Russ Carnahan

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, at this time of his retirement, I rise to honor an outstanding citizen of Missouri and St. Louis, Joseph J. Hunt. Joe's life and career fully embody the American values of concern for his fellow citizens, untiring determination, and sincere love of family. Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, Joe Hunt joined the Iron Workers Local Union No. 396 and became a Business Manager. His leadership and commitment to serving others were recognized by his fellow union members and led to numerous positions, including General Organizer, President of the Iron Workers District Council of St. Louis, and General Treasurer. In 2001 and again in 2006, Joe was elected General President of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers. Among his many accomplishments was the creation of the Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust, a partnership between ironworkers and management. His fortitude, ability, and dedication to others were recognized by those outside of the iron workers community as well. Joe was elected a Vice President at the AFL-CIO, appointed to the labor-management coalition PRIDE, and elected Chairman of the Union Labor Life Insurance Company. Joe has always showed a genuine and humble ambition to make things happen for the betterment of others: good jobs, fair wages and benefits for the working men and women of America. Joe Hunt has also been a consistent force for community progress at both the regional and national level. His efforts as a Commissioner of Lambert St. Louis International Airport, a member of the Missouri Atomic Energy Commission, a Trustee of the Arch Mutual Fund, Chairman of the National Stack and Chimney Committee, and Board Member of the Maria Droste Home, among many others, demonstrate a commendable aspiration to serve St. Louis, Missouri, and our entire Nation. Joe's life has been distinguished by a deep devotion to his family. He and his wife Jan have been married for 47 years and raised four children. Joe has also been blessed with nine loving grandchildren. Bonded together by the affection of Joe and Jan, the entire family has chosen to live in St. Louis. Throughout an illustrious career, Joe Hunt has successfully worked for the good of others and has had a significant positive impact on many. Joe Hunt's years of steadfast loyalty to the union movement, his community, his Nation, and his family reflect the ideals of love, loyalty, and devotion; individual traits of the private citizen leader that has made America great.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and acknowledge the St. Louis Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Founded in 1911, the St. Louis Society for the Blind has served the St. Louis community for the past 100 years. In those 100 years, they have been an asset to our city's blind and visually impaired citizens. They serve over 1500 individuals each year, providing them with training, vision rehabilitation, and educational and support services; not just at home, but in their community and place of employment. The Society does not limit their assistance to adults with visual impairments. They are also invaluable to the education of our visually impaired youth. Working within our public schools, the society facilitates learning, not just at an academic level, but at a personal level as well. They give our children the skills they need to have the independence and self-esteem that is so vital to the development of a child. I want to thank the Society for all of its contributions to the people of St. Louis, and its continued efforts to make St. Louis a great place to live for the visually impaired. I know that the first 100 years were just the beginning, and that the next 100 will be just as successful.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Brain Awareness Week and the benefits of this informative week in educating students on brain science in my congressional district and across the country. During Brain Awareness Week, which is held March 14-20, neuroscientists around the globe educate K-12 students, senior citizens and the public at large on the wonders of the human brain. These activities include tours of neuroscience laboratories, museum exhibitions and classroom discussions on the elements of the human brain. In my congressional district, neuroscientists at Washington University recognized Brain Awareness Week during their annual NeuroDay on March 5. Nearly 5,000 of my constituents walked through the St. Louis Science Center to learn about brain research and treatments in the area. The daylong event included exhibits called Hands-on Human Brains, The Buzz about the Electric Dish, Spying Tips from Horseshoe Crabs, The Teenage Brain on Prism Goggles, and The 6th Sense. Today, in recognition of Brain Awareness Week, I would like to highlight a devastating neurological condition that affects millions of Americans: Multiple Sclerosis, MS. As a co-chair of the Congressional Multiple Sclerosis caucus, I understand firsthand how this devastating and chronic disease can rob people of their ability to walk, talk, or even tie their shoes. Today, MS is the most common central nervous system disease among young adults after epilepsy and is a lifetime ailment of unknown origin that affects more than 400,000 Americans. MS is diagnosed mainly in individuals between the ages of 20 and 50, with 2 of 3 cases occurring in women. Although a cause has yet to be found, MS is thought to be an autoimmune disease in which the body's natural defenses react against the myelin and nerve fibers in the central nervous system as though they were foreign tissue. Mr. Speaker, both genetic and environmental factors are probably involved in the cause. Previous studies had suggested that MS susceptibility peaked before the age of 15; more recent, larger studies suggest that there is no exact age cutoff. Thanks to research conducted through the National Institutes of Health, NIH, and the National Science Foundation--our premier scientific enterprises--which continue to provide hope to the 50 million Americans who suffer from neurological disorders annually. For example, the NIH is leading the way to promising new treatments for MS. One NIH-funded study showed that so-called ``progenitor'' cells in the brain might be used to help regenerate areas of the brain that have lost myelin. