Russ Carnahan

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. I thank the chairman for that commitment. I now ask unanimous consent to withdraw my amendment from further consideration, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CARNAHAN. I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. CARNAHAN. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My amendment integrates duplicative functions related to overseas contingency operation planning, management, and oversight into the U.S. Office for Contingency Operations--responding to a litany of concerns that have been raised in recent years pointing to the mismanagement of U.S. tax dollars in operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. In fact, last August, the Commission on Wartime Contracting estimated that as much as $30 billion to $60 billion may have been lost due to waste and fraud in Iraq and Afghanistan. Poor accountability and oversight has also undermined the effectiveness of U.S. operations. As the commission's report notes, there will be a next contingency, whether it takes the form of overseas hostilities or responding to emergencies like terror attacks, natural disasters, or other humanitarian crises. We must take action to ensure we are fully prepared for these scenarios. Systemic problems within the U.S. Government have contributed to serious flaws in the preparation, management, and execution of contingency operations. Currently, responsibilities for these initiatives are spread over several U.S. departments and agencies, resulting in diffused accountability. While there have been positive steps to address issues of coordination, a great deal more needs to be done. In fact, many of our key allies in NATO already have agencies or offices with cross-cutting functions, similar to that proposed in my amendment, that reflect the nature of the 21st century security challenges we face. It will certainly require an act of this body to streamline our system. More importantly, it is our duty as Members of Congress to exercise the strict oversight of conflict and stabilization initiatives. As then-Senator Harry Truman found when fighting the waste and mismanagement of funding during World War II, effective congressional oversight cannot only save lives and money, it makes our efforts stronger. For these reasons, I have worked over the past couple of years to develop this legislation, with many others' input, that integrates duplicative functions into one streamlined office. It further ensures the proper acquisition, planning, contract management, and enhanced inspector general oversight to protect our resources from waste, fraud, and abuse. Beyond safeguarding spending, it promotes the readiness and safety of our deployed personnel and of our overall ability to effectively execute operations. Chairman McKeon, I understand you have raised some questions with regard to this amendment. I respect your points that you have made, and will be withdrawing this amendment. However, I would like to work with you and the committee in responding to these issues so we then have an opportunity to move this concept forward. Specifically, I hope the Armed Services Committee will hold hearings on this legislation and work toward incorporating its goals during the conference committee of this authorization bill.

Mr. CARNAHAN. At this time, I would like to engage in a colloquy with the chairman of the Armed Services Committee.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, the original Violence Against Women Act was championed by then-Senator Joe Biden, who understood that all women must be protected from domestic abuse and violence. He understood that many women are afraid to come forward to report abuse. The Violence Against Women Act gave women a better chance to live their lives without that fear. Again, the Senate has taken the lead. They already reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act and did it in a way that protects all women. It does not discriminate. It promises that America will stand by women; we will protect women, and we will prosecute their abusers. The Republican bill that barely passed this House yesterday breaks our solemn promise. I call on leadership to allow a fair up-or-down vote on the ``real'' Violence Against Women Act and not some watered- down, weakened version. We owe it to our mothers, our sisters, our daughters, our friends, and to the memory of those we have lost to abuse.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, today is Peace Officers Memorial Day. Throughout the Nation, and in my home State of Missouri, flags fly at half staff at all our State buildings in honor of the members of our police forces who have reached the ends of their watch, including seven in 2011 and two in 2010. These men and women gave their lives for their Nation, not on a battlefield with a foreign name, but in our neighborhoods, on streets our children walk. They're heroes, seldom recognized, frequently in danger, always ready to give what Abraham Lincoln called ``the last full measure of devotion'' to protect and serve our friends, our family, our community. The peace officers lost in Missouri fell as enforcers of law and as first responders in times of need. We remember them all with an empty spot on the force and hearts full of thanks for their sacrifice and service.