Jerry Costello

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today as Dean of the Illinois Congressional Delegation to introduce the newest Member of Congress in the Illinois delegation, Mike Quigley. Mike was elected in a special election on April 7 to represent the Fifth District of Illinois. Before his election, Congressman Quigley served on the Cook County Board for almost 11 years. As commissioner for the 10th District, he earned a reputation for advocating for fiscal discipline and environmental protection. Congressman Quigley holds a law degree from Loyola University and a master's in public policy from the University of Chicago. He has also worked as a professor of political science at Loyola and Roosevelt Universities. His wife, Barbara, and two daughters, Alyson and Meghan, are here with him this evening as well as many, many friends in the gallery. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in offering a warm welcome to our newest colleague and newest Member of the House, Mike Quigley.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include therein extraneous materials on S. 520.

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill (S. 520) to designate the United States courthouse under construction at 327 South Church Street, Rockford, Illinois, as the ``Stanley J. Roszkowski United States Courthouse''.

Mr. COSTELLO. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 520, legislation introduced by the senior Senator from Illinois, Senator Dick Durbin, to name the United States district courthouse in Rockford, Illinois, after Stanley J. Roszkowski. Judge Roszkowski has ably served our country in times of war and peace, and I am pleased to be here today to speak on behalf of this bill. Stanley J. Roszkowski was raised in the village of Royalton, Illinois, which is located in Franklin County in southern Illinois. One of 15 children, he volunteered for the Army Air Corps during World War II, and served as a nose gunner on a B-26 bomber, flying over 35 missions in Italy and Germany. After the war, he went on to earn his bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois and then his law degree, working as an appliance salesman to pay for his college tuition. He moved to Rockford, Illinois, opened a successful law practice, and became involved in his community. He gave up his practice of law when President Carter appointed him to the bench in 1977, where he served for the next 20 years as a Federal judge in the Northern District of Illinois. Judge Roszkowski took senior status in 1991, and was known for running a business-like but relaxed courtroom. He was praised by his peers for being extremely knowledgeable, competent, fair, and objective, and a gentleman at all times. Through his long service to our country, in the military and on the Federal bench, Judge Roszkowski has given a great deal to all of us, and naming this courthouse in his honor is a fitting tribute to his career. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support S. 520. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this legislation. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Roger E. Poole and congratulating him on his retirement as Directing Business Representative of District No. 9, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (I.A.M.A.W.). Roger Poole has been a 41-year member of Automotive Lodge 313, joining the Machinists Union in 1967. He was elected Business Representative in 1979 before being elected to the offices of Vice President and President. In representing his Local, Roger served on an impressive list of labor councils. These included: the Belleville Union Labor Council, Southwestern Illinois Central Labor Council, Greater Madison County Federation of Labor, District Lodge 9, Illinois State Council of Machinists, Mid-West States Conference of Machinists, and the Illinois State AFL-CIO. Roger also served as a delegate to every IAM Convention since 1972. Roger's contributions to the labor movement have brought him well- deserved accolades. He was named Labor Man of the Year by the Southwestern Illinois Central Labor Council and Community Services Labor Man of the Year by the St. Louis Labor Council. Always active in representing the working men and women of our area, Roger expanded his involvement to civic, political and community organizations. He has been a member of the Machinists Non-Partisan Political League National Planning Committee, President of the Mid-West States Council of Machinists, President of the 12th Congressional District C.O.P.E. AFL-CIO, Vice President of both the Illinois and Missouri State AFL-CIO, Executive Board Member of the St. Louis Labor Council and the United Way of Greater St. Louis. He also found time to serve as Democratic Precinct Committeeman. Roger and his wife, Rosalie, have two sons, Brian and Jason, and two grandchildren, Darby and Cody. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in an expression of appreciation and congratulations to Mr. Roger E. Poole, a true champion of organized labor, and to wish him all the best in his retirement.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1512, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Extension Act of 2009. I want to thank Chairman Rangel and Ranking Member Camp for bringing this to the floor today, as well as Chairman Oberstar and Ranking Members Mica and Petri. Earlier this month, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee marked up H.R. 915, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2009, a long-term authorization of the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) programs. It should be to the House floor in the coming weeks. However, until H.R. 915 is signed into law, it is imperative that we not allow FAA's critical programs to lapse. The Aviation Trust Fund is currently operating under a short-term extension that expires on March 31, 2009. To that end, H.R. 1512 would extend not only the aviation taxes and expenditure authority, but also Airport Improvement Program (AIP) contract authority, until September 30, 2009. H.R. 1512 also provides an additional $1.95 billion in AIP contract authority, resulting in a full-year contract authority level of $3.9 billion for fiscal year 2009. These additional funds will allow airports to proceed with critical safety and capacity enhancement projects, particularly larger projects that require a full-year's worth of AIP funds to move forward. Mr. Speaker, aviation is too important to our nation's economy-- contributing $1.2 trillion in output and approximately 11.4 million U.S. jobs--to allow the taxes or funding for critical aviation programs to expire. Congress must ensure that this extension passes expeditiously to reduce delays and congestion; improve safety and efficiency; stimulate the economy; and create jobs. I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1262, the Water Quality Investment Act. We must provide means for local communities to address wastewater treatment needs. H.R. 1262 seeks to provide $13.8 billion over five years for the clean Water State Revolving Fund and provides low interest loans to communities for wastewater infrastructure. The bill also provides $250 million in grants over five years for alternative water source projects and authorizes $1.8 billion over five years in grants to municipalities and states to control sewer overflows. This legislation is critically needed to help meet America's