Jerry Costello

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the $1.6 trillion tax cut package proposed by President Bush as well as the Democratic substitute that will be voted upon today with the Bush tax cut plan. I believe that the Congress can and should pass legislation giving tax relief to the American people. That is why last year I voted to eliminate the death-inheritance tax and the marriage penalty. Unfortunately, President Clinton vetoed both bills. However, when these bills come back before the Congress in this session, I will vote to again eliminate the inheritance tax and the marriage tax penalty. The Congress can and should give tax relief to the American people after President Bush lays out his spending plan to the Congress and the American people and after we put a mechanism in place to adjust the plan if revenue projections prove to be wrong. Most of us remember the 1981 tax cut proposed by President Ronald Reagan and approved by the Congress cutting taxes for the American people with the promise that the tax cut would help the economy and balance the federal budget within three years. Then candidate George Herbert Walker Bush called the Reagan plan voodoo economics. Republican Senator Howard Baker called the Reagan plan a river boat gamble. Unfortunately for the American people, George Herbert Walker Bush and Senator Baker were right. In fact, taxes were cut but spending continued to increase and the American people saw two decades of huge budget deficits and saw the national debt explode to $5.7 trillion. President Reagan and the Congress were successful in cutting taxes but not holding down spending. Last week, former Chairman of the House Ways and means Committee Republican Bill Archer said that if anyone believes that we will have a surplus eight or ten years from now with this tax cut plan is ``hallucinating''. Others have questioned the ability of this President and this Congress to control spending. They fear a repeat of the Reagan years with taxes being cut and spending continuing to increase resulting in a return to the days of huge deficits that will hurt interest rates and the economy. Today I intend to vote against the Bush tax cut plan as well as the Democratic substitute. I believe that we should force the President to lay out his spending plan so that we can see how the President intends to fund critical programs important to the American people like Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid, national defense and other important programs. After the President lays out his budget to the Congress and the American people then we should bring a tax relief package before the Congress that is realistic and that has a mechanism that directly ties tax cuts to controlled spending and the amount of revenue that will come to the federal treasury each year. Mr. Speaker, today we should reject both the Bush tax plan and the Democratic substitute and come back to pass a bill that gives tax relief to the American people later this spring after the President lays out his detailed budget to the American people.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to oppose S.J. Res. 6, a resolution to disapprove the ergonomics regulation promulgated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in January. I will vote to uphold this regulation because I believe that worker safety must be our first priority. This process was originated a decade ago during the first Bush administration, and there is more than sufficient evidence to show the devastating impact of these injuries on the workforce. In 1998 alone, ergonomic injuries caused 26,734 employees in Illinois to miss at least one day of work, and cost employees and employers in the State an estimated $2.3 billion. However, I also understand the concern that the regulation may overreach in some areas. The best way to address this concern is to let the rule stand, and then work to modify it. The approach we are taking today threatens any future action on this issue, by not allowing a similar rule to be enacted at a later date. It is my hope that if this resolution passes Secretary of labor Chao will, as she has previously stated, continue to pursue a comprehensive approach to ergonomics and that a regulation with wide support will be enacted in the near future to protect working men and women in Illinois and across the nation. Mr. Speaker, the success of this resolution must not become a tremendous loss for workers across the country. I hope this body will continue to give this topic the attention that it deserves.