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Barbara Hehmeyer, and honor her for her 23 years of dedicated service to the Lemay Chamber of Commerce. She has made the Lemay Chamber one of the most vibrant Chambers of Commerce in Missouri's Third Congressional District. Ms. Hehmeyer began working for the Lemay Chamber of Commerce in 1989 and has accomplished many great things during her tenure. She tirelessly pursued many projects that resulted in redeveloping and improving her community. She led the Lemay Development Corporation as it engaged in workforce and youth development activities, as well as neighborhood beautification efforts. Her advocacy for the Community Reinvestment fund will result in at least $15 million dollars in direct investment for the Lemay area. Barbara also played an instrumental role in bringing Pinnacle Entertainment's River City Casino to Lemay; a project that resulted in over $380 million in investment and has created 1,000 jobs for the people of St. Louis. Barbara has also worked to strengthen not only her community but also the Lemay Chamber of Commerce itself. She has doubled the levels of membership in the Lemay Chamber and has established many innovative member benefits. She developed a modern day newsletter, and started annual events which recognize outstanding educators and provide scholarship for area high school students. Barbara also worked with the Lemay Child and Family center, BJC School, the Hancock Place school district, the Salvation Army, the Carondelet YMCA, and St. Louis Community College in implementing the successful Lemay Charting for Change project. Barbara's commitment to the Lemay Chamber of Commerce and to the St. Louis region has been outstanding. For over two decades she has strived for and achieved excellence. I thank my constituent and good friend, Barbara Hehmeyer, for her work and dedication to our community, and invite my colleagues to join me today in recognizing her great work.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Maureen Clancy-May, and honor her for her years of service to the people of the St. Louis area. Dr. Clancy-May has achieved many milestones during her 33 years in education. She received her Bachelor's in Teaching Exceptional Children from Southeast Missouri State University, her Masters of Education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, and her Ph.D. from Saint Louis University in Educational Administration. Dr. Clancy-May then applied her knowledge as a teacher, a Director of Student Services, a Principal, and as an Assistant Superintendent for schools across the St. Louis area. She has also shared her knowledge and experience with other educators as an adjunct professor in the Education Leadership Department at Saint Louis University. Since July 1, 2004, Dr. Clancy-May has worked as the Superintendent of Schools for the Bayless School District. There, she led the Bayless School District to achieve full accreditation and Missouri's Accreditation with Distinction. Under her guidance, Bayless Elementary School and Bayless Junior High earned both the Missouri and the National School of Character awards. Her determination to improve her school district resulted in numerous awards for the district, as well as a $1.5 million math and science grant. In addition to her work in education, Dr. Clancy-May supports her community in many ways. She is an active member of the Rotary Club of St. Louis County and the Lemay Chamber of Commerce, and has served four years on the Board of the Affton Community Chamber of Commerce. She is a member of numerous education organizations, serving as a representative on the Missouri Association of School Administrators' Executive Committee and as the president of the Cooperating School Districts of the Greater St. Louis Area's Board. Dr. Clancy-May has also been recognized for her many accomplishments, including: being awarded with the FOCUS St. Louis What's Right with the Region Award; Hardee's Hometown Hero Award; and the Southeast Missouri State University Alumni Merit Award. Dr. Clancy-May has dedicated much of her life to serving the St. Louis community. I congratulate Dr. Maureen Clancy-May for her devotion to one of the nation's most important professions: educating our children and preparing them for a responsible and productive adulthood.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, due to being unavoidably delayed, I missed the vote on the Huelskamp Amendment, which prohibits the use of funds in contravention of the Defense of Marriage Act, to H.R. 5326 (roll No. 235), the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Appropriations Act for FY 2013. I would have voted against this amendment, had I been present to record my vote.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Yesterday was President Harry S. Truman's birthday. One of his quotes is particularly appropriate today. He said: The purpose of our society is to enable the individual to attain the highest achievement of which he is capable. The highest achievements that have sprung from our education system have included harnessing the atom, claiming the high ground in space, and curing previously fatal diseases. But now, because of our failure to adequately fund education, tuition is skyrocketing. Graduates who wish to reach for achievement are anchored to Earth by thousands of dollars in debt. For us to also allow interest rates to double on these student loans is morally unacceptable and economically foolish. To paraphrase President Truman: the extra bucks stop here. Let's stop the student loan interest rates from doubling July 1. Stop the political games. Let's support American students to attain their highest achievements.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to be removed as cosponsor of H.R. 1588.