Jerry Costello

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. I yield 30 seconds to my friend.

Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 84, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, for the past several years, Israelis living near Gaza have endured a continual state of fear due to the thousands of rocket attacks launched from there by Hamas. When the six- month cease fire between Hamas and Israel recently ended, Hamas responded almost immediately by firing more than 70 missiles at civilian targets within Israel. On December 27th, Israel, in an act of self defense, struck at Hamas targets in Gaza in response to these continued attacks, and I want to express my strong support for Israel's right of self-defense. Israel has taken meaningful steps in recent years to push the peace process forward, including unilaterally withdrawing from Gaza in 2005. Unfortunately, Hamas has not met Israel's efforts towards a peaceful coexistence, and has instead increased military operations against its neighbor and continues to deny Israel's right to exist. These unfortunate developments are tragic, but have been precipitated by Hamas' aggression. Hamas must stop the rocket attacks and all parties in the region need to commit to renewing efforts at peace. The U.S. should remain involved in the peace process and I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress towards this goal.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, four days ago I voted against the historic $700 billion bailout legislation proposed by President Bush and Treasury Secretary Paulson. It seemed clear to me that the message sent by that bill's defeat was that we needed to slow and consider other alternatives to deal with the problems facing our economy. Numerous professional economists and other experts, including William Isaac, former head of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, FDIC, have said that we could provide the confidence the credit markets need in other, less expensive ways. Unfortunagtely, that message fell on deaf ears. The Senate leadership took the Bush/Paulson proposal and added $100 billion in tax breaks and other so-called incentives. While I do support expanding FDIC insurance limits to $250,000, I do not see how making a $700 billion bill an $800 billion bill benefits our economy. What these additions cannot do is hide the fact that at its core, this bill is the same as the one the House rejected Monday, and I will vote against it. Madam Speaker, I understand that many Americans are uneasy about the state of our economy. I share their anxiety. But I am equally anxious about the long-term ramifications of this legislation. I think it is highly possible that this bill will make our economic problems worse in the long run. While we should take action, we should act prudently and with a thorough review of our options. We have failed to do this, and I cannot vote to expend $800 billion in taxpayer dollars without absolute confidence in the course being taken. I will again vote no.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to oppose H.R. 3997, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act. While I realize this bill is a product of intense and lengthy negotiations between Congress and the Bush administration and between Democrats and Republicans--and I greatly appreciate the efforts of Speaker Pelosi, Leader Hoyer and Chairman Frank--I remain unconvinced that this bill will solve the problems we face on Wall Street. This bill is an unprecedented $700 billion bailout of the financial industry on the backs of the American taxpayer. I oppose this bill because I am not convinced that it is imperative we act right now; I believe we are moving too quickly to rush this proposal through and have not adequately considered other approaches to solving the problem of bad debt and tight credit. Numerous economists have expressed that this proposal might actually make the problem worse. We should take more time to consider alternatives, as the deadline we are up against today has been set solely by the Bush administration. American taxpayers are being told by the President that they must rescue Wall Street, despite the fact that the Bush administration and Wall Street have opposed Government oversight in the financial industry for years. I believe the financial industry should help pay for any program to heal the economy. $700 billion is too much to ask taxpayers to bear without a requisite sacrifice from the industry that bears much of the responsibility for bringing us to this point. Madam Speaker, this is a historic vote, and we should be taking more time to ensure we have considered all options. I am not convinced that this is the best way to proceed, so I must, and will, vote no.