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Brain Awareness Week and the contributions that scientists who study the brain and nervous system are making to understanding more about the onset of MS and the innovation of potential treatments that can more effectively ease the pain and suffering of individuals who grapple with this crippling illness during the prime of their lives.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day. Over 15 years has passed since Hillary Clinton famously declared in Beijing that women's rights are human rights. Since then, we have seen considerable gains in momentum surrounding the importance of women's empowerment, not only as a matter of equality--but importantly--as good development and national security policy. Nevertheless, despite the growing call for women's rights and elevation of their roles in decision-making processes, there is still much more progress to be made. Today, women and girls are disproportionately impacted by extreme poverty, making up 70% of the world's 1 billion people who live off less than $1 per day. While women account for over half of the population, they occupy slightly less than 19% of seats in national parliaments on average worldwide. They are vastly more vulnerable in the face of crisis; four of every five people displaced by war or natural disaster are women and children. Women continue to face broad challenges such as access to health care, education and economic opportunities, lack of legal rights and judicial process, and targets of trafficking and sexual and gender-based violence. While the world's women face daunting obstacles, they are also the most promising and untapped agents of change. What has become increasingly clear is everyone benefits when women and girls have access to equal educational, political, and economic opportunities. When women are free to earn a living--as farmers, entrepreneurs, business owners, etc.--they make their families and communities stronger and more secure. When women and girls have access to educational opportunities, their empowerment allows families and entire communities to flourish and prosper. And evidence shows that when women are empowered to engage in the political process, governments are more effective and responsive to their people. The world simply cannot achieve lasting peace and prosperity if half of the population is not empowered. For real advancement in women's rights, we must take a comprehensive approach that combats all barriers--physical, economic, socio-cultural, psychological and otherwise--to women's equality. On this 100th Anniversary of International Women's Day, let us celebrate the strides we have made in advancing women's rights, and therefore, human rights and human progress. Let us also reaffirm our commitment to continue these gains until women and men, girls and boys, have equal opportunities to realize their hopes and dreams on every corner of the globe. I have also included a statement on behalf of Peace X Peace, a nonprofit organization dedicated to lifting women's voices, strengthening women's capacity to connect across divides, promoting leadership and gender equity, and nurturing the global network of peacebuilders. On this 100th anniversary of International Women's Day, Peace X Peace (www.peacexpeace.org) stands proudly for peace and justice in solidarity with women around the world, especially those who are engaged in the struggle for human rights. We stand with all those who uphold the right of women and men to self-expression, self- determination, and a decent standard of living for themselves and their families. We stand for the efforts of all women to have an equal voice and representation in their communities and nations. We stand for connection, not division: for building bridges of understanding across every divide. We celebrate the power of mothers, sisters, and daughters to nurture the feminine in themselves and others, to remind us that we win when we win together and we all lose when we practice violence, revenge, demeaning the 'other' and spreading fear of those who are different from ourselves. Women by every name have the same message, and it's our message too: Love and respect one another, and win peace by peaceful means--voice by voice, peace by peace.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I voted for a 2-week compromise to keep our government's most vital programs running while we negotiate an agreement to cut the deficit without hurting our fragile economic recovery. Why? Because a government shutdown would profoundly hurt all Americans, and we need time to work together to avoid that. Fifteen years ago, a hyperpartisan Congress shut down our national government for ideological reasons and furloughed over 8,500 jobs in my hometown of St. Louis. And just this morning, the St. Louis Post Dispatch reported that a shutdown could put as many as 38,000 people out of work in our region. Let's have a serious and spirited debate about cutting redtape and duplication and finding common sense solutions. Let's focus on the priorities of the American people: creating jobs and cutting the deficit. We should do so by looking at three principles. Will it create jobs? Will it help the middle class and working Americans and our retirees? And finally, will it lower the deficit? I hope my colleagues will join me in passing a funding resolution that meets these essential goals. Our constituents deserve no less.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning in strong opposition to the Republican spending plan that would hurt Missouri families that I represent and make it harder for police to keep our neighborhoods safe. In St. Louis, we learned yesterday that a $4.6 million budget shortfall for our city's police department might not be covered, which would cost the city 65 active duty officers. Now, some in Congress are talking about slashing critical programs like the COPS program and pulling over 1,300 police officers off the streets. I'm in favor of a vigorous debate here on cutting red tape and finding commonsense solutions to our Nation's challenges, but eliminating the essential police officers from our streets would put families at risk. Americans still want this Congress to take up a jobs agenda. Instead, we're debating what's been called ideologically driven cuts that kill jobs. We live in an era of divided government and shared responsibility for America's future. I look forward to working with members of both parties to make tough choices before us and to finally be able to take up the jobs agenda that our constituents need.

