Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor William Taylor, a Washington area lawyer who played a critical role in civil rights issues across the country. Taylor was instrumental in the passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, and dedicated over 40 years of his life to ensuring every American, regardless of race or creed, enjoy the freedom that is the promise of this great country.

William Taylor was born in Brooklyn, New York, on October 4, 1931, to two Jewish immigrants. Though Taylor was subject to racial slurs and discrimination throughout his childhood, he chose to devote his life to guarantee equal rights for all. Taylor understood that the power of the voting booth was vital to liberty, and one's color, religion, social status, and should never restrict access to freedom.

Upon his 1954 graduation from Yale Law School, Taylor joined the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, serving under the great Thurgood Marshall. During his tenure, Taylor aided desegregation enforcement efforts, ensuring school districts abide by the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision.

Taylor was then appointed to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, composing civil rights recommendations that were the basis for the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act. I had the pleasure of working with Bill for a number of years as a member of the Missouri State Senate. During this time, I was witness to his brilliance and perseverance, while we crafted an amicable legislative solution that settled the long-running St. Louis Public School Desegregation issue. This feat concluded in the largest voluntary metropolitan school desegregation plan in the country.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Mr. Taylor, a man whose visionary leadership helped usher in a new era of justice. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. William Taylor.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to support the refugees living at Camp Ashraf in Iraq. I am disturbed by reports of continued abuse of these Iranian refugees by the same Iraqi forces that are responsible for ensuring their safety. In light of the recent announcement of an upcoming U.S. troop withdrawal from the camp, I urge Congress to support the residents at Camp Ashraf by ensuring they receive the protection that they deserve.

These refugees, who have been forced from their homes in Iran, are exactly the kind of defenseless people the international community needs to ensure are protected. Unfortunately, they have been subject to bloody incursions from the Iraqi army, such as the travesty of last year's attack which killed 11 people and injured over 400. It is critical that the United States and international community work to ensure that the residents of this camp are treated humanely.

I encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting the refugees at Camp Ashraf.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Marvin Teer, Sr., a valued member of the St. Louis community. Mr. Teer passed away on May 27, 2010, at the age of 93. His efforts greatly enriched the city of St. Louis, and his legacy will continue to inspire his residents for years to come.

Mr. Teer grew up against a backdrop of adversity and racial tension. He was born in Meridian, Mississippi, and at the tender age of 5, his family suffered the tragic loss of Mr. Teer's uncle, who was lynched. Mr. Teer's parents moved the family to East St. Louis in search of new opportunities for themselves and their children. Mr. Teer took full advantage of those opportunities, graduating from Lincoln Senior High School and going on to earn his bachelor's degree in education and two master's degrees, one in education and another in administration.

In World War II, he fought courageously in the Army, which was at that time segregated. He rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant, where he worked to secure equal resources and equal respect for his fellow black soldiers.

Mr. Teer returned to St. Louis in 1946 to teach history and urban studies at Lincoln Senior High School and later Vashon High School. Being a dedicated teacher, he shared his knowledge and energy with students for a full 30 years.

Mr. Teer had a passion for working to improve St. Louis, and that commitment to his city extended far beyond his position as a teacher. Mr. Teer participated in a diverse array of city organizations, including the Metropolitan Youth Commission, the St. Louis Board of Equalization, the Board of Building Appeals, and the St. Louis Area Agency on Aging.

Upon his retirement, Mr. Teer directed his enthusiasm for serving his community toward the goal of providing transportation to the seniors of St. Louis. He co-founded Available Citywide Transportation, which grew from one van to a fleet of 43 under his watch.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Mr. Teer, a citizen whose commitment to his community was a testament to Missouri and to America. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Marvin Teer, Sr.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Jeff Theerman, Executive Director of the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District, MSD, on his election as the new President of the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, NACWA.

Mr. Theerman is an accomplished leader and committed environmental steward. He has dedicated his career to the improvement of the environment and public health in Missouri, and throughout the Nation. Without a doubt, he is ideally suited for this national leadership position with NACWA.

