Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to salute the men and women of Justice, Illinois

for their act of positive Americanism. Led by Mayor Mel VanAllen, Clerk Kathleen Svoboda, and my good and longtime friend Jeff Kranig, the village of Justice planned, organized, and presented a magnificent celebration of Americanism dedicated to our men and women fighting terrorism and defending our Nation and people around the world.

This four-day long celebration included athletic events, cultural events, educational events, and culminated in a great parade and awards ceremony for the youth of the community. I was fortunate enough to be selected as parade marshal for this first annual Patriots weekend. I wish to thank the citizens of Justice for this great honor and express my sincere appreciation to them for all their hard work and dedication that brought this patriotic event to fruition. All residents of Justice should be very proud of their contribution to this unique and very special event.

In closing, let me say my Tricorner hat is off and my trusty old colonial musket is raised in salute to the Mayor, the clerk, my old friend Jeff, and the residents of Justice, Illinois.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the Chilean and Singapore Free Trade Agreements.

Mr. Speaker, I continue to be amazed by the supposedly business- friendly policies that are advanced by the American business community. As we should have learned from Enron and Worldcom, focusing on immediate profit recognition is usually a terrible long-term business strategy. But that is also the failed strategy of our shortsighted trade policies: Our business community is addicted to a quick fix at the expense of its long-term health--and America's long-term health by extension.

Perhaps there will be some short-term gains in U.S. exports because of these trade accords. Some in this body seem proud to argue that tariffs on U.S. luxury cars will be eliminated under the Chile accord. My colleagues, I am eager to see how many luxury cars we will sell to Chile.

In the last three years, 2.6 million American manufacturing jobs were lost, mostly because of bad foreign trade agreements. Today, our unemployment rate is at a 9-year high and American wages are stagnant.

If these trade agreements were part of a grand foreign aid program to develop poor countries, I would feel somewhat better about them. After all, we would presumably be transferring America's standard of living to the developing world, and nurturing new consumers. But that is not the case either, as the business communities in Central America and East Asia are just as myopic as the American corporate lobby.

The countries this administration proposes to expand trade with have little to no environmental or labor protections, and their workers' wages reflect this reality. Under this Singapore and Chile framework, these countries will not be required to abide by International Labor Organization standards. Accordingly, worker wages and standards of living will continue to be abhorrent, and American jobs will continue to be trans-shipped abroad.

These agreements will further the gulf of extreme poverty in this world, and drag down progressive societies along with them. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to reject the Chile/Singapore trade framework and adopt a healthy, long-term vision for America's future.

Mr. Speaker, on July 14, 2003, I was unavoidably detained and missed rollcall vote No. 357, the Ackerman-LaTourette amendment to the Agriculture Appropriations bill which would require that the USDA expend no funds to approve meat from downed animals-- animals that are too sick to walk or stand--for food. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea''.

Mr. Chairman, I regret that I was unable to be here during debate on the Agriculture Appropriations bill. Had I been available, I would have engaged Congresswoman Kaptur, the ranking member on the House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee, in a colloquy to discuss research on chronic wasting disease transmission.

Chronic wasting disease is spreading into Illinois. The emergence of this disease in Cook

County is the closest the disease has come to a large urban population. While this disease has yet to be detected in humans, little is known about how chronic wasting disease is transmitted from species to species. Illinois is fortunate to have unique multidisciplinary research collaborations, such as the Conservation Medicine Center of Chicago (CMCC), positioned to conduct important chronic wasting disease transmission research. The CMCC is a unique collaboration between Brookfield Zoo, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, and the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. The CMCC brings together an exceptional team of nearly twenty-five physicians, veterinarians, researchers and clinicians from many disciplines to study conservation medicine.

Chronic wasting disease is a growing problem across the country and the Committee has included funds for chronic wasting disease research in the Department of Agriculture's budget. I would like to urge the Department to utilize unique multidisciplinary research collaborations, such as the CMCC, to study this emerging disease and its transmission.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Chandler Hatch, a senior at Lyons Township High School in LaGrange, Illinois. On June 22, 2003, Chandler will receive the Presidential Scholars Medallion from the Department of Education.

Chandler was selected by a 32 member commission from a field of over 2,600 candidates. The commission honors students based on their academic achievements, leadership abilities, community service, and continued commitment to excellence. Chandler will be awarded as part of the 39th Class of Presidential Scholars.