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 808, the Steel Revitalization Act of 2001. America's steel industry is in a near crisis state. Beginning in 1997, dumped and subsidized steel imports grew dramatically until they reached almost 40 percent of the U.S. steel market. Steel prices rapidly decreased; steel workers were laid off, steel companies filed for bankruptcy. As a result of the weakened steel industry, the level of imports deemed acceptable by the government increased, and recovery has been difficult. I believe that this legislation is necessary to help revitalize the steel industry. It provides import relief by imposing five year quotas on the importation of steel and iron ore products in the U.S. The quotas will return the import market share to the levels prior to 1997. This provision is very similar to H.R. 975, which passed the House with strong support in the previous Congress. In addition, this legislation will augment the Steel Loan Guarantee Program, which provided guaranteed loans to qualified steel companies. Currently, steel companies are finding it almost impossible to raise capital through other sources, especially due to plummeting stock prices and decreasing demand. The Steel Revitalization Act will expand the program by authorizing $10 billion rather than $1 billion, guaranteeing 95 percent of the loan rather than 80 percent and extending the terms from five years to fifteen. With this expansion, more companies will be able to take advantage of this worthwhile program. Mr. Speaker, in the Congressional District I represent, two of our steel companies are seriously distressed. Many of my constituents are at risk of losing their jobs. It is of the utmost importance that we in Congress work hard to keep America's steel industry vital. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 808.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 50th anniversary of the Scott Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4183 in Belleville, Illinois. The Veteran's of Foreign Wars (VFW) of the United States traces it's roots back to 1899. That year, veterans of both the Spanish-American War and the Philippine Insurrection founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their veterans. In Columbus, Ohio, Spanish-American War veterans founded the American Veterans of Foreign Service and in Denver, Colorado, Philippine veterans organized the Colorado Society, Army of the Philippines. In 1913, both organizations merged to form the present Veterans of Foreign Wars organization. The VFW is known the world over for their service not only to veterans, but to all people. They are considered to be one of the most influential forces in the halls of Congress. The efforts of the VFW resulted in the creation of the House Veteran's Committee, the WW 1 bonus, the national Veteran's Day holiday, various GI bills, the creation of a cabinet level office of Veteran's Affairs and support on many veteran's health issues. The VFW is active in disaster relief and also provides information to citizens about our national flag. You cannot also mention the VFW without mentioning their ``buddy poppy'' program which raises funds for veteran's homes. The Scott VFW Post 4183 was chartered in 1951 with 88 members and was named the Loren Howerth VFW Post. Their first meetings were held in the basement of the P-3 Building at Scott Air Force base. In 1970, the post was renamed for Frederick M. Kocher, the commander largely responsible for re-energizing the post's efforts in reaching membership goals. Commander Kocher was also responsible for providing a commitment to service to those veterans who served their country. In the 80's, the Post took on it's present designation as the Scott VFW Post 4183. The Post's present location on 3\1/2\ acres used to be a farmhouse that still remains as part of the Post complex. Additions to the farmhouse over the years were the inclusion of a bingo and meeting hall in 1954 and a building addition in 1986. Located just outside the Belleville Gate of Scott Air Force Base, VFW Post 4183 relies on base personnel for the majority of it's membership. Currently, the Post has 446 members, residing in 35 different states and five foreign countries. Two hundred and forty of these Post members are considered life members and the membership roll includes a Pearl Harbor Veteran and a WW II Flying Sergeant. The majority of the membership are veterans from Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm. Post 4183 was the first VFW post in the United States to sponsor a perpetual scholarship for the VFW National Voice of Democracy program. This program allows high school students to participate in patriotic programs and the opportunity to earn awards and scholarships. The Post actively supports area veterans, as well as the Scott Air Force Base Elementary School, the Scott Chief's Group, the Family Support Center and the Scott Officer's Wives Club. The Post also works with local Cub Scouts, high schools, Special Olympics, the St. Clair County Sheriff's Department, East St. Louis Christmas Food Drives and area VA hospitals and the VFW National Home in Michigan. Post 4183 has the distinct honor of being named an ``All State Post'' nine times. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the men and women of Scott VFW Post 4183 both past and present on fifty years of serving veterans and the people of Southwestern Illinois.