Melissa Bean

Ms. BEAN

Ms. BEAN. Madam Chairwoman, I just want to acknowledge Congressman Braley's efforts recognizing the challenges Americans have reading many government documents, particularly lending disclosures, which are very difficult to understand. This amendment is a commonsense approach to making the program more accessible. And I commend his leadership to expand plain language to all government documents.

Ms. BEAN. Madam Chair, I move that the Committee do now rise.

Ms. BEAN

Ms. BEAN. That's correct.

Ms. BEAN. I yield such time as she may consume to Congresswoman Waters.

Ms. BEAN. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. BEAN. They do have the authority to make changes.

Ms. BEAN. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, the amendment I am here to talk to my colleagues about today protects taxpayers and increases government accountability while preserving a critical program that has helped 37 million Americans become homeowners since 1934. My amendment requires HUD and the FHA to conduct annual comprehensive assessments and considerations for increased minimum down payment requirements in the FHA mortgage guarantee program and grants the FHA greater authority to do so. Currently, the minimum cash investment requirement, commonly referred to as the ``down payment requirement,'' is set at 3.5 percent. HUD has used its existing authority to propose a 10 percent down payment requirement for borrowers with credit scores below 580, and I applaud FHA Commissioner Stevens and HUD for this important step to protect taxpayer dollars. However, it's important for HUD to be given clear direction on evaluating future down payment increases as data suggests that the foreclosure crisis is not yet over. According to core logic, approximately one in four borrowers are underwater in their mortgages, which means they owe more than their house is currently worth. As borrowers become increasingly underwater, they lose incentive to continue to pay their mortgage, which can lead to delinquency and further foreclosures. While it is difficult for individual homeowners to guard against large swings in the housing market, one important tool for preventing negative equity is to require a meaningful down payment. To make sure HUD is setting down payment requirements for the FHA program that will sufficiently protect the Federal Government from excessive defaults, my amendment requires HUD to submit an annual report to Congress regarding proposed or actual increases. The report would require HUD to analyze the impacts that they would have on the financial soundness of the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund--which is the reserve fund referenced frequently in today's debate--also the effect on the housing finance market of the United States and the number of borrowers served by the FHA program. The amendment requires HUD to consider the findings of these annual reports in determining whether higher down payment requirements are warranted. In addition, it grants authority to HUD to establish requirements for all borrowers or a class or classes of borrowers, and it directs HUD to consider a borrower's credit score when making these decisions. Combined, this amendment will mandate HUD to evaluate resetting down payment requirements every year, and it will ensure the Federal Government is effectively protected from unnecessary risk. This amendment allows Congress to protect taxpayers without being overly prescriptive or handcuffing the FHA with specific terms. Instead, it provides the FHA the authority to make fact-based decisions based on the level of defaults and market conditions. We learned from the current mortgage crisis that the FHA needs the data and the flexibility to address changes in today's more dynamic and diverse mortgage market and to protect taxpayers. We also recognize the importance of preserving access to affordable mortgages for millions of American families. FHA has helped Americans attain home ownership and has provided crucial mortgage insurance at times when the private market has pulled back from the mortgage market. This legislation well-complements the consumer and taxpayer protections in the Wall Street reforms Congress is moving towards final passage. I urge my colleagues to support the Bean amendment and the underlying bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. BEAN. Well, first of all, it's mandating it. They have to evaluate the facts every year and then propose to Congress why they are or aren't making changes. So that's different than what they've been required to do in the past.

Ms. BEAN

Ms. BEAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the 2011 National Defense Authorization Act, and I'm pleased that policy language that I authored regarding emergency medical technicians has been included in the committee report. With this inclusion, reciprocity between the armed services and States regarding certification for emergency medical technicians, EMTs, will be established. Last year, the State of Illinois passed legislation which allows military ``emergency medical technician'' training of an honorably discharged member of the Armed Forces to be considered as reciprocal for its licensure requirements. Working with Representatives Harman and Herseth Sandlin, I included such a provision into H.R. 3199, the Emergency Medic Training, or EMT, Act which was later incorporated into the House Health Insurance Reform Bill. Although the provision was not included in the final health reform legislation, the need for such direction to States has now been addressed. Our men and women in uniform will be able to use their real- time training and education in the field to help those in emergencies here at home, if they so choose, without the cost and redundancy retraining upon their return. I thank Chairman Skelton for his support and his efforts on the underlying bill.

