Michael Castle

Mr. CASTLE

Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to recognize Mr. Maurice Pritchett, who recently retired after more than forty years in the Delaware public education system. Maurice's service to Delawareans will be honored at a community celebration this Sunday, May 4. Maurice's ties to the Wilmington public school system stretch back to his childhood. Though he now resides in Newark, Delaware with his wife Juanita, Maurice was born and raised on the East Side of Wilmington, where he attended public schools in the city. At Howard High School, he proved to be an outstanding basketball player and was offered a full scholarship to attend Delaware State University, majoring in elementary education and continuing to excel in basketball, leading the Hornets as team captain during his junior year. Maurice also holds a master's degree from Villanova University. Following graduation, he taught fifth grade in Cecil County, Maryland and in Wilmington before moving on to his position as community school coordinator of Wilmington's Bancroft Academy, a school that he himself attended. Over the next thirty-two years, Maurice served as vice- principal and then principal of Bancroft Academy. He later served as director of family and community engagement for the Christina School District. Maurice's leadership at Bancroft, including the initiation of multicultural programs and a clothes closet, earned him the 1994-95 Delaware State National Distinguished Principal Award. His many other honors include the Christina Cultural Arts Center's lifetime achievement award, the Dr. Al O. Plant Lifetime Achievement Award and being named as one of the ``100 African American Men of Distinction in Delaware'' by the Afro-American Historical Society. Remembering the difficult times that he faced while growing up inspires Maurice to continuously contribute to the community. He is a long-time volunteer with the Boys and Girls Club of Newark. In addition, as a member of the Delaware State Basketball Hall of Fame and Delaware Afro-American Sports Hall of Fame, Maurice co-sponsored a youth basketball league that provided extracurricular activity to inner-city Wilmington elementary school students. Following his retirement in January of this year, Maurice established the Maurice Pritchett Education Foundation in partnership with the Delaware Community Foundation to benefit underprivileged children in New Castle County. While his public works are certainly well-known, those who gather for the celebration honoring his achievements will bring with them countless personal stories of Maurice's compassion, including one person for whose family Maurice bought groceries when they were financially unable. His kindness and dedication have touched the lives of many. I acknowledge and thank my good friend Maurice Pritchett for his numerous contributions to education and the overall well-being of children and families in the State of Delaware. I am confident that as he enjoys his retirement with his family, he will remain an active and influential member of our community.

Mr. CASTLE

Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to recognize Mr. Anthony Flowers, who was nominated to be the 2008 Delaware Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year. The Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Reader's Digest have nationally sponsored the Youth of the Year program since 1947. The goal of Youth of the Year has been to recognize outstanding members of the Boys & Girls Club and their contributions to their Club, community, school, and family. More than 32,000 youth are served by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware. Twelve students were nominated for the honor of Youth of the Year through an intensive local and state level selection process, including the nominees' personal contribution to home and family, community, school and their Boys & Girls Club. The nominees had to prepare two essays explaining why post-high school education is important and what the Club means to them. Additionally, students had to prepare a 3-5 minute speech and have an interview session with a panel of judges. The candidates attended the Youth of the Year Summit, where they received professional guidance regarding public speaking, writing, and interviewing skills. After winning the Local Youth of the Year award, Anthony moved onto the state level competition, where he refined his essay and prepared for the next round of interviews. Anthony was an extremely qualified candidate for the Youth of the Year 2008. Anthony is a Boy Scout and a Keystone Club Member at the Clarence Fraim Boys & Girls Club. Among the candidates for the state Youth of the Year, Anthony won the Highest GPA Award for his 3.63 GPA at Hodgson Vocational Technical High School. Once again, I would like to commend Anthony Flowers for being nominated as the Boys & Girls Club of Delaware's Youth of the Year.

Mr. CASTLE

Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to recognize Mr. Charles Robinson-Snead, who was nominated to be the 2008 Delaware Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year. The Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Reader's Digest have nationally sponsored the Youth of the Year program since 1947. The goal of Youth of the Year has been to recognize outstanding members of the Boys & Girls Club and their contributions to their Club, community, school, and family. More than 32,000 youth are served by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware. Twelve students were nominated for the honor of Youth of the Year through an intensive local and State level selection process, including the nominees' personal contribution to home and family, community, school and their Boys & Girls Club. The nominees had to prepare two essays explaining why post-high school education is important and what the Club means to them. Additionally, students had to prepare a 3-5- minute speech and have an interview session with a panel of judges. The candidates attended the Youth of the Year Summit, where they received professional guidance regarding public speaking, writing, and interviewing skills. After winning the Local Youth of the Year Award, Charles moved on to the State level competition, where he refined his essay and prepared for the next round of interviews. Charles was a highly qualified candidate for the Youth of the Year 2008. At Laurel Boys & Girls Club Charles serves as a tutor and mentor for other club members. Once again, I would like to commend Charles Robinson-Snead for being nominated as the Boys & Girls Club of Delaware's Youth of the Year.

