Jerry Costello

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my friend and colleague, the gentlewoman from Indiana (Ms. Carson).

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, September 11, 2001, the United States suffered perhaps the darkest day in its history. Yesterday, this body approved legislation to aid the families of the victims and those that gave their lives trying to save them. Today, we turn our attention to the pursuit of the terrorists that carried out this horrific act. I strongly support this resolution to authorize the President to use the necessary force to find and punish those responsible. I do not believe passing this resolution is legally necessary. The Constitution gives the President the power to strike back at our aggressors. However, I do believe that it is necessary for Congress to show overwhelming support for the battle that lies ahead. It will not be an easy fight, and it will not be a short one. But it is a confrontation that we will meet head on, united by the memory of those lost and the values and freedom we hold so dearly. And we will be victorious. Mr. Speaker, tonight we send a clear message to the world that we are prepared to respond to the forces of hate as previous generations have done before us. I am confident that the compassion and resolve that has come to define the American spirit will see us through this most trying time. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with the rest of my colleagues to condemn the terrorist attack on the United States and to express my sympathy to the victims of this horrific action. The destruction of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon was a frontal assault on the United States, our people, and our way of life. Democracy and freedom will not yield to these cowardly acts. I have great faith in the citizens of this country, and the heroic and selfless acts witnessed in response to this tragedy are a testament to the strength of the American people. We stand here today to further demonstrate the resolve of this great nation. The government is functioning normally, and Congress is in session. We come together today, Democrats and Republicans, to send the unmistakable message to the world that this country will not give in to terrorism. We will support the President and authorize any action necessary--employing all of the resources at the disposal of the U.S. government--to identify, track down, and bring to justice the perpetrators of this despicable act. The attack yesterday was the single worst terrorist event in U.S. history. The bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941 claimed 2,400 lives. Estimates indicate that thousands of lives were lost yesterday. My prayers are with the victims and their families, as they deal with the impact of their loss. It will take some time to fully understand the human toll that was exacted on September 11, 2001. But we already know that the United States will stand tall and survive, with liberty and justice for all, now and forever.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 65th Anniversary of the George Khoury Association of Baseball Leagues. The Khoury Leagues have been working since the summer of 1936, when the late George Khoury and his wife Dorothy, organized and sponsored two leagues of youngsters in their neighborhood. The original group consisted of eight teams that played their games on a lot in south St. Louis, Missouri. What started as a just a neighborhood league, has since grown into a national network of thousands of Khoury League teams extending into many states and several countries. Now in its sixth decade, the Khoury Association is a non-profit, non-denominational organization of affiliated circuits or leagues. The national office, based in St. Louis, Missouri, provides supplies and materials needed to coordinate and organize local leagues. However, each community that participates elects its own officers and runs their own operations. There is no financial profit in the Khoury Association, only the profit of clean fun and the character building recreation received by the children who participate. The Khoury League Association was the first to offer an organized program for children five to seven years of age in four age groups. They pioneered the use of baseball diamonds reduced in size for each age group. They also were the first to have post season playoffs for all teams with others of equal standings in their respective leagues. They are older than Little League baseball, the Babe Ruth League, and other organizations which have used the Khoury Association as a model. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 65th Anniversary of the George Khoury Association of Baseball Leagues and to honor the many past, present, and future participants in their programs.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, reserving the right to object, I strongly support H.R. 988, a bill to name the Federal courthouse at 40 Centre in New York City in honor of former Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, one of our country's genuine heroes. I thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel) for introducing this bill and for his steadfast support of this legislation, and the chairman, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette), for his support in moving this bill through the subcommittee and to the floor this evening. The contributions of Judge Thurgood Marshall are legendary. His dedication and devotion to the ideals of equality and dignity for all people were of historical proportions. Mr. Speaker, further reserving my right to object, I yield to the ranking member of the full committee, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar). (Mr. OBERSTAR asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of objection.

Mr. COSTELLO. Further reserving my right to object, Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel). (Mr. ENGEL asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, continuing my reservation of objection, I yield to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette), the ranking member of the subcommittee.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of objection.