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 333. Consumer bankruptcy filings have increased over the past two decades, peaking at 1.44 million in 1998. Flaws in the bankruptcy law allow individuals to walk away from their debts, regardless of whether they are able to pay a portion of them. H.R. 333 offers a fresh start to those overwhelmed by debt and financial obligations, while also ensuring that debtors with financial means to pay a portion of their debt will have to do so. I believe this legislation is a good start at consumer protection from predatory credit card companies. Credit card companies need to be held responsible for continued aggressive credit card marketing. The bill includes new safeguards against abusive reaffirmation agreements, new credit card disclosure specifications, and requirements that credit card companies provide explanatory statements on introductory interest rates and minimum payments. In addition, I support this bill because it considers domestic support obligations, such as alimony and child support, as priority debts. These debts are nondischargeable, meaning they must be paid, regardless of whether an individual files under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. This legislation raised the priority of domestic support obligations from seventh to first, thereby granting greater protection to child and domestic support. Mr. Chairman, it is important to ensure bankruptcy protection is available to those who truly need it. This legislation provides such protections, places a higher priority on domestic support obligations, and offers some consumer protection from credit card companies. For these reasons, I support this legislation.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. First, let me thank the chairman of the subcommittee. I look forward to working with him in this session of Congress, not only on these bills but on economic development efforts that the subcommittee will undertake in this session. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 558 is a bill to designate the Federal building and United States courthouse in Allentown, Pennsylvania, as the Edward N. Cahn Federal building and United States courthouse. Judge Cahn has served the citizens of Allentown, Pennsylvania, and Lehigh County for 4 decades. He is a native of Allentown and attended Lehigh University graduating magna cum laude in 1955. After graduating from Yale in 1958, Judge Cahn was admitted to the Lehigh County court in 1959. In 1975, President Ford nominated him for the Federal bench in Pennsylvania's Eastern District Court. Judge Cahn worked from the bench for the next 24 years in Allentown. Throughout his long distinguished legal career, Judge Cahn was known for his attention to detail and his fairness. He has been a mentor to others, impressing on other lawyers that all cases are important and deserving of attention. It is very fitting that we acknowledge the outstanding contributions of Judge Cahn by designating the courthouse in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in his honor. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Holden), a member of the full Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), the ranking member of the full committee.

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 621, a bill to designate the Federal building located at 6230 Van Nuys Boulevard in Van Nuys, California, as the James C. Corman Federal building. Congressman Jim Corman represented the 21st Congressional District in California for 20 years, from 1961 until 1981, the years which saw the Vietnam War, urban riots, Watergate, and the first manned flight to the Moon. Jim Corman was born on October 20, 1920, in Galena, Kansas. In 1933, after his father died, he and his mother moved to the Los Angeles area. During World War II, Congressman Corman served in the Marines. After the war, he worked his way through UCLA and USC Law School. He began his public career in 1957 when he was elected to serve on the Los Angeles City Council. In 1961, he was elected to Congress and was named to the Committee on the Judiciary. In addition, he served on the House Committee on Ways and Means. Congressman Corman was named by President Johnson as one of the 10 people named to the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, formerly known as the Kerner Commission. During his tenure on the commission, he was optimistic about finding the causes and developing solutions for racism in America. In 1968, he became President Johnson's point man on welfare reform. Having been close to poverty as he was growing up, Corman displayed a particular energy and devotion to solving welfare problems. During his 20 years of service, his concern for senior citizens and the poorest members of our society became his trademark and part of his legacy. Jim Corman saw the fruition of his efforts in the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which he considered the greatest accomplishment of his political career. Jim was well liked, a hard worker, a first-rate legislator. It is fitting and proper to honor Congressman James Corman with this designation.

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Berman), the sponsor of this legislation.

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Matsui), who is a cosponsor of the legislation.