Mr. CASTLE

Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to recognize Ms. Lauren Ewing, who was nominated to be the 2008 Delaware Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year. The Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Reader's Digest have nationally sponsored the Youth of the Year program since 1947. The goal of Youth of the Year has been to recognize outstanding members of the Boys & Girls Club and their contributions to their Club, community, school, and family. More than 32,000 youth are served by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware. Twelve students were nominated for the honor of Youth of the Year through an intensive local and state level selection process, including the nominees' personal contribution to home and family, community, school and their Boys & Girls Club. The nominees had to prepare two essays explaining why post-high school education is important and what the Club means to them. Additionally, students had to prepare a 3-5 minute speech and have an interview session with a panel of judges. The candidates attended the Youth of the Year Summit, where they received professional guidance regarding public speaking, writing, and interviewing skills. After winning the Local Youth of the Year award, Lauren moved onto the state level competition, where she refined her essay and prepared for the next round of interviews. Lauren was a highly qualified candidate for the Youth of the Year 2008. Lauren actively participates in her local Boys & Girls Club, Simon Circle, where she is the President of the Keystone Club and a member of the Torch Club. Lauren is involved in various organizations, including ROTC, Dover Caring Community Youth Coalition, and Cooperative Extension Nutrition Program. Once again, I would like to commend Lauren Ewing for being nominated as the Boys & Girls Club of Delaware's Youth of the Year.

Mr. CASTLE

Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to recognize Mr. Gregory Henry, who was nominated to be the 2008 Delaware Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year. The Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Reader's Digest have nationally sponsored the Youth of the Year program since 1947. The goal of Youth of the Year has been to recognize outstanding members of the Boys & Girls Club and their contributions to their club, community, school, and family. More than 32,000 youth are served by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware. Twelve students were nominated for the honor of Youth of the Year through an intensive local and state-level selection process, including the nominees' personal contribution to home and family, community, school and their Boys & Girls Club. The nominees had to prepare two essays explaining why post-high school education is important and what the club means to them. Additionally, students had to prepare a 3-5 minute speech and have an interview session with a panel of judges. The candidates attended the Youth of the Year Summit, where they received professional guidance regarding public speaking, writing, and interviewing skills. After winning the Local Youth of the Year award, Gregory moved onto the state-level competition, where he refined his essay and prepared for the next round of interviews. Gregory was a highly qualified candidate for the Youth of the Year 2008. He volunteers with the Smyrna Police Department and plans to become a Citizen Auxiliary Policeman, being the youngest member of the department. At the awards ceremony, Gregory was honored with the Best Essay Award. Once again, I would like to commend Gregory Henry for being nominated as the Boys & Girls Club of Delaware's Youth of the Year and winning the Best Essay Award.

Mr. CASTLE

Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to recognize Mr. Will Townsville, who was named the 2008 Delaware Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year. The Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Reader's Digest have nationally sponsored the Youth of the Year program since 1947. The goal of Youth of the Year has been to recognize outstanding members of the Boys & Girls Club and their contributions to their Club, community, school, and family. More than 32,000 youth are served by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware. Twelve students were nominated for the honor of Youth of the Year through an intensive local and state level selection process, including the nominees' personal contribution to home and family, community, school and their Boys & Girls Club. The nominees had to prepare two essays explaining why post-high school education is important and what the Club means to them. Additionally, students had to prepare a 3-5-minute speech and have an interview session with a panel of judges. The candidates attended the Youth of the Year Summit, where they received professional guidance regarding public speaking, writing, and interviewing skills. After winning the Local Youth of the Year award, Will moved onto the state level competition, where he refined his essay and prepared for the next round of interviews. Will was an extremely qualified candidate for the Youth of the Year 2008. He served as President of the Greater Newark Boys & Girls Club's Keystone Club for 2 years. At school, Will participates in a variety of activities, including boys' basketball and baseball, Leaders of America, and the yearbook committee. Will volunteers with the Jefferson Finance Awards committee and Adopt-A- Family. Once again, I commend Will Townsville for being named as the Boys & Girls Club of Delaware's Youth of the Year.

Mr. CASTLE

Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to recognize Ms. Ki'Ara Rufus, who was nominated to be the 2008 Delaware Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year. The Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Reader's Digest have nationally sponsored the Youth of the Year program since 1947. The goal of Youth of the Year has been to recognize outstanding members of the Boys & Girls Club and their contributions to their club, community, school, and family. More than 32,000 youth are served by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware. Twelve students were nominated for the honor of Youth of the Year through an intensive local and state level selection process, including the nominees' personal contribution to home and family, community, school and their Boys & Girls Club. The nominees had to prepare two essays explaining why post-high school education is important and what the club means to them. Additionally, students had to prepare a 3-5 minute speech and have an interview session with a panel of judges. The candidates attended the Youth of the Year Summit, where they received professional guidance regarding public speaking, writing, and interviewing skills. After winning the local Youth of the Year award, Ki'Ara moved onto the state level competition, where she refined her essay and prepared for the next round of interviews. Ki'Ara was an extremely qualified candidate for the Youth of the Year 2008. She has been an active member of the Great Milford Club since she was 6. Throughout her time with the Boys & Girls Club, Ki'Ara has been a member of the Torch Club and the Youth Respond program. She also served as treasurer for the African American Heritage Club at Milford High School. Once again, I would like to commend Ki'Ara Rufus for being nominated as the Boys & Girls Club of Delaware's Youth of the Year.