Mr. Theerman has served Missouri through his work at MSD for over 25 years. In October of 2003 he was named MSD's executive director, willingly and ably accepting accountability for all aspects of the utility's operations.

As MSD's executive director, Mr. Theerman leads one of the Nation's largest wastewater and stormwater management utilities, providing services to approximately 1.4 million people in the city of St. Louis and St. Louis County. Under his leadership the MSD currently operates seven wastewater treatment facilities, treating an average of 330 million gallons of water per day and maintaining 9,649 miles of sewers.

Since joining others in founding NACWA 40 years ago, the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District has benefitted from his active engagement with the organization. A member of NACWA's board of directors since 2004, Mr. Theerman has served as the organization's secretary, treasurer and vice president. It is fitting that his election as president coincides with the 40th anniversary of NACWA's advocacy on behalf of the Nation's clean water agencies--and the environment we all value so much.

When I hear terms like ``accountable'' and ``responsive,'' I think of public servants like Mr. Theerman. Under his able leadership NACWA looks forward to proactively and effectively addressing the complex 21st century water quality challenges we face as a Nation.

It is my sincere pleasure to congratulate Jeff Theerman on becoming president of NACWA. I am certain his actions will ensure continued water quality progress for St. Louis, Missouri, and the Nation.

Madam Speaker, from April 24-26, 2010 more than 1,200 students from across the country visited Washington, D.C. to take part in the We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution National Finals. We the People is the most extensive educational program in the country that educates young people about the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. Administered by the Center for Civic Education, the We the People program is funded by the U.S. Department of Education under the Education for Democracy Act approved by the United States Congress.

I am proud to announce that a class from Westminster Christian Academy represented the state of Missouri at this prestigious national event. These outstanding students, through their knowledge of the U.S. Constitution, won their statewide competition and captured ninth place at the national level.

While in Washington, the students participated in a three-day academic competition that simulates a congressional hearing in which students demonstrate their knowledge and skills as they evaluate, take, and defend positions on historical and contemporary constitutional issues. Annual surveys consistently show that high school students who take part in the We the People academic competition outperform national samples of high school students participating in the National Assessment of Educational Progress political test by at least 22 percent.

Madam Speaker, the names of these outstanding students from Westminster Christian Academy are:

Molly Anderson, Nick Arnold, Olivia Atkinson, Cheyenne Bartlett, Daniel Chae, Jacob Dahl, Kevin Goldfarb, Jake Grimes, Grace Johnson, Sarah Johnson, Alex Lindstrom, Jimmy Myers, Andrew Nichols, David Rasche, Matt Schwartz, Michael Scott, Ashley Segrave, Emily Sherman, and Curtis Stump.

I also wish to commend the teacher of the class, Ken Boesch, who is responsible for preparing these young constitutional experts for the National Finals. Also worthy of special recognition are Millie Aulbur, the state coordinator, and Sandra Diamond, the district coordinator who are responsible for implementing the We the People program in my district.

I congratulate these young ``constitutional experts'' on their outstanding achievement at the We the People national finals.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the rich heritage and invaluable contributions that Jewish Americans have made to our Nation and to the community that I am proud to represent in Missouri's First Congressional District.

The earliest Jewish immigrants came to St. Louis over two hundred years ago.

Like most new Americans, they came seeking a refuge from persecution and discrimination, with the hope of building productive lives and practicing their faith, without fear.

In St. Louis, and across the Nation, Jewish Americans have excelled in every facet of our society. From commerce, to the arts, to education, medicine, the law, government, and in our armed forces.

Jewish Americans have enriched our Nation and contributed much to our shared cultural heritage.

I also want to make special mention of the long and historic partnership between the African American and the Jewish American communities, in the pursuit of social justice, civil rights, voting rights and equal protection under the law.

During the most trying times of the civil rights movement, Jewish Americans and African Americans marched together, stood together, protested together, prayed together, and even died together, to advance the cause of full citizenship and real equality for all.