Ms. BEAN

Ms. BEAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to recognize National Small Business Week. This year marks the 47th annual Small Business Week, during which we honor the immense contributions of entrepreneurs, their companies, and their workforce to our country. Our Nation's economic rebirth relies on the ability of our community businesses to innovate, develop, and market solutions that deliver measurable value to their clients. Their growth and success creates up to 80 percent of new jobs in our Nation, including 25,000 already this month. As a former business owner, I recognize today's many challenges, including getting access to capital, lowering energy costs, funding R&D, workforce training, and improving efficiencies. When I host Small Business Federal Resource Seminars in my district, I encourage community businesses to connect with Federal agencies whose resources and programs could be useful to their operations, including-- I have the SBA come out and share information with our businesses about 504 and 7(a) and Express loan programs. We also talk about small business development tools from the SBDCs. The IRS is available to provide information about small business tax incentives, which include 179 expense provisions and bonus depreciation, the NOL carryback that has already refunded $2.6 billion to small businesses that had been in the stimulus, so that as they had been profitable in previous years, they can get those dollars back at a time they need to cover payroll and operating expenses. There are also tax credits for health care, which the IRS elaborates on as well. The Commerce Department talks about export programs, and the Department of Energy talks about Webinars and grants, tools, and incentives for energy development and energy efficiencies. Small firms are the engine of our U.S. innovation and competitiveness, producing 13 times more patents for employees than those in larger firms. And they support our communities. In addition to goods, jobs, and services, small firms invest in local real estate. Their suppliers grow as they grow, and they contribute to charities and provide leadership and mentoring services to their neighbors. To help small firms weather the recession and access the capital that is critical to their growth, Congress and the SBA have stepped up. The Recovery Act included $288 billion worth of tax cuts, not just to 95 percent of working Americans, our consumers, but business incentives as well, including bonus depreciation, 179 expensing, the NOL carryback, and capital gains exclusions for small business stock. The first-time home buyer tax credit helped bring 700,000 new buyers back into the market. This broad-based stimulus went further with infrastructure investment in roads, bridges, energy, and water projects, and included investments in education, smart grid technology, and health IT. We have seen a positive return. GDP growth has gone from negative 6 to positive 6 since the stimulus, and U.S. manufacturing is now growing at its fastest pace since 2006. While these signs of recovery are encouraging, more needs to be done. Creditworthy businesses need to have access to working capital, and many need to restructure their debt in the months and years ahead. When businesses can't access financing, they delay contracts, hiring, equipment purchases, and other expansions. The Recovery Act provided higher guarantees and reduced fees on SBA 7(a) and 504 loans. Since its passage SBA has driven over $27 billion in small business loans into the hands of our community businesses, yet many are still struggling to access affordable capital. Banks are operating under tightened lending standards and have greater risk aversion and greater exposure to the instability of the commercial real estate market. Their strained balance sheets make it difficult to continue extending credit, where appropriate, to small businesses. The experience of the Recovery Act has shown that the SBA guarantee can make a difference for an entrepreneur in need of capital. When it comes to Congress' approach to fostering recovery, every week must be Small Business Week. My colleagues and I will continue to address the capital access gap with measures we move forward in the weeks ahead. Congresswoman Dahlkemper and I have a bipartisan measure to increase the maximum loan size and guarantee on the SBA express loan, a critical tool that provides working capital so firms can restock inventory and make new hires. Today I introduced the Small Business Asset Investment and Modernization Act, which will enhance the SBA 504 loan program for commercial real estate, buildings, and heavy equipment. Businesses are facing a collateral program as their loans mature and their equity is down in value. Many small business owners obtained loans during the bubble, getting loans at inflated appraised values on their property or with balloon payment structures. Banks are reluctant to restructure debt, particularly if the borrower is equity challenged or if the bank is capital challenged. My bill will temporarily enable business owners to refinance their commercial real estate debt through the 504 program, addressing an acute near-term need in that sector. Over the next few weeks, I look forward to advancing these and other initiatives to help our growing businesses get the capital they need. I urge my colleagues to join us in moving forward on further programs to support the work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit of our small businesses, the cornerstone of our economy.