Mr. CASTLE

Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to recognize Ms. Melanie Stallworth, who was nominated to be the 2008 Delaware Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year and awarded the Future Leaders Award. The Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Reader's Digest have nationally sponsored the Youth of the Year program since 1947. The goal of Youth of the Year has been to recognize outstanding members of the Boys & Girls Club and their contributions to their Club, community, school, and family. More than 32,000 youth are served by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware. Twelve students were nominated for the honor of Youth of the Year through an intensive local and state level selection process, including the nominees' personal contribution to home and family, community, school and their Boys & Girls Club. The nominees had to prepare two essays explaining why post-high school education is important and what the Club means to them. Additionally, students had to prepare a 3-5 minute speech and have an interview session with a panel of judges. The candidates attended the Youth of the Year Summit, where they received professional guidance regarding public speaking, writing, and interviewing skills. After winning the Local Youth of the Year award, Melanie moved onto the state level competition, where she refined her essay and prepared for the next round of interviews. Melanie was an extremely qualified candidate for the Youth of the Year 2008. Melanie actively volunteered through her club with Habitat for Humanity. Melanie serves as a mentor to younger members and she is a member of Torch Club, Caesar Rodney High School Kick Butts anti-smoking club, and the Spanish Club. Melanie's activism did not go unnoticed, and she was awarded the Future Leaders Award. Once again, I would like to commend Melanie Stallworth for being nominated as the Boys & Girls Club of Delaware's Youth of the Year and winning the Future Leaders Award.

Mr. CASTLE

Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to recognize Mr. Brian Rosario, who was nominated to be the 2008 Delaware Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year. The Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Reader's Digest have nationally sponsored the Youth of the Year program since 1947. The goal of Youth of the Year has been to recognize outstanding members of the Boys & Girls Club and their contributions to their Club, community, school, and family. More than 32,000 youth are served by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware. Twelve students were nominated for the honor of Youth of the Year through an intensive local and State level selection process, including the nominees' personal contribution to home and family, community, school and their Boys & Girls Club. The nominees had to prepare two essays explaining why post-high school education is important and what the Club means to them. Additionally, students had to prepare a 3-5- minute speech and have an interview session with a panel of judges. The candidates attended the Youth of the Year Summit, where they received professional guidance regarding public speaking, writing, and interviewing skills. After winning the Local Youth of the Year Award, Brian moved onto the State level competition, where he refined his essay and prepared for the next round of interviews. Brian was an extremely qualified candidate for the Youth of the Year 2008. As a member of the Appoquinimink Boys & Girls Club, Brian learned communication skills and how one can better service his community. Besides volunteering and participating in the Boys & Girls Club, Brian is a member of the Japanese and Art Clubs, Middletown High School Track Team, and performed in his school's plays and musicals. Once again, I would like to commend Brian Rosario for being nominated as the Boys & Girls Club of Delaware's Youth of the Year.

Mr. CASTLE

Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to recognize Mr. Jerel Breece, who was nominated to be the 2008 Delaware Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year. The Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Reader's Digest have nationally sponsored the Youth of the Year program since 1947. The goal of Youth of the Year has been to recognize outstanding members of the Boys & Girls Club and their contributions to their Club, community, school, and family. More than 32,000 youth are served by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware. Twelve students were nominated for the honor of Youth of the Year through an intensive local and state level selection process, including the nominees' personal contribution to home and family, community, school and their Boys & Girls Club. The nominees had to prepare two essays explaining why post-high school education is important and what the Club means to them. Additionally, students had to prepare a 3-5 minute speech and have an interview session with a panel of judges. The candidates attended the Youth of the Year Summit, where they received professional guidance regarding public speaking, writing, and interviewing skills. After winning the local Youth of the Year award, Jerel moved on to the state level competition, where he refined his essay and prepared for the next round of interviews. Jerel was an extremely qualified candidate for the Youth of the Year 2008. Jerel is a member of Claymont Boys & Girls Club Keystone Club, Brandywine High School track team, and participates in Claymont Community Center's Green Day. Jerel was also selected as Claymont Boys & Girls Club's representative at the Northeast Regional Keystone Conference. Once again, I would like to commend Jerel Breece for being nominated as the Boys & Girls Club of Delaware's Youth of the Year.