Mr. CARNAHAN

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

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I offer a motion to recommit.

Mr. CARNAHAN. I am opposed to it in its current form.

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, we just spent the past 2 days telling committees to do their jobs. Why aren't we focusing on creating jobs, creating jobs for the American people? Let me be clear: I'm in favor of a strong and vigorous debate here on cutting redtape and finding bipartisan solutions to our Nation's problems. But to pretend that commonsense oversight measures to protect families and businesses are inherently burdensome with no benefit fails to acknowledge the reality of the financial disaster that was brought upon this country on Wall Street. It fails to acknowledge the disaster of the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. It fails to acknowledge toxic toys and drywall coming into this country. It fails to acknowledge the increase in deadly food-borne illnesses from lax oversight of our food safety system. And it fails to acknowledge what the American people want us to work on right now, and that's creating good jobs to support their families. I believe that we all want what is best for the people we represent, although we often have different ideas about how to get there. But to structure a debate that is so one-sided, that attempts to gloss over the very events that created this recession, is not serving the American people. Let's look at the entire picture. I will be offering a motion to recommit that will ensure we place a high priority on protecting the safety of America's food supply, safe drinking water, and the safety of children's toys in this country. This is, and should be, an essential function of our Nation's government. Just last year, cadmium, a known carcinogen, was found in amounts in excess of 90 percent in children's bracelets imported from China. This stuff happens far too often, and without strong oversight and commonsense regulation, American children would continue to be put at risk. I don't believe any of my colleagues here are against protecting public health and ensuring that we are doing our duty as elected officials to protect our constituents. That's why I'd like to reach out to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle and ask them to join us, join us in this motion to recommit which will instruct House committees to make the health and safety of our families a priority also. Preserving commonsense safety standards is just as important as reforming overly burdensome regulations. Let's work together to help create the environment that protects our citizens. Let's move quickly to the jobs agenda that Americans want and deserve. Americans are still waiting for this House to take up the jobs agenda.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this bill that would hurt small businesses in Missouri who are finally gaining access to affordable coverage for their employees. Since 2010, the health care coverage among small firms has increased by more than 12 percent. If this bill passes, those small business owners will lose the tax credits that are providing up to 50 percent of their health care costs. Many of them will have to drop the very health insurance they have just now been able to provide their employees and their families. These are real people, people like Michelle Barron, who owns an independent book store in Rock Hill, Missouri. She used to be able to afford coverage for her employees, but over the years couldn't keep up. She had to drop her employees and finally drop her own coverage because of preexisting conditions. Last year when the health care bill was signed into law, new options opened up for Michelle and countless small business owners like her. But if we repeal health care, it will turn back the clock for small business owners like Michelle. Insurers would be able to go back to denying coverage for preexisting medical conditions, and small business owners would lose the tax credits that are helping make health care coverage affordable. We cannot go back to the bad old days of insurance company control. This is not the time to step backwards.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and lift up in our prayers my friend and colleague from Arizona, Congresswoman Gabby Giffords; the dedicated public servants on her staff and the citizens engaged in the most fundamental practice of our American democracy-- meeting with their Representatives at a Congress on Your Corner public event. In the aftermath of this horrific attack, we have learned a lot about the lives and actions of the victims and heroes of last Saturday. They reflect the very best of America. Gabby not only spoke out regarding the importance of government by the people, but she lived it every day. Last week, I sat here on this floor of the House, in line with Gabby and our colleagues, as we read the U.S. Constitution. The section that she read from this very podium was the First Amendment, which protects the right of the people to peaceably assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. I remember thinking to myself what an ideal section for Gabby to read because of her great example as an engaged public servant and as truly being a Representative who stays close to the people. This resolution before us today is necessary and appropriate but, by itself, will not be long remembered. What will be remembered is our resolve, our unified national resolve, to stand against extreme and divisive rhetoric and against building barriers between citizens and their Representatives that would weaken our democracy and diminish our way of life. An attack on one citizen, while engaging in our representative democracy, is an attack on all citizens and the very foundation of our democracy. Let us resolve, in honor of all the victims in Tucson, that every Representative and every citizen continue to meet on corners across America to work through our differences, to find common ground and to make progress working together. To Gabby and every person impacted by this tragedy, we resolve today to always be in your corner.