Ms. BEAN

Ms. BEAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my fellow New Dems to highlight the value of trade and exports to our economy. During World Trade Week, it is important for America to demonstrate our commitment to competing and leading in the global marketplace. To bolster economic recovery and build sustainable economic growth and employment opportunities, America cannot cede emerging markets to our global competitors. Instead, we must recognize, target, and seek to gain share in high-growth, high-population markets. Trade agreements that give American workers and products access to new markets, and greater share, are critical to removing barriers to sustainable growth and competitiveness. By ensuring these agreements do not disadvantage American employers but, instead, create a level playing field and are enforced, American innovation and work ethic can and will prevail in the global economy. I applaud and support the President's National Export Initiative to double our exports in the next 5 years, and I encourage the administration and Congress to resolve remaining issues and move forward on passage of the pending trade agreements. New Dems look forward to working with the administration to do just that.

Ms. BEAN

Ms. BEAN. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the manager's amendment and the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010. I want to commend Chairman Waxman and particularly Congressman Peter Welch for their leadership, making energy efficiency more affordable for American families in my Eighth District in Illinois and across the Nation. Welcome signs of economic recovery and competitiveness in the global economy are directly related to the opportunities emerging as businesses become cleaner and leaner. The same philosophy holds true for American households. Investments in better building materials and technologies can pay for themselves in the form of energy savings, and then some. At the same time, Home Star is a jobs measure. It will provide timely and targeted employment to the skilled trades industry which is still reeling from the housing bust and economic recession. Two amendments I authored, included in the manager's amendment, will enhance the job creation potential of Home Star. States will be directed to engage with community colleges to implement the retrofit program. These community colleges are excellent resources for worker education, training, and certification; and they collaborate with area employers to provide dynamic and affordable educational resources to meet workforce needs. The role of community colleges in our clean energy economy will only continue to grow in significance. I also authored a provision with our colleague, Mr. Driehaus, to expand rebate eligibility to replacement storm windows and doors, which will particularly help historic homes. To improve energy efficiency and maintain the historic integrity of a house, a homeowner may prefer to install storm windows and doors. This amendment will provide families more options to retrofit their homes in a manner that best fits their needs. H.R. 5019 is a well-crafted measure that will create jobs and boost domestic manufacturing, while saving families money and reducing energy consumption. I urge my colleagues to support the manager's amendment and this important underlying bill.

Ms. BEAN

Ms. BEAN. Madam Speaker, I was inadvertently detained and I was unable to cast a vote on March 4, 2010. If I had been present I would have cast the following vote: Rollcall 90--On motion to Concur in the Senate Amendments with an Amendment to H.R. 2847: ``No.''

Ms. BEAN

Ms. BEAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Boy Scouts of America and all current and former Scouts across the world, on the occasion of the organization's 100 year anniversary. This Sunday, I will join the Northeast Illinois Council of the Boy Scouts of America as they celebrate with a Centennial Concert and Talent Show in Lake Villa located in Illinois' Eighth Congressional District. Partnering with local churches, schools, businesses, and other community organizations, the Boy Scouts have touched the lives of tens of millions of young people throughout the past century. Young men involved in Scouting are taught valuable skills in the areas of personal leadership, career development, and outdoor survival. In addition, Scouting offers participants the opportunity to form lifelong friendships and benefit from the guidance of positive adult role models serving as troop leaders. The Boy Scouts program teaches young men the values of responsible citizenship and community service. Year after year, I am impressed by the number of projects benefiting my district undertaken by area Scouts. It is especially inspiring to see those young men hoping to become Eagle Scouts take it upon themselves to develop a service project and organize their peers to carry it out. It comes as no surprise that such a high number of former Scouts go on to serve as leaders in our armed forces, government, businesses and community organizations across the country. Once again, I congratulate the Boy Scouts on reaching such an impressive milestone and the Northeast Illinois Council for organizing Sunday's celebration. I look forward to watching today's Scouts become tomorrow's leaders.