Mr. CASTLE

Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to recognize Ms. Brittany Cupery, who was nominated to be the 2008 Delaware Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year. The Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Reader's Digest have nationally sponsored the Youth of the Year program since 1947. The goal of Youth of the Year has been to recognize outstanding members of the Boys & Girls Club and their contributions to their club, community, school, and family. More than 32,000 youth are served by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware. Twelve students were nominated for the honor of Youth of the Year through an intensive local and state level selection process, including the nominees' personal contribution to home and family, community, school and their Boys & Girls Club. The nominees had to prepare two essays explaining why post-high school education is important and what the club means to them. Additionally, students had to prepare a 3-5 minute speech and have an interview session with a panel of judges. The candidates attended the Youth of the Year Summit, where they received professional guidance regarding public speaking, writing, and interviewing skills. After winning the Local Youth of the Year award, Brittany moved onto the state level competition, where she refined her essay and prepared for the next round of interviews. Brittany was a highly qualified candidate for the Youth of the Year 2008. She volunteers daily at the Oak Orchard Boys & Girls Club where she is a mentor and big sister to many of the members. She also actively participates at her local volunteer fire company house. Once again, I would like to commend Brittany Cupery for being nominated as the Boys & Girls Club of Delaware's Youth of the Year.

Mr. CASTLE

Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to recognize Ms. Rebekah Stiegler, who was nominated to be the 2008 Delaware Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year. The Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Reader's Digest have nationally sponsored the Youth of the Year program since 1947. The goal of Youth of the Year has been to recognize outstanding members of the Boys & Girls Club and their contributions to their club, community, school, and family. More than 32,000 youth are served by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware. Twelve students were nominated for the honor of Youth of the Year through an intensive local and state level selection process, including the nominees' personal contribution to home and family, community, school and their Boys & Girls Club. The nominees had to prepare two essays explaining why post-high school education is important and what the club means to them. Additionally, students had to prepare a 3-5 minute speech and have an interview session with a panel of judges. The candidates attended the Youth of the Year Summit, where they received professional guidance regarding public speaking, writing, and interviewing skills. After winning the local Youth of the Year award, Rebekah moved onto the state level competition, where she refined her essay and prepared for the next round of interviews. Rebekah was a highly qualified candidate for the Youth of the Year 2008. Rebekah actively participates at her high school, as a band member, Flag Team Captain, and Spanish Club member. At the awards ceremony, Rebekah was awarded with the Demonstrates Best Service to Club Award. Once again, I would like to commend Rebekah Stiegler for being nominated as the Boys & Girls Club of Delaware's Youth of the Year and being awarded Demonstrates Best Service to Club Award.