Mr. COSTELLO. Continuing my reservation of objection, Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from West Virginia (Mrs. Capito).

Mr. COSTELLO. Further reserving the right to object, Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman of the subcommittee, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette), for his leadership regarding the reauthorization of the Appalachian Regional Commission. The subcommittee hearing was very enlightening and provided essential information for the public record. I commend Jesse White and his excellent staff for working with us to shape a fair bipartisan bill. This is a good bill and it deserves our support. Continuing my reservation of objection, Mr. Speaker, I yield to the ranking member of the full committee, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar). (Mr. OBERSTAR asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, reserving the right to object, I yield to the gentleman from Ohio, the chairman of the subcommittee, for an explanation of the bill.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 100th Anniversary of the Knights of Columbus Council 592 in Belleville, Illinois. The Knights of Columbus organization was founded in 1882 by a 29- year-old parish priest, Father Michael J. McGivney, in the basement of St. Mary's Church in New Haven, Connecticut. Today, more than a century later, the Knights of Columbus has become the largest lay organization of the Catholic Church. The order has been called ``the strong right arm of the church'' and has been praised by popes, presidents, and other world leaders, for support of the Church, programs of evangelization and Catholic education, civic involvement and aid to those in need. As recently as 1992, Mother Theresa of Calcutta praised the Knights in a speech on the occasion of her reception of the first Knights of Columbus Gaudium et Spes Award. Thanks to the inspired work of Father McGivney, as well as the millions of other Knights over the past century--the Knights of Columbus now stands at its pinnacle of membership, benefits, and service. Currently there are over 1.6 million Knights of Columbus--more than ever before in the order's history. Together, with their families, the Knights are over 6 million strong. They have grown to more than 12,000 Councils in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Panama, the Virgin Islands, Guatemala, Guam, and Saipan. One of the largest Knights of Columbus Councils in Illinois and one of the most active in the nation is observing its 100th Anniversary. Council 592, which has grown from 35 members to more than 900 today has a long history of service. Council 592 started in the old Lovingston Building in East St. Louis and served as its first headquarters. As their membership increased, the Council moved to the old Odd Fellows building in East St. Louis. Council 592 has always played an important role in the community. Its civic, fraternal, and charitable projects were numerous. One such event that Council 592 started was their annual picnic. Started in 1922, the picnic was the forerunner of the Knights of Columbus picnics now held across the United States. Inspired by the results of their activities, the Council's members started an extensive building program. The new Knights of Columbus building was opened in 1925 at a cost of a half a million dollars. The building, a brick structure of combined modern and Gothic architecture, was one of the most attractive buildings in East St. Louis and one of the finest Knights of Columbus buildings in the country. This new building served as the scene of the city's many dances, wedding receptions, meetings and other functions. It had a swimming pool, bowling alley, gymnasium, cafeteria, meeting hall, and a 41 person bachelor quarters. In the late 1960's the Council decided to move its operations to Belleville, Illinois on the edge of East St. Louis on Lebanon Road. The new facility opened in 1969. Council 592's first, second, and third degree teams have repeatedly been acknowledged as the best in the Midwest. The Council's members have also been instrumental in starting nearly 20 other Knights of Columbus Councils in the area since 1901. A large number of Council members served in World War I and II as well as the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. Many members remain part of our armed forces today. Charity remains a part of Council's 592's efforts. Their main charitable event is the annual Tootsie Roll day with the proceeds going to charitable organizations. The Council continues to hold numerous activities during the year for families of members. They work with the Ainad Shrine Bonds for Braces as well as the Crippled Children's Hospital. The Knights of Columbus are Catholic gentlemen committed to the exemplification of charity, unity, fraternity, patriotism, and defense of the priesthood. The Order is consecrated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. They are unequivocal in their loyalty to the Pope, the Vicar of Christ on Earth. It is firmly committed to the protection of human life, from conception to natural death, and to the preservation and defense of the family. It was on these bedrock principles that the Order was founded over a century ago and remains true to them today. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 100th Anniversary of the Knights of Columbus Council 592 and to honor its members both past, present, and future.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 50th Charter Night anniversary of the Caseyville, Illinois Lions Club. Lions Club International is the world's largest service club association. The Lions Clubs organization has 1.4 million members in more than 44,500 clubs in 185 countries and geographical areas. The Lions are men and women who volunteer their time to humanitarian causes. The International Association of Lions Clubs began as a dream of Chicago businessman, Melvin Jones. He believed that local business clubs should expand their horizons from purely professional concerns to the betterment of their communities and the world at large. Jones' own group, the Business Circle of Chicago, agreed. After contacting similar groups around the country, an organizational meeting was held on June 7, 1917 at the LaSalle Hotel in Chicago. The new group took the name of one of the groups invited, the ``Association of Lions Clubs'', and a national convention was held in October of that year in Dallas, Texas. A constitution, bylaws, objects and a code of ethics were approved. Just three years after its formation, the organization became international, when the first club in Canada was established in 1920. Major international expansion continued as clubs were established, particularly throughout Europe, Asia and Africa during the 50's and 60's. Perhaps the single event having the greatest impact on the Lions Club occurred in 1925 when Helen Keller addressed the Lions at their international convention in Cedar Point, Ohio. It was there that she challenged the Lions Club to become ``knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness''. They responded, and now the Lions Club organization is best known for their sight-related programs, including SightFirst, the world's largest blindness prevention program. Second only to the Lion's commitment in aiding the blind and the visually impaired, is a strong dedication to serving young people. The Lions Youth Outreach Program challenges young people to learn, to achieve and to serve. By focusing on volunteerism, young people are steered away from harmful behaviors and become involved in youth activities. The Leo Clubs program, International Youth Exchange, International Youth Camps and the Lions International Peace Poster Contest are all youth activities sponsored by Lions Club International that promote international cooperation, peace and understanding. The Lions Club International conducts its official business in 11 languages, including English, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish and Swedish. The emblem of the Lions Club consists of a gold letter ``L'' on a circular purple field. Bordering this is a circular gold area with two Lions profiles facing away from the center. The word ``Lion'' and ``International'' appear at the top and bottom. The Lions are meant to face both a proud past and a confident future. This emblem was adopted at the 1919 convention and today Lions throughout the world are recognized by it. The Lions motto, ``We Serve'' precisely explains their mission and their slogan, ``Liberty, Intelligence and Our Nation's Safety'' means LIONS. The Caseyville Lions Club is part of an organization that not only helps those in need, but offers its members opportunities to develop personal friendships and gain valuable leadership skills. They share a common spirit and have been united in a single cause; helping those less fortunate. The Caseyville Lions Club helps tackle tough problems like blindness and combating drug abuse, as well as diabetes awareness programs and finding help and training for the deaf, disabled, underprivileged and the elderly. In fact, wherever the community needs help, the Caseyville Lions Club, like the entire Lions Club organization, is there. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 50th Charter Anniversary of the Caseyville Lions Club and to honor its members both past, present and future.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 125th anniversary of the Village of Baldwin, Illinois. The Village of Baldwin originally was settled about one mile north of it's present location. The early settlers were the Henderson, Allen and Preston families. In 1874, the Mobile and Ohio Railroad built a railroad line at it's present location. Later, a grain elevator was built along the railroad and the village started to develop. In 1876, villagers circulated a petition requesting the official incorporation of the Village of Baldwin. On July 12, 1876, at a special term of the County Court, this petition was presented to Presiding Judge John H. Lindsey and County Clerk, John T. McBride. The petition, signed by fifty legal voters, requested that the organization of the Village of Baldwin located in the County of Randolph be approved. County Judge Lindsey approved the petition and ordered an election be held on