In addition to winning this award, Chandler was able to invite a teacher who has proven to be most influential and inspiring. Chandler selected Mr. Peter Notier, a distinguished English literature teacher at Lyons Township High School.

I would like to recognize Mr. Notier for his continued commitment to education and proven excellence in teaching. I commend Mr. Notier for his dedication and outstanding service in the field of education.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing both Chandler and Peter and wish them success in the future.

Mr. Speaker, our transportation system is second to none, but let us not sit on our hands. We still have room to improve.

Thanks to the leadership of President Eisenhower, and thanks to his experience under the vision of General John Pershing, we have the interstate highway system. Just as this Nation made a choice a half century ago, we need to make a choice again today. We need to make a decision. We must decide if we want to continue the legacy of President Eisenhower, General Pershing and other leaders who came before us. We must decide to make a major commitment to fund our Nation's infrastructure needs.

As I have said before, I will say it again tonight, we have study after study. We have pages and pages of numbers. We have the proof. The issue is no different now than it was 50 years ago under President Eisenhower. Our transportation needs continue to grow, and we need to find a way to adequately fund those needs.

The needs are many, but the answer is simple. We need to invest more in our transportation system. Here, however, in today's economy, the problems and needs are not only just with our transportation system.

In today's economy, where corporate profits inch up, we still have a 6 percent unemployment rate. The other numbers are even grimmer: 9 million unemployed Americans; 5 million underemployed Americans; and 2 million Americans have been out of a job for 6 months; 4.4 million Americans have just completely given up even looking for a job, and they have left the workforce altogether.

In today's economy, we simply have to think about more than just TRB studies, government lingo, conditions and performance reports and bureaucratic infighting, things that probably do not matter a great deal to many Americans. What we must do is to start thinking about the sluggish economy. We have to start thinking about and talking about how the loss of jobs and the 6 percent unemployment rate creates real problems and real economic hardships in the lives of millions of Americans, American workers who just are not working because they cannot find good jobs. There are not good jobs out there.

Even better yet, let us start doing something about it because we are in a position to do just that. The concept of the expansionary fiscal policy is nothing new. It has worked before and it will work again. It is the basic economics of pump-priming the economy.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, each $1 billion invested in infrastructure creates 47,500 jobs and 6.1 billion in related economic activity. With a 6 percent overall unemployment rate and an 8.3 unemployment rate for construction workers, there is no better economic stimulus package than the $375 billion public works bill, plain and simple.

It is a jobs bill that will put jobs back in the American economy and put American workers back to work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to Cornelia Grumman of the Chicago Tribune, winner of the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for editorial writing.

A native of Evanston, a resident of Chicago, a graduate of Duke, Cornelia Grumman has graced the Chicago Tribune for many years

with her thought provoking, influential editorials on the reform of the death penalty. As a veteran reporter whose journalistic prowess earned her much recognition, Cornelia was made a member of the Chicago Tribune editorial board in 2000.

Cornelia's Pulitzer citation reads: For distinguished editorial writing, the test of excellence being clearness of style, moral purpose, sound reasoning, and power to influence public opinion in what the writer conceives to be the right direction. Awarded to Cornelia Grumman of the Chicago Tribune for her powerful, freshly challenging editorials on reform of the death penalty.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Cornelia Grumman on her achievements and wish Cornelia many years of future success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to John McCormick, winner of the Walker Stone Award for editorial writing from the Scripps Howard Foundation.

John McCormick is the deputy editorial page editor of the Chicago Tribune. He joined the Chicago Tribune editorial board in 2000 and was promoted to deputy editor the following year. Prior to joining the Tribune, John worked for several years as the Chicago bureau chief for Newsweek magazine.

A native of Iowa, a graduate of Northwestern University, John gained recognition for his series of editorials on how and why Chicago must respond to its high murder rate. Once a small-town boy, John tackled big city crime head-on, proving to be a highly regarded and influential asset to Chicago's political leaders, law enforcement officers, and neighborhood groups.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring John McCormick on his achievements and wish John many years of future success.

Mr. Speaker, tonight I rise in support of investing in our Nation's rail infrastructure and making rail transportation part of a strong transportation triad that includes highway, air, and rail. The freight rail industry is one that provides services that are key to the operation of practically every other industry.

In an atmosphere of mounting highway congestion and pollution, shippers ought to be changing more and more of their loads to rail. However, due to the fact that trains are not moving fast enough, these switches to rail are not being made. With 19th century signaling systems and antiquated grade-level junctions, railroads are often unable to deliver a truck-competitive service for many shippers. For example, trains that should be able to move through Chicago in 6 to 8 hours are taking over 2 days.