Ms. BEAN

Ms. BEAN. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Assistant Chief Lenn Grant of the Barrington Fire Department. I would like to thank Assistant Chief Grant for his 37 years of service to the Barrington community and congratulate him on his recent retirement. Assistant Chief Grant has made a valuable contribution to his community, and to the district I represent. During the course of Assistant Chief Grant's career, the Barrington Fire Department has grown along with the needs of the community, evolving from a small on-call team to a modernized full-time squad with advanced emergency capabilities. Assistant Chief Grant's rise from a part-time firefighter to assistant chief reflects the dedication and professionalism that have earned him the respect of his colleagues and community. Throughout Assistant Chief Grant's time with the department, he has continually reached beyond the call of duty, serving on numerous public safety committees and developing innovative training programs for fellow firefighters. Madam Speaker, the Village of Barrington will greatly miss Assistant Chief Grant's hard work and initiative within the fire department, but I know he will continue to apply the same talents and values to the benefit of the Barrington community for years to come. I thank Assistant Chief Grant for his service and wish him continued success in the future. Thank you and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. BEAN

Ms. BEAN. Madam Speaker, as the principal author of the compromise provision regarding the preemption of State consumer financial laws under the National Bank Act and the Home Owners Loan Act that was included in the manager's amendment on page 139 to 150, I wanted to take this opportunity to explain to my colleagues my intention in drafting the language. The compromise language made improvements in several areas to allow national banks and Federal savings associations, which are institutions that operate under a national charter to comply with a uniform national standard where appropriate. I would like to further explain four components of the compromise specifically for the House. Those components include (1) limiting the scope of new preemption procedures to State consumer financial laws, so as not to affect preemption for other State laws; (2) the ability for categories of State consumer financial law to be preempted; (3) modifications of the preemption standard to more accurately reflect the Supreme Court Case of Barnett Bank v. Nelson, which established the preemption standard currently applied to national banks and Federal savings associations; and (4) the degree of deference afforded to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and Office of Thrift Supervision by the courts. First, under the compromise, the changes to preemption procedures under the National Bank Act for national banks and the Home Owners Loan Act for Federal savings associations are exclusively limited to State consumer financial laws. During the drafting of the compromise, I removed a sentence, previously suggested by the Committee that said national banks are to generally comply with State law. I removed this sentence because I wanted to make clear that the changes in the Act do not alter the preemption standards and precedents that apply to those State laws which are not State consumer financial laws. Narrowing the scope to just State consumer financial law is consistent with the initial scope of Subtitle D of H.R. 3126, The Consumer Financial Protection Act, when it was introduced in July 2009. Second, the compromise language included language that allows for categories of State consumer financial law to be preempted. This means that if the Comptroller of the Currency (the regulator of national banks) or the Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision (the regulator of Federal savings associations) determines a State consumer financial law in a particular state should be preempted because it ``prevents, significantly interferes with, or materially impairs'' the abilities of a national bank or Federal savings association, then that specific determination can be applied to other States' consumer financial laws with equivalent terms. For example, if one state seeks to require additional disclosure requirements for credit cards that the Comptroller of the Currency determines ``prevents, significantly interferes with, or materially impairs'' the ability of a national bank to engage in the business of banking, that determination can be applied to another state's credit card disclosure laws if those laws have equivalent terms. Third, a critical portion of the compromise was drafting a preemption standard that embodied existing precedent. The preemption standard that was reported out of the Financial Services Committee stated that a State law could be preempted if it ``prevents or significantly interferes with'' the ability of a national bank (or a Federal savings association) to engage in the business of banking. ``Prevents or significantly interferes with'' has been often mentioned as the shorthand citation of the preemption standard established by the Supreme Court in 1996 in Barnett Bank v. Nelson. However, as I and many others have noted, the Supreme Court ruling was not limited to those two terms as the only circumstance in which preemption of State laws