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the state of Israel, one of our country's great allies, on the 64th anniversary of its independence. On May 14, 1948, the people of Israel proclaimed the establishment of the sovereign and independent State of Israel. Shortly after, President Harry Truman signed the order recognizing this new Jewish State of Israel. Ever since, the United States and Israel have had an unshakeable relationship, bound together by common interests and shared values. As the great symbol of democracy in the Middle East, the people of Israel continue to prosper despite the on--going challenges they face. The Israeli people remain committed to achieving a lasting, long-term peace with their neighbors. We must continue to support Israel, and to ensure that the peace process moves forward. Today, I honor our ally and its commitment to democracy and freedom and offer congratulations to the State of Israel on the 64th anniversary of her independence.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Nurses For Newborns Organization, as they celebrate their 20th anniversary. Since 1992, Nurses For Newborns has served our most vulnerable citizens-newborn babies. As a nurse home visiting agency, volunteers help provide a safety net for families most at risk to help prevent infant mortality, child abuse, and neglect through home based programs that provide education, healthcare, and positive parenting skills. Services also include programs for teen moms and moms that are mentally and physically challenged, as well as referrals to medical, social or government services. Nurses visiting new mothers for whom poverty is the primary risk factor provide maternal depression, risk for domestic violence and child abuse and neglect screenings in the home. ``Medically fragile'' babies--those born prematurely, diagnosed with Down Syndrome or other genetic disorders, or who have been exposed to drugs or alcohol are afforded extra special care by volunteer nurses. Moms with intellectual or physical disabilities who need assistance with routine tasks like formula preparation and feeding; administration of medications or managing appointment schedules will receive support from Nurses For Newborns with more frequent home visits. Our citizens have rallied around this worthy organization. Churches, school groups, and businesses, and community members routinely donate clothes, toys, diapers, blankets, car seats, baby beds, and formula to the Nurses For Newborns organization, for families in need. Evidence based outcomes of the hard work of Nurses For Newborns staff and volunteers are impressive. Ninety-nine percent of babies whose parents are enrolled in the program do not suffer from abuse or neglect; 89 percent are current with immunization schedule; 99 percent have established a medical home for their babies, and 99 percent are not unnecessarily hospitalized. I thank Chief Executive Officer Melinda Ohlemiller, her staff, and all of the volunteers who have made Nurses For Newborns the effective and vitally important organization that it is today. Because of their compassion and hard work, all St. Louis area babies can have the best possible start and the brightest possible future.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. When I entered public service, I promised I would never forget those Americans who built this Nation. They educated my generation, passing on a better, stronger country than they inherited. Nearly 50 years ago, Congress passed Medicare, and President Lyndon Johnson signed it, with former President Harry Truman and Bess Truman sitting at his side. America promised that if you worked hard, we would not forget you in your golden years. We promised that health care bills would not drag seniors into financial ruin. The Republican budget breaks that promise. It tells our parents and grandparents to fend for themselves, and it ends the Medicare guarantee. The promise that I made, that this country made, and that I demand this Congress uphold, is that we treat seniors like national treasures and not national burdens. The Republican budget fails that promise to America's seniors.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. I rise today in strong opposition to yet another lame, shortsighted extension of our surface transportation system. I thank Nick Rahall and Peter DeFazio for their staunch support of a real transportation-jobs bill. This kick-the-can-down-the-road extension fails--it fails--to make progress in rebuilding America just at the time when our construction season is starting off this year. Our States and our local governments need certainty to invest, to plan, to build America's infrastructure; and this ninth--yes, ninth--short-term extension only extends the uncertainty this Congress has repeatedly created. In a bipartisan fashion, by a vote of 74 22--rare in the Senate these days--they passed a responsible 2-year, 2 million jobs bill that is a better path for the American people and the economy. This includes an estimated 36,500 jobs in my home State of Missouri. The construction sector and especially our building trades have been particularly hard- hit by this recession, with 1.9 million jobs lost at the depth of the recession. Currently, there are 1.4 million unemployed construction workers. Let's put them back to work. I sit on the Transportation Committee where, 6 weeks ago, the Republican majority passed out a completely partisan transportation bill for the first time in history. Their bill would kill over a half a million jobs and cut investments in 45 States and in the District of Columbia, and it was dead on arrival in this House. So it is no surprise that here, 6 weeks later, we have not seen any action on the floor, because there is no support for their job-killing proposal. Now we're delaying again with yet another extension instead of taking up a true compromise passed by our colleagues in the Senate. I was proud to be an original cosponsor when the Senate bill was introduced in the House as H.R. 14, and it's time the House take up that bipartisan bill. Let's pass it. Let's send it to the President. Infrastructure is a national and urgent priority, and this body needs to start treating it that way. Infrastructure is one of the few areas where virtually everyone except the isolated, out-of-touch Republican majority agrees on what we need to do. From the Chamber of Commerce to the AFL CIO to everyone's transportation leaders back home, let's pass this bipartisan bill. Let's send it to the President's desk before the current transportation programs expire. It will bring the certainty that State and local governments need, that our construction industry, that our building trades are yearning for, are hungry for. They are hungry to go back to work. I call on my colleagues to reject yet another short-term extension and pass H.R. 14, a 2-year, 2 million jobs bill to rebuild our crumbling infrastructure and put Americans back to work.