Rapids. Every corner, every street, every building front, and every building lobby was filled with art. We attracted some 300,000 people to our city just to see the art that was on display.

This is an example that I would hope would be followed someday by most of the cities of our Nation. Certainly, in the meantime, though, it is a wonderful event, and it brings in many people from different parts of the country and, indeed, from different parts of the world to view the wonderful art that is on display in my hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be an original cosponsor of H. Res. 1473, a resolution supporting recreational aviation and backcountry airstrips on America's public lands.

Backcountry airstrips are a part of life for many Americans, especially in the West. They provide countless benefits to the general public, including search and rescue, fire management, research, disaster relief and wildlife management. They also allow public access to some of the most beautiful, remote federal lands in America regardless of one's physical ability to otherwise enjoy the backcountry.

Backcountry airstrips serve as efficient access points for tourists, who in turn contribute to local economies and small businesses. More importantly, in the event of mechanical problems or inclement weather, they serve as emergency landing sites when larger airports are out of reach. Too often, however, these airstrips are targeted for closure by the federal government or well-funded special interest groups, or simply ignored by bureaucrats in Washington, DC.

During a time when our lands are under threat from drought, insect infestation and wildfire, and when our economy continues to struggle, backcountry airstrips serve a valuable role for land managers and visitors alike. Please join me in recognizing the value of recreational aviation and backcountry airstrips, in addition to commending aviators and the various private organizations that maintain these airstrips for public use.

Madam Speaker, on rollcall Nos. 480, 481, and 482, I was absent due to a commitment to speak to a large group in the Cannon Caucus Room, and could not leave them in mid-meeting.

Had I been present, I would have voted 480: ``yes''; 481: ``no'; 482: ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to congratulate Spectrum Health on being named one of the Nation's top ten health care systems. Spectrum has a long-standing reputation as an exceptional health care provider. It is a true benefit and blessing to our community to have world-class health care available locally.

Spectrum Health is now in the company of a very select group of health systems that have demonstrated that they provide better care, save more lives, have fewer medical complications, and make fewer patient safety errors. According to Thomson Reuters, the esteemed national organization presenting this award, Spectrum Health ``set the standard for the industry.'' As a member of The United States House of Representatives serving Grand Rapids and West Michigan, I am delighted to have the opportunity to recognize this health system for its excellence--especially since Spectrum is the only health system in Michigan to receive this honor.

Great recognition brings great appreciation, and I am certain this award will create in our community an increased awareness of the remarkable health care services that Spectrum Health makes available to them through a number of exceptional facilities. I thank Spectrum Health for its steadfast commitment to providing the residents of west Michigan with the finest possible care through the efforts of its physicians and staff.

I am honored to offer my best wishes to Spectrum Health on being named one of the Nation's top ten!

Madam Speaker, on rollcall Nos. 452 and 453, I left the floor to attend a meeting related to my duties as a member of the Aviation Subcommittee and a co-chairman of the General Aviation Caucus.

Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' and ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, I recently received a letter from a constituent, Mr. Paul Debri, who expressed concerns about the welfare of our country. In particular, Mr. Debri decried a lack of responsibility accepted by Members of Congress, and conveyed his anxiety over partisanship. Mr. Debri's letter offered a sobering perspective of how our daily actions in Washington are viewed by the people we are elected to represent.

Of note, the correspondence which I received included a copy of the Congressional Record (Cong. Rec. 1 Sept. 1950: A6328) from Friday, September 1, 1950 and the extended remarks of my predecessor, the Honorable Gerald R. Ford, Jr. The attitude toward Congress expressed by Mr. Debri was shared by his grandfather, Mr. Irwin Koropas, who

wrote then to Representative Ford with similar reservations and a challenge to share those sentiments with the Congress, which Representative Ford did.

I share Mr. Debri's concerns about the lack of civility and personal responsibility in Congress. Throughout my seventeen years in Washington, I have strived to follow the call of Micah 6:8 ``to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.'' Mr. Debri's letter is a good reminder of the humility and civility needed in Congress. I have also sought to follow the advice of Edmund Burke, a noted British parliamentarian, who said ``The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing.''

For the edification of my colleagues, Mr. Debris' letter is below:

Grand Rapids, MI, May 31, 2010.

Representative Ehlers, I have just returned home on this

stormy Memorial Day morning after spending time with a member

of my family. While driving home I realized that I needed to

voice my concern with you over the welfare of our country.

More specifically on the ineptness of the Legislative Branch

to work in harmony with one another to strengthen and unite

this country.

