Joe Courtney

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of one of eastern Connecticut's most dynamic leaders, Ruth Cole-Chu of Salem, who passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2009. Ruth was born in Hweli, China where her parents were serving as Baptist Missionaries. After returning to the United States, Ruth attended Wheaton College in Illinois where she received her bachelor of arts in speech communications. She later attended Golden Gate University School of Law in San Francisco where she received her law degree. Ruth was a devoted wife, mother, and public servant. She was also an attorney and an education consultant. As an active member of her community, she participated in various local boards and commissions. She served 6 years as a member of the Board of Education, including a term as chairwoman, where she fought tirelessly to expand opportunities for the students of Salem. While she began her career as an attorney, it was as an advocate for children that Ruth truly made her mark. Ruth believed that school communities should be a place where children from all walks of life could grow and learn. She was an unwavering advocate for multiculturalism and diversity, and it was with that in mind that she founded the Inter-district School for Arts and Communications, the ISAAC Charter School. Since 1997, the ISAAC school has offered a unique educational experience for students in southeastern Connecticut where they can learn about the importance of diversity and the value of community service. Ruth's belief in compassion and open-mindedness is a message that she carried to all she met. It is a spirit that lives on in her own children, Emily, Hannah and Lily. While her compassion for all children marked her legacy, it was the love that she had for her own children that defined her life. We in eastern Connecticut are blessed to have had such a dedicated public servant and those of us who knew her are blessed to have had such a friend. We will take solace in her memory and the example that she set for thousands of young people across our State. To Lee, her beloved husband, and the entire Cole-Chu family, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Robert ``Red'' McKeon on being inducted into the Connecticut Firefighters Hall of Fame. There is perhaps no one more worthy of such an honor than Red. Red has been a leader in his community for over 60 years. In 1944, Red joined the Occum, Connecticut Volunteer Fire Department. Red served in various roles within the department before becoming fire chief in 1960, a position he held for 34 years. Red was not only an active and committed fireman, but he was also a pioneer. During Red's tenure, he ensured that Occum's department led the way in improving the life saving services which they provide to the people of eastern Connecticut. Occum was the first department in the state of Connecticut to employ two-way radio communication in fire trucks and other emergency service vehicles. Occum was also the first department that employed a computer to develop the skills of its first responders. In 1970, Red founded the Occum volunteer ambulance service to provide the residents of Occum access to state-of-the-art emergency services. Red has also been a pioneer in taking care of his fellow first responders. Red led the charge for establishing a pension system for volunteer firefighters. Despite putting their lives in on the line every day, volunteer firefighters do not receive a pension in recognition of their service. Red worked with State and local leaders in Connecticut to establish a program that allows local communities like Occum to establish retirement programs for volunteer firefighters. Red has demonstrated his commitment to our first responders at the State, national and even international levels. After serving in the Connecticut State Firemen's Association since 1944, he was elected State President by his fellow firemen in 1977 and 1978. In 1991, Red became the national chairman of the National Volunteer Fire Council, the largest volunteer firefighter organization in the country, and served in the post until 1994. His leadership within that organization and at home in Connecticut received further recognition when the Council chose him as the National Firefighter of the Year in October 1999. Along with this award, Red was presented with a certificate for $2000 from Scott Health and Safety. In keeping with his unselfish nature, Red announced that he would donate the proceeds to the North