Mr. CASTLE

Mr. CASTLE. I thank the distinguished ranking member of the education committee for yielding time to me, and I would like to share in his message which we have tonight. I remember 25 years ago when Secretary Bell issued The Nation at Risk and we had the whole discussion about the fact that America perhaps is not doing as well educationally as were other countries. I am not sure before that time that anybody had ever really tried to point the finger at that and to really reach that conclusion. We looked at our fine schools, our excellent colleges and universities, and we didn't look at some of the problems behind, and we didn't look perhaps at the fact the economy was growing on us in a way that demanded education of all children, not just of the kids that could go to the very best schools in the United States of America. But from that point on, I think there has been a focus on this. The Congress has essentially done its job. There has been a great increase in funding of education, not as much on the local and State level, but at the congressional level there has been a great deal of funding increases. But we have seen many studies now which have indicated that the funding increases do not necessarily end up with a bottom line of our young students being educated better. The bottom line is that we need a tremendous commitment from anybody who touches on their lives. Obviously, their parents, the teachers, the administrators in the school, the other personnel in the schools, elected officials both here in Congress and throughout the United States of America, and I think a broader understanding among all Americans, perhaps even the media, of the significance of education and how that ties in economically to what children may do in the future and to the entire future of America. We have for many years now here in Congress under the leadership of Mr. McKeon and other leaders looked at education and made efforts to try to improve our educational status in our country. There is a distinct recognition of we need to do more in math and science, perhaps in geography and other areas as well, but that has not happened at the levels which we would like it to happen. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which has been with us for some time, has worked to help in that area somewhat, but it wasn't really until No Child Left Behind came along some I guess 6 years ago now that we really started to make a difference as far as education is concerned. All of a sudden, now our test scores are going up in various parts of the country. In addition, some schools who are educating their best students very well are being exposed as not doing as good a job with some of their lesser students. We now have to examine these students by various categories and we have various numbers and achievement levels that have to be met for schools to make adequate yearly progress, and that has shown that in some areas of the country and in some certain school districts, that is simply not happening. In others, it is. I can tell you that in my State of Delaware that I have visited many of our schools. In fact, at one time or another I visited every school in our State. It's a small State. I will tell you that some of those districts have done just a wonderful job of grabbing hold of the need to make improvements in education, of getting commitment, of getting parents involved, making sure the courses are laid out in such a way that those kids could improve. As a result, we have seen test scores grow, particularly in our elementary and middle school levels, and these kids are now doing considerably better than they had been doing before, simply because they have made that commitment. It does involve standards, it does involve assessments. Some people don't like that, and we hear some concerns about it. But the bottom line is that we are making the progress that we felt that we had to make in order to improve our schools. This must continue, and I believe strongly that we have to do a variety of things to do this. We have to strengthen the parental options which are out there, make sure they understand what they can do in terms of helping education. We still have State and local flexibility. That is another area that we have to continue to work on, and we have passed legislation to do that. No Child Left Behind is very demanding in terms of teacher quality, and some of the aspects of teaching, which is important as well. We have encouraged the establishment of more charter schools. That is not just to establish charter schools, it is so that they can perhaps show us the way or set an example for our other schools. For that reason, the charter school movement has had a beneficial effect on education in ways beyond just the charter schools themselves. We need to be careful with our dollars, obviously. We know that is important. The whole business of standards and assessments and growth models is important too. We need to be able to measure how we are making progress. I am not sure that we do that quite as we should. We need to do better with reading. We have learned that if we do not teach these children how to read early on, it is going to be problematic in terms of their future education. So that is extraordinarily important. We just had a call for more effective measurement of graduation rates by the Secretary of Education. And I have actually introduced legislation along those lines previous to that. I am a strong believer that we need to be able to measure graduation equally throughout all of our State so we can determine what the graduation measures truly are. I believe that dealing with No Child Left Behind has not been easy. There is opposition to it. There are those that believe it is too demanding. They are reluctant to try to undertake to meet the standards that are there. Many of us who will speak tonight believe we can make improvement in No Child Left Behind. As I indicated, Secretary Spellings just in the last 2 days has issued a series of regulatory changes which she believes she can make, and she has already made some, in order to improve No Child Left Behind. I believe that we in Congress should assume that responsibility too. That we should not just say we don't like it, we are not going to change it, because if we don't like it and we are not changing it, it's going to stay the same. We should look at the various things that we can do in order to make No Child Left Behind more meaningful if indeed there are problems as far as that is concerned. I mentioned a growth model. That is a significant aspect of this. If we measure growth, we don't have to measure that everyone has achieved the way we would like them to, but how much they have grown, which could be a factor. I mentioned the graduation rate, which is important. A clarification of multiple assessments might be important as well. Obviously, information to parents is also vitally important at all times to make sure that they are involved and engaged in terms of what is happening in our schools. I have seen a program in schools just the last couple of days in Delaware, and I have seen what one person in a school can do in terms of communication between the school, the parents, and the outside. I think it makes all the difference in the world, and that is something that we should be pursuing. Supplemental education services is included in No Child Left Behind, and that is another area in which we can provide services to those kids who need it the most. These are the kinds of things we need to boost. We don't need to dismiss them or throw them out because we feel that perhaps they don't work as well as they should. They do work. They make a difference as the education of our young children is concerned. I would call on the media to get involved with this. I think we need to look at the comparisons with other countries, we need to look at the significance of education as it applies to the economics of what kids are going to be doing in the future. There just needs to be a greater understanding among our young people that with good education, their opportunities explode in terms of what they might be able to do. So these are all things that I think we all have a responsibility for, Republicans and Democrats alike, in Congress. I believe the Secretary of Education is doing all that she can. I believe we are still at risk 25 years later. I don't want to be at risk 25 years from now. Hopefully, together we can continue to work to make sure that American education is improved to the point that we can look at everybody else and say we have without a doubt the best education system in the world. I thank the gentleman for yielding time. I yield back to him.

Mr. CASTLE

Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer my congratulations to the American Society of Hematology (ASH) on its 50th anniversary and to recognize some of the many contributions made by hematology researchers. I have had the opportunity to work closely with ASH researchers over the past several years while seeking to expand federally funded stem cell research. Highlighting the significance of embryonic stem cell research will remain one of my top issues as millions of Americans continue to suffer from debilitating diseases that could potentially be helped through this live-saving research. Hematologists have pioneered the field of stem cell research for over 40 years with innovative discoveries about adult bone marrow stem cells and how they could be used to cure human diseases. Today, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an important approach for treating blood and bone marrow disorders as well as certain types of cancer. The earliest work with HSCT began in the 1950s. By the 1960s this treatment was successfully used in patients with end-stage leukemia. Subsequent research in this area has led to improved transplantation techniques and improved survival rates for a number of diseases. ASH was one of the first professional medical or scientific organizations to issue a statement in support of all avenues of stem cell research. Today, ASH members are poised to contribute to research on embryonic stem cells that has the potential to lead to the next generation of important therapies for a broad range of diseases. I look forward to continuing to work with ASH and its members in the future and congratulate the Society again on its 50 years of research contributions.