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

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 559, a bill to designate the new Federal courthouse in Boston as the John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse. Mr. Speaker, our friend and colleague Joe Moakley 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 has never forgotten where he came from and has never forgotten that ``all politics is local.'' The people of Joe's district have benefited greatly by his leadership in the Hosue--and hundreds of millions of tax dollars have been returned to Joe's district and State to improve major infrastructure and other public projects. Projects include the dredging the Boston Harbor, the reconstruction of the Barnes Building--the last major operating military facility in Boston, the South Boston Piers Transit Way, the modernization and expansion of the Boston transit system, the renovation and modernization of South Station and Logan Airport--and the list goes on. I have enjoyed working with Joe on human rights issues. Joe's dedication to fairness and justice was demonstrated in his leadership in bringing to justice the ruthless murderers of six Jesuit priests and their housekeeper in El Salvador in 1989. Joe's ability to work with other Members and his ability to get things done helped him lead the Rules Committee for 6 years. Joe's humor and unfailing courtesy have set a high standard for all of us to follow in the House. It is most fitting and proper that we honor Joe Moakley by designating the new Federal courthouse in Boston as the John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Whiteside School District in Belleville, Illinois which is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. This school has a rich history and has enhanced the Belleville area by consistently demonstrating excellence in teaching. Mr. William Lot Whiteside, the original owner, was granted land by former President James Monroe in 1817. He deeded the one-acre property to school trustees in 1843 for $100 and a one-room schoolhouse, named after the Whiteside family, was built. A formal school district was established in 1865. At the turn of the century, a second room was added to the school enabling this two room schoolhouse to serve children from Belleville to Shiloh. A new school was built in 1958 on five acres of land acquired from the Whiteside family and placed directly in front of the old two room schoolhouse. The new school consisted of three classrooms, a multi- purpose area, and an office. Subsequent additions took place in 1965, 1973, 1979, 1987, and 1996 to meet the needs of its growing student body. With enrollment currently over 1,000 students, the Whiteside School District is now expanding to a second building which will stand on a hill once occupied by Mississipian Indians. Middle school students will occupy the new facility, roughly one mile from the original school site. The new building is scheduled to open in 2002. Since starting as a one-room schoolhouse, the Whiteside School has operated continuously for 150 years and has been producing students that make and will continue to make a significant contribution to not only Southwestern Illnois but the nation as well. Their impressive level of achievement and accomplishment for a century and a half is a milestone for the school district and the education profession as a whole. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in expressing our appreciation to the Whiteside School District for its dedication to service and our very best wishes as it celebrates its 150th year.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the fifty years of ministry for the Reverend Fred Cornell, pastor of the Concordia Church of Christ in Belleville, Illinois. This month, Reverend Cornell is celebrating 50 years in the ministry. Rev. Cornell was ordained on December 27, 1950 and went on to establish himself as a progressive religious leader with a willingness to get involved in the community and speak out on important issues. He was pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Belleville in 1964, when he was arrested in Mississippi with 26 others helping to register African American voters. Reverend Cornell grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. His great-great- great grandfather served as a Presbyterian Missionary to native Americans in Maine and Pennsylvania in the early 1800's. Reverend Cornell served three years in the navy and earned a business degree from Washington University in St. Louis. He also worked for Ralston- Purina of St. Louis, but found that work to be unsatisfying. He attended McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago for three years and got his first job as a minister in Mountainburg, Arkansas. Two years later he became pastor of two small churches in Owensville and Gerald, Missouri. In 1956, he began as the Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian in Belleville and became its pastor three years later. His social activism was rooted in the Church philosophy that led the fight against slavery in the 1800's. His travels to Mississippi were in response to a church call for help with voter registration drives. Reverend Cornell was also active in promoting meetings between people. During the Vietnam War he formed a local group of concerned citizens about the War. Throughout his time at First Presbyterian, he was also busy with numerous building projects having assisted with the construction of the new First Presbyterian church and the creation of First United Presbyterian Church in 1982. Reverend Cornell also served as the President of the Belleville Ministerial Alliance in the 50's and moderator of the Alton Presbytery in the 1960's. He also helped found the Belleville Clergy Association. Reverend Cornell married his wife Barbara in 1994. His son John is an artist who lives in Belleville. He also has two grandchildren. Reverend Cornell also was no stranger to adversity himself, his other son Paul, who was only 24 years old, died in 1977 after a blockage was discovered in his brain. Reverend Cornell also suffered a heart attack that same year and underwent by-pass surgery in 1987. After ``retiring'' from First United Presbyterian in 1988 he went to Concordia United Church of Christ. This place, he thought, would be perfect for him. The little country church, founded by German immigrants in 1845, had just lost its pastor of 19 years. Reverend Cornell now ministers its 90 members. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Reverend Fred Cornell and to recognize his commitment for service to the community.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a former colleague and great member of this body, Henry B. Gonzalez. I am proud to have had the opportunity to serve for over a decade with Congressman Gonzalez, whose life and career were distinguished in so many ways. He is a legendary figure in Texas politics, being the first Mexican American elected to the Texas Senate. He then made an indelible mark on national politics, coming to the House of Representatives in 1961 and eventually ascending to the Chairmanship of the Banking Committee. Known for his great kindness and thorough constituent service, Henry B. Gonzalez was a leader of the civil rights movement, serving as a mentor and role model fore people and legislators of all races and backgrounds. In this way, his accomplishments transcended politics to touch our society at large, and it is this legacy that will never be forgotten. Mr. Speaker, what I will remember most is the courage Henry B. Gonzalez brought to his work, taking on the toughest of issues, time and time again, through some of the hardest times our country has ever seen. He represented as well as anyone ever has the ideals of the Democratic Party, believing intensely in and fighting for the rights of the disenfranchised and the poor. His commitment to equal protection under the law never wavered, working tirelessly for affordable housing and enhanced consumer protections. These were principles which his son and our colleague, Charlie, continues to pursue. I wish Charlie and his family my heartfelt condolences, and hope we will all remember the example of Henry B. Gonzalez as we go about our work in Congress.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today to join my colleagues in paying special tribute to my good friend and colleague from Illinois, Mr. Sid Yates. Mr. Yates was a good friend. He was there to welcome me here on my first day in Congress and I was glad to have served with him for over a decade. Mr. Yates and I worked on many bipartisan issues to improve our nation and home state of Illinois. I was always appreciative of his friendship and admired his work both within the Illinois delegation and on the House Appropriations Committee. Mr. Yates began his distinguished career as an attorney in Chicago. He was first elected to this House in 1948. As a member of this body, Mr. Yates was a quiet but strong voice. Mr. Speaker, Sid Yates served this institution, his constituents and community well and he will be greatly missed. I extend my condolences to his wife and family.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in honoring a good friend and public servant, Mayor John Rednour, of DuQuoin, on being selected the Outstanding Citizen of the Year for lifetime achievement and service to the community. John Rednour's legacy with the City of DuQuoin is rooted in his deep commitment to the community and his policy of service above self. He has presided over the best of times in his community and also through times of adversity. John Rednour came from the small community of Cutler on the west side of Perry County Illinois. Coming from a hard working family, John realized early on the importance of community service. His involvement in several successful business ventures has led him to become the President of the DuQuoin State Bank and also to serve as the Mayor of DuQuoin. As DuQuoin's Mayor, John Rednour has presided over many development projects to help create jobs and improve the economy in DuQuoin and Perry County. He can count a new City Hall, Library and police department complex as part of his many achievements. Mayor Rednour prevailed upon me to secure federal funds to help build a new 3.2 million dollar overpass and over 6 million dollars in sewer and water improvements. He led the effort to develop the DuQuoin Industrial Park. And created a program to protect property values. Mayor Rednour has also had every highway in and out of DuQuoin resurfaced. In terms of municipal services, John returned full-time staffing to both the police and fire departments and next year the City takes delivery on a new $450,000 aerial fire truck. To Mayor Rednour, fire protection is important, for the first time fire protection is available to all parts of the City. He also restored funding to emergency preparedness programs in the community. His longstanding relationships in both Springfield and Washington have provided DuQuoin with everything from Amtrak rail service to access to state and federal funds totaling over 22 million in recent years. Mayor Rednour's philosophy is simple and subscribes to the thinking that ``build it and they will come and believe in it and the money will be there.'' Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring John Rednour and to recognize his commitment for public service to the community of DuQuoin, Illinois.