Jerry Costello

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1366, as amended, introduced by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hare), which honors the freight railroad industry and its employees and the important contributions they have made to our Nation and the national transportation system. Freight railroads have a long important history in the United States. Beginning in the early 1800s, during the Industrial Revolution, freight railroads played a critical role in the expansion and economic development of the Nation. Since May 24, 1830, when the Baltimore Ohio Railroad, now part of the CSX, the Nation's first common-carrier railroad, opened for business from Baltimore West to Ellicott City, freight rail has helped bring American goods to markets domestically and internationally. On May 10, 1869, the industry literally transformed America when the golden spike was driven into the final tie that joined 1,776 miles of the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railways, creating the Nation's first transcontinental railroad. Today the freight rail industry employs more than 183,000 hardworking, dedicated Americans who help keep our country and its trains moving 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our freight rail industry boasts a vast network across the country. There are more than 560 freight rail companies in the United States that operate 140,000 miles of track and carry more than 2.2 billion tons of freight annually. Freight rail is also one of the most energy-efficient modes of transportation. It is able to move one ton of freight 480 miles on one gallon of diesel fuel, and helps reduce congestion. One train can take 280 trucks off the road, the equivalent of 1,100 automobiles. Freight and intercity passenger rails are also important components of our Nation's economic strength and mobility. Freight railroads account for 43 percent of intercity freight volume, more than any other mode of transportation. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 1366. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 1 minute to respond to my friend, Mr. Shuster. Mr. Speaker, let me say for the record Mr. Shuster made a point that we have Democratic bills from the committee before the House today and no Republican bills. The gentleman may or may not know that this Thursday Chairman Oberstar has agreed to markup five Republican bills in the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. For the record, I would point out that in the 110th and 111th Congress both, the committee passed well over 40, in fact I think 42 bills out of the committee, and moved them through the House. So I would just for the record say that to my friend from Pennsylvania.

Mr. COSTELLO. I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania.

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, at this time I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hare), my friend and the sponsor of this resolution.

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I urge our colleagues to support the resolution. I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5825) to review, update, and revise the factors to measure the severity, magnitude, and impact of a disaster and to evaluate the need for assistance to individuals and households.

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. 5825.