Mr. CASTLE

Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to recognize the Delmar Little League, which will celebrate its opening day and 50th anniversary on April 19. For one half-century. the Delmar Little League has been providing the only organized summer activity open to all youths in the town of Delmar, Delaware. The Delmar Little League was chartered in 1958 under the leadership of Epperson ``Eppie'' Culver, who also became the league's first president and one of the league's first coaches. The league was initially organized into four teams: the Vets, sponsored by the Delmar VFW Memorial Post 8276, the Moose, sponsored by Moose Lodge No. 582, the Firemen, sponsored by the Delmar Fire Department, and the Lions, sponsored by the Delmar Lions Club. The inaugural season was officially dedicated on August 15, and the first games were played on a corner lot provided by the Delmar Fire Department. That year, using equipment given to the league by the Delmar Kiwanis Club, the four teams only played against each other: they did not compete with any other teams outside of the league. By the 1959 season, the Delmar Little League had grown to 60 boys, and the league had its own field on which to play. The league held a contest to decide on the name of the park. The winning entry was submitted by James Mills, and Pote Field was dedicated on June 19, 1959. The new location was named for Monroe Pote, or ``Mr. Baseball'', as he was known in Delmar. Mr. Pote is credited with establishing the first organized baseball team in Delmar in 1922, along with many other sports teams and organizations for the young men of his town. Mr. Pote became an inspiration and a father figure to many of the boys that he coached. 1959 proved to be a milestone year for the league in scoring, as well: the first home run was scored by Gary Wooten on May 30 and the first grand slam by John Ehrlich on June 23. The league formed its original First All-Star Team in 1960. The league moved to its present facilities in 1962, when the park's namesake. William Gordy, Sr., donated the land for a new field. Today, there are 449 players registered in the Delmar Little League, with over half of the players hailing from Delaware. In addition, the league has hosted several state level tournaments. The Delmar Little League established a female softball division in 1982 and the baseball league is now open to young women, as well. I acknowledge the Delmar Little League for 50 years of promoting physical fitness and community involvement amongst young people in the State of Delaware. I am confident that the league will continue to do so for many more years to come.

Mr. CASTLE

Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to recognize Mr. and Mrs. Gerret and Tatiana Copeland for their momentous gift to Christiana Care Health System's Center for Heart and Vascular Health. The Copelands' gift will enable Christiana Care to purchase a Stereotaxis remote navigation system that can more effectively target problem areas in the heart while still preserving healthy tissue, thereby providing the people of Delaware with the best treatment available for a potentially fatal disorder. Stereotaxis is used to treat Atrial Fibrillation, a common heart condition that occurs when the heart rhythm becomes irregular, possibly leading to blood clots and eventual stroke. The current procedure-- which involves inserting a catheter through the artery, identifying the areas of the heart that trigger the irregular heartbeat, and destroying those areas--puts healthy tissue in the heart at risk, is time consuming, and has only a 50 percent success rate. The Stereotaxis equipment, which will be housed in a new surgical suite named for Gerret and Tatiana, uses computer technology to create three- dimensional images of the heart and veins, allowing the cardiologist to direct a magnetic catheter with greater precision and less chance of damaging the patient's heart. These features should increase procedure success rates to as high as 90 percent. In addition, the Stereotaxis procedure is shorter than the traditional procedure; thus, the patient should require less sedation, less post-surgery medication, and recover at a taster rate. This type of cutting-edge equipment is available in only 100 hospitals worldwide. The Copelands are no strangers to philanthropy: they have been generously supporting various causes in Delaware for many years, most notably the arts. Their gift to Christiana Care, however, is very personal. In 2006, following a cardiac catheterization, Gerret underwent heart bypass surgery to treat blockage in six of his arteries. Due to the extraordinary skill of the dedicated team of doctors at Christiana Care, Gerret has since made a full recovery. He and Tatiana hope that their donation will help others benefit from the same exceptional care. I thank and acknowledge Gerret and Tatiana Copeland for their commitment to aiding the fight against heart disease. Their gift grants Delaware residents access to the latest technology used to treat life- threatening heart problems, undeniably bettering countless lives and transforming cardiac care for the people of Delaware.

Mr. CASTLE

Mr. CASTLE. Madam Chairwoman, I want to thank Chairman Miller for his kind words. I think that all of us, including Mr. McKeon, on whom I will call in a moment, would all agree that we need to educate our young people as well as we can, and they need to be able to afford it. And anything we can do to help in that area is something that we should be doing. I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon) whatever time he may consume.