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize William H. Schneider, a World War II veteran and devoted family man. Born on August 9, 1919 in St. Louis, Missouri, he lived in North St. Louis for his first 50 years until moving to Florissant, MO where he spent the next 30 years of his life. The son of military parents, Mr. Schneider honorably served our country during World War II. While in the U.S. Army during WWII, Mr. Schneider was in the Philippines on a Navy ship that was present at the Japanese surrender. At the end of his service, he was honorably discharged. He took his work ethic to Complete Auto Transit, which was later part of Ryder trucking, where he worked for almost 45 years. He worked a variety of jobs over the course of his career, oftentimes working overtime to provide for his family. And it is his family that will be his greatest legacy. He is known as a devoted and loving husband to his widow, Helen, and his current wife, Nita. His five children, twelve grandchildren, and five great- grandchildren have each known him as a caring and dedicated family man. It is with great pride that I get to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Schneider today.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lemay Fire Protection District Chief Neil J. Svetanics, who is marking his 50th year of fire service in 2012. Neil Svetanics was born in 1940 in the Water Tower area of North St. Louis. He left high school early to enlist in the United States Marine Corps, from which he was honorably discharged in 1960. Mr. Svetanics became a member of the St. Louis Fire Department in 1962, where he quickly rose through the ranks. He was named chief in 1986, becoming the youngest chief in the department's history and the first to hold a college degree. Mr. Svetanics held the position of chief for over 13 years, becoming the third longest serving fire chief in the St. Louis Fire Department's storied history. Under his leadership, the Department established a City/County Mutual Aid Policy, promoted a record number of minorities to leadership positions, and hired the department's first women members. Mr. Svetanics was selected by the International Association of Fire Chiefs as their 1998 ``Fire Chief of the Year,'' and he retired from his post the following year. Chief Svetanics also received the 2001 Lifetime Contribution to the St. Louis Fire Department Award. In 2002, Mr. Svetanics became the Chief of the Lemay Fire Protection District, a position which he still holds today. To date, Mr. Svetanics has dedicated over 50 years of service to fire departments in and around St. Louis, the majority in positions of great responsibility. Mr. Svetanics has dedicated much of his life to serving the St. Louis community, and has been deservedly awarded numerous honors from various organizations ranging from the public, the not-for-profit, and private sectors. Mr. Svetanics is the President of the St. Louis Firefighters Memorial Statue Fund, the Founder and past President of the Baden Neighborhood Improvement Association, former Chairman of the United Way of Greater St. Louis Government Division, President of the St. Florian Society, a former member of the Board of Directors at the American Red Cross, and a member of the board of the St. Louis Backstoppers, the Mathews-Dickey Boys' Club, the Salvation Army, and the American Red Cross. Mr. Svetanics is celebrating another anniversary this year along with his wife, Judy Spreng. The couple celebrated their 50th anniversary in January with their wonderful family--children Maureen, Katie, Amy, and Lisa, four sons-in-law, and eight grandchildren. I thank Chief Svetanics for his service to his family, community, nation, and to his beloved firefighters all over the St. Louis Metropolitan Area.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, on this two year ``check up'' of the Affordable Care Act, I'd like to share with you some real life examples of how this important legislation is helping Missourians not only stay healthier personally, but improve the health of their small businesses as well. Last week I took part in a workshop for small businesses, to help arm them with solid information on how the Act can help their bottom line. Lew Prince is a co-owner of Vintage Vinyl, a St. Louis record store. It's a landmark. He's been in business for some 30 years and he's always provided health insurance for his employees. BUT, he said for the first time EVER, his health care costs went down, went DOWN to the tune of 25 percent. With the money he saved, he was actually able to give out a few raises, and he's hired a couple of new people. The Act has also made a difference for the Wells Family. Sharon Wells and her husband Russell have dealt with inordinate expense for his medicine for Parkinson's disease for years. Thanks to the donut hole coverage provided in the Affordable Care Act, Sharon tells me they have more money in the household budget now for groceries and gas, maybe even a movie from time to time. Even though these are just two small examples, they contribute to the overall ripple effect of the profound difference this law is making in real people's lives all over the country. In closing, when it comes to helping Americans be more healthy, the Affordable Care Act is precisely what Americans needed. Let's not do anything to interrupt this healthy course of action.