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the distinguished career of Jerry Weller, who will be retiring at the end of the 110th Congress. I wish to express my appreciation for his service to our country and the state of Illinois. Jerry was elected to Congress in 1994 as the representative of the 11th District of Illinois. He began his public service career working as a Congressional and Administration aide, followed by three terms in the Illinois General Assembly. He has used his seat on the Ways and Means Committee to make a strong, positive difference for families in Illinois and throughout the United States. Jerry has worked on a number of initiatives important to Illinois' families, including his efforts to enhance Illinois' infrastructure, establish and expand veterans' outpatient clinics, and protect children from on-line predators. Jerry was instrumental in passing legislation to redevelop the Joliet Arsenal in 1995, which created thousands of union jobs by establishing North America's largest intermodal truck, rail, and freight facility. He is a tireless advocate for the needs of his constituents and his country. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in an expression of appreciation to Congressman Weller for his years of dedicated service to this body and to the people of Illinois. I wish Jerry and his family the very best in the future.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the distinguished career of Ray LaHood, who will be retiring at the end of the 110th Congress. I wish to express my appreciation for his service to our country and the State of Illinois. First elected in 1994, Ray LaHood has represented the 18th District of Illinois for nearly 15 years. A teacher by trade, Ray began his career teaching junior high school students in Peoria, Illinois. He continued his commitment to public service by becoming a member of the Illinois General Assembly and serving Congressman Bob Michel for over a decade. Ray has been lauded by many of his colleagues for his leadership on the local, State, and national levels. He has led efforts to preserve our waterways, improve local airports, and addressed the development of rural communities in his district. Never afraid to disagree with his party's leaders, Ray has always worked in the best interests of the State and his district, particularly as part of the Appropriations Committee. Ray is widely regarded as someone who has a deep respect for the institution of Congress, proven by his efforts to establish a higher level of civility and decorum in the House of Representatives. His commitment to bipartisanship remains an example to all of us in Congress today. I wish Ray and his family the very best and I am proud to call him my friend. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in an expression of appreciation to Congressman LaHood for his years of dedicated service to this body and to the people of Illinois.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Dawn Harper, Gold Medal winner in the 100-meter hurdles at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Growing up in East St. Louis, IL, Dawn Harper was captivated by the athletic accomplishments of a fellow East St. Louis native, Jackie Joyner-Kersee. Recognizing that Jackie Joyner-Kersee made the most of her talents and abilities through years of hard work and perseverance, Dawn dedicated herself to following a similar path. Dawn showed early promise as a track star at East St. Louis Senior High School where she won both the 100-meter and 300 meter hurdles at the Illinois State Championships as a freshman. She would repeat that spectacular feat two more times during her high school career. Even though she was slowed by an ACL injury her sophomore year, she still placed second in the 100-meter hurdles at the state championships. Following again in Jackie Joyner-Kersee's footsteps, Dawn decided to pursue her collegiate career at UCLA. While at UCLA, Dawn would earn honors as USA Junior champion, Pan Am Junior champion, NACAC U23 champion, and multiple All-American selections at the NCAA Outdoor Championships. Dawn graduated from UCLA in 2006. Dawn tried out for the 2004 Olympic team and finished 18th in the 100-meter hurdles. Her hard work and persistence paid off in the 2008 Olympic trials where she placed 3rd, earning her a spot on the team to represent the United States at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Dawn ran well in her preliminary heats and placed 3rd in the semifinals. This secured her place in the finals where she was not to be denied, winning the championship with a personal best time of 12.54 seconds. In victory, Dawn displayed not only the athletic ability of a champion but also the grace and sportsmanship, congratulating her teammates for their efforts and giving thanks to those who have helped her in her quest for this momentous accomplishment. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Dawn Harper, Olympic champion and Gold Medal winner at the 2008 Olympic Games and wishing her the best as she continues to pursue her athletic career and beyond.

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 to include extraneous material on H.R. 6984.

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6984) to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend authorizations for the airport improvement program, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, and for other purposes.