Yes, I have voted for you in past elections and consider

myself a Republican, but I have also voted for Democrats on

more than one occasion. What is so special about this country

is that I have the right to choose the men and women that are

sent to Washington D.C. Unfortunately, after the polls close

and the elected officials, Republican or Democrat, take their

oath they seem to serve only one person. That person being

themself.

It seems as though not a day goes by when a politician is

in the news double talking their way around a simple

question, pushing blame off to another person or political

party, or making promises to the American people by saying

one thing and not even doing anything to resolve the issue.

When asked a question, give a straight forward answer. When

confronted with wrong doing, take responsibility. Don't blame

others. When making promises, act with integrity and

accomplish what you set forth to do with no complaints.

Included is a copy of a letter from Mr. Irwin Koropas to

former Representative Gerald R. Ford back in 1950. Mr.

Koropas was concerned with the inability of Congress to work

together by getting off their proverbial high horse to

preserve this great country. Sadly, the same concern holds

true today. Sixty years have passed and Congress still does

not understand what the American people want. Do what you

were elected to do...work for the American people, not

yourself.

Mr. Irwin Koropas served his country proudly. He loved his

wife and daughter and modeled examples of honesty, respect,

and patriotism to his three grandchildren. The good Lord

called him home some years ago, but he is never forgotten.

Every Memorial Day I visit him. I visit my grandpa. I will

never be embarrassed to be an American or to call this great

land home. However, I am embarrassed by the elected

politicians serving in the nation's capital. Who will be the

first politician to put aside political partisanship and

honestly and faithfully put the needs of Americans ahead of

their own personal agenda?

I'll close this letter with the words my grandpa wrote to

then Representative Ford sixty years ago. Representative

Ehlers, ``Please read this to Congress if you got the guts,

which I think you have.''

Respectfully,

Paul Debri,

Grand Rapids, MI.

I thank my good friend for yielding to me.

As the author of this resolution and cochair of the House Aerospace Caucus, along with Congressman Norm Dicks, who has just arrived on the floor, I rise in strong support of House Concurrent Resolution 292, which supports the goals and ideals of creating a National Aerospace Week. Last year, the House voice voted a similar resolution supporting an Aerospace Day. However, considering the aerospace industry's contribution to our history, economy, security, and educational system, we believe an entire week is more appropriate.

Last year, we celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Apollo moon landing, and this year we celebrate the 10th anniversary of continuous human presence in orbit on the international space station. These important achievements are made possible by the aerospace industry.

In addition to landing on the moon, living in space, innovative developments in satellites, meteorological forecasting, national defense, and communications, the United States also maintains the largest, most complex, and safest aviation system in the world.

Our aviation system, especially business aviation, allows U.S. companies to stay competitive because our workers can be more productive and efficient. In fact, aviation is becoming so widespread that this evening I will be taking an exam toward my own pilot certificate, and I hope to spend the remaining years of my life learning more and more about aviation.

The United States aerospace industry is a powerful, reliable source of employment, innovation, and export income, employing more than 840,000 people in the United States and supporting more than 2 million jobs in related fields.

Although unemployment remains high, especially in my home State of Michigan, these high-value, good-paying jobs continue to be in demand because of the shortage of qualified workers.

Therefore, in order for the United States to remain at the forefront of aerospace development, we must do a better job of educating our children in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, commonly referred to as STEM education. Flying and space exploration remain a powerful inspiration that captures the interest of young people, and I applaud the efforts by the aerospace community to get involved with children and schools to nurture this interest and improve our STEM education programs.

I hope my colleagues will join me in honoring the aerospace industry by designating the third week in September as National Aerospace Week. I urge all Members to vote for H. Con. Res. 292.

Let me also express my appreciation to both the chairman of the Science Committee, Mr. Gordon, and also to Mr. Hall, the ranking member of that committee. They have done an excellent job of leading the committee this year, and we have accomplished great things in the Science Committee.

I also wish to thank them as friends for the kind words they have just uttered about my pending departure. In fact, I am receiving so many accolades for my work in the Congress that I have decided I may retire again and again, but I suspect I am limited to doing it only one time.

But in any event, I have deeply appreciated my time in the Congress of the United States. I strongly support the aerospace industry and what it means to this country and, frankly, to this world, and we pray that we will continue to serve well in exploring this marvelous universe that the Lord has given us to explore.

Madam Speaker, on rollcall Nos. 434, 435, and 436, I was absent for two reasons. First, my flights from GRR to DTW and from DTW to DCA were both delayed. Second, I had an important meeting related to my work on the aviation subcommittee and my role as co-chair of the GH caucus. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on all three votes.