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5825, a bill to require the Federal Emergency Management Agency to review, update, and revise the factors to measure the severity, magnitude, and impact of a disaster and to evaluate the need for assistance to individuals and households, sponsored by my friend and colleague from Indiana, Congressman Baron Hill. Under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, the President has the sole discretion to determine when a disaster is beyond the capability of State and local governments, and therefore, when FEMA and Federal assistance is needed. In doing so, the President looks to the administrator of FEMA for a recommendation. FEMA published regulations more than 10 years ago to explain the factors it looks to when making a recommendation to the President on whether to declare a major disaster or emergency to provide assistance to individuals and households. These regulations are important, as they provide guidance to the States on when and how to seek Federal assistance under the Stafford Act, including specific criteria FEMA considers. Knowing this helps States put together the best information they can as quickly as possible, and hopefully expedite the process to get assistance where it is needed. FEMA has recognized that these regulations need to be improved, and have been working with the States to do so. However, the process has been occurring for some time. This legislation would merely put a reasonable deadline of 1 year on that process. This legislation also requires that FEMA add to the list of criteria it considers whether an adjacent community across a State line has received a major disaster or emergency declaration for the same incident. This logical approach recognizes that the impact of disasters do not stop at the State line. This is something that FEMA should be doing and, if they are not already doing so, will do so under this legislation. I thank my friend, Mr. Hill, for bringing this issue to the attention of the House and for sponsoring this legislation. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5825. I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4213, the Restoration of Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act of 2010. Unemployment levels are high across the country, and in my state of Illinois unemployment has remained well above 10 percent for over a year. Millions of Americans are actively looking for work, and for these families, unemployment insurance (UI) is a necessary to assist with their medical bills, mortgages, and basic needs so they can continue looking for employment every week. While I share the concerns of my colleagues regarding spending that is not paid for, canceling these benefits now will only hurt these families and our economy. We have a responsibility to support people out of work and in great need. Moving forward, we may not be able to provide as much assistance to people and the states as many would like, and we may not in the short-term be able to fully offset the cost of all Federal spending. But working together, we can continue to chart a course that builds on our economic recovery and helps those in great need while beginning to address long-term economic challenges. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4213.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the career of Tom Caliper as he retires as business manager of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 551 and as executive director of the Egyptian Building and Construction Trades Council. Tom Caliper is the son of Frank and Lola Caliper. Frank, in addition to serving as Mayor of the Village of Colp, Illinois, for 52 years, was the owner of Caliper Plumbing and Heating. Tom undoubtedly learned the plumbing trade from his father, but Tom says his father also taught him a great deal about leadership and about caring for others, qualities that Tom has put to good use both as a labor leader and through his extensive charitable work. Through 29 years in leadership for the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 551 and 25 years at the head of the Egyptian Building and Construction Trades Council, Tom Caliper has made an indelible mark on the labor landscape of Southern Illinois. One of his most effective achievements was the implementation of a project labor agreement whereby all publicly funded projects in Southern Illinois would be constructed by Southern Illinois tradesmen and women. This led to increased economic and community development in the region as wages earned by Southern Illinois workers were re-invested within Southern Illinois communities. Not only was Tom Caliper a driving force for organized labor but he was also responsible for improving the lives of countless area families through his volunteer and charitable efforts. Tom was instrumental in starting the ``Coats for Kids'' campaign which, through his tireless fund-raising and organizational efforts over the years, has provided needed warm-weather clothing for area children. It was important to Tom that the children who were the beneficiaries of the ``Coats for Kids'' program received only new, good-quality clothing, nothing second-hand. Tom Caliper has been the model of leadership throughout his career. He has worked effectively in representing and advocating for his members, he has helped create additional opportunities for job creation and he realized the importance of giving back to his community. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in an expression of appreciation to Tom Caliper for his years of dedicated service to the working men and women of Southern Illinois and to wish him the very best in the future.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. I thank the gentlelady for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 5114. I have worked on this issue, as Representative Waters has said. She chairs this committee, has provided great leadership, along with Chairman Frank. And I thank them for their leadership in bringing the bill to the floor today. We have worked together with them and members of the Congressional Levee Caucus. We authored provisions included in this bill to delay the onset of mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements in the newly remapped areas for 5 years, and then phase in insurance rates for the next 5 years. This will give communities the time necessary to rebuild levees and address other flood control projects and allow our constituents to make their own decision regarding the purchase of flood insurance. In August of 2007, FEMA announced that through the remapping process, the levees protecting the Metro East area of Illinois along the Mississippi River, which had been protecting our area for decades, including in the major flood of 1993, would be decertified and treated for flood protection purposes as if they didn't exist. As soon as the new maps became final, any homeowner or small business with federally backed mortgages would have to purchase flood insurance. It could cost literally thousands of dollars annually. Let me say, Mr. Chairman, that we have made a lot of progress as part of this process. Local officials continually ask for some relief. What we do in this legislation is, in the provisions that I described earlier in this legislation, the bill allows FEMA, the flood remapping process to proceed, and requires communities to have evacuation and communication plans in place, which must include information about the availability of flood insurance and the consequences of having a flood. I want to be very clear at this point, while it is not mandatory, I continue to encourage all of my constituents in the affected area to purchase flood insurance. But that decision should be theirs. The Federal Government needs to work with local officials to solve these local and national issues. I strongly support H.R. 5114. I thank Chairman Frank and Chairlady Waters for all of their work and ask my colleagues to support the bill.