Mr. CASTLE. Madam Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. CASTLE. I yield myself such time as I may consume. The amendment I have offered with Representative Welch today is meant to complement the underlying legislation and help us better utilize the Federal student loan program. I am supportive of H.R. 5715, which I believe will help prevent instability in the student loan market and ensure students have access to funds for higher education. This amendment doesn't alter the base bill but can help us learn more about rising costs. As you know, the committee has actively worked to identify causes of rising college costs while tuition rates continue to increase more rapidly than household incomes. This rate of increase continues to prove to be overly burdensome for both students and families as they save and borrow to pay for higher education. Adding another layer of complexity is the existing slump in credit markets. For this reason, several lending institutions have recently announced that soaring lending costs have caused them to decrease availability of new loans to American students. Today, I am pleased Congress has the opportunity to vote on this bipartisan legislation to protect students and families by ensuring disruptions in the financial markets do not prevent students from pursuing their higher education goals. I believe this legislation can help restore investor confidence in the marketplace, provide additional flexibility for parents through a new, optional grace period for PLUS loan payments until after their children graduate, as well as ensure that parents struggling with mortgage payments are not automatically denied credit through PLUS loans. Also, this bill expands loan availability through higher unsubsidized Stafford loan limits. This provision, along with a provision passed under the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 which increased loan limits on federally subsidized loans, enables students to receive more Federal funding, reducing reliance on higher cost private loans. Although I strongly support these provisions, I believe we have an opportunity here to determine what impact, if any, these changes have on tuition, fees, and room and board costs and private loan borrowing by students and parents. The amendment I am offering today does just this. The amendment will provide for a review and evaluation by the Government Accountability Office, GAO, of these two aspects of higher education. Specifically, the GAO study will examine institutions of higher education over a 5-year time period to look at whether tuition, fees, and room and board increase, decrease, or remain neutral after the increases in loan limits take effect, as well as whether the amount of private educational loans taken out by students and their families to pay tuition, fees, and room and board increase, decrease, or remain neutral. I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense amendment to shine some light on possible causes of the rising cost of higher education and also urge support for the base bill to maintain access to the Federal student loan program. I thank Mr. Welch for working with me on this amendment and for speaking in favor of this bill yesterday before the House. And we would just like to say that I just think it is so important that we deal with the costs of higher education as well as the financing of higher education. Hopefully, by this add-on, we will be able to do at least a little bit of that. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CASTLE. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CASTLE

Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to recognize Senator Thurman G. Adams, Jr., who was elected by his colleagues as Senate President Pro Tempore of the Delaware General Assembly in January of 2003. Senator Adams is also the longest serving member of the State Senate in Delaware history, as he has represented the 19th Senate District of Sussex County since 1972, and I had the personal pleasure of serving with him in the State Senate during my last term as a Senator from 1972 to 1976 and again as Lt. Governor from 1981 to 1985. In addition, when I was Governor of Delaware from 1985 to 1993 I worked closely with Senator Adams on many issues. During his career in public service, Senator Adams has held many distinguished positions. Before becoming President Pro Tempore, he served as Senate Majority Leader from 1999 to 2003. Senator Adams serves on several standing committees, including the Agriculture Committee, the Highways & Transportation Committee, and as longtime Chairman of the Executive Committee. In this position he has overseen the appointment of Chief Justices, Judges, cabinet secretaries and individuals to other prominent positions within State Government. He has worked for the interests of Delaware's farm community and expended much effort toward such causes as improving roads and the quality of Delaware's public education system. As a member of the Public Safety Committee, Senator Adams sponsored legislation that established Delaware's ``Enhanced 911'' emergency telephone system. Senator Adams is a lifelong Delawarean, being born and raised in Bridgeville, DE, in the very district that he now represents. After graduating from Bridgeville High School, Senator Adams went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Education from the University of Delaware. Senator Adams was married for almost 50 years to Hilda McCabe Adams, who passed away in 2002. His world revolves around family and his two daughters, Polly and Lynn, son Brent who passed away, seven grandsons and four great-grandchildren mean the world to him. He is the president of T.G. Adams & Sons, Inc., a feed and grain company, and oversees a large farming business. Senator Adams has served on various boards, including the Eastern Shore Grain Dealers Association, of which he was president, chairman of the United Methodist Church Administrative board, president of Harrington Raceway, and as director of Baltimore Trust Company, Milford Memorial Hospital and the Medical Center of Delaware. In addition to his public service, Senator Adams devotes time to community outreach and charitable projects through the Bridgeville Lions Club, several Shrine Clubs, and numerous other organizations. Finally, if we could get his beloved Baltimore Orioles back into the World Series I am certain Senator Adams would consider his work complete, well at least for a moment or so. I commend and thank Senator Thurman Adams for his innumerable contributions and many years of admirable service to the State of Delaware. I am confident that he will continue to serve the people of Delaware with passion and excellence and I am very proud to call him my friend.

Mr. CASTLE

Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to recognize Mrs. Kathleen Wilbur, who is being honored with the renaming of the Range Hill Elementary School to Kathleen H. Wilbur Elementary School. Kathleen was selected for this honor because of her dedication and service to the Delaware public school system for the last 48 years. Kathleen has been instrumental throughout her years of service to the Delaware public school system. Through her 20 years of service on the Board of Education in New Castle County's Colonial School District as both the Vice-President and President, Kathleen played an extremely active role in key decisions that have affected thousands of students' lives. Kathleen remains active working with the schools in Delaware, and she continues to volunteer with students with disabilities at the John G. Leach School. Kathleen was honored by the Delaware School Boards Association throughout her dedicated years of service, as she served as a member, chair, and eventually president of the association. She also served the association as Delaware's State representative delegate to the National School Boards Association. Kathleen received the Boardmanship Certificate every year they have ever been presented due to her relentless service to the Delaware School Boards Association. In 1993, the Delaware School Boards awarded Kathleen the Distinguished Service Award for her 33 years of service. The National School Boards Association honored her with the Distinguished Service Award in 1999. Once again, I would like to acknowledge Mrs. Kathleen Wilbur for her many years of service and numerous contributions to the State of Delaware. She has been an invaluable asset to the Delaware public school system and positively impacted the lives of thousands of Delaware students.