is appropriate. In fact, they expanded on those words by saying that a State law should be preempted not only when it ``prevents or significantly interferes with,'' but also ``stands as an obstacle to the accomplishment of the purposes,'' ``encroach(es) on,'' ``destroy(s) or hamper(s),'' or ``impair(s).'' Since the Barnett case describes a number of situations in which State law is preempted, in addition to the ``prevents or significantly interferes with'' standard, I was concerned that limiting the underlying text to the shorthand expression of ``prevents or significantly interferes with'' could be construed as narrowing the Constitutional standard. I therefore added the words ``materially impairs,'' so that there would be no question that the preemption standard is the same as the standard described in Barnett, and that State consumer financial law may be preempted if it violates any of the well established Constitutional benchmarks for preemption. I chose the word ``materially'' because if the impairment is not material--meaning it would only have a negligible effect on the bank--it should not be subject to preemption under current law. When making preemption determinations on State consumer financial laws, the Comptroller of the Currency for national banks, Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision for Federal savings associations, or the Court must find that Federal law applicable to national banks and Federal savings associations, including regulations and similar issuances, deals with the subject or activity that the State consumer financial law is seeking to regulate. A good example is the detailed disclosure requirements set by Federal law and Federal regulators, developed after substantial consumer testing, that apply to certain types of consumer financial products. Finally, the compromise language is intended to clarify that when a court is reviewing an OCC determination concerning the proper interpretation of the National Bank Act or other Federal law that the OCC is charged with administering, the court is to apply the traditional deference accorded to an agency, often referred to as ``Chevron'' deference. The same clarification applies when a court is reviewing an OTS determination regarding the proper interpretation of the Home Owners Loan Act or other Federal law that the OTS administers. Further, while the underlying legislation directed the courts to apply a different type of deference to OCC or OTS preemption determinations, the compromise amendment makes clear that the Chevron deference standard applies to all OCC and OTS interpretations of Federal law, the National Bank Act, and the Home Owners Loan Act, including those made in the context of a preemption determination. Madam Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to further explain the preemption compromise I drafted in the manager's amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. BEAN

Ms. BEAN. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the Village of Wonder Lake, a town in my district celebrating a milestone anniversary this year. This community has made a unique contribution to the district I represent, and to the State of Illinois. The Village of Wonder Lake is celebrating its 35 year anniversary. Located in McHenry County, Wonder Lake takes its name from the largest private man-made lake in the state of Illinois. In the 1850s, the area of was served by the Harsh School, a one room log building serving about a dozen farmhouses. It was not until 1974 that Wonder Lake was incorporated as residents of the Sunrise Ridge community came together to form a village. Madam Speaker, the Village of Wonder Lake is unique in its history and adds greatly to the vibrant community of the Eighth District of Illinois. I thank all the past leaders of the Village of Wonder Lake for their dedication to public service; their community would not have reached this milestone without their hard work and commitment. I congratulate Wonder Lake for reaching their 35th anniversary and I wish them continued success in the future.

Ms. BEAN

Ms. BEAN. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Mundelein, a town in my district celebrating a milestone anniversary this year. This community has made a unique contribution to the district I represent, and to the State of Illinois. Mundelein is celebrating its 100th anniversary. As early as 1650, the Potawatomi Indians were trading with French fur traders in the area now known as Mundelein. Nearly two centuries later, a group of English immigrants came to the area and named their new community ``Mechanics Grove''. In 1921, Cardinal George Mundelein of Chicago bought property in the village to construct St. Mary's of the Lake Seminary. The village changed its name again in 1924 in recognition of Cardinal Mundelein's success with the new seminary. Today, Mundelein has grown to a residential community of over 30,000 residents. Madam Speaker, the village of Mundelein is unique in its history and adds to the vibrant community of the Eighth District of Illinois. I thank all the past leaders of village of Mundelein for their dedication to public service; their community would not have reached this milestone without their hard work and commitment. I congratulate Mundelein for reaching their 100th anniversary and I wish them continued success in the future.

