Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3125, the Radio Spectrum Inventory Act.

H.R. 3125 represents an important step toward making additional spectrum available for advanced wireless services, something that has been cited as critical by the Federal Communications Commission in its recently released National Broadband Plan. If we are to realize the National Broadband Plan's vision of providing every American with the ability to access the Internet at world-class speeds, we absolutely will need to make additional spectrum available for that purpose. A thoughtful inventory of existing spectrum holdings will give Congress, the FCC, and the Administration the information we all need to make informed judgments about where that additional spectrum may come from.

As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee and as a cosponsor of this measure, I commend Chairman Waxman, Ranking Member Barton, Subcommittee Chairman Boucher, and Ranking Member Stearns for their work on this bill, and I urge my colleagues to support its passage.

Mr. Speaker, it is with the deepest sadness that I offer my condolences to the families of the 29 brave mineworkers who perished on April 5, 2010. I have been holding these families in my thoughts and my prayers.

For those of us representing Appalachia, this news is particularly saddening. The history

of our region will forever be linked to the mining of coal, a connection for which I hold great pride. For generations, residents of my district have fed their families from work in these mines, as they will for generations to come.

The loss of a miner is the loss of a brother and a friend. This loss cuts deep into the soul of our Appalachian towns and communities.

The deaths of these miners must not be in vain--we must take lessons from this tragedy to create a better future for mineworkers everywhere. The mineworkers of Appalachia deserve to go to work each day with peace of mind that their workplace is safe. Events like those that transpired earlier this month shake that trust, and we must determine the cause of the event if we are to properly ensure their future safety and to ensure the strength of the coal mining industry.

While we are truly blessed to live in a country bestowed with great resources, we hold a responsibility to protect those who risk life and limb to harvest them in the name of a greater, stronger nation. The strength of our Nation is a reflection of how we treat these soldiers of the coal mines, and we all must work to ensure their safety.

Madam Speaker,

Whereas, the National Association for the Education of Young Children has declared the week of April 12 through 16, 2010, The Week of the Young Child; and

Whereas, the Ross County O.U. Chillicothe Child Development and Family Services Center acknowledges and celebrates The Week of the Young Child and furthers awareness of the need for early-childhood support through family, community, and particularly through education; and

Whereas, the theme of The Week of the Young Child in 2010 is ``Early Years are Learning Years;'' and

Whereas, The National Association for the Education of Young Children has advocated for the improved well-being of young children since 1926, including through the events of The Week of the Young Child: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That along with The National Association for the Education of Young Children, participating schools and families, and the community of Ohio's 18th District at large, I strongly support the Ross County O.U. Chillicothe Child Development and Family Services Center celebration of The Week of the Young Child from April 12 through 16, 2010.

Madam Speaker,

Whereas, the American Hellenic Institute was founded in 1974 with a commitment to upholding fairness and justice for the people of Greece and Cyprus;

Whereas, the American Hellenic Institute has sponsored education initiatives to promote peace and mutual understanding between peoples;

Whereas, the American Hellenic Institute has increased cultural awareness and preservation for Greek-Americans and Hellenic people across the world;

Whereas, the American Hellenic Institute has steadfastly worked for the reunification of Cyprus;

Whereas, the American Hellenic Institute has stood by the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople;

Whereas, the American Hellenic Institute has worked tirelessly to improve U.S. foreign relations with the people of Greece and Cyprus: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That as a proud Greek American, I commend the American Hellenic Institute for its principled commitment to the causes important to Hellenic people across the world, and in honor of the 189th year of Greek Independence, I stand firmly behind the American Hellenic Institute's efforts to represent the interests and values of Hellenic people everywhere.

Mr. Speaker, during the recorded vote on H. Res. 1255, a resolution providing for the consideration of Senate amendments to the bill (H.R. 4872), I attempted to cast a vote in opposition. Due to a malfunction of my voting card, my vote was not recorded. I wish to express that my intention was to vote in opposition to the resolution.

Madam Speaker, yesterday, I unfortunately was absent from a vote in the House.