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Signers of the Constitution. George Washington, President and Deputy from Virginia. Delaware: George Read, Gunning Bedford, Jr., John Dickinson, Richard Bassett, Jacob Broom. Maryland: James McHenry, Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, Daniel Carroll. Virginia: John Blair, James Madison, Jr.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, this week, the world lost a legendary diplomatic figure and master peace negotiator. Ambassador Richard Holbrooke may no longer be with us, but his presence is timeless, as he leaves behind the invaluable lessons of his life's work. Among his many accomplishments as statesman and steadfast advocate for greater stability throughout the world, Ambassador Holbrooke's most famous contribution to the mission of global peace was his role as chief architect of the Dayton Peace Accords, ending more than three years of bloody war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Up against deep-seated multi ethnic and religious divisions, a war-torn economy, and lacking government infrastructure, his unwavering commitment to establishing a peace worthy of America's name was fundamental to leading the accords to successful resolution. As the United States considers a new way forward to reinvigorate Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations, Ambassador Holbrooke's memory serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with persistent engagement, pragmatic diplomacy, and impassioned belief--not only in the necessity for resolution, but also in the ability for differing peoples to come together in the name of a common humanity. The United States remains unwaveringly committed to ensuring Israeli security and its future as a Jewish democratic state, both as a moral imperative and as a crucial strategic relationship. While we have worked to maximize Israel's security, through military partnership and sanctions aimed to prevent Iranian nuclear capabilities, the fact remains, however, that Arab-Israeli tensions pose very real threats to Israeli and regional stability. Now is the time to ever more fervently pursue resolution to the issues that stand in the way of peace: borders, security, settlements, refugees, and Jerusalem. As Founder and Co-Chair of the American Engagement Caucus, I firmly believe that U.S. leadership is paramount to the success of peace negotiations, and we must make a strong push for a negotiated two-state solution that allows for substantial buy-in from Israelis, Palestinians, and the international community--unilateral actions will only serve to deteriorate progress and deter future collaboration. Let us call on the lessons of Ambassador Holbrooke's work and the strength and resilience of all those affected by conflict in Bosnia to pursue a lasting peace between Arabs and Israelis.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, on the occasion of her retirement, I rise to honor a great citizen of Missouri and the City of St. Louis, Beverly Buchheit. Beverly is a shining example of what our Founders envisioned for America: an engaged and spirited citizen, active in the affairs of her Nation and her community. Beverly has been a valued member of my staff for over 5 years as a liaison to the City of St. Louis and specialist on senior issues. Beverly has dedicated her life to helping others, shown by her commitment to service to the public schools of the City of St. Louis as an educator, administrator, and community leader. She also served as an elected official, our Democratic committee woman, in the City of St. Louis for over 30 years. Beverly Buchheit is a woman of strong faith and family. She is a long-time member of the Messiah Lutheran Church of St. Louis. She and her late husband, Valentine ``Wally'' Buchheit, were married for almost 32 years and raised three children: Dennis Buchheit, Patricia Wood, and Donna Schaeffer. Beverly also deeply loves her seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Bev, as she is known, is a friend to many. She is loyal to her Nation and to her beloved St. Louis and to her friends and her family. Her work, whether it be volunteering in her neighborhood or mentoring countless teachers, educators, and students she has touched and influenced, is a testimony to her reputation as an exemplary educator and citizen, faithful friend, loving mother, and good neighbor. I have relied on Beverly for counsel and advice throughout my political career, first as a State representative and now as a Member of this House. I am proud to call Beverly Buchheit a neighbor, a member of my congressional staff, but more importantly, I am proud to call Bev my mentor and my friend. I wish her well.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, I am sure that many of my colleagues rising tonight will want to pay tribute to Chairman Jim Oberstar of Minnesota, and every one of us will have a story or two about how the chairman moved what seemed like heaven and Earth in order to get things done for the people of this country. With smart investments in all modes of transportation, his accomplishments in public service have truly earned him the name ``Mr. Transportation.'' Well, here is one of my favorite Jim Oberstar stories. A few years ago, a group of people in Lemay in south St. Louis County had a tremendous economic redevelopment opportunity to turn a patch of dormant brownfields along the northern Mississippi River into great economic development. They had done everything right. They had researched all the background, they identified the most effective way to bring jobs, they had brought their community together to build consensus. But they had one big problem. They needed a road. They needed a road to somewhere that created thousands of jobs. Well, right now you're probably thinking that this story sounds pretty familiar. There are plenty of communities