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6984, the Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act, Part II. I want to thank Chairman Oberstar for bringing this legislation to the floor today, as well as Chairman Rangel and Ranking Members Mica and Petri. The Aviation Trust Fund was created to fund the development and improvement of our airport and airway system, make critical investments to the air traffic control facilities, and to ensure the safety of the flying public. The trust fund provides revenue for the airport improvement program, which provides grants for construction and safety projects at airports; the facilities and equipment account, which funds technical improvements to the air traffic control system; and a research, engineering and development account. The fund also partially pays for the salaries, expenses, and operations of the FAA. This trust fund is currently operating under a short-term extension that expires on September 30, 2008. In order to continue to provide essential safety and capacity improvement funds to our airports, we must pass this extension. While the House passed H.R. 2881, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2007, which is a long-term authorization for the FAA programs, the Senate has yet to pass its version of the bill. Until H.R. 2881 becomes law, it is important that we extend the FAA's programs on a short-term basis. To ensure continued FAA operations, H.R. 6984 would extend not only the aviation taxes and expenditure authority, but also the AIP contract authority until March 30, 2009. Specifically, H.R. 6984 provides $1.95 billion in AIP funding for airports, which is based on the level of AIP funding we authorized in H.R. 2881 for fiscal year 2009, and is consistent with the fiscal year 2009 congressional budget resolution. These additional funds will allow airports to proceed with necessary safety and capacity enhancement projects. 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. While our economy has slowed and economic factors have created difficult times for the airlines and their passengers, Congress can provide some stability to the aviation system by passing this extension this week. I urge my colleagues to support the bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for speakers, and so I yield back the balance of my time and urge passage of this legislation.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, today, we are considering H.R. 6493, the Aviation Safety Enhancement Act of 2008. This important legislation was introduced in a bipartisan manner and I want to thank Chairman Oberstar and Ranking Members Mica and Petri for working with me on this legislation. The United States has the safest air transportation system in the world; however, I have said time and again, we must not become complacent about our past success. The Committee's April 3 hearing on the failure of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to properly oversee air carrier maintenance programs demonstrates the need for this Committee to ensure vigorous oversight by the FAA to maintain the highest level of safety. Following the April 3 hearing, the Department of Transportation Inspector General (DOT IG) made several recommendations to the FAA to ensure proper safety oversight. The FAA's reluctance to accept the IG's recommendations, including establishing an independent entity within the FAA to review FAA employee safety concerns and rotating certain safety inspectors to ensure objective safety oversight is unacceptable. That is why I strongly support H.R. 6493, which establishes an independent Aviation Safety Whistleblower Investigation Office within the FAA; rotates principal supervisory inspectors every 5 years; mandates modification to FAA's customer service initiative; and requires monthly reviews of the FAA's Air Transportation Oversight System (ATOS) database. H.R. 6493 is a positive first step to ensure that FAA maintains safety as its highest priority. In my capacity as Chairman of the Aviation Subcommittee, I have noticed a pattern with the FAA--the FAA is a reactive agency--not a proactive agency. We have seen it in the area of runway safety; improving conditions at our air traffic control facilities; congestion and delays at our airports and in the sky; and now in safety oversight. It is a continuous pattern--the FAA only acts when pushed into action by the Aviation Subcommittee or the Full Committee. It is my hope that H.R. 6493 spurs the FAA to be proactive instead of reactive and make the necessary changes to ensure effective oversight of our Nation's aviation system. The American traveling public deserves no less. With that, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6493.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6532, a bill to transfer money to the Highway Trust Fund (HTF). As a co-sponsor of this legislation, I know how extremely important it is to our State and local communities to make much-needed road and bridge improvements. In Illinois, if we do not fix the HTF before 2009, the State stands to lose over $370 million, delaying many construction projects and impacting over 13,000 construction and construction related jobs. H.R. 6532 allows $8 billion to be transferred from the General Fund to the HTF to shore up the HTF. This is the same amount that was transferred to the General Fund in 1998 when the HTF was running a surplus. Now that the HTF is facing a shortfall in 2009 and beyond, we must restore this $8 billion in highway user fee revenues. By doing so, we provide sufficient balances to allow for the full guaranteed funding for the highway program in the U.S. which is critically needed. Madam Speaker, we must ensure our State and local Governments get the money they are due in order to make infrastructure improvements. If it is a priority to build highway infrastructure in Iraq, it should be a priority here at home. Again, I strongly support H.R. 6532 and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3999, National Highway Bridge Reconstruction and Inspection Act. This legislation is in response to the bridge collapse that occurred on August 1, 2007, in Minneapolis, MN. That incident was a tragedy and serves as a reminder to all that we must properly