Without question, in order to put our economy back on track, we must work aggressively to address and lower our national debt. H.R. 4825, introduced by Representatives Kirkpatrick and Peters, takes an important step in showing Congress' commitment to addressing the growing problem of our country's debt. By returning unused funds from our Member Representational Allowance to the U.S. Treasury, as many offices already do, we show the American people our willingness to tighten our belts, beginning with our office budgets.

I wish to voice my full support for this important legislation and regret that I was unable to cast my vote on the House floor.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1107, a bill recognizing the 189th anniversary of the independence of Greece and celebrating Greek and American democracy.

I am proud to support a bill whose significance is so extensive and which has such great personal meaning to me and my family members.

I am extremely proud to call myself a Greek-American. My paternal grandfather emigrated from the island of Ikaria, Greece in the early 20th century and earned his American citizenship by fighting in World War I for the U.S. yet, he never let go of his roots. My father served in the Marines during the Korean War and instilled in me a deep sense of patriotism and respect for our great country. My family, like so many other Greek-American families, has never forgotten that strong bond that exists between Greece and the United States.

Our Founding Fathers looked to ancient Greece and her political wisdom. They drew on the enlightenment of the ancient texts to build a new representative democracy, deeply rooted in the philosophy and ethos of Greek government. Greece and the U.S. have always been at the forefront of the effort for freedom, democracy, peace, stability and human rights, and those similarities are what have forged our enduring bond over the centuries.

The solidarity between our two great countries has served us both throughout the years. The Greek people fought alongside American soldiers in the historic battles of World War II and have lent aid to our troops fighting in Iraq and in battlefields around the world. Whether in war, or in peace, the U.S. and Greece have been able to stand strong, firmly anchored by the democratic principles from which both of these two great nations were born.

Today, as we celebrate the anniversary of this wonderful nation's independence, it is important that we continue to recognize the significance of Greek contributions to the global society. As an American, and as a Greek, I support H. Res. 1107 and ask my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss our economy. I do not rise, however, to cast blame, engage in political posturing, or cast aspersions against my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. I rise to speak to what I believe all of us who have been blessed with the right of representation for our constituents have an obligation to do; that is, to deal with our economy.

Our constituents don't really care how we got here; they don't care who is to blame; they, frankly, don't care who comes up with the solutions, but they deserve and need resolution to these economic problems that we are facing right now. What our constituents on both sides of the aisle deserve is vision: vision of the future, vision of a new economy.

Back in Ohio's 18th Congressional District, Mr. Speaker, things are especially difficult. It is the area known as Appalachian Ohio, consisting of 16 of the poorest counties in the State of Ohio with the highest unemployment rates, the highest poverty rates. And with those high poverty rates come the manifestations of poverty, including hunger, homelessness, the breakdown of the traditional family unit, a lack of access to health care, a lack of access to education. The list goes on and on.

What I have been attempting to do in southeastern Ohio and what I urge my colleagues to consider doing around the country is to look forward to a future of economic prosperity, one where we know that things will be better.

For example, in the area of energy, I have organized an effort called Renew Ohio that is designed to focus on the jobs of the future. One of those fields that we know is an emerging sector is the field of energy. Not only will developments in technology and investments in energy sectors ultimately bring down the cost of energy, ridding ourselves of this dangerous and cancerous dependence on foreign oil, it will also create millions of jobs. It is obvious and it is promising.

Another sector, health care. Because of the aging nature of our society, we know that there will be future prospects for employment in the field of health care.

Another sector, technology. By bringing broadband, for example, to unserved and underserved areas of America, we are going to be advancing opportunities for economic growth and bridging the divide that exists right now in rural America when it comes to access to health care and education.

And, finally, agriculture. Agricultural jobs of tomorrow are quite different from the ones we know of today and the jobs of yesterday. It is a field that shows promise when it comes to trade, a field that shows promise with its relationship to energy, and one that, if we position ourselves correctly in, will create jobs for tomorrow.