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of International Women's Day. For more than 100 years, this important day has recognized the critical roles and contributions women play worldwide. International Women's Day reminds us of how far we've come and of how far we still need to go in order to achieve gender equality worldwide. Women continue to face serious challenges across our globe, particularly with access to health care, education, and economic opportunity. Women also are overwhelmingly the targets of human trafficking and gender-based violence. Today, women and girls are disproportionately burdened by extreme poverty, making up 70% of the world's one billion people who live off less than $1 per day. Here at home, we celebrate March as Women's History Month. The focus this year is ``Women's Education--Women's Empowerment'' which clearly reflects the goals of furthering gender equality worldwide. And it is no coincidence that one leads to the other. When women and girls have access to educational opportunities, their subsequent empowerment allows families and entire communities to flourish. And evidence shows that when these untapped agents of change are empowered to engage in the political process, governments are more effective and responsive to the needs of their people. For real progress in women's rights, we must take a comprehensive approach to combat all barriers to women's equality--physical, psychological, educational, economic, and cultural. Let's use this International Women's Day as an opportunity to reignite our commitment to gender equality here at home and around the globe.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Bosnian people as they celebrate the 20th anniversary of Bosnia and Herzegovina's independence. As a founding member and cochairman of the Congressional Bosnian Caucus and having the distinct honor of representing a growing, vibrant community of Bosnian Americans in St. Louis, Missouri, one of the largest Bosnian American communities in the U.S., I'm pleased to recognize Bosnian Independence Day with my constituents and the people of Bosnia. Yesterday, our caucus cochair, Representative Chris Smith, and I had a meeting with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to discuss progress and continued challenges in Bosnia. I'm encouraged that the elected leaders have begun to do what is in the best interest of their country: to form a government, to begin to pass laws that will help put Bosnia on a path to membership in NATO and the European Union. In the face of tremendous challenge, Bosnia has made great progress over the past 20 years, but there is much more to be done. Yesterday, I urged Secretary Clinton to continue active U.S. involvement in the country and to strengthen U.S. support for the Bosnian people as they embark on a wide range of needed reforms. I'm proud to represent thousands of Bosnians in the St. Louis region. It's with great pride that I continue to stand with them today and offer a hearty congratulations on the 20th anniversary of independence.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the start of Women's History Month, which starts tomorrow. This month gives us all the opportunity to recognize the important and glass ceiling-shattering work women across our country and around the world have done and continue to do. Despite the tremendous progress that has been made over the past century towards gender equality, more still needs to be done. Over the last 14 months, we've seen the rights of women come under attack again and again in this body. Though I firmly believe in encouraging healthy debate, the attacks that we have seen are an affront to the rights and health of women around this country. That's why I was so heartened by the recent compromise on contraceptive care. While I have deep respect for the religious and moral beliefs of all Americans, I am pleased with this compromise because these guidelines increase access to contraceptive services for women while respecting religious liberty. It protects the beliefs and health of all American women and families. In the spirit of Women's History Month, I ask that we put an end to this partisan bickering and focus on achieving better women's health.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to bring the important issue of earthquake awareness to the attention of the members of the House. February is Earthquake Awareness Month in Missouri. My district lies within the New Madrid Seismic Zone, the nation's most active earthquake zone east of the Rocky Mountains. Every year there are more than 200 small earthquakes in this region and there have been earthquakes as strong as magnitude 7.0 in the past. These natural disasters aren't predictable so we must remain vigilant in our preparation for and awareness of the hazards associated with earthquakes. This month I had the opportunity to speak with high school students from my district about what they are doing to prepare themselves for an earthquake. On February 7th they joined other students from 414 Missouri schools in the 2012 Great Central US ShakeOut. We discussed how the students can prepare their schools and homes for an earthquake and they told me about their experience practicing an earthquake drill. The safety of our children is of the utmost importance and schools play a key role during disasters so when they are well prepared the whole community benefits. The Saint Louis University Earthquake Center is a world leader in the field of earthquake seismology. I had the opportunity to tour this facility and to learn about the groundbreaking research they are doing. As part of this year's Earthquake Awareness Month, Saint Louis University hosted a seminar entitled ``Earthquakes: Mean Business'' that focused on disaster preparedness and business continuity planning. The St. Louis Science Center also hosted an Earthquake Awareness Day to introduce our citizens to the science behind earthquakes. I applaud the citizens and businesses of the St. Louis region for their vigilance in preparing for earthquakes and I encourage our continued investment in studying and preparing for these potentially devastating natural events.