Ms. BEAN

Ms. BEAN. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the village of Beach Park, a town in my district celebrating a milestone anniversary this year. Each of these communities has made a unique contribution to district I represent, and to the State of Illinois. The village of Beach Park is celebrating its 20-year anniversary. Located on Lake Michigan, Beach Park was a stop on the Chicago- Milwaukee Electric Railroad named ``Beach Depot'' in the early 1900s. In 1928, F.H. Bartlett Co. of Chicago purchased land near the rail station and sold parcels of land to city residents looking to escape to the country. In 1949, the community adopted the name of Beach Park and put a school district and fire department in place. But it was not until 1989 that the village of Beach Park was incorporated. Madam Speaker, the village of Beach Park is unique in its history and adds to the vibrant community of the Eighth District of Illinois. I thank all the past leaders of the village of Beach Park for their dedication to public service; their community would not have reached this milestone without their hard work and commitment. I congratulate Beach Park reaching their 20th anniversary and I wish them continued success in the future.

Ms. BEAN

Ms. BEAN. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the Village of Hoffman Estates, a town in my district that is celebrating a milestone anniversary this year. This community has made a unique contribution to the district I represent, and to the State of Illinois. The Village of Hoffman Estates is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Located in Cook County, Hoffman Estates was established in 1954 when a local farmer sold his 160 acre farm to Sam and Jack Hoffman, owners of the Father and Son Construction Company. The Hoffmans built a development and in 1959, the residents of the subdivision voted to incorporate as the village of Hoffman Estates. In the following decades, Hoffman Estates continued to annex surrounding areas and developments. Business also came to Hoffman Estates including the Sears, Roebuck and Company in 1992. Madam Speaker, the Village of Hoffman Estates is unique in its history and adds greatly to the vibrant community of the Eighth District of Illinois. I thank all the past leaders of the Village of Hoffman Estates for their dedication to public service; their community would not have reached this milestone without their hard work and commitment. I congratulate Hoffman Estates for reaching their 50th anniversary and I wish them continued success in the future.

Ms. BEAN

Ms. BEAN. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the Village of Fox River Grove, a town in my district that is celebrating a milestone anniversary this year. This community has made a unique contribution to the district I represent, and to the State of Illinois. The Village of Fox River Grove is celebrating its 90th anniversary. Located along the Fox River in both Lake and McHenry Counties, Fox River Grove was the winter home of the Ojibwa Indians until the 1860s. In 1869, Frank Opatrny purchased 80 acres along the Fox River. In 1905, the Norge Ski Club purchased land in Fox River Grove and erected a ski jump and in the 1950s the site was host to America's first international ski- jumping contest. Today, the Norge Ski Club is the oldest, continuously open ski club in the United States. Since incorporation in 1919, Fox River Grove has grown from a ski destination to a year-round residential community. Madam Speaker, the Village of Fox River Grove is unique in its history and adds to the vibrant community of the Eighth District of Illinois. I thank all the past leaders of the Village of Fox River Grove for their dedication to public service; their community would not have reached this milestone without their hard work and commitment. I congratulate Fox River Grove for reaching their 90th anniversary and I wish them continued success in the future.

