Wm. Clay

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Jinba Pui Chu Yee, the world's youngest world-class artist and English language calligrapher. When she was 12 years old, International Arts Publishing published and distributed around the world a collection of her works entitled Pui Chu Yee Sculptured Landscapes and Calligraphy--The World's Youngest World-Class Artist and Calligrapher. Although Jinba Pui Chu Yee is still in high school, her highly creative powers in the field of art are incredible. The main theme of her hand-molded landscapes is natural scenery. Her captivating craftsmanship, which comes from nature yet transcends nature, takes the viewer into a world of fantasy. The New York Academy of Art evaluated her in 2004; the Academy issued a certificate signed by its Executive Director, Mr. Stephen Farthing. That certificate contained the following evaluation: ``It has been a great pleasure for both me as Executive Director, and my Faculty at the New York Academy of Art, to get to know the artwork of such an internationally acclaimed artist as Ms. Pui Chu Yee. Her unique approach transports the viewer beyond taste and fantasy to a point where enchantment and contemporary art meet. Her work is a great achievement.'' Pui Chu Yee is also an English language calligrapher. Jinba Pui Chu Yee was invited to create signatures in calligraphic style at an assembly. Attendees of that assembly included experts and scholars from Taiwan, Tibet, Thailand, North America, and South America. Also in attendance were outstanding alumni, doctorate holders, and university professors, all of whom graduated from prestigious U.S. universities. At the assembly, Jinba Pui Chu Yee wielded her pen to the astonishment of all. Everyone expressed admiration. Through her talent and hard work, Jinba Pui Chu Yee has opened a new chapter in the appreciation of art in this world. Under the personal guidance of Jinba Pui Chu Yee, a high-tech art studio is now producing three-dimensional artistic images never before seen in this world that are created from some of her sculptured landscapes. Additionally, Jinba Pui Chu Yee has received numerous honors and commendations from various governmental bodies, community organizations, and entities representing all walks of life. Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize Ms. Jinba Pui Chu Yee, a extremely talented and creative young lady who has excellent moral character, deeply loves the United States, cares about the public good, and takes pleasure in developing the talents of others. In her honor I ask my congressional colleagues to join me in honoring her accomplishments as a premier artist around the world.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Mary Frances Hillow, a distinguished student at Visitation Academy located in Town and Country, Missouri. Mary Fran continues to excel in and outside of the classroom. Mary Fran is an outstanding student. She shows a passionate drive to achieve academic excellence. Mary Fran is also a member of National Jr. Honor Society. The national junior honor society is one of the Nation's premier organizations established to recognize outstanding high school and middle level students. More than just an honor roll, NJHS serve to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character (and Citizenship for NJHS). Aside from her academic endeavors, Mary Fran is also an established varsity golfer at Visitation Academy. She dedicates at least 10 hours every weekend to improving her golfing techniques. Mary Fran began playing her first 18 holes of golf in December 2007, just 10 short months later, she finished 10th in the Missouri State Golf Tournament. Mary Fran again excelled on the golf course by winning her second tournament after beating the second place player by 11 shots. Mary Fran's athletic achievements as a golfer have landed a varsity position for Visitation Academy, something unusual for a freshman to achieve. She is one of five players on the varsity team. Her team was undefeated for the 2008 season and won the state district tournament by 56 shots. Again, Mary Fran excelled at the State District golf tournament with a 17 hole lead and ended in a tie for first place at 3 over, 75. Her team's score was an impressive 309 at the State District tournament. This is the lowest score ever recorded in Missouri history. Mary Fran played in the Missouri State Golf Tournament October 20-21, 2008. She was one of the few freshman players in the tournament. Her team won the tournament by 55 shots and Mary Fran was the number 2 player on her team. Individually, Mary Fran finished the tournament in 10th place out of an astonishing 120 players. Madam Speaker, Ms. Mary Frances Hillow has my absolute highest recommendation to be honored today. I admire her demonstrated commitment to academic excellence and her accomplishments as a golfer and team player. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring such a wonderful Missouri student athlete.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Norris O. Chandler, former WWI and WWII veteran who has demonstrated an unyielding commitment to the service of others through 60 years of civilian service. Chandler enlisted in United States Army at Jefferson Barracks and was soon assigned to a special amphibious engineering unit activated for World War II--the 149th Engineer Combat Battalion. As a Demolition Specialist for the 149th, he joined the invasion of France on Omaha Beach in 1944. The 149th was responsible for destroying enemy bridges, probing and destroying mines and other obstacles, both on land and underwater, and for building Bailey Bridges. Following World War II, Mr. Chandler returned to Fort Polk, Louisiana to await discharge. His unit was deactivated in December of 1945 and he became part of the newly activated Organized Reserve Corps (Individual Stand-By) until 1951. In 1951, Mr. Chandler entered the Civilian Service with the Missouri Military District (MMD), 11th Army Corps, St. Louis, and Missouri as a warehouseman. During this time the MMD was renamed the U.S. Army Support Center. Mr. Chandler continued his services at the center, holding various positions including stock control clerk, general supply clerk, and Publications Supply officer among other things before the agency moved to Fort Sheridan, Ill. Mr. Chandler opposed relocating to Fort Sheridan and joined the staff at the U.S. Army Adjutant General Publications Center as a packer, for over 40 years, turning down General Schedule (GS) opportunities in favor of his Wage Grade (WG) packer position. Chandlers WWII unit received four campaign ribbons: Normandy (with bronze arrowhead), Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe. Mr. Chandler's civilian awards include the Achievement Medal for Civilian Service in September 1996. In addition, he currently has over 3300 hours of sick leave and usually forfeits almost all of his annual leave, except when he generously donates to other employees through the leave donation program. Madam Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Mr. Chandler, an American hero, for 60 years as a civil servant and for his noble sacrifice and courage to the United States Armed Services. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Norris O. Chandler for his service and commitment to put country first.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Margaret Williams, The Missouri Teacher of the Year 2008-2009 Recipient. The Missouri Teacher of the Year is a prestigious honors program that focuses public attention on excellence in teaching. Williams, a 37 year educator has earned the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues alike. She inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn. For the aforementioned reasons, I enthusiastically honor Mrs. Williams today before Congress. Mrs. Williams is a graduate of Beaumont High School in St. Louis, Missouri. She was inspired by her psychology teacher Mr. Brown to pursue a career in education. Mrs. Williams went on to graduate from the University of Missouri--St. Louis. Mrs. Williams is the social studies department chair for University City High School in University City, Missouri where she has been teaching for the last 18 years. Williams who also teaches history, government, and an African-American experience course was one of six finalists to compete in this year's competition. The Missouri Teacher of the Year program is conducted annually by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, in conjunction with the National Teacher of the Year program. Major funding for Missouri's program is provided by The Boeing Company, St. Louis, Missouri. Before joining University City, Williams began her illustrious career in education as principal and administrator from 1986 to 1990 at West Side Christian Academy in St. Louis. After which she taught at the Visual and Performing Arts High School and Beaumont from 1971 to 1986. Williams is the first in the University City School District to be named Missouri Teacher of the year and was honored with a special drum line presentation, and video made by the district as part of her nomination package. Madam Speaker, Mrs. Williams has my absolute highest recommendation to be honored today. Her contributions to education and unyielding commitment to the youth of Missouri is unmatched. As a pioneer in the University City Schools and a role model to all educators that is worthy of recognition. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Mrs. Margaret Williams for being a top Missouri educator and being named the Missouri Teacher of the Year 2008-2009.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