Tuesday July 11, 1876 at the office of RH Preston Esq. for the purposes of voting for or against the organization of the Village under the general laws of the State of Illinois. William L. Wilson and James C. Holbrook, Justices of the Peace of Randolph County, canvassed the election returns, finding that all votes cast were unanimously for the organization of the Village. Judge Lindsey ordered that on August 8, 1876 at the office of RH Preston Esq., an election be held for six Village trustees and one Village Clerk. The first Village Board that was elected then was S.H. Johnson, J.E. Davis, W.T. Thompson, James R. Holden, W.M. Wilson and S.B. Adams. The elected Village Clerk was S.D. Lindsey. On August 11, 1876, the Board of Trustees held it's first meeting. S.B. Adams was chosen as the President of the Board and W.S. Johns was appointed Village Constable and S.D. Lindsey was appointed Village Treasurer. The Village of Baldwin prospered as a small trading Village throughout the years. The main business being a grain elevator, of which there has been one in Baldwin since it's incorporation. At present, the elevator is owned and operated by Gateway FS. In 1932, Highway 154 was built through Baldwin to provide all-weather transportation to neighboring towns and communities. In September of 1940, the Mobile and Ohio Railroad was purchased by the Gulf, Mobile and Northern Railroad and renamed the Gulf, Mobile and Ohio. Later it merged with the Illinois Central Railroad and today it is part of the Canadian National System. Passenger and freight service was provided on the railroad until October 1958, when passenger service was discontinued in the 1980's. The present rail system supplies services to the Baldwin Power plant, Fairmont Minerals, the Kaskaskia Regional Port District and Gateway FS. In the Village of Baldwin the educational system consisted of a three-year high school, a public grade school and a Lutheran grade school. The high school was discontinued in the mid 1940's and the school district became part of the Red Bud School District. In 1959, the public grade school closed and children were sent to Red Bud schools. The Lutheran grade school also closed in the mid 1970's and children attend either Prairie or Red Bud. Baldwin is also the home to many churches. Both the St. John's Lutheran Church and the Baldwin Community Presbyterian Church have organizations to promote the welfare of their members. The Village also has many varied civic organizations which include the American Legion Nicholas Laufer Post 619, the Baldwin Athletic Club, the Baldwin Community In 1964, the Village installed both water and sewer systems. The water plant received severe damage from the 1993 flood and the plant needed to be moved out of the flood plain. After deliberation by the Board, it was determined that the Village became part of the newly formed rural water system. In early last year, the Village water system became part of the Egyptian Water Company, which purchases water from the City of Sparta. The Village sanitary sewer system was upgraded in 1987 and with federal and state assistance, their water system is about to be improved. In 1999, the old school building, which previously served as the Village Hall, was razed. With assistance from local political leaders, funds were made available for a new Community Center. Both State Senator David Luechtefeld and State Representative Dan Reitz helped to secure the new Center. This center, when completed, will be used for all community functions and also serve as a meeting room for the Village Board. Offices for the Village President and Village Clerk will also be included in this facility. Today, the Village of Baldwin is presided over by Jeffrey S. Rowold, Village President, Wesley G. Stellhorn-Village Clerk, Eileen Mehring-Village Treasurer, Craig Hartman, James Mueller, Darrell Mueth, Tammy Prost, Gary Schoenbeck and Cheryl Sellers all Village Trustees. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 125th Anniversary of the Village of Baldwin and to salute it's past, present and future residents.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 20th anniversary of the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias (NFED) in Mascoutah, Illinois. The NFED is the only organization in the United States providing comprehensive services to individuals affected by the ectodermal dysplasia syndromes (EDS) and their families. EDS are a group of genetic disorders which are identified by the absence or deficient function of at least two derivatives of the ectoderm (teeth, hair, nails or glands). There are at least 150 forms of EDS that have been identified. EDS was first recognized by Charles Darwin in the late 1860's. EDS affects many more people that had been originally thought by Darwin. Today, the number of those individuals affected by EDS has been estimated as high as 7 in 10,000 births. Individuals affected by EDS have abnormalities of the sweat glands, tooth buds, hair follicles and nail development. Some types of EDS are mild while others are more devastating. People with EDS have been identified has having frequent respiratory infections, hearing or