Ms. BEAN

Ms. BEAN. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the Village of Lake Barrington, a town in my district celebrating a milestone anniversary this year. This community has made a unique contribution to the district I represent, and to the State of Illinois. The Village of Lake Barrington is celebrating its 50-year anniversary. Believed to be first populated by the Potowanami Indians, recent discovery of burial grounds suggest an established Native American presence in the Lake Barrington area. Lake Barrington remained rural and minimally populated until the 20th century when Chicago businessmen began turning the farms into estates. Incorporated in 1959, local residents voted Jorgen Hubschman as the first village president. Lake Barrington has grown over the past 50 years from a community of just 200 residents to a village of 5,000. Recently, the Village of Lake Barrington established a Tree Preservation Code and is currently recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a ``Tree City U.S.A'' community. Though the village has grown, Lake Barrington has sought to preserve its scenic charm that continues to make the village an attractive place to live. Madam Speaker, the Village of Lake Barrington is unique in its history and adds greatly to the vibrant community of the Eighth District of Illinois. I thank all the past leaders of the Village of Lake Barrington for their dedication to public service; their community would not have reached this milestone without their hard work and commitment. I congratulate Lake Barrington for reaching their 50th anniversary and I wish them continued success in the future.

Ms. BEAN

Ms. BEAN. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the Village of North Barrington, a town in my district celebrating a milestone anniversary this year. This community has made a unique contribution to the district I represent, and to the State of Illinois. The Village of North Barrington is celebrating its 50-year anniversary. Located 35 miles northwest of Chicago, North Barrington's first settlers arrived in the 1830s. In 1854, the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad built its first station in the Village of Barrington, just south of the community. The first homes in North Barrington include Kimberly House, built in 1857, which was visited on several occasions by President Theodore Roosevelt, cousin of the Kimberly's daughter-in-law. North Barrington continued to develop and in 1959 area residents voted to incorporate as the Village of North Barrington. Madam Speaker, the Village of North Barrington is unique in its history and adds greatly to the vibrant community of the Eighth District of Illinois. I thank all the past leaders of the Village of North Barrington for their dedication to public service; their community would not have reached this milestone without their hard work and commitment. I congratulate North Barrington for reaching their 50th anniversary and I wish them continued success in the future.

Ms. BEAN

Ms. BEAN. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Round Lake, a village in my district celebrating a milestone anniversary this year. This community has made a unique contribution to district I represent, and to the State of Illinois. The Village of Round Lake is celebrating its 100th anniversary. In the 1890s, when officials of the Chicago, Milwaukee, & St. Paul Railroad announced an extension of the Milwaukee-Chicago line, landowners near Hainesville, IL knew a railroad station would increase property values. One such resident, Amarias White, offered the railroad free land in exchange for a station. White succeeded and Round Lake, named after the nearby lake, became the area station. In 1909, the village incorporated with White as the first village president. Through the beginning of the 20th Century, Round Lake's population remained predominately agricultural and the lake acted as a summer retreat for Chicago residents. Today, Round Lake continues to develop as a suburban community. Madam Speaker, the Village of Round Lake is unique in its history and adds to the vibrant community of the Eighth District of Illinois. I thank all the past leaders of the Village of Round Lake for their dedication to public service; their community would not have reached this milestone without their hard work and commitment. I congratulate Round Lake for reaching their 100th anniversary and I wish them continued success in the future.

Ms. BEAN

Ms. BEAN. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Old Mill Creek, a town in my district that is celebrating a milestone anniversary this year. This community has made a unique contribution to district I represent, and to the State of Illinois. The town of Old Mill Creek is celebrating its 50-year anniversary. Located five miles south of the Wisconsin border, Old Mill Creek was first settled by Scottish immigrants as a small agricultural community in the 1830s. One immigrant, Jacob Miller, built a sawmill along the Des Plaines River naming it Millburn, ``burn'' being the Scottish word for creek. The village of Old Mill Creek was incorporated in 1959. Old Mill Creek remains a rural community with a population of 251. Madam Speaker, Old Mill Creek is unique in its history and adds greatly to the vibrant community of the Eighth District of Illinois. I thank all the past leaders of the town of Old Mill Creek for their dedication to public service; their community would not have reached this milestone without their hard work and commitment. I congratulate Old Mill Creek for reaching their 50th anniversary and I wish them continued success in the future.