That partnership and common pursuit of justice endures today.

In my district, I am blessed to represent a large, vibrant Jewish community with many outstanding congregations, educational and cultural groups and social service agencies; including: the Jewish Federation of St. Louis; the Jewish Community Center; Jewish Family and Childrens Services; the Jewish Community Relations Council; the St. Louis Holocaust Museum and Learning Center, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, the Central Agency for Jewish Education, and many others.

Jewish Americans have helped shape our Nation's history, and their unending commitment to faith, family, learning and social justice will continue to strengthen the United States.

I am proud to join with my colleagues to mark Jewish American Heritage Month.

Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening as we prepare for this historic vote, and I'm here to tell you that the people of Missouri's First District want us to act and pass this health care reform legislation now. And here's why:

It will improve coverage for 331,000 residents who already have health insurance. And it will give tax credits to 168,000 families and 15,000 small businesses to help them afford coverage. It will improve Medicare for 96,000 seniors, including closing the doughnut hole. It will extend coverage to 45,500 uninsured residents. It will guarantee coverage for 10,000 residents with preexisting conditions. And it will protect 1,400 families from medical bankruptcy.

This plan ends gender-based discrimination by stopping insurance companies from charging women more than men for the very same coverage.

It is time to act, Mr. Speaker.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4214) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 45300 Portola Avenue in Palm Desert, California, as the ``Roy Wilson Post Office''.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4214, a bill to designate the facility of the U.S. Postal Service located at 45300 Portola Avenue in Palm Desert, California, as the ``Roy Wilson Post Office.'' The late Roy Wilson devoted his career to public service, serving as county supervisor for Riverside County, California, for 15 years. This followed 17 years of service on the Palm Desert City Council.

His passing last August brought a great deal of sadness to his colleagues, his staff, and his community. He is remembered for working with his colleagues to find common ground and to seek compromise. His hard work earned the respect and trust of his colleagues and constituents, and today, with this measure, we honor his life and service.

This bill was introduced by the gentlewoman from California, Representative Mary Bono Mack, on December 7, 2009. It was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which ordered it reported by unanimous consent on March 4, 2010.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this measure.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I have no speakers, so I will continue to reserve.

I thank my friend from California (Mr. Bilbray) for joining me in urging our colleagues to recognize the life and work of Roy Wilson by supporting this measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 946) to enhance citizen access to Government information and services by establishing that Government documents issued to the public must be written clearly, and for other purposes, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

In recognition of Sunshine Week, today we are considering H.R. 946, legislation aimed at making the government more open and accessible. H.R. 946, the Plain Language Act, was introduced by Representative Bruce Braley of Iowa. This bill requires agencies to use plain writing in government documents.

The administration recently issued a directive on open government. One of the simple principles of the directive is that information should be accessible. This is the aim of this bill. This bill will make information more accessible by requiring agencies to write documents in a way that is clear and easily understood. We often focus on the need to make information available, but even if the information is available, it isn't useful unless it can be understood.

AARP wrote a letter supporting this bill. And it says, ``the use of plain language in documents issued to the public will save the Federal Government

an enormous amount of time now spent helping citizens understand the correspondence they receive. It will also reduce errors in the public's response to the information the government sends out, as well as minimize complaints from frustrated citizens trying to decipher overly dense and nontransparent communications.''

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this worthy bill.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield to the chief sponsor of this legislation, my friend from Iowa, Representative Braley, as much time as he may consume.

Madam Speaker, I would like to now yield 3 minutes to the distinguished chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Towns).

Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds.

Madam Speaker, I am prepared to close.

Madam Speaker, in closing, let me first thank the gentleman from California for his comments and remarks about common sense and disclosure.

The bill requires each agency to train its employees in plain writing and to report annually on the agency's efforts to comply with this act.