This crisis that we are dealing with in this country, which has become very personal to every American, is one that we must address without regard to partisan politics. Our constituents clearly are ahead of Congress on that issue. They don't want blame. They don't want aspersions. They don't want excuses. They want answers and they want vision and they want leadership.

I urge Members on both sides of the aisle in this hallowed Hall to work together to find consensus and to move forward for a brighter tomorrow.

Madam Speaker,

Whereas, Sherri Lawrence has been granted certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards; and

Whereas, Sherri Lawrence has sufficiently demonstrated adherence and dedication to the five core propositions of teaching set by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards; and

Whereas, due to her hard work and dedication to her profession, Sherri Lawrence was able to achieve this esteemed honor; and

Whereas, we recognize the values and lessons teachers impart to our children; and

Whereas, the creative ingenuity that Sherri Lawrence has demonstrated while educating her students; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, that along with Ohio's 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Sherri Lawrence for her certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

Madam Speaker,

Whereas, Michele Maniskas has been granted certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards; and

Whereas, Michele Maniskas has sufficiently demonstrated adherence and dedication to the five core propositions of teaching set by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards; and

Whereas, due to her hard work and dedication to her profession, Michele Maniskas was able to achieve this esteemed honor; and

Whereas, we recognize the values and lessons teachers impart to our children; and

Whereas, the creative ingenuity that Michele Maniskas has demonstrated while educating her students; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, that along with Ohio's 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Michele Maniskas for her certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

Madam Speaker,

Whereas, Lisa Abele has been granted certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards; and

Whereas, Lisa Abele has sufficiently demonstrated adherence and dedication to the five core propositions of teaching set by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards; and

Whereas, due to her hard work and dedication to her profession, Lisa Abele was able to achieve this esteemed honor; and

Whereas, we recognize the values and lessons teachers impart to our children; and

Whereas, the creative ingenuity that Lisa Abele has demonstrated while educating her students; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, that along with Ohio's 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Lisa Abele for her certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

Madam Speaker,

Whereas, Cynthia Rucker has been granted certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards; and

Whereas, Cynthia Rucker has sufficiently demonstrated adherence and dedication to the five core propositions of teaching set by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards; and

Whereas, due to her hard work and dedication to her profession, Cynthia Rucker was able to achieve this esteemed honor; and

Whereas, we recognize the values and lessons teachers impart to our children; and

Whereas, the creative ingenuity that Cynthia Rucker has demonstrated while educating her students; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, that along with Ohio's 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Cynthia Rucker for her certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

Madam Speaker,

Whereas, Erica Rhea has been granted certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards; and

Whereas, Erica Rhea has sufficiently demonstrated adherence and dedication to the five core propositions of teaching set by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards; and

Whereas, due to her hard work and dedication to her profession, Erica Rhea was able to achieve this esteemed honor; and

Whereas, we recognize the values and lessons teachers impart to our children; and

Whereas, the creative ingenuity that Erica Rhea has demonstrated while educating her students; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, that along with Ohio's 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Erica Rhea for her certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

Madam Speaker,

Whereas, Kelly Law has been granted certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards; and

Whereas, Kelly Law has sufficiently demonstrated adherence and dedication to the five core propositions of teaching set by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards; and

Whereas, due to her hard work and dedication to her profession, Kelly Law was able to achieve this esteemed honor; and

Whereas, we recognize the values and lessons teachers impart to our children; and

Whereas, the creative ingenuity that Kelly Law has demonstrated while educating her students; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, that along with Ohio's 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Kelly Law for her certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

Madam Speaker,

Whereas, Kimberly Brugger has been granted certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards; and

Whereas, Kimberly Brugger has sufficiently demonstrated adherence and dedication to the five core propositions of teaching set by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards; and

Whereas, due to her hard work and dedication to her profession, Kimberly Brugger was able to achieve this esteemed honor; and

Whereas, we recognize the values and lessons teachers impart to our children; and

Whereas, the creative ingenuity that Kimberly Brugger has demonstrated while educating her students; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, that along with Ohio's 18th Congressional district, I congratulate Kimberly Brugger for her certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.