vision defects, missing fingers or toes, problems with their immune system and a sensitivity to light. In rare cases, the lifespan of a person with EDS may be affected. Many individuals affected by EDS cannot perspire, requiring air conditioning in the home, at work or in school. Some individuals may have missing or malformed teeth or problems with their upper respiratory tract. EDS is caused during pregnancy, as the baby is developing. During the formation of skin tissues, defects in formation of the outer layers of the baby's skin may lead to ED. At this time there is no cure for ED. The NFED, incorporated in 1981, is the sole organization in the world providing comprehensive services to families affected by EDS. The NFED is committed to improving lives by providing information on treatment and care and promoting research. There are more than 3000 individuals served by the NFED in 50 states and 53 countries. They have provided more than $115,000 in financial assistance to families for their dental care, medical care, air conditioners, wigs, cooling vests and other needs. The NFED has provided patient access and granted more than $237,000 to researchers studying the various aspects of EDS. These grants have stimulated more than 2 million dollars in ED research. They continue to host continuing educational programs on ED for health care professionals and provide the most comprehensive and current information on ED in the world. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 20 years of service of the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias and it's aid and comfort to those affected by this terrible disease.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I join the gentleman from Ohio (Chairman LaTourette) in support of S. Con. Res. 41, to authorize use of the Capitol Grounds on September 8 for a National Book Festival. The event, jointly hosted by the Library of Congress and First Lady Laura Bush, is intended to promote the Nation's libraries and celebrate the joys of reading. The event begins on Friday, September 7, at the Library of Congress. Through a satellite hookup, children across the country will have a front row seat in the Library's Main Reading Room to enjoy an interactive reading program. On Saturday, September 8, on the Capitol Grounds, the event will host special activities promoting reading, which include book signings and book readings. The celebration will culminate with a series of performances by well-known artists and authors. As with all events on the Capitol Grounds, the National Book Festival is open to the public and is free of charge and has the support of the Joint Committee on the Library. The sponsors of this event will coordinate with the Architect of the Capitol and the Capitol Police. The Book Festival is a very worthwhile endeavor, and I join the gentleman from Ohio (Chairman LaTourette) in supporting the Senate concurrent resolution.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 819 is a bill to designate the Federal building located at 143 West Liberty Street in Medina, Ohio, in honor of our former colleague, Congressman Don Pease. I join my chairman, the gentleman from Ohio (Chairman LaTourette), in honoring Don Pease, who served the citizens of northern Ohio with distinction, hard work and diligence for 14 years. I also commend the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown) for introducing the bill. Don Pease is a native Ohioan, born in Toledo in 1931. He attended local public schools and in 1953 graduated from the University of Ohio in Athens, Ohio. While at Ohio State University, he was the editor of the student newspaper and the student reporter for the local newspaper, the Athens Messenger. In 1955, he joined the Army and was stationed in Fort Lee, Virginia, before he was honorably discharged in 1957. Don began his public career in 1961 upon his election to the Oberlin City Council. In 1964 he ran for the State Senate against an incumbent and was elected to a 4-year term. As a State Senator he gained a reputation as an effective legislator, concentrating on education legislation. In 1976, he set his sights on Congress when the seat in the 13th Congressional District became vacant. During his seven terms in Congress, Don Pease worked hard for tax reform and better tax policy. His record on ensuring human rights through the application of foreign policy is highlighted with numerous success stories. He approached politics as an ethical pursuit and legislation as an intellectual exercise. Don served on the House Committee on International Relations and the House Committee on Science and Technology. In 1981, he was selected to serve on the House Committee on Ways and Means and was picked as one of the 11 conferees on the landmark Tax Reform Act of 1986. Don fought for welfare reform and strongly supported sunshine rules for open government. He firmly believed in consensus decision making and worked both sides of the aisle to craft legislation to benefit middle Americans. I support H.R. 819, and join our colleagues from Ohio in honoring Don Pease with this designation. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown).

