William L. Owens

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in anticipation of an auspicious day in Canadian history, the bicentennial anniversary of the birth of Canada's Founding Father, Sir John A. Macdonald of Ontario, on January 11, 2015.

Sir Macdonald was the first Prime Minister of Canada and a significant figure in the development of the British North America Act that gave rise to the birth of Canada as a nation on July 1, 1867. As one of the founders of the great nation of Canada, Sir John A. Macdonald's importance to the American people should not be overlooked.

The Canadian people have much in common with us. They are independent, resilient in the face of adversity, and proud of their history. We share many of the same values and have chosen repeatedly to face the problems of the world together. Whether in matters of security, law enforcement, environmental protection or commerce, Canada has long been a partner and friend to the United States.

Our relationship with Canada is based not only on a long history of shared cultural values and experience, it also encompasses one of the closest economic partnerships in the world amounting to $1.2 trillion in trade, tourism, investment and other activities. U.S.-Canada trade alone supports an estimated 8 million jobs here in the U.S. and millions more across the border. Canada is also the largest source of foreign direct investment in the United States. Our neighbors to the north maintain a substantial investment in the success and growth of the U.S. economy and American businesses of all sizes.

The City of Kingston is hosting a national commemoration service on Sunday, January 11, 2015 marking the bicentennial anniversary of the birth of Sir John A. Macdonald.

Thank you, Mr. Garamendi.

Mr. Speaker, this is a difficult decision, a difficult choice, and likely one that does not have a good or better outcome than what we can propose today. I think the American people need to understand that, as we act today, many of us do with reluctance.

I will vote in support of Mr. McKeon's amendment, but I do so very reluctantly. I have fear that what we face is a situation in which we will arm folks who subsequently will take negative action against us; however, when weighing the consequences of taking no action, as many of my colleagues have indicated, I think we have no choice but to move forward as this amendment is recommending and the President has requested.

I also believe that we are taking back in Congress power that has drifted over many years to the President, irrespective of what party he is in--or she may be in, in the future--and I think that this is an important constitutional step that we should all support.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Gary Ralph VanCour. For many years, Mr. VanCour has given his time and energy to promote his community and encourage its success.

Mr. VanCour has served for the past seven years as Co-Chair for the Battle of Plattsburgh Commemoration Committee, working diligently to promote the Commemoration and ensure that it continues to be an event of the highest quality. As a member of the War of 1812 Bicentennial Council: Lake Champlain Region, Mr. VanCour has worked with the Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau to promote heritage tourism for the region.

Mr. VanCour is also a retired Social Studies teacher and Department chair for the Beekmantown Central School District in New York State. He served as President of the New York State Social Studies Supervisory Association and is currently the Town of Beekmantown Historian. He is widely respected for his work in the field of education, having led efforts to align the Beekmantown Central School curriculum with New York State Social Studies Standards.

Mr. VanCour is a father and grandfather as well as a musician and community volunteer. Each of us can learn from his extraordinary dedication to serving his community.