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

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, before I close, I would like to publicly say what a pleasure it has been to serve with my friend from Virginia (Mr. Davis). He was the former chairman of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee and now the ranking member. But since I got here in 2000, he has been nothing but a friend to me, and I appreciate his service. I know we're getting close to adjournment, but I'm sure this won't be the last time we hear from Tom Davis.

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. S. 3536 would eliminate the Department of Transportation's international rate-setting authority and allow the Postal Service to contract with U.S. air carriers for international mail transportation rates and services. The Postal Service currently spends well over $200 million annually to transport international mail, at rates set by regulation, not the marketplace. The current system for setting international mail air transportation rates is almost 30 years old and does not accurately reflect the cost of international mail carriage in today's highly competitive markets. Both the GAO and the Postal Service Office of Inspector General support the end of DOT's role in setting international mail rates. Indeed, the bill has the support of the United States air carriers and the Postal Service and reflects the collaborative efforts of both groups to develop legislation they could embrace. Allowing the Postal Service to negotiate and contract for the international air transportation of mail at fair and reasonable prices means approximately $50 million a year in savings. According to the Postal Service, ``roughly half of that savings would be passed through to the Department of Defense, which reimburses the Postal Service for the transportation of international military mail.'' As such, S. 3536 also enjoys the support of the Department of Defense Military Postal Service Agency and DOT. I commend my colleague, Senator Carper, for his leadership on this important legislation. I also commend Chairman Waxman and Ranking Member Tom Davis for their strong support over the years to allow the Postal Service to obtain savings for postal customers and secure much more competitive mail rates. In closing, I support the passage of S. 3536. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 1494) recognizing the 100th anniversary of The Christian Science Monitor newspaper, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the Senate bill (S. 3015) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 18 S. G Street, Lakeview, Oregon, as the ``Dr. Bernard Daly Post Office Building,'' and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 6902) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 513 6th Avenue in Dayton, Kentucky, as the ``Staff Sergeant Nicholas Ray Carnes Post Office,'' and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 6197) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 7095 Highway 57 in Counce, Tennessee, as the ``Pickwick Post Office Building'', and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 389) supporting the goals and ideals of Malaria Awareness Day, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 6585) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 311 Southwest 2nd Street in Corvallis, Oregon, as the ``Helen Berg Post Office Building,'' and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 6489) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 501 4th Street in Lake Oswego, Oregon, as the ``Judie Hammerstad Post Office Building,'' and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 1499) designating the third week of October as ``National Estate Planning Awareness Week,'' and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 360) recognizing the important social and economic contributions and accomplishments of the New Deal to our Nation on the 75th anniversary of legislation establishing the initial New Deal social and public works programs, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 5932) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2801 Manhattan Boulevard in Harvey, Louisiana, as the ``Harry Lee Post Office Building,'' and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of Senate Concurrent Resolution 84 and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 376) congratulating the 2007-2008 National Basketball Association World Champions, the Boston Celtics, on an outstanding and historic season, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 6558) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1750 Lundy Avenue in San Jose, California, as the ``Gordon N. Chan Post Office Building,'' and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the Senate bill (S. 3082) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1700 Cleveland Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri, as the ``Reverend Earl Abel Post Office Building,'' and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 1392) supporting the goals and ideals of ``National Life Insurance Awareness Month,'' and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. CLAY

Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 6982) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 210 South Ellsworth Avenue in San Mateo, California, as the ``Leo J. Ryan Post Office Building,'' and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.