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend and colleague, Joseph Moakley. Joe was a dear and true friend. He was always there to give advice and share his personal experiences. He has been an outstanding member of this House, working tirelessly for the people of his district and our nation. Like his friend and our former Speaker Tip O'Neil, Joe never forgot where he came from and never forgot that ``all politics is local.'' I have enjoyed working with Joe on human rights issues. Joe's dedication to fairness and justice was demonstrated in bringing to justice the ruthless murderers of six Jesuit priests and their housekeeper in El Salvador in 1989. In addition, Joe's ability to work with members from both sides of the aisle helped him lead the Rules Committee for six years. Joe's humor and unfailing courtesy have set a high standard for all of us to follow in the House. Joe achieved impressive levels of achievement and accomplishment, and I have always been especially impressed by his devotion and dedication to service. I believe it is important to honor his legacy by continuing to support his goals and ideas. It is most fitting and proper that we honor Joe Moakley, and Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in appreciation of this extraordinary individual.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 100th anniversary of Elks Lodge 664 in Fairview Heights, Illinois. The beginnings of the Elks organization is credited to Charles Algernon Sidney Vivian. Born in London, Vivian arrived in New York in 1867. Vivian, an actor, met with a group of other theatrical entertainers to create a loose organization called the Jolly Corks. When one of the members died in 1867, leaving both his wife and his children destitute, the Jolly Corks decided, that in addition to good fellowship, they needed a more enduring organization to serve those in need. On February 16, 1868, they established the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks and elected Vivian to head it. As word of its social activities and benefit performances increased and spread to other cities, other Elk's ``lodges'' were formed. The legacy of Charles Vivian continues to this day. In addition to aiding members in distress, the Elks raise money for children with disabilities, provide college scholarships, develop youth projects and organize recreational programs for patients in veterans hospitals. In 1907, the Elks held the first Flag Day observance. This tradition, started by the Elks, was later declared a national holiday by President Harry S. Truman. During World War I, the Elks funded and equipped field hospitals in France. Their loans to 40,000 returning veterans for college, rehabilitation and education were the precursor to the original GI bill. The Elks were also used during WW II to recruit construction workers for the military and they also contributed books to the Merchant Marines. During the Korean War, the Elks gave more than a half million pints of blood to help the wounded and in Vietnam, the Elks provided funds for the recreational needs of the military. When Desert Storm took place, the Elks undertook letter-writing campaigns to help keep up soldiers' morale. Today, there are more than 1.3 million members of the Elks in 2200 local lodges found in all 50 states. Many members of Congress have been Elks. Former Speakers of the House Tom Foley, Tip O'Neill, Carl Albert, John McCormack and Sam Rayburn all belonged to the Elks. Hale Boggs of Louisiana was also an Elk. Presidents Harding, FDR, Truman, Kennedy and Ford were all Elks lodge members. I, too, am an Elks member from Lodge 481 in Belleville. Local Elks lodges provide recreational and support facilities for the entire family and are the focal point for many community service projects. Lodge 664 members in Fairview Heights log in thousands of hours annually in volunteer service to charitable, educational and patriotic causes in our community. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 100 years of service of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Lodge 664 and salute the members of the lodge both past and present.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 150th Anniversary of Saint James Church in Millstadt, Illinois. This event is truly a milestone in the history of the St. James Parish. The parish was founded in 1851 in Millstadt. In 1863, a brick structure was completed to house the church. In 1881, a fire consumed the church leaving only the bell tower intact. Soon after that, the present church was constructed around what remained after the fire. The parish serves over 600 families representing 1300 parishioners. St. James is also active in the community, sponsoring a Parish Festival in August and a Dinner Auction in November. St. James also boasts an active quilting group, an Over 50 Club and sponsors numerous blood drives. The school has over 150 students enrolled and last September, the parish opened an early childhood center. Churches are the backbone of every community. With each church spire that dots our area, each one represents a community of people. St. James has served the community of Millstadt for the past 150 years and will serve the community far into the future. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Saint James Church on the occasion of its 150th Anniversary and to recognize their service to the community.