While freight rail is a sensible, cost-effective way to absorb the expected increase in freight traffic, it is also becoming a major contributor to a variety of social ills, including air and noise pollution, congestion and a declining quality of life. Rail infrastructure improvements would raise the capacity of our transportation network for both goods and passengers; increase safety along the rail network; improve the environment wherever congestion is relieved; and eliminate waits at grade crossings. Since passenger rail service and rail-based transit systems typically share infrastructure with freight rail, improving freight rail infrastructure would also provide much-needed assistance to passenger and commuter rail.

In January, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials released their freight rail bottom line report that states that an additional 2.6 to $4 billion is needed annually for capital investment in our freight rail system. Last fall, the Federal Railroad Administration and the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association commissioned a study that found short line railroads need nearly $7 billion to upgrade tracks and structures to handle the newer 286,000-pound rail cars used by the class I railroads.

So, how can we meet these growing rail capital needs? We cannot afford to simply rely on the railroads for these funds. The Association of American Railroads' policy position book for the 108th Congress states, ``Especially over the past couple of years, railroads have become increasingly constrained in how much capital they can devote to infrastructure spending.''

The answer to this rail infrastructure funding gap is the bill I have introduced, the National Rail Infrastructure Program, H.R. 1617. H.R. 1617 would create a new significant and dedicated stream of funds for rail projects. Just as we have the Highway Trust Fund and the Aviation Trust Fund, this legislation that I introduced last month would create a national rail infrastructure program. The total revenue stream in my legislation would amount to $3.3 billion annually.

This is a Federal investment that the American public desperately wants. In fact, Strategies One, a Washington, D.C. polling firm, conducted a national public opinion poll that shows 63 percent of Americans strongly favor moving more freight by trains, especially when the alternative is adding to highway capacity larger and longer trucks.

We cannot afford to sit back as freight and passenger traffic swells. We must craft a multi-modal solution to this capacity shortfall in which we can all win, or else we will all massively lose. Therefore, I urge Members to join the 40 bipartisan cosponsors and me and cosponsor H.R. 1617, the National Rail Infrastructure Program.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to St. Richard Parish. On June 8, 2003, St. Richard will celebrate its 75th Anniversary. With its location on the southwest side of Chicago, St. Richard Parish has a warm and rich heritage which warrants recognition.

On the 8th of June 1928, His eminence George Cardinal Mundelein established St. Richard Parish. The Parish was named after St. Richard de Wyche, bishop of Chichester, England.

Reverend Horace Wellman was appointed the first pastor and in late June 1928, he celebrated his first mass. The first mass was given in a storefront on 51st Street that also served as a temporary home for the church. A census was taken over the following months to determine how many families would support a newly established church. Results from the census comprised of many different ethnic backgrounds for a total 110 families.

Property for St. Richard Parish was purchased at the intersections of Kostner Avenue, 50th Street, and Kenneth Avenue. Within a month the new church was ready and on September 2, 1928 the first mass was presented. The official blessing of St. Richard Church took place October 21st, with Rt. Rev. Msgr. D.J. Dunner D.D. officiating.

Father Wellman served his people well until he unfortunately and surprisingly passed away from a heart attack in 1931. The second pastor appointed to St. Richard Parish was Father Francis J. Quinn who officially took over on October 17, 1931. Under the direction of Father Quinn the Parish grew steadily in number, while also recovering from the Great Depression.

In April 1944, Father Quinn left St. Richard to assume the pastorate of St. Ambrose Church and was succeeded by Father Joseph Griffin. Father Griffin had to resign because of poor health, after serving as pastor for six months.

On November 10, 1944, Reverend Edward L. Kilroy was appointed pastor of St. Richard Church and helped continue the growth of the Parish. Under his direction and guidance, a new brick building combining both church and school was erected. It was Father Kilroy who asked the Dominican Sisters from Sinsinawa, Wisconsin to teach in the school, which opened in September of 1947. By the late 50's the enrollment in the school had passed 1,000 students. Father Kilroy recognized the need for expansion and so in 1959, a new church was erected on the southwest corner of West 50th Street and South Kostner.

In March 1966, Father Kilroy was given the honorary title of Pastor Emeritus and retired from his pastoral duties. Father William Fisher was assigned to succeed Father Kilroy as pastor of St. Richard Parish.