Under this bill, each agency must devote a section of its Web site to its plain writing efforts. Agencies also must provide a way for members of the public to provide input. This will allow small businesses or other members of the public to highlight particular documents that are complex or confusing. This bill will make the government more transparent and efficient, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1387) to amend title 44, United States Code, to require preservation of certain electronic records by Federal agencies, to require a certification and reports relating to Presidential records, and for other purposes, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks.

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

H.R. 1387, the Electronic Message Preservation Act, is another open- government bill that we are considering in celebration of Sunshine Week. This bill modernizes the requirements of the Federal Records Act and the Presidential Records Act to ensure that Federal agencies and the White House preserve emails and other electronic messages. H.R. 1387 was introduced by Representative Holt, and it is substantially similar to H.R. 5811, a bill that passed the House last year with bipartisan support.

This bill requires agencies and the White House to adopt and maintain records management and retention policies that are consistent with modern technology. Under current law, Federal agencies have broad discretion to determine how electronic messages are preserved.

In a 2008 report, the Government Accountability Office found that many agencies rely on unreliable ``print and file'' systems for preserving electronic records, including email. GAO reviewed the practices of senior agency officials and determined that emails were not retained in adequate recordkeeping systems, making the email records easier to lose or delete and harder to find and use.

Last week, the National Security Archive awarded its sixth annual Rosemary Award for worst open-government performance to the Chief Information Officers Council. The council was chosen because it has never addressed the failure of the government to save its email electronically.

H.R. 1387 directs the Archivist of the United States to issue regulations requiring agencies to preserve emails in an electronic format. These regulations must cover, at a minimum, the capture, management, preservation, and electronic retrieval of electronic messages.

The bill requires the Archivist to establish a process to certify the electronic records management systems used by the agencies.

At this time, Madam Speaker, I would urge my colleagues to join in passage of this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

I couldn't agree more with my friend from California. We hope this is the impetus to spur the development--the successful development of electronic medical records, because we know what the savings would mean to our health care system and we know that it can possibly save lives by reducing errors.

So at this time, Madam Speaker, I'd like to yield 2 minutes to the distinguished chairman of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Towns).

Let me also thank the ranking member for his participation. As we have stated earlier, this is Sunshine Week. It's time for openness and accountability. I appreciate participating with you in these series of bills.

In closing, let me also mention that in this bill we are also considering an amendment that makes a number of drafting corrections suggested by the National Archives. For example, the amendment clarifies that the bill addresses electronic Presidential records rather than all Presidential records. H.R. 1387 will make the government more accountable by protecting an important part of the historical record, and I urge every Member to join me in supporting this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4621) to protect the integrity of the constitutionally mandated United States census and prohibit deceptive mail practices that attempt to exploit the decennial census, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4621, as amended. I would like to thank Chairman Towns and Ranking Member Issa of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and Congresswoman Maloney and Congressman Chaffetz for working with me on this legislation. As chairman of the Information Policy, Census, and National Archives Subcommittee, this legislation is of particular importance to me.

This legislation would require certain mailings which have the term ``census'' on the outside of the envelope to also include an accurate return address and the name of the sender on the envelope. H.R. 4621 would also mandate that such mailings follow existing legal requirements to include disclaimers making it clear that the mailing is not from the Federal Government.

H.R. 4621 was introduced on February 9, 2010, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The committee approved the measure with a manager's amendment by voice vote on March 4, 2010.

In recent months, mailings which have the word ``census'' on the envelope and contents that resemble official census forms have been sent by the Republican National Committee and other nonprofit organizations to citizens in several States. The RNC mailings were marked ``DO NOT DESTROY. OFFICIAL DOCUMENT.'' The envelope used in these mailings did not include a return address or identify the sender. Using these terms on the outside of the envelope without a return address and the name of the sender creates an appearance of an official government document.

Later this month, the Census Bureau will begin conducting the decennial census through the U.S. mail. The decennial census is mandated by article I, section 2, of the U.S. Constitution. This official government function provides an accurate portrait of the American population. The decennial census serves as a basis for the distribution of hundreds of billions of dollars for schools, hospitals, job training centers, and transportation projects.