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, as a co-sponsor of this legislation, I rise today in support of S. 1438, the National Law Enforcement Museum Act, which honors the men and women who serve our nation as law enforcement officers. America's law enforcement officers are one of our most valuable resources. Almost one million individuals nationwide perform an incredibly important task as they put their lives in danger on a daily basis to protect and serve the American people. As a former police officer, and the father of a former police officer, I know the inherent risk involved in the profession and salute these men and women for their efforts. This legislation will allow the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund to go forward with plans to build the most comprehensive law enforcement museum and research facility in the world. The museum will serve to educate and inform the public of the risks and duties that law enforcement officers face on a daily basis. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the National Law Enforcement Museum Act. America's law enforcement officers are highly deserving of the praise and recognition that the museum will bring them.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to rise today to join my colleagues in paying special tribute to my good friend and colleague from Illinois, Mr. Tom Ewing. Mr. Ewing and I have served together on both the Science and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees. We have worked on many bipartisan issues to improve our nation and home state of Illinois including the promotion of ethanol use and production as well as many transportation initiatives. Tom Ewing has represented the 15th District and State of Illinois well over the past decade. Mr. Ewing began his distinguished career as an attorney, having graduated from John Marshall Law School in 1968. As a member of the House of Representatives he worked hard to ensure his constituents were well represented. Mr. Speaker, Tom Ewing has served this institution well and he will be greatly missed. I wish Mr. Ewing and his family well in the years to come.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 100th anniversary of Carpenters Local 480. Carpenters Local 480 had its charter issued to them on February 13, 1900. That year they listed John Dippel, John Hexter, Joseph Hester, Harry Merrick, Carl Ross, William Schaeffer, Jacob Scheid, Louis Scheid, William Scheid, Edward Schiek, Henry Schiek and Henry Wilhelm as their first charter officers. The first elected officer of Local No. 480 was H. Geiger who was elected the Financial Secretary and was charged with the responsibility of collecting dues and assessments. By 1907, Local 480's rolls increased to 16 members, which held until 1940. At that time, Local 480-Freeburg merged with Local 1559-New Athens, bringing the membership an additional 25 members. Dues at that time were set at $1.25 a month for all inactive and pensioned members. Arthur Och was named the Business Representative for Freeburg, Illinois and Ed Knopp was named the Representative for New Athens. In 1947, membership increased to 35 members. In 1966, with membership hovering around 38 members, the International Union had pressed all locals to hire full-time representatives to ensure jurisdictional issues were considered. Louis Geiger was named as the first full-time Business Representative. At that time, there were only 14 local unions in the Tri-Counties Illinois District Council of Carpenters, with only two that were large enough to hire full-time representatives. Remaining smaller locals were then merged into four. Local 480-Freeburg, Local 1361-Chester, Local 1997-Columbia and Local 1675-Breese. Further consolidations of the locals occurred in the 70's. Many changes occurred after the consolidations, bringing with it new challenges and new opportunities. A full-time Financial Secretary position was created at this time to handle the growth in the membership and to handle the responsibilities of caring for the members well-being. Further growth in membership and an expansion of Local 480's area, necessitated the need for the creation of Field Stewart positions in each of the communities in the local. With the phenomenal growth of the local and the expansion of their responsibilities, in 1975 the local opened their headquarters building in Freeburg. Since then, the members of Local 480 have contributed to the growth and development of the metro-east. Evidence of their handiwork is everywhere, from new schools, shopping and commercial centers, public buildings and fine residential homes. I am proud of the history and accomplishments of Local 480 and I look forward to the future with the confidence that the facilities we work, visit and live in are the direct results of hard work of the members of Local 480. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Carpenters Local 480 on the 100th anniversary of their founding and to recognize the members of the local, both past and present, for the quality service that they have been providing to the people of our area for the past 100 years.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to rise today to join my colleagues in paying special tribute to my good friend and colleague from Illinois, Mr. John Porter. Mr. Porter and I have worked on many bipartisan issues to improve our nation and home state of Illinois including many health care initiatives. Since coming to Congress, I have appreciated his friendship and admired his work within the Illinois delegation and on the House Appropriations Committee. Mr. Porter began his distinguished career as an attorney, having graduated from the University of Michigan in 1961. John Porter has represented the 10th District and the State of Illinois well. He has dedicated himself to representing the citizens of the Great State of Illinois and has been tireless in his efforts to ensure medical research at NIH will continue and is adequately funded. In addition, he has helped countless people in the United States and around the world in an effort to resolve human rights issues. Mr. Speaker, John Porter has served this institution well and he will be greatly missed. I wish Mr. Porter and his family well in the years to come.