Father Fisher and the people of St. Richard combined their efforts and talents to organize what has become known as the ``annual county fair,'' more commonly known as a carnival. Since 1972, the annual county fair has become a staple within the community.

Father Fisher retired from St. Richard Parish in 1981 as Pastor Emeritus and was succeeded by Reverend Jerome Siwek. Under Father Siwek the church was remodeled and lay minister programs were developed. Father Siwek became Pastor Emeritus on June 13, 1999.

Reverend Thomas Bernas followed Father Siwek and was installed as Pastor of St. Richard Church in June 1999. Upon his arrival he completed many projects that were planned as part of the ``Into the 21st Century'' campaign. Father Bernas sought to expand the vision of St. Richard Parish and has presided over the continued growth in its ministries and programs.

Organizations and groups continue to meet the many and diverse needs of the Parishioners. Because of St. Richard's excellent reputation, and because of the hard work of the faculty and staff, the school continues to see an increase in enrollment. Father Bernas also involved the Parish in a variety of community groups and organizations. St. Richard Parish is an active member of the Archer Heights Civic Association and the Chicago Police Caps Program.

This year marks the 75th Anniversary of St. Richard Parish. For 75 years God has generously blessed this Parish. Hopefully this will be a year of jubilee and celebration. St. Richard Parish has been and continues to be a proud community where people gather to worship God, socialize, work together, learn together, and celebrate as a family of faith.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Jim and Kathleen, ``Bonnie'', Hurckes, outstanding former residents of the City of Chicago and the greater Southwest side. They will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on Good Friday, April 18, 2003. Their celebration is scheduled for April 13, 2003 at St. Andrew the Apostle in Romeoville, Illinois.

Jim and Bonnie have spent five decades of married life together and have produced a loving and nurturing family consisting of eight children: James (Carol), John, Jeff, Judith (Ron), Joyce, Jerry (Mary Ann), Joseph, and June (Dominic). They are also proud grandparents of their 17 grandchildren: Jay, Jackie, Christine, Rick, Joe, Peggy, Mike, Robert, John, Jeff, Stephanie, Kathleen, Dominic, Nick, Jenna, Mark, and Megan, as well as their first greatgrandchild, Jayton.

Jim and Bonnie have passed fifty years of marriage in loving and consistent devotion to one another, truly exemplifying the spirit of the sacrament of holy matrimony and serving as a model and inspiration to their children and grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, as Jim and Bonnie continue their wedded journey, I would ask that my colleagues join me in honoring this remarkable couple.

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to place in the Congressional Record an article by Steve Neal, a political editor for the Chicago Sun Times. The article, entitled Kup's column turns 60--and still going strong, is about Irv Kupcinet, the greatest and most influential columnist that Chicago has ever had, and one of the most influential columnists in the history of America.

Steve Neal wrote the following:

He is without peer.

Irv Kupcinet, who is celebrating the 60th anniversary of

his column, is one of the more durable institutions in the

history of American journalism. ``Kup's Column,'' which

started in January 1943, is the nation's longest running

newspaper column.

``He'll delve into every phase of local enterprise and

activity . . . business, politics, nightclubs, the theater,

sportsband . . .'' the old Chicago Times announced in a house

ad. ``Intimate, sprightly, his column will be brimming over

with names that make news.''

In his first item, Kup reported that Irving Berlin berated

the cast of his musical revue, ``This is The Army,'' after a

published report that they tired of the road tour and wanted

to resume their military duties,

Kup also disclosed that state Sen. Abraham Lincoln Marovitz

(D-Chicago) was about to enlist in the Marines, and that

comedian Joe E. Lewis, who was then performing at the Chez

Paree, would soon be embarking for North Africa to entertain

U.S. troops.

In looking back, Kup says that first six months of the

column were the most difficult. But then he soon found a

voice and went on to become one of the nation's more

influential columnists.

He has appeared as a character in a Saul Bellow novel and

two of Otto Preminger's classic films. Kup is the only living

Chicago journalist to have a bridge named after him. The

Kupcinet Bridge is on Wabash Avenue over the Chicago River.

His success is no accident. Kup is a man of incredible

drive and energy. He is fair, honest, accurate, and has more

contacts than anyone else in the newspaper game.