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, on March 1, Medicare physician payments will be slashed by 27 percent, badly impacting seniors' access to health care. We must act now to make sure that doesn't happen. A few months ago, I had the opportunity to speak to World War II veterans from Missouri who visited Washington to see the memorial to their service. They spoke to me about how, during their crisis, Americans pulled together to meet the great challenges of their time. That's the can-do attitude we need now. We should stop using the lives and health of our seniors as political bargaining chips. Plain and simple, paying doctors for doing their job, keeping seniors' access to health care should not be a partisan issue. It should be an American value we can all rally around. I call on my colleagues to work together to keep access to Medicare services strong. That's an American value.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, a few weeks ago, I proposed a simple challenge to my constituents back home in St. Louis. I said: Tell me your ideas for creating more jobs and economic opportunity in 2012, and I'll compile them and not only take them back to Washington but work to turn your ideas into action. I want to thank the over 600 Missourians I heard from, each offering many of their own commonsense solutions to help our economy continue to grow. I want to share their message on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives today. Their message was a clear consensus that we need to invest in our infrastructure, make things here in the U.S., bring manufacturing jobs back from overseas, educate and train our workforce for 21st century opportunities, and work together for the good of the country instead of pulling our country apart at the seams. My constituents in St. Louis are deeply concerned that our communities will be left behind in this new global economy if we don't act now, right now, without delay. As Joseph C. expressed best: Missouri is a great State, but I'm afraid it will be left behind, and manufacturing jobs will go elsewhere. Chris K., from St. Louis, sent me an email saying: What would help my personal economic situation and those of many others would be a greater investment in our Nation's infrastructure. Joseph P., from St. Louis, commented: Investing in our infrastructure and educational systems will not only create jobs but will also result in long-term economic benefits for the entire Nation. Karen M. said: We need to realize how important good carpenters, plumbers, electricians, bricklayers, secretaries, and caregivers are in the long scheme of things. We need to encourage and applaud these jobs. As Kevin N. put it: We need to invest in infrastructure for communications and transportation because public infrastructure is the greatest catalyst for economic development. To create jobs, Diane M. said: I have long thought that the unions and small businesses that require special skills should provide apprentice programs to students, which would give hope and possibility through real skills to thousands of students who would not be exposed to these trades otherwise. And Christine A. echoed this sentiment by saying: I believe it could be helpful to increase job training opportunities in our high schools. We need to pull together to create economic opportunities across this country and for the good of the country. Marilyn B. wrote to me: Personally, I'm really frustrated with both sides of the aisle not being willing to work together for the good of all. As a Member of Congress, I pledge to work with my colleagues to see that these great ideas from America's heartland are developed further. By working together and reaching across the aisle, I'm confident we can grow jobs and economic opportunity across this country. I look forward to using these commonsense ideas to build a blueprint for putting our economy back on track, to turn these great ideas into action.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the hard work of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. They recently celebrated their 175th anniversary of serving those in need. Dedicated to a mission of unity and reconciliation, nonviolence and peacemaking, the Sisters have worked tirelessly to make the St. Louis community a better place. Sisters of St. Joseph celebrate 175 years in the United States. Having arrived from France in New Orleans in March 1836, the first six sisters traveled up the Mississippi River to reach St. Louis. They spent some time learning English and then opened their first mission in Cahokia, Illinois, in April, 1836. On September 12, 1836, they moved into a log cabin in Carondelet, a small village south of St. Louis. Today, the Sisters continue their social justice work in the Carondelet neighborhood in South St. Louis City. They serve in a variety places and work in an array of areas, such as health care, child care, deaf education, youth ministry and adult education. Our community, state, and country are beneficiaries of the mission and work of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, and I am proud to honor them and their work today.