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, for months now, people in our area and all over the country have been upset with the ever-increasing cost of gasoline, and rightfully so. At a time when we are facing one of the most serious energy shortages in history I am especially interested in President Bush's plan for a national energy policy. I have strongly supported a long range energy policy for our country. I believe the President's energy plan has many good points including a $2 billion coal initiative and increased use of reformulated gasolines using ethanol. However, I believe his proposal can be improved upon. For example, we have the ability now, to use reformulated gasoline in a much greater capacity. In addition, Congress needs to ensure the President's new Clean Coal Power Initiative is adequately funded. Coal, which we have an abundance of in Southwestern Illinois, is an excellent alternative use of fuel. I think the President's coal initiative is a great idea that can be expanded to include incentives for new and improved clean coal technologies. We can and should use this abundant resource in an environmentally sound way. Coal usage will greatly reduce our dependance on foreign oil and avoid a band-aid approach, like drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Mr. Speaker, excluding California and Hawaii, my home state of Illinois is faced with the highest gas prices in the country. Cutting gas prices now is essential! This can be done in a variety of ways: opening marginal use wells, producing more ethanol and ensuring oil companies are not making record breaking profits from increased gas pricing. I have also started hearing from many farmers who want to hear more about the role ethanol will play in the President's plan. I was very disappointed to learn that Vice President Cheney does not believe alternative fuels are a viable option right now. Cheney stated ``Years down the road alternative fuels may become a great deal more plentiful. But we are not yet in any position to stake our economy and our own way of life on that possibility.'' We can and should use alternative fuels now! In 2000 alone the ethanol industry expanded production by 155 million gallons and is on course to increase by an additional 400 million gallons in 2001. Each day more than 5 million gallons of ethanol are blended into about 65 million gallons of gasoline--adding critical volume to a tight gasoline market and reducing the pressure on price. Ethanol is far less expensive than MTBE--refiners could replace $1.50 of MTBE with 50 cents of ethanol. Mr. Speaker, I hope Congress will ensure improvements are made to the President's plan that will allow for immediate relief and assure our constituents that we will not continue the upward spiral of higher gas prices or greater dependance on foreign oil year after year.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I want to thank the subcommittee chairman, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette), for his bipartisan support for this legislation. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1801, a bill to designate the courthouse located at 501 West 10th Street in Fort Worth, Texas, as the Eldon B. Mahon United States courthouse. Judge Mahon is a true Texan, born in 1918 and raised in Texas. He received his undergraduate degree from McMurry University in Abilene in 1939 and received his law degree from the University of Texas in 1942. After serving for 3\1/2\ years in the Army Air Corps during World War II, he returned to Texas and became the briefing attorney for the Texas Supreme Court. For over 50 years, Judge Mahon has served the people of Texas at the county level as County Attorney, at the State level as the State District Attorney from 1948 to 1960, and at the Federal level as the U.S. Attorney and Federal Judge. In 1968, President Johnson appointed him as the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District, and in June 1972, President Nixon appointed him to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District. Judge Mahon assumed senior status in 1989, and is still active with judicial matters at the age of 83. During his years on the Federal bench, Judge Mahon presided over several significant cases. The decision he considered his greatest accomplishment was the decision involving racial integration of the Fort Worth school system. Judge Mahon has received numerous awards and honors, including having a scholarship named in his honor at McMurry University, receiving an Honorary Doctor of Humanities from Texas Wesleyan University, and receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award from McMurry University in 1987. He has devoted countless hours of volunteer work to the Methodist church, the Lion's Club and the Girl Scouts. Judge Mahon is held in very high regard by his fellow jurists, who call him a wonderful judge who does a fantastic job, a fair-minded judge, and a judge with an excellent judicial temperament and demeanor. It is both fitting and proper that we honor the decades of dedicated work of this outstanding public servant by designating the courthouse in Fort Worth as the Eldon B. Mahon United States Courthouse. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.