He met with future President Gerald R. Ford when they were

teammates on the 1935 College All-Star football team. Kup, a

quarterback who played at North Dakota and later for the

Philadelphia Eagles, stood behind Ford, a center for the

University of Michigan.

``I have a somewhat different view of the president of the

United States,'' Kup later remarked.

``I've always liked Kup,'' Ford told me in a 1996 interview

at his home in Vail, Colo. ``He's a good friend and a darned

good reporter. One of the best.''

Kup loves Jerry Ford. But his favorite president is Harry

Truman, whom he met when Truman was about to be nominated for

the vice presidency at the 1944 Democratic National

Convention in Chicago. He gave Kup a card on which he wrote:

``Kup, you're entitled to admission, the front door and the

back door is always open.''

Truman's portrait still hangs behind Kup's desk at the

Chicago Sun-Times. Clifton Truman Daniel, the late

president's grandson, said Truman felt a bond with the

Chicago newsman because ``they were both straight shooters

and were comfortable with each other.''

In the final stretch of the 1948 presidential campaign,

when Truman was trailing in the polls, he told Kup: ``I'm out

slugging doing the best that I can. No man can do more.''

Kup may have been the only columnist in America who gave

Truman a chance to win. Truman later confided to Kup that the

reason he fired Gen. Douglas MacArthur during the Korean War

was that MacArthur ``wanted to use the atomic bomb against

the Chinese.''

It was Kup who got the scoop when Truman decided not to

seek re-election in 1952. Kup also accurately predicted that

Illinois Gov. Adlai Stevenson would be drafted that year as

the Democratic presidential nominee.

At the 1956 Democratic National Convention, Kup noted that

the young John F. Kennedy was the ``brightest young hope to

emerge from the conclave.''

Kup championed civil rights in his column and provided a

forum for such voices of freedom as the Rev. Martin Luther

King, Jr., Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, and the Rev. Jesse L.

Jackson.

When Bill Clinton won the presidency, Kup was among the

strongest advocates for lifting the barrier against gays in

the military. Kup also supported Truman when he issued his

executive order to desegregate the armed services.

Kup is probably more identified with Frank Sinatra, than

any other show business personality. A half a century ago,

Sinatra won the Academy Award for his role in ``From Heaven

to Eternity.'' Kup persuaded Harry Cohn of Columbia Pictures

to give Sinatra this part.

It should be noted that Stella Foster, Kup's associate for

34 years, is a major contributor to the success of the

column. Kup's late wife, Essee, also was an integral part of

the column.

On May 18, a celebration of Kup's 60th anniversary will be

held at the Hilton Chicago. The proceeds will go to the

Chicago Academy for the Arts. Larry King is scheduled to be

the master of ceremonies.

Playboy Chief Executive Officer Christie Hefner and her

husband, former state Sen. William A. Marovitz, are

cochairing this special event with Kup's grandchildren, David

Kupcinet and Kari Kupcinet-Kriser. For more information, call

(312) 595-1400.

Mr. Speaker, freight transportation is a vital and growing industry in the United States. Rail is the most prudent way of expanding the capacity to accommodate growth in freight traffic, allowing for congestion relief on our roadways, cost benefits to shippers, and improving our air quality. However, our Nation's aging and congested infrastructure does not adequately support the rail needs of today. Across the country from Los Angeles to Chicago to New York City, the movement of freight is being stalled and delayed by a variety of bottlenecks. For example, every day 37,500 freight cars travel through Chicago at a snail's pace of 7 to 12 miles per hour. Added on top of that, 700 commuter and Amtrak trains. Today it takes 2 days to move rail shipments through Chicago.

It is clear that capacity constraints and congestion thrive within our rail system and the situation is quickly worsening. The Chicago Area Transportation Study predicts that freight car traffic through the Chicagoland area will increase nearly 79 percent in less than two decades. But this is not just the Chicago problem. A recent report from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials states that growth in domestic and international freight tonnage is expected to grow 67 percent by the year 2020. The result will mean a shift of 900 million tons of freight onto our interstate system, adding a $21 billion need to highway costs in the next 17 years.

In an economy where just-in-time delivery demands are the norm, slow cross-country freight movement results in economic losses that are felt throughout the United States of America. Our communities also suffer. Traffic tie-ups and idling trains affect the quality of life of many of our constituents.