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5611, the Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2010, Part II. I want to thank my friend, Mr. Lewis, from the Ways and Means Committee for yielding time to me to allow me to speak on this important legislation. And I thank Chairman Oberstar, Ranking Member Mica, and ranking member Mr. Petri for working with me and all of us together to bring this bill to the floor today. For the past 3 months, we have been working in a bipartisan manner with our friends in the other body to bring a comprehensive Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill to the floor. We have worked through the majority of both bills, and only a few issues remain. The bill before us today, H.R. 5611, will provide a short, 1-month extension of the FAA reauthorization bill through August 1, 2010, to allow us to finish our work before we adjourn for the August district work period. This is a clean extension. Primarily, H.R. 5611 extends aviation taxes to support the Airport and Airways Trust Fund, which funds a large portion of the FAA's budget. The bill also extends the Airport Improvement Program contract authority to allow airports to continue critical safety and capacity enhancement projects. Aviation is too critically important to our Nation's economy, contributing $1.2 trillion in output and approximately 11.4 million jobs, to allow the taxes or the funding for critical aviation programs to expire. Congress must ensure that this extension passes today to ensure that our aviation system is not disrupted and continues to function safely. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. And, again, I thank my friend from Georgia (Mr. Lewis) for yielding me time.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 100th Anniversary of retail operations at Eckert's Family Farms in Belleville, Illinois. The Eckert family has been involved in farming since their ancestor, Johann Peter Eckert, came to this country from Germany in the 1830's. The first fruit trees, for which the family has become renowned in southwestern Illinois and surrounding areas, were planted near Fayetteville, Illinois, almost 150 years ago., Alvin O. Eckert opened a roadside produce stand on what was known as Turkey Hill, near Belleville, Illinois, in 1910. Thus was born a tradition that has grown and prospered for 100 years. Currently, sixth and seventh generation Eckert family members oversee an operation that includes multiple orchards, a newly expanding country store and restaurant, garden center and wholesale operations. Generations of area families have built memories and savored the produce at Eckert's pick-your-own orchards, which are the largest family-owned and operated pick-your-own orchards in the United States. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 100th Anniversary of retail operations at Eckert's family farms and to wish the Eckert family and all of their employees the very best for many years to come.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, first, let me thank my colleague, friend, and the Dean of the House, Congressman John Dingell, for leading tonight's Special Order. I rise today to honor a true champion of the American working family, Ron Gettelfinger. Since 1935, the United Auto Workers (UAW) have led the fight to create and protect the rights of autoworkers and working people across our country--the basic work place protections that have made the United States the most productive country in history. For eight years as the UAW president, Ron has carried that charge, advocating tirelessly to improve the lives of his union brothers and sisters. A member of UAW Local 862 since 1964, he spent his career fighting for equity and justice in the workplace, ensuring labor and wage standards in fair trade agreements, advocating for quality and affordable health care for all, and raising the quality of life for workers worldwide. Ron relished being close to line workers and advocating for them on a daily basis. For six years, he served as the director of UAW Region 3 before being elected UAW vice president in 1998. The last two years have been a historic period for the auto industry as the country recovers from the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. Amid drastic job cuts, plant closures, and financial hardship, Ron steered his organization to emerge on a solid footing, ensuring that his workers were treated fairly. Tough choices were made, but Ron understood that working with the industry was necessary to secure stability for the automakers and his workers. This willingness contributed significantly to the industry's survival and saved the jobs of thousands of auto workers. This year also marked the passage of landmark health care reform legislation. I was proud to support this legislation, and am grateful for the efforts of Ron and his fellow union members in support of health care reform. It is my honor to recognize Ron for his years of service and contributions to organized labor. His leadership and warm demeanor will be missed among his fellow union members, but his legacy will live on. I look forward to working closely with UAW's new president Bob King and I wish Ron a happy and healthy retirement.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognition of the late George Arnold, a founding faculty member of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, an avid nature lover, and a steadfast supporter of environmental initiatives. George passed away on May 14, 2010 at the age of 93. George's great love for the environment began in Carbondale, Illinois, on an old family farm where his mother Elizabeth and his father William grew apples and peaches. From those early days, friends and family of George knew him as an environmental trailblazer, a man well ahead of his time, and an early leader in the green movement of the 1970s. George received his Doctorate in Environmental Science from Washington University in St. Louis in 1964, proudly boasting the university's first doctorate in air pollution. He also received a Master's Degree in physics and a Bachelor's Degree in education, physics, and mathematics at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Though George completed his education at Southern Illinois and Washington University in St. Louis, he never left academia. He taught classes at Kemper Military School, and moved on to teach physics, navigation, and meteorology at Glenview Naval Air Station following his enlistment in the U.S. Naval Reserve. George then became a founding member of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville where he returned as a staple of the college faculty and an influential member of the technology and engineering department. Most notably, Arnold was vital in creating a new environmental studies program for the university in the 1960s. George was also essential to the green movement outside of education. He laid the foundation for a rich Madison County trails system, advocating for bike trails around the area. His hard work and dedication led some to call him ``the grandfather of Illinois bikeways.'' In addition, he spent time lobbying for additional mass transit, determined to create livable and accessible communities. George Arnold was active in numerous organizations and groups. He was the President of the Lewis and Clark Society, archivist for Marquette- Joliet Tercentennial, co-chair of the Illinois-Missouri Trails Coalition, secretary of the Grassroots Trailnet Committee, chairman of the Piasa Palisades Sierra Group, and president of the Vadalabene Nature Trail Volunteers. As a celebrated environmental activist and educator, George received several awards and honors. He received the Edwardsville Meritorious Service Award and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Distinguished Service Award for his lifetime commitment to the environment. His efforts in securing outstanding bike trails around the region led Madison County Transit to honor him once more. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me to express appreciation and gratitude to Mr. George Arnold for his countless contributions to Madison County and to all of Southwestern Illinois.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I. rise today to pay tribute to Colonel Ronald L. Marselle for his outstanding service to our nation on the occasion of his retirement. His dedicated service to the citizens of our nation, the Department of Defense, and our Congress is both admirable and commendable. Colonel Marselle earned his commission as a Distinguished Graduate from the United States Air Force Academy in 1985. He attended undergraduate pilot training at Williams Air Force Base and as an aviator, served as an aircraft commander, instructor, and evaluator in the KC-135 aircraft. He returned to the Air Force Academy in 1998 where he led, mentored, and developed our nation's future Air Force officers. Colonel Marselle continued his excellent service to our nation in Washington, D.C., as Deputy Division Chief, Future Concepts and Transformation Division, Headquarters U.S. Air Force. Most recently, Colonel Marselle provided legislative counsel for the Commander of the United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM). His in-depth knowledge of the legislative process and USTRANSCOM helped foster the strongest of working relationships. Without doubt, Colonel Marselle's efforts in this regard were instrumental in support of and service to our nation, and will not be forgotten. Colonel Marselle's successful journey during his many years of service could not have been completed without the support of his loving family. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Colonel Ronald L. Marselle on his well deserved retirement, and in thanking him for his service to our country.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my support for the extension of the Section 45G Short Line Railroad Tax Credit, which expired on December 31, 2009. As a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I appreciate the economic benefits a strong, reliable rail network provides our economy. Rail has kept our economy connected and competitive for decades and is critical to driving our economic recovery. Key to the rail network are short line railroads, which keep 13,000 small and rural rail customers connected to the main line railroad network and the global economy. However, short line railroads must invest heavily in repairing and maintaining track, more than any other segment of the rail industry. To address this, Congress enacted the Section 45G short line railroad tax credit, which encourages short line railroads to invest in critical track maintenance. These improvements are necessary to improve the efficiency of our national rail network and keep our economy moving. This tax credit expired on December 31, 2009. Without an extension of this tax credit, short line railroads are unable to initiate long-term plans, and have halted much needed infrastructure projects across the country--projects that create good- paying jobs on and off the tracks. The Section 45G credit generates approximately 3,305 full-time jobs annually and supports tens of thousands of jobs in America's steel and timber industries that make railroad ties or steel rail. Madam Speaker, it makes economic sense to provide certainty to this industry and extend this tax credit. Short line railroads are too important to our economy. As a cosponsor of H.R. 1132, legislation to extend the credit through 2012, I urge swift action on extending the Section 45G short line railroad tax credit and urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the distinguished career and regional contributions of Mr. Robert, Bob, Wydra, Executive Director of the Tri- City Regional Port District. Bob Wydra has been with the Tri-City Regional Port District since 1982. Under his leadership, the Port--which includes the former Melvin Price Army Depot--has been an economic engine for Southwestern Illinois and is developing into a true intermodal transportation facility. Prior to coming to the Port District, he was Director of Planning for Southwestern Illinois Planning Commission for 15 years. Bob also spent 2 years with his wife, Kay, in India and Israel in Economic Development work as American Peace Corps volunteers. Bob has a Master's of Science Degree in Community Development and Regional Planning from Southern Illinois University--Edwardsville. He also has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and Education from SIU-E. Bob is very active in numerous professional organizations. He is a member of the National Association of Foreign Trade Zones, St. Louis World Trade Center, Inland Rivers, Ports and Terminals, Illinois Development Council, Southwestern Madison County Chamber of Commerce, Water Resource Congress, American Association of Port Authorities, St. Louis Regional Commerce and Growth Association, Military Affairs Committee of the Leadership Council, St. Louis World Affairs Council, Southwestern Illinois Planning Commission Executive Committee, and Traffic Club of St. Louis. Bob is a Past President of the Illinois Association of Port Districts, board member of the Southwestern Illinois Leadership Council and member of US MARAD's Maritime System of the Americas Advisory Committee, among other committee positions. In addition to his professional affiliations, Bob has also found time to help with various community activities. He has been an active fundraiser for the United Way Tree of Lights Campaign and was Chairman for the Salvation Army for 2 years. Bob Wydra has received the St. Louis Commerce and Growth Association's ``Sold on St. Louis'' Award for promoting the St. Louis area in the world economy. In 2002, he received the ``Salute from Southwestern Illinois'' Award from the Leadership Council. The Port received the ``Outstanding Development of the Year'' Award in 2002 from the Southwestern Illinois Development Authority and, also in 2002, the ``Marketing Award for Excellence'' from the National Association of Developers. Bob received the ``Art of Business Leadership'' Award from the Southwestern Madison County Chamber of Commerce in 2005. Bob has been married to Kay Lee Wydra for 45 years and they have two children: Nicole who lives in Glen Carbon, Illinois, with her husband, Kurt, and their two children, Trey and Caitlyn; and a son, Paul who lives in the Nashville, Tennessee, area. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in an expression of appreciation to Mr. Robert Wydra for his many contributions to the Southwestern Illinois and Metropolitan St. Louis regions and to wish him and his family the very best in the future.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Chair, I rise today in support of H.R. 5116, the Reauthorization of the America COMPETES Act of 2010. I commend Chairman Gordon for his leadership in developing this important legislation and bringing it to the floor. In the three years since the America COMPETES Act was signed into law, we have made great strides in innovation, education, and technology. H.R. 5116 makes strong investments in science and education to strengthen U.S. competitiveness, support businesses, and create jobs. H.R. 5116 builds upon the recommendations of the 2005 report, Rising Above the Gathering Storm, and prioritizes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education at all levels. Since coming to Congress, I have been a strong supporter of STEM education at every age from pre-school through adult education. These investments ensure we prepare the next generation of scientists and engineers and maintain the most innovative, competitive workforce in the world. Specifically, investment in STEM education is especially important at the K-12 level, when students are first exposed to STEM curricula. It is vitally important to engage the interest of K-12 students in STEM and to attract and retain highly skilled teachers in the STEM field. It is my hope that teacher retraining and K-12 STEM education provisions included in the 2007 COMPETES bill will be reauthorized, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House Education and Labor Committee to achieve this goal. In addition, I am pleased the bill supports STEM education programs at community colleges and 2-year institutions and links community colleges with Manufacturing Extension Partnerships, other institutions of higher education, research institutions, and regional innovation hubs. This connection ensures that students will have the job training necessary to secure good-paying jobs in their communities and manufacturers have a workforce with the right skill set to promote innovation. I appreciate Chairman Gordon's willingness to work with me to include language in the bill that ensures that DOE's STEM education programs mirror the important research being conducted by the agency on carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) science. CCS represents a major advancement in the use of coal, the nation's most abundant and affordable energy source. The President's Fiscal Year 2011 budget invests over $400 million in CCS research at DOE, and universities such as the Southern Illinois University-Carbondale engage in cutting-edge clean coal research. Including CCS in DOE's STEM education programming will ensure we continue to expand research, development, and deployment of this important technology and train a new generation of CCS scientists. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5116.