In addition to conducting the decennial census every 10 years, the Census Bureau conducts surveys throughout the decade. For example, under the previous administration, the Bureau started the American Community Survey, which is an annual survey sent to a sample of the public. This survey helps communities understand where and how their population lives and permits the community to allocate resources accordingly.

Because legitimate census mailings are used for such important purposes, it is critical that the Census Bureau is able to receive accurate information and that American citizens continue to have confidence in census mailings. Increased confidence in the census will save taxpayers money by improving the response rate.

The Director of the Census Bureau, Robert Groves, has said that the Bureau will save $85 million for every 1 percent increase in the mail- back response from recipients of the decennial census.

This bill is narrowly tailored to address the specific problems caused by census look-alike mailings. This bill would not prevent the use of the term ``census'' in mailings altogether; H.R. 4621 would merely require the sender to identify itself and include language clarifying that the mailing is not from the Federal Government.

Mailings by private organizations which appear to be from the Census Bureau, without a proper clarification or disclaimer, create a risk of confusion on the part of citizens who will be receiving actual census mailings this year. H.R. 4621 will help to prevent such confusion.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney).

Mr. Speaker, again, I encourage my friends from both sides of the aisle to join me in supporting H.R. 4621, as amended, and again I thank the gentlewoman from New York for her leadership on this legislation.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4624) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 125 Kerr Avenue in Rome City, Indiana, as the ``SPC Nicholas Scott Hartge Post Office''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise in support of H.R. 4624. This legislation will designate the facility of the U.S. Postal Service located at 125 Kerr Avenue in Rome City, Indiana, as the ``SPC Nicholas Scott Hartge Post Office.'' Army Specialist Nicholas Hartge was raised in the small town of Rome City, in northeastern Indiana. After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Specialist Hartge enlisted in the infantry while still in high school and was stationed in Germany before deploying to Iraq.

On May 14, 2007, Specialist Hartge's patrol came under heavy attack. He was killed in combat when his Humvee hit a roadside bomb while maneuvering under intense fire.

For his service to his country, Specialist Hartge received a Commendation Medal for outstanding achievement for helping to capture the enemy in Iraq, and a Bronze Star for his actions on the day he was killed. He is missed by his family, his community, and his country. Our Nation owes a great debt of gratitude for his service.

H.R. 4624 was introduced by the gentleman from Indiana, Representative Mark Souder, on February 9, 2010. The measure was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which approved it by unanimous consent on March 4, 2010. The measure enjoys the support of the entire Indiana delegation.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.

I reserve the balance of my time.

I want to thank the gentleman from New Jersey for his kind words about Specialist Hartge. Also, Mr. Speaker, again, I encourage my friends from both sides of the aisle to join me in supporting H.R. 4624.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1036) recognizing the contributions of Korean Americans to the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

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

I rise in support of H. Res. 1036, a resolution that will recognize the contributions of Korean Americans to the United States. Korean Americans have contributed significantly to the culture, economy, and success of the United States. January 13, 2010, marked the 107th anniversary of the beginning of Korean immigration into the United States. There are now more than a million and a half people of Korean descent living in the United States. Korean Americans have helped build our communities and our Nation. They have added significantly to the development of the arts, sciences, engineering, medicine, government, military, education, and the economy of the United States.

House Resolution 1036 was introduced by the gentleman from New Jersey, Representative Scott Garrett, on January 22, 2010. The measure was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which ordered it reported by unanimous consent on March 4, 2010. The bill enjoys bipartisan support from over 50 Members of Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1036.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, again, I encourage my friends from both sides of the aisle to join me in supporting House Resolution 1036.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4547) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 119 Station Road in Cheyney, Pennsylvania, as the ``Captain Luther H. Smith, U.S. Army Air Forces Post Office''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

I now yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4547. This legislation will designate the facility of the U.S. Postal Service located at 119 Station Road in Cheyney, Pennsylvania, as the Captain Luther H. Smith, U.S. Army Air Forces Post Office.