that would love the government's help to fund and build a road. Well, this road was being blocked because of red tape. And they needed help. Well, there's a phrase about things that are difficult in this country. They say, It's like trying to get an act of Congress. Well, getting permission to build this road actually took two acts of Congress; it never would have happened without Chairman Jim Oberstar. When I found out what was necessary to get the job done, I knew I had to talk to him to get his advice and his help, and with that we were able to break through the red tape to get that job done. A few weeks ago, I had the great pleasure to go back to visit just a few of the 3,000 people who now have good quality jobs because of Jim Oberstar's help. On behalf of those workers and myself, I cannot thank you enough for all you have done for this Congress, for colleagues, for people across this country; for helping America build a road to a better future. Thank you for your service, Jim Oberstar.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, attached is a amended support letter for S. 3250 which passed the House on Wednesday, December 1, 2010. A previous copy was submitted for the Record. High-Performance Building Congressional Caucus Coalition, December 3, 2010. Re Federal Buildings Personnel Training Act of 2010. Russ Carnahan, Washington, DC. Judy Biggert, Washington, DC. Thomas Carper, Washington, DC. Susan Collins, Washington, DC. Dear Representatives Carnahan and Biggert and Senators Carper and Collins: As the leading organizations involved in the design, construction, operation and maintenance of buildings, we applaud your continued efforts to improve our Nation's buildings. Thank you for your leadership and vision in the development and passage of H.R. 5112 and S. 3250, ``Federal Buildings Personnel Training Act of 2010.'' As you know, Congress and the President have established stringent goals for Federal agencies to achieve reductions in energy and water use and greenhouse gas emissions. Agencies also have additional needs related to other high-performance building attributes, including safety and security. Achieving these goals requires personnel engaged in the design, construction, operation and maintenance of federal buildings to have the appropriate skills and training. Federal agencies have long been looked to as an example of what can be done within the built environment. As the Nation's largest holder of real estate, the Federal government has the opportunity and resources to influence the development and implementation of building design, construction, operations and maintenance tools, technologies and practices. Federal buildings should serve as public showcases and leading examples of energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality (IEQ) through their design, construction, equipment, and operations and maintenance. As both public and private sector buildings become increasingly complex to meet our Nation's energy and environmental goals, personnel with the necessary competencies will be critical to achieving these goals. The undersigned organizations, thank you for your leadership on this legislation and are poised to provide the necessary training to achieve both public and private sector goals. We look forward to continued work with you in realizing the full potential of high-performance buildings. Sincerely, National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS); American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE); International Facility Management Association (IFMA); National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA); U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC); International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO); Federation of American Scientists (FAS); National Fire Protection Association (NFPA); International Code Council (ICC); Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association (PIMA); American Institute of Architects (AIA); Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA); United Association-- Union of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders and HVAC Service Techs; Green Mechanical Council; The Stella Group, Ltd.; Association for Facilities Engineering (AFE); Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA); National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE); Buildinglnsight, LLC; American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC); Green Building Initiative (GBI); Ecobuild America/AEC Science & Technology, LLC; American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA); Air- conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI); National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC); Center for Environmental Innovation in Roofing (CEIR); The Radiant Panel Association; Carbon Monoxide Safety Association (COSA); Educational Standards Corporation Institute (ESCO Institute); HVAC Excellence; Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Association (AC&R); Federal Performance Contracting Coalition; Sustainable Buildings Industry Council (SBIC); National Insulation Association (NIA); InfoComm International; Building Intelligence Group; Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors--National Association, Inc. (SMACNA); Architecture 2030; LonMark International; Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI); American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE); BASF; EIFS Industry Members Association (EIMA); Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors--National Association (PHCC); Johnson Controls; APPA: Leadership in Educational Facilities; International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD); The Vinyl Institute; Iluminating Engineering Society (IES); DuPont; Brick Industry Association; Association of Energy Engineers (AEE); Siemens; Bentley Systems; International Association of Heat & Frost Insulators and Allied Workers; Delphi; Ingersoll Rand; Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC).