invest in our infrastructure. The United States transportation system is the envy of the world. We have an extensive system of highways, ports, locks and dams, and airports. Yet, we have neglected to upgrade and modernize our infrastructure over the years. For example, currently, the National Bridge Inventory contains information on 594,101 bridges. Of the bridges in the inventory, 73,784 bridges were structurally deficient and over 80,000 were functionally obsolete. Those numbers are astounding and troublesome. We should not build our infrastructure and then walk away without maintaining it and modernizing it as it becomes antiquated. HR 3999 authorizes an additional $1 billion in FY09 for the Highway Bridge Program and requires updates and changes to be made to the inspection program. Madam Chairman, we must find a way to make the necessary improvements to our roads and bridges to make sure the highest level of safety is maintained and that the U.S. economy remains strong. That is why I support H.R. 3999 and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 655, a resolution honoring the life of an innovative and influential artist and civil rights leader of the 20th century, Ms. Katherine Dunham. Ms. Dunham has left a remarkable legacy behind, from her ground breaking work in studying dance and anthropology to becoming an internationally recognized dancer. While her renowned dancing and choreography entertained people around the world, she always kept in mind the plight of the less fortunate and was strongly committed on issues of social justice. In just one example, at the age of 82, she held a 47-day hunger strike to bring attention to the situation of Haitian refugees. In addition, I would like to point out the strong connection she had to the community where she lived part of her life, East St. Louis, IL, which lies in my congressional district. Her contributions to the community are immeasurable. She established the Performing Arts Training Center and the Katherine Dunham Museum and Children's Workshop in the city to help revitalize the are and also founded a dance anthropology program at Southern Illinois University--Edwardsville. It was my great pleasure to introduce a bill that became law during the 109th Congress to name a post office after Katherine Dunham within East St. Louis. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to honor this compassionate and gifted individual who contributed so much to her community and our Nation and I ask the House to join me in paying respect to an honored American, Katherine Dunham, by supporting H. Res. 655.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. I thank my friend from Illinois, Chairman Davis. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6061, legislation designating a post office building in West Frankfort, Illinois, as the ``Kenneth James Gray Post Office Building.'' I would like to thank Chairman Waxman and Chairman Davis for working with me on this legislation and for bringing the legislation to the floor today. Congressman Gray was born and raised in West Frankfort, Illinois. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1954, serving through 1974. In 1984, Ken ran again and was elected to the House and served two more terms. When I was elected to the House of Representatives in 1988, Kenny Gray was very helpful to me. We worked together and fought to improve housing, education, and to bring jobs to southern Illinois. We, of course, continue that fight today with my colleagues in the Illinois delegation. Prior to his tenure in Congress, Congressman Gray earned three Bronze Stars for his service in World War II. He also owned a car dealership and operated an air service in Benton, Illinois. After retiring in 1988, Ken remained active in community affairs, serving on several boards and heading up many local projects to further economic growth in our region. Naming this post office after Kenny Gray will serve as a lasting reminder of his accomplishments in Southern Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring our former colleague and friend by supporting this legislation.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. I thank my friend for yielding his time and for his kind words. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6327, the Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act. I want to thank Chairman Rangel and Chairman Neal for bringing this to the floor today, as well as Chairman Oberstar and Ranking Members Mica and Petri. The Aviation Trust Fund was established to help the fund to develop a nationwide airport and airway system and to make critical investments in our air traffic control facilities. The trust fund provides funding for the Airport Improvement Program, which provides grants for construction and safety projects at airports; the Facilities and Equipment account, which funds technological improvements to the air traffic control system; and a Research, Engineering, and Development account. The fund also partially pays for the salaries, expenses, and operations for the Federal Aviation Administration. This trust fund is currently operating under a short-term extension that expires on June 30, 2008. Congress must act before June 30 to ensure that critical safety and capacity improvement funds are provided to our airports and our entire aviation system. Further, without action, the FAA will be forced to lay off 4,000 employees on June 30 of this year. To address these issues, H.R. 6327 extends not only the aviation taxes and expenditure authority, but also AIP contract authority until September 30, 2008. H.R. 6327 provides an additional $919 million in AIP contract authority, resulting in a full-year contract authority level of $3.675 billion for fiscal year 2008. These additional funds will allow airports to proceed with critical safety and capacity enhancement projects, particularly large projects that require full-year's worth of AIP funding in order for them to move forward. On September 20, 2007, the House passed H.R. 2881, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2007, a long-term authorization of the FAA's programs. The other body, as Chairman Neal has indicated, has yet to pass its version of the bill, and until H.R. 2881 becomes law, it is important that we extend the FAA programs on a short-term basis. 