Luther Smith was one of the original Tuskegee Airmen, a highly decorated World War II prisoner of war, and a recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal. One of the first African Americans to become a licensed pilot, Captain Smith began his military career in 1943. He flew 133 combat missions with the 332nd Fighter Group as a combat fighter pilot over Europe. He was severely wounded on his last mission in October 1944 and spent the next 7 months in enemy hospitals and prison camps before being liberated in May of 1945 by the Allied forces.

During his distinguished military career, Captain Smith destroyed two German aircraft in aerial conflicts and 10 aircraft in ground strafing attacks. Captain Smith was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with six oakleaf clusters, the Purple Heart, the Prisoner of War Medal, and eight European Theater Campaign Ribbons.

After retiring from the U.S. Army Air Forces, Captain Smith earned a B.S. in mechanical engineering at the University of Iowa. He was hired by General Electric, where he was involved in projects for the Air Force, the Navy Submarine Command, and NASA. His work included missile and jet engine design, and he published numerous papers and was awarded two patents.

Following his retirement from GE in 1988, Captain Smith was active in support of local civic causes, serving as the vice chairman of the Radnor Township, Pennsylvania, school board, and the board of the Delaware County Community College in Pennsylvania.

He also was instrumental in preserving the history of the Tuskegee Airmen. He and two other Tuskegee Airmen were featured in the 2006 documentary, ``On Freedom's Wings: Bound for Glory--The Legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen.'' He also designed the plaque, dedicated in memory of the Tuskegee Airmen, in Arlington National Cemetery.

In May of 1995, he was selected by President Bill Clinton to represent the U.S. Air Force for the 50th anniversary celebration of VE Day, and he accompanied President Clinton and Vice President Gore to Europe.

Captain Smith was a pioneer in American military and aviation history and left a lasting legacy for future pilots and engineers.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4547 was introduced by the gentleman from Pennsylvania, Representative Joe Sestak, on January 27, 2010, and was reported out of the Committee on Oversight by unanimous consent on March 4, 2010. This legislation enjoys the support of the entire Pennsylvania delegation.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 4547.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, again, I encourage my friends from both sides of the aisle to join me in supporting H.R. 4547. Mr. Smith certainly led an exemplary life which we can all be proud of.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I stand today on behalf of my constituents and with my friend and colleague Congressman John Shimkus to raise further concern about the pending sale and format change of Classic99. As St. Louis's only classical radio station, Classic99 is a true asset to our city.

As Congressman Shimkus noted, the sale of KFUO 99.1 FM by the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod is currently under review by both the Media Bureau and the FCC. While we certainly do not wish to exact undue influence on either of these agencies, our constituents have made clear to us their concerns, and we agree that this loss will be a blow to the wealth of our region's culture and economy. We hope that these negative impacts will be considered while reviewing this sale.

We have seen that losing the arts can wreak havoc on a community, and the Metro East region will be no different. If Classic99 is converted to a different music format, the cultural and economic consequences will be dismal. The world-renowned St. Louis Symphony Orchestra will lose airtime and its chief advertising venue, forcing gifted musicians and staff to suffer even more pay cuts and freezes. Losing Classic99 will result in a cultural deficit as well. 94% of readers polled by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch feel that the loss of Classic99 ``takes away a vital voice for the arts in this community,'' and will detrimentally affect their ability to support local artists.

Arts education organizations throughout my district, like the Opera Theater of St. Louis, the St. Louis Art Museum, and the Touhill Performing Arts Center, will lose their only major arena for audience- building, live broadcasts, and fund-raising. The loss of revenue will hinder arts and music education in the district, further impairing opportunities for our young people to be enriched through the arts. We know that arts education gives youths self-confidence and increases academic achievement. We simply cannot afford to sacrifice these opportunities, and I am deeply troubled by the idea that more educational outlets for our children will be put in jeopardy by this move.

I firmly agree with my colleague that the negative impact these cultural and economic changes will have on the local community should play a role in determining the sale of 99.1.