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life of Allan Purdy who dedicated his life to removing financial barriers to higher education. His unprecedented devotion and leadership in making college education more affordable to all students will be remembered down through the ages. As a strong supporter of affordable higher education, I applaud Purdy's bold endeavor in ensuring that all students are assisted in achieving their higher education goals. Purdy was the founding president of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators and helped create the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority, spending 20 years serving on MOHELA's board of directors. He truly believed in putting the best interest of the students first. He worked to implement borrower benefit programs including loan forgiveness and low interest rates. I admire his tenacity and determination in that he played a key role in supporting and organizing student aid programs in which thousands of Missourians benefit. On October 14th, we lost a great education pioneer. Now is the time that, we must work together to ensure that Allan Purdy's legacy and commitment to serving students continues and that we work toward providing equal opportunities to students. Purdy will be forever remembered for his unwavering allegiance to building financial aid programs that would serve all students despite the college they choose.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. I rise today and join the Epilepsy Foundation in calling for Americans to Get Seizure Smart! Epilepsy awareness is critically important because Americans need a better understanding about the basics of the condition. For instance, people often characterize seizures as jerking and shaking uncontrollably. However, not all seizures cause convulsions. There are many different symptoms of seizures, which can include eye fluttering, staring and laughing. Recurring seizures can be a sign of epilepsy. Epilepsy awareness is critically important for public servants too. Because first responders are often called when someone is having a seizure, it's critical they have good information on which to act. And because epilepsy is common in children, educators, administrators and parents need to know how to respond in an emergency. For 40 years, the Epilepsy Foundation has been raising awareness and reducing the stigma associating with this condition. Specifically, I commend the Epilepsy Foundation of Missouri and Kansas in their efforts to ensure that people living with seizures are able to participate in all life experiences. They are working to prevent, control, and cure epilepsy through research, education, advocacy, and services. I urge my colleagues to Get Seizure Smart! to help dispel the myths associated with epilepsy and empower those millions of Americans affected by this condition. We must work together to learn more about epilepsy and connect with our local Epilepsy Foundation to raise awareness in our communities.