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 10,000th GED ``graduate'' from the Adult Education Program at Southwestern Illinois College. In 1990, Southwestern Illinois College changed its adult education programming from a general literacy effort to a program focused on preparing students for the GED test and transitioning them into postsecondary education. Martha Giordano, Ph.D., who headed the program then, recalls that ``It was like a light coming on. Students wanted a high school completion so they could move on. We had to make everything we did relate to this primary goal.'' The program revised its curriculum and course scheduling to accomplish that goal. Martha O'Malley, the St. Clair County Regional Superintendent of Education at the time, also saw the light and decided to help. She made GED testing locally available when she took on the responsibility of testing and persuaded the other district Regional Superintendents to do likewise. GED tests were administered monthly throughout the district and registration for testing became an ongoing activity in the regional offices. This practice continues to the present. ``This combination of intensive, highly focused instruction and frequent local testing accounts for our high numbers,'' states Giordano. ``When students come to our program, they know we will take them from where they are and push them forward until they are ready for that test.'' Southwestern Illinois College keeps careful records of the students who pass, and in October 2009, it recorded its 10,000th GED ``graduate.'' This year, at its annual GED Certificate Ceremony--May 19, 2010--the College and District will celebrate this important milestone. Southwestern Illinois College has one of the largest adult education programs in Illinois. It averages over 500 graduates annually, and last year 573 of its students earned the GED. Over the years 42 percent of these GED graduates have enrolled in undergraduate programs at Southwestern alone. ``We see our former adult education students in the halls and classrooms at SWIC and all about town,'' reports Janice Buchwald, the current GED Director. The program has students who have finished nursing programs, transferred to 4-year institutions and are working as lab technicians, graphic designers, cafeteria managers, salespersons and in a host of other occupations. Undoubtedly Southwestern Illinois College's adult education efforts are having a significant impact on the lives of many district residents. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the board, administration, faculty and students of Southwestern Illinois College as they recognize and celebrate the 10,000th GED ``graduate'' from their Adult Education Program.

Mr. COSTELLO

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

Mr. COSTELLO

Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5147) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United States Code, to extend authorizations for the airport improvement program, and for other purposes.

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. 5147.