Mr. CASTLE

Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of The Cytology Proficiency Improvement Act, H.R. 1237, which would modernize and improve a Federal program aimed at promoting quality cervical cancer screening. Pathologists are already required by Federal law under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988, CLIA, to comply with extensive quality assurance standards for Pap tests. The bill would complement CLIA by establishing a Federal continuing medical education, CME, requirement for pathologists and laboratory professionals who examine Pap tests to screen for cervical cancer. I have been a long-time advocate of medical technology and education advancements. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to tour the Pathology Lab at St. Francis Hospital in Wilmington, DE to get a first hand look at the practice and techniques used in Delaware. During the tour, the doctors and medical staff highlighted the need for H.R. 1237. Regular screening can make all the difference in addressing cervical cancer and early detection can save lives. Women need access to the latest in Pap test science, principles of patient safety and technological advances such as computer-assisted screening, digital imaging, and HPV typing. Over the years, this educational requirement will also accommodate advances in science and technology without going through the long process of making changes in regulation. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support passage of The Cytology Proficiency Improvement Act, H.R. 1237.

Mr. CASTLE

Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to recognize Michael J. Hare, deputy director of the Riverfront Development Corporation of Delaware. Mike has been an important figure there since April 1996, but has decided to take a new direction and join the Bucchini Pollin Group. Mike will be working on the new soccer stadium in Chester, Pennsylvania. Mike started working for the Delaware Economic Development office in 1989. After 6 years, he became a senior development specialist under Governor Thomas R. Carper. Throughout the past 12 years, Mike has been an integral part of the Riverfront Development Corporation. He assisted in the construction of the Amtrak Consolidated National Operations Center, the Chase Center on the Riverfront, Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park, the Riverwalk, Christina Landing, and the Justison Landing. Mike also worked to bring AAA Mid-Atlantic's headquarters to the Wilmington riverfront. Mike was born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware. He attended Archmere Academy, where he currently serves on the board of directors. He graduated from the University of St. Joseph's, where he earned his bachelor's degree in public administration. Mike serves on the National Alumni Board for St. Joseph's and was honored with the Ignatius Award in 1995 for outstanding alumni involvement and service. Mike also attended the Fels Center of Government at the University of Pennsylvania. Being a Delaware native, Mike has contributed many years of service to the State of Delaware. He currently sits on the board of directors for the Latin American Community Center, the Delaware Stadium Corporation, the Friends of the Woodlawn Library, the Riverfront Wilmington Improvement District, and the Rivers Edge Community Development Corporation. Not only has he been an active board member for numerous organizations, but Mike has also been a member of the Barbelin Society and the Hawk Hoop Club. I acknowledge Mr. Michael J. Hare for his many years of service and numerous contributions to his community and the State of Delaware. I am confident that Mike will be successful and prosperous at his new job with the Bucchini Pollin Group. It is inspiring to see such an active and influential member of our community remain committed to the betterment of Delaware.

Mr. CASTLE

Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to recognize Ms. Priscilla Rakestraw, who is the recipient of The Agenda for Delaware Women's 24th Trailblazer Award. Priscilla was selected for this award because of her pioneer roles in formulating corporate policy, community service, politics, and Government. During her career in human resources at the DuPont Company, Priscilla was instrumental in developing substance abuse and sexual harassment programs for DuPont. These programs gained recognition nationwide, eventually resulting in their adoption at DuPont locations throughout the United States. Due to Priscilla's foresight and persistence, DuPont was able to provide assistance aimed at eradicating harmful behaviors in the workplace. After leaving DuPont, Priscilla continued to use her skills and passion as a leader to advance causes for organizations she feels strongly about. She is active in raising funds for various community, church, and charitable organizations. As development director for Wilmington College, Priscilla played a vital part in raising funds to expand the university by acquiring new college sites. As development director for the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, she has raised funds for a new, more conveniently located facility. She has served on a number of boards, including Goodwill, the Ministry of Caring, the East Side Charter School, and the annual auction for the Emmanuel Dining Room, where she raised over $500,000 to provide food to those in need. An advocate for women in politics and Government, Priscilla has long encouraged women to pursue positions in politics, she herself having extensive experience in the political arena. Priscilla has held leadership positions in more than 120 campaigns, both at the national and State levels. She is presently the longest serving member of the Republican National Committee, having held the position of Delaware's Republican National Committeewoman since the age of 27. She will attend the National Convention this year, as usual, and is a member of the Arrangements Committee and chair of the Convention's Entertainment Committee. I want to publicly thank, recognize and acknowledge Priscilla Rakestraw for her many years of service and numerous contributions to the State of Delaware. She is an excellent role model for those who aspire to serve their community through both public office and private service. She is a true trailblazer in every respect.