The status quo must not continue. As Daniel Burnham, the famous Chicago-based architect and city planner, encouraged us to ``make no small plans,''

we need to make big plans to address these tremendous capital needs. In order to sufficiently fund our country's freight rail infrastructure needs, the Federal Government should create a new significant and dedicated stream of funds for rail projects. Just as we have a Highway Trust Fund and an Aviation Trust Fund, the legislation I introduced last week, H.R. 1617, would create a National Rail Infrastructure Program.

As in all things here in Washington, the big question on everyone's mind is where can we get the funds to support these needs? H.R. 1617 would fund these improvements through various funding streams including a reallocation of the 4.3 cents per gallon diesel-fuel tax that railroads currently pay into the general revenue fund. I believe that putting these funds into a rail infrastructure program that would benefit the public is the only logical thing to do. The total revenue stream in my legislation would amount to about $3 billion per year.

There are some who may disagree with such a proposal; however, it would be a serious mistake to ignore our country's growing rail infrastructure needs and the gridlock that will result if we fail to expand our freight rail capacity. So let us heed Daniel Burnham's remarks. Let us think big and make some big plans to address the growing national problem facing our rail system. I hope my colleagues will join the 25 bipartisan co-sponsors and me and support H.R. 1617, the National Rail Infrastructure Program.

Remember, this Nation is great because we dare to dream great dreams. Please support this bill because this bill can do what we need to be done for freight movement in this Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my warmest wishes to several Board Members upon their retirement from service to the Village of Western Springs, Illinois. The following members will be recognized on Saturday, April 5, 2003 for their commitment to public service.

Village Board Members: Howard Blackman, Harry Kannry, and Jane McMurray

Park Board Members: Ken Sitkowski and Greg Jonas

Library Board Members: Leslie Karas and Mark Schilling.

All of you have proven to be a true asset to your family, friends and community. Your dedication to the community in which you live has truly been instrumental to the success of the Village of Western Springs.

As you retire, I wish to extend my heartiest congratulations to Village of Western Springs Board Members and your families as you celebrate your accomplishments in public service. May your futures be filled with much success.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Congressman Danny Davis for helping to bring H.R. 825 to the floor this morning.

Today, I am very pleased to pay tribute to a fallen federal law enforcement officer and the service he represented with the highest honor. On June 21st, 1981, Officer Michael J. Healy, of the United States Postal Inspection Service, was slain by two armed assailants in a foiled robbery attempt outside of Chicago's Main Post Office. That day, Mr. Healy sadly became the first Postal Police Officer to be killed in the line of duty.

Fortunately, Michael J. Healy has not been forgotten. In fact, Healy has come to symbolize the personal risk that police officers from a relatively unrecognized federal force undertake everyday. Healy's badge #3972 was retired, and all official depictions of Postal Police Officer badges bear #3972 in honor of Healy. In 2001, The Fraternal Order of Police, National Labor Council #2 and The Postal Inspection Service gathered to remember the 20th anniversary of Healy's passing. At their gathering, the Fraternal Order of Police pledged to continue the memory of their fallen comrade, and contacted my office to discuss an appropriate memorial.

Together, we felt it would be fitting to name a federal building in Healy's honor. We felt it further appropriate that the post office nearest to Hometown, Illinois--the Healy family's ``home town''--would best enshrine Officer Healy's ultimate sacrifice. Simultaneously, we felt this renaming would pay belated tribute to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

In October 2001, when letters filled with Anthrax spores were sent to several offices on Capitol Hill, the United States, and especially its Congress, became suddenly reminded of the necessity of a Postal Inspection Service. In fact, our nation's 1,400 Postal Police Officers are first responders in this unprecedented Front Line on the War on Terror--the U.S. mail system.

In 2002 alone, Postal Police Officers and Inspectors responded to 17,000 suspicious mailings, anthrax hoaxes and threats--a 100 fold increase from the previous year. Besides protecting America's post offices and 200,000

postal carriers, the service responds to more than 1,000 postal-related assaults and credit threats, 75,000 complaints of consumer mail fraud, and it arrests 12,000 criminal suspects for mail-related crimes each year.

Today, my colleagues have a special opportunity to honor the entire United States Postal Service, by naming a postal facility after one of their own heroes. With the passage of H.R. 825, The House of Representatives will rename the Moraine Valley, Illinois Post Office the Michael J. Healy Post Office.

Finally, I would like to recognize Joan Healy, Michael's mother, his brother David, sister Mary, and widow Barbara, as well as Lieutenant Michael Ruth and the Fraternal Order of Police, Labor Council #2, who have ably continued Officer Healy's memory.