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 75th anniversary of the Jackson County League of Women Voters. The League of Women Voters of the United States was formed in 1920 by suffragettes who wanted to ensure that the newly enfranchised women would be informed about the voting process and about how to vote. Five years later, a group of women in Jackson County began a league locally. For 75 years the Jackson County League of Women Voters has helped all voters, men and women, to prepare for elections. The League has held demonstrations on how to vote, sponsored forums for candidates to explain their views and published election guides. For several decades, League members have served in Jackson County as deputy registrars, registering voters at local events and stores. The League believes in open and accountable government. Locally, it promoted the City Manager form of government for the City of Carbondale and has studied the professionalization of and the various forms of both city and county government. For many years before the advent of the Open Meetings Act which requires that public bodies post agendas and hold open meetings, the League sent observers to many public meetings as a reminder to public officials about the citizens whom they serve. The Jackson County League of Women Voters has also helped to desegregate the schools, integrate the neighborhoods, develop recycling and other environmental programs, create standards for large scale livestock farms and ensure the safety of the drinking water. The League has also published a guide to mental health services in the County and a booklet about county offices. Nationally, the League has studied issues as wide-ranging as national security, urban transportation and health care. Currently, the League of Jackson County is working to break the cycle of violence in children by ending aggressive behavior in schools, a project through the local health department. It is examining the forms of election of Illinois State legislators and promoting campaign finance reform. The League sponsors a series of talks by local county officials on local issues. It is studying the need for a new County Courthouse and other facilities. The League is also encouraging voters to take a friend to vote, as a means to encourage citizens to vote. The League of Women Voters adheres to the belief that democracy is not a spectator sport. The League of Women Voters is open to men and women, at least 18 years of age. The League is non-partisan, but involved in many efforts in our communities. Always, the focus of the League is encouraging active citizen involvement and participation in the community and in the government. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the men and women of Jackson County on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Jackson County League of Women Voters.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 100th anniversary of St. Clement Health Services. A little more than 100 years ago, the idea of a facility to care for the sick in Red Bud, Illinois was born. Although the original plan only intended for a house to care for ill sisters from the Adorers of the Blood in Christ convent in Ruma, Illinois, the needs and wants of the community created St. Clement's Hospital. In the 1890's, several sisters had been experiencing serious health problems. Mother Clementine of the ASC order visualized an infirmary facility with extra rooms set aside for sisters who would be passing on their way to Ruma. Land for the house was purchased in 1898. During the summer and the fall of that year, the 3.9 acre tract for the facility was cleared. Construction began on the building in 1899 and continued through 1900. The building was dedicated on August 5, 1900 under the title of St. Clement's Hospital. The facility, built with 8 rooms on the first floor, served not only as a hospital, but also as a place where the aged and infirm could spend their last days in a Catholic setting. It could accommodate as many as 20 patients. To help support the hospital, the sisters of ASC cultivated a large garden and raised both pigs and cows. Handwork and needlework were also sold. Water was pumped by hand with a hose to the third floor for the bathrooms. Having no electricity, the ice box had to be stocked with ample supplies of ice. As the hospital grew, an addition was built for the hospital in 1946 with 70 beds, 15 bassinets and 20 beds for the aged and infirm sisters. St. Clement quickly outgrew this addition. In 1966, survey results pointed to the lack of extended care facilities for the anticipated growth for the hospital service area. On May 24, 1969, ground was broken for a new $4.5 million St. Clement Hospital. In the 100 years since St. Clement's has been open, the hospital has experienced significant growth. In the first year of operation, they performed their first surgery. Throughout the 50's and 60's the hospital was averaging 300 surgeries a year. Today, an average of 1,600 surgeries are performed. The first birth didn't occur until 1925. Throughout the 30's no more than 40 births were recorded. In 1943, there were 169 births while over the next ten years the hospital averaged 420 births a year. Today, the hospital welcomes 130 new babies a year. One hundred years later, the original hospital may be gone, but you may still find St. Clement Hospital available to take care of the sick and reaching out to the community it serves. Today, St. Clement Health Services is a member of Unity Health. They encompass the resources and personnel of St. John's Mercy Medical Hospital, St. John's Mercy Medical Center and St. Luke's Hospital. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring St. Clement's Health Services on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of their founding and to recognize the administration and staff both past and present for the quality service that they have been providing to the people of our area for the past 100 years.