clean water needs. H.R. 1262 also renews Davis-Bacon on projects, which requires that contractors and subcontractors that receive federal funds on wastewater treatment projects be paid at least the prevailing local wage rate. I firmly believe it is necessary that the Davis-Bacon prevailing wage requirement applies to all construction projects with federal funds. I commend Chairman Oberstar and Chairwoman Johnson for reestablishing what Congress clearly intended. Davis-Bacon is as important now as it was in the 1930s. It prevents competition from ``fly-by-night'' firms that undercut local wages and working conditions and compete, unfairly, with local contractors for federal work. It helps stabilize the industry to workers and to employers. In addition, Davis-Bacon may help ensure better craftsmanship and it may reduce both the initial cost of federal construction through greater efficiency and decrease the need for repair and/or rehabilitation. I oppose any such motion to strike the Davis-Bacon provisions and strongly urge my colleagues to do the same. With that, Mr. Chair, H.R. 1262 is very important to our communities because it is another avenue for them to use for improving water quality across the country. Again, I strongly support H.R. 1262 and urge my colleagues to as well.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 183, a resolution expressing condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims of the crash of Continental Connection Flight 3407. I want to thank my colleagues, Mr. Lee and the members of the New York delegation, for introducing this resolution. On February 12, 2009, Continental Connection Flight 3407 crashed just a few miles from the Buffalo Niagara International Airport. It was a tragic accident and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. Fifty people died as a result of this crash, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of that crash. While we have the safest air transportation system in the world, we must not become complacent. Again, we, as a nation, mourn the loss of Continental Connection Flight 3407 and urge my colleagues to strongly support H. Res. 183.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 139, a resolution to commemorate the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln on the bicentennial of his birth. As we celebrate the bicentennial of Lincoln's birth, we are reminded of Lincoln's commitment to the unity, and harmony of all people and our nation. Abraham Lincoln, born on February 12, 1809, in Kentucky, was a man of humble beginnings. He was primarily self-educated, teaching himself to read and write by candlelight, and possessed an avid thirst for knowledge. Mr. Lincoln began his political career at the age of 23, running unsuccessfully for the Illinois State Legislature. He won his first election in 1834 to that same body and began a public service career characterized by his dedication to fairness and justice and his keen political mind. Mr. Lincoln was elected as the 16th President of the United States during a tumultuous time in our nation's history. With the outbreak of the Civil War eminent, President Lincoln led our country through its bloodiest and most profound moral crisis. He felt the reason behind southern succession was contrary to democratic ideals and remained steadfast in his commitment to preserving our founding fathers fundamental principles as defined in the Constitution. Once the end of the Civil War was in sight, President Lincoln was accommodating and generous in his plans for peace, encouraging Southerner's to join in a speedy reunion. Abraham Lincoln was a man of sincere integrity and virtue who will always be remembered for his commitment to the principles of freedom, democracy and union. With incredible leadership and courage, President Lincoln exemplified the American experience and became its archetype-- that anyone, no matter their background, can accomplish great things in the land of the free and the home of the brave. Illinois is proud to be known as the Land of Lincoln and we cherish the legacy he has left us. Madam Speaker, as a cosponsor of the bill, I urge my colleagues' support.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 84, a resolution honoring the heroic actions of the pilot, crew, and rescuers of US Airways Flight 1549. I want to thank my colleague, Mr. Crowley, for introducing this resolution. LaGuardia Airport is in the congressional district represented by Congressman Crowley, and he has represented that district for some time. I know that he is very proud of all of the men and women whose actions resulted in a safe outcome for everyone. It is truly remarkable and a testament to all involved in the emergency landing and rescue that all passengers and crew got out safely, without serious injuries or death. On January 15, 2009, US Airways Flight 1549 was departing LaGuardia Airport for Charlotte, North Carolina and, within minutes, lost engine power. Captain Chesley Sullenberger III and First Officer Jeffrey Skiles realized the seriousness of the situation, and immediately sought a safe place to land. The Hudson River was their only option, and these two pilots, as well as flight attendants Sheila Dail, Doreen Welsh, and Donna Dent, worked together to prepare the 150 passengers for the emergency landing. The crew did an excellent job on the controlled landing in the Hudson River. The flight crew and flight attendants did exactly what they were trained to do, and they did it superbly. This incident demonstrates the importance of training and preparation, showcases the skill of our aviation and first responder workforce, and reinforces the importance of consistent vigilance and oversight of our aviation safety. I also want to commend the emergency crews in New York City who reached the crew and passengers in record time and immediately began rescue operations. Again, we honor the crew, passengers, and emergency responders involved in US Airways Flight 1549, and I urge my colleagues to strongly support H. Res. 84. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from New York, the sponsor of the resolution, Congressman Crowley.

Mr. COSTELLO. I yield the gentleman 1 additional minute.

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

Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 84) honoring the heroic actions of the pilot, crew, and rescuers of US Airways Flight 1549.

Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H. Res. 84.

Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York, Congressman Hall.

Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, at this time I yield 2 minutes to my friend from New Jersey, Congressman Albio Sires.

Mr. COSTELLO. I yield the gentleman 1 additional minute.

Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, at this time, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California and a member of the Aviation Subcommittee, Mr. McNerney.

Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, at this time, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Nadler).

Mr. COSTELLO. I yield the gentleman 30 additional seconds.

Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. McMahon). (Mr. McMAHON asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I yield the remaining 2 minutes on our side to the Congresswoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney).

Mr. COSTELLO. I would ask how much time we have left on our side.