Mr. CARNAHAN

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 3250) to provide for the training of Federal building personnel, and for other purposes.

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam 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 S. 3250.

Mr. CARNAHAN. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S. 3250. This bill has bipartisan sponsorships in the Senate by Senators Carper and Collins. It is the Federal Buildings Personnel Training Act. The legislation passed the Senate by unanimous consent, and it is identical to H.R. 5112, introduced by me and my Republican colleague, Representative Judy Biggert of Illinois. The bill also passed out of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on a voice vote. At a time when many people are tired of partisan gridlock here in Washington, I believe this legislation is a good example of what we can do when we work across the aisle to accomplish commonsense legislation that will safeguard taxpayer investments, will provide certainty to small business and, most importantly, will save taxpayers money. Madam Speaker, when we invest in our Federal facilities, we also need to invest in the people operating and maintaining them. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act included a substantial investment of $5.5 billion apportioned to the GSA to upgrade its facilities. In order to safeguard this substantial investment, I want to ensure that GSA and other Federal agencies have the tools necessary to properly maintain and operate these buildings at their highest performance levels. Late last year, a Government Accountability Office report found that a lack of proper expertise and training was a major challenge for the Federal Government in reaching its energy reduction goals. This legislation will fill the training gap. Most importantly, by filling the training gap, the Federal Buildings Personnel Training Act will save taxpayer dollars on operations and maintenance costs. The Federal Government currently consumes about 2 percent of the Nation's total energy, or about $17.5 billion in annual energy costs. The potential for cost savings here is huge. In fact, a recent study by the International Facility Management Association showed that for every dollar spent on facility management training, organizations reported receiving an average of $3.95 in return. If we are to be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars, in addition to investing in energy- efficient buildings, we must invest in the people maintaining those buildings so we can recoup the largest energy and cost savings possible. This legislation will help ensure that our Federal buildings are run in a way that maximizes their performance, assuring that they retain value throughout their lifecycles and that the taxpayer investments in these properties are both protected and leveraged to reap the cost savings involved with efficient operations and management. I want to personally thank the Republican cosponsor, my colleagues, Representative Pete Sessions and Representative Judy Biggert, for their support throughout this process. Representative Biggert and I cochair the High-Performance Buildings Caucus and we have continually advocated for the Federal Government to lead by example in high-performance building practices. I also want to give special thanks to Chairman Oberstar--for his long and distinguished leadership on this issue--and to Ranking Member Mica for their support to bring this bill to the floor. Madam Speaker, I would like to insert into the Record a support letter from over 50 of the country's leading building professionals, manufacturers, and small businesses. They are pleased to support this legislation and are poised to provide the necessary training to achieve both public and private sector goals. High-Performance Building Congressional Caucus Coalition, December 1, 2010. Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Minority Leader John Boehner, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Re: Federal Buildings Personnel Training Act of 2010 Dear Speaker Pelosi and Minority Leader Boehner: As the leading organizations involved in the design, construction, operation and maintenance of buildings, we applaud Congress's continued efforts to improve our nation's buildings. We are particularly pleased to support H.R. 5112/S. 3250, ``Federal Buildings Personnel Training Act of 2010.'' In the final days of the 111th Congress, we encourage passage of this important legislation--it has already passed the Senate by voice vote. As you know, Congress and the President have established stringent goals for Federal agencies to achieve reductions in energy and water use and greenhouse gas emissions. Agencies also have additional needs related to other high-performance building attributes, including safety and security. Achieving these goals requires personnel engaged in the design, construction, operation and maintenance of federal buildings to have the appropriate skills and training. This bill will provide federal agencies with these necessary tools with no significant impact on the deficit. Federal agencies have long been looked to as an example of what can be done within the built environment. As the Nation's largest holder of real estate, the Federal Government has the opportunity and resources to influence the development and implementation of building design, construction, operations and maintenance tools, technologies and practices. Federal buildings should serve as public showcases and leading examples of energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality (IEQ) through their design, construction, equipment, and operations and maintenance. As both public and private sector buildings become increasingly complex to meet our nation's energy and environmental goals, personnel with the necessary competencies will be critical to achieving these goals. The undersigned organizations representing the breadth of the building community including building professionals, manufacturers, and small businesses, are pleased to support this legislation and are poised to provide the necessary training to achieve both public and private sector goals. We look forward to continued work with you in realizing the full potential of high-performance buildings. Sincerely, National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS); American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE); International Facility Management Association (IFMA); National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA); U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC); International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO); Federation of American Scientists (FAS); National Fire Protection Association (NFPA); International Code Council (ICC); Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association (PIMA); American Institute of Architects (AIA); Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA); United Association-- Union of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders and HVAC Service Techs; Green Mechanical Council; The Stella Group, Ltd.; Association for Facilities Engineering (AFE); Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA); National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE); BuildingInsight, LLC; American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC); Green Building Initiative (GBI); Ecobuild America/AEC Science & Technology, LLC; American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA); Air- conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI); National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC); Center for Environmental Innovation in Roofing (CEIR); The Radiant Panel Association; Carbon Monoxide Safety Association (COSA); Educational Standards Corporation Institute (ESCO Institute); HVAC Excellence; Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Association (AC&R); Federal Performance Contracting Coalition; Sustainable Buildings Industry Council (SBIC); National Insulation Association (NIA); InfoComm International; Building Intelligence Group; Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association, Inc. (SMACNA); Architecture 2030; LonMark International; Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI); American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE); BASF; EIFS Industry Members Association (EIMA); Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors--National Association (PHCC); Johnson Controls; APPA: Leadership in Educational Facilities; International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD); The Vinyl Institute; Illuminating Engineering Society (IES); DuPont; Brick Industry Association; Association of Energy Engineers (AEE); Siemens. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the chairwoman of the Federal Buildings Subcommittee of Transportation, Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton.

Mr. CARNAHAN. I yield 1 additional minute to the gentlewoman.

Mr. CARNAHAN. I yield back the balance of my time.