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 taxes or funding for critical aviation programs to expire. As we begin what is expected to be a very busy travel season, Congress must act now on this extension to reduce delays and congestion, improve safety and efficiency, and help our economy. Mr. Speaker, I urge our colleagues to support the bill.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to discuss the Air Force's decision to award the tanker contract to EADS/Northrup Grumman (NG) instead of Boeing. I understand that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) is reviewing that award and a decision is expected this week. I wanted to highlight that the footprint of the EADS tanker is 53 percent larger than the Boeing version, requiring much more military construction money for larger runways, taxiways, and hangars. Further, Boeing would create 28,707 jobs per year at full production, at least twice as many U.S. jobs as EADS/NG, which would support an estimated 14,353 jobs if it were to win the contract. Boeing's KC-767 would create twice as many U.S. jobs as EADS/Northrop. The EADS award will result in ``loss'' of new jobs. At a time when unemployment is skyrocketing in the US, I believe we should be fighting to maintain as many jobs here in the US instead of sending them overseas. It has come to light that the Air Force did not review the impact of the contract award on US jobs and I believe this is an important component given that should the contract go to EADS/NG, we would be sending billions of American taxpayers' money overseas at a time when the US economy is faltering. I question whether the EADS tanker provides the best value for our military and the American taxpayer. I do not support this contract being awarded to EADS because of its adverse affects on American jobs and I question whether it will meet the long term requirements of our military.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 6063, which authorizes the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for fiscal year 2009. As a member of the Science and Technology Committee, I am pleased that this bill has reached the floor with the full bipartisan support of the committee. H.R. 6063 reaffirms the basic principles that NASA is and should remain a multi-mission agency with a balanced portfolio of programs in science, aeronautics, and human space flight, including human and robotic exploration beyond low-Earth orbit. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the dawn of the United States space program. H.R. 6063 honors this accomplishment with an affirmation of the administration's goals of transitioning to new space vehicles, sending astronauts to Mars and repairing the Hubble telescope. I believe this bill makes important investments in aeronautic research and development while continuing NASA's important work to carry us into the next half century of space exploration. Madam Chairman, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6003, the Passenger Rail investment and Improvement Act of 2008. Since coming to Congress, I have been a strong supporter of Amtrak because of the benefits it brings, including congestion and environmental emissions relief. It continues to produce almost 20,000 jobs, services more than 25.8 million passengers, and provides a significant transportation link for communities in my congressional district and throughout the Nation. In H.R. 6003, we authorize more than $14.4 billion for Amtrak capital and operating grants, state intercity passenger grants, and high-speed rail over the next five years. Further, we provide $1.75 billion for grants to states to finance construction and equipment for 11 authorized high-speed rail corridors, including the St. Louis-Chicago corridor. Finally, I want to thank Chairman Oberstar and Chairwoman Brown for working with me to include a provision that allows previous State investments for capital and operating Amtrak to be used toward the required 20% local match. The bill allows for States to use half of what they put into Amtrak in operating and capital investments toward their local match. Illinois has made significant investments in recent years into Amtrak and the language will help Illinois and other states continue to provide and expand service. Mr. Chairman, I support H.R. 6003 and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the distinguished career of the Honorable Kenneth Gray and to express appreciation for his years of service to his country and to the residents of southern Illinois. A native son of West Frankfort, IL, Ken is a man of varied interests and talents. He was both a licensed pilot and auctioneer. From 1942 to 1954, he owned Gray Motors in West Frankfort and also operated an air service in Benton from 1948 to 1954. In World War II, Ken answered his country's call to service at the age of 18, which took him to North Africa and Italy as well as combat missions over southern France and central Europe. Ken's decorations for his service in World War II included 3 bronze stars. Upon returning home from the war, Ken became involved in assisting his fellow veterans and it was through these endeavors that he was encouraged to run for the U.S. Congress. Ken won election from the 25th Congressional District of Illinois in 1954 as a freshman member of the 84th Congress and he continued to serve for a total of 10 successive terms. Because of health concerns, Ken did not run for re-election in 1974 but ran again, and won, in 1984 and served another two terms, representing his beloved southern Illinois in the U.S. House of Representatives. As a U.S. Congressman, Ken was a tireless advocate for the needs of the people of southern Illinois and built a reputation as a member who worked well with his colleagues to get the job done. On a personal note, I have always been grateful to Ken for what he did for me when I was first elected to Congress. I was elected in a special election in August 1988 to complete the term of Mel Price, who passed away that year. Ken resigned his position on the Transportation Committee, which made a seat available for me and gave me seniority over other members who were first elected in 1988 to start the 101st Congress. Since retiring from Congress in 1988, Ken has continued to work hard for the needs of the people of southern Illinois. He has served on several boards and projects, most notably as a board member of the Rend Lake Conservancy District. He has also worked on a number of initiatives to improve rural health care, especially in Franklin County, IL. Ken is frequently a speaker at local political and charitable events which benefit a number of organizations, such as the Poshard Foundation for Abused Children. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in an expression of appreciation to the Honorable Kenneth Gray for his years of service to this body and to the people of southern Illinois and to wish him and his family the very best in the future.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in commending the efforts of the Village of Bethalto for their service to the community and the environment by developing green spaces and parks around its community. Recently, the Village of Bethalto christened the Culp Lake Park on the northwest portion of the community. This newly opened public space is an inspiration to other cities hoping to brighten their communities and provide their citizens with opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. In the early 1960's, the Village of Bethalto developed a 17-acre lagoon site that, after years of disregard, became connected with the Alton Sewer Treatment Plant in 1972. While village officials sought to transform the lagoon for many years, it was not until Mayor Steve Bryant began the final push that ultimately led to the gorgeous green space there today. In 1997, Mayor Bryant and village officials established a park plan that envisioned not just a green space, but a versatile area with recreational facilities, picnic pavilions, and beautiful landscaping. With urban sprawl on the rise, Mayor Bryant and village officials decided it was time to turn this blighted area of the village into a family friendly environment. In order to keep costs at a minimum, village officials acquired grant funding from Madison County and the State of Illinois that led to the clean-up and filling in of the lagoon, the formation of a 4 acre fishing lake, and the ultimate creation of the park. Not only was this effort championed by the Village Board, residents of the village took it upon themselves to contribute. The Bethalto Boys and Girls club, for example, donated and planted trees at the park. Thanks to this type of effort, the Metro-East, located across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, Missouri, boasts the largest percentage of green spaces among the top 10 metropolitan areas in the State of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending the efforts of Mayor Steve Bryant and the village officials from Bethalto, Illinois for their dedication to environmental conservation.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, today, we are considering H. Res. 444, a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of national aviation maintenance technician day, honoring Charles Edward Taylor, and recognizing the essential role of aviation maintenance technicians in ensuring the safety and security of both civil and military aircraft. This important legislation was introduced by our colleague, Mr. Filner. Charles Edward Taylor was born in Illinois in 1868 and worked as the machinist for the Wright brothers in their Dayton, Ohio facility. It was here that he built the 12-horsepower engine to power the Wright brothers' first flying machine. Taylor had an impressive career spanning over sixty years, where he did all of the preliminary engine design work for the Wright brothers and later taught them to build aircraft engines. As a testament to his skill and this important craft, the Federal Aviation Administration awards the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award recognizing the lifetime accomplishments of certificated mechanics and repairmen who have worked in aviation for at least 50 years. Our aviation maintenance professionals ensure the safety of aircraft each and everyday. By honoring Charles Taylor, we demonstrate our respect and admiration for this important profession. Mr. Speaker, aviation maintenance professionals continue to keep our civil and military aircraft safe and secure. That is why I support H. Res. 444 and urge my colleagues to do the same. Mr. GRAVES, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of the victims of the Armenian genocide. On April 24, 1915, over 200 Armenian religious, political, and intellectual leaders were murdered in Constantinople by the government of the Ottoman Empire. This event marked the beginning of a systematic mass murder of 1.5 million Armenian people and the displacement of nearly 500,000 refugees. Today marks the 93rd anniversary of the beginning of an 8 year siege against the property, dignity and lives of the Armenian people. We are here today to fully recognize the impact of this event. More than a dozen other countries including France, Canada, Austria, Sweden, and Greece have acknowledged genocide and passed resolutions similar to H. Res. 106, commemorating those who lost their lives in Armenia between 1915 and 1923. Yet, despite the great suffering of the Armenian people, they have overcome adversity and continue to preserve their culture, traditions, religion and history. The United States and Armenia have had a strong, long-lasting relationship, including U.S. humanitarian and technical assistance to Armenia totaling nearly $2 billion to date. With the recent election of President Serge Sargsian, Armenia continues to demonstrate a maturing democracy. Armenian- American citizens have contributed to our society in countless ways and the memory of their ancestors deserves to be honored. Acknowledging the 1915-1923 genocide as a tragic piece of Armenian history is a stepping stone in preventing future atrocities from taking place around the globe. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join the in paying tribute today to those who lost their lives in this horrible event against the Armenian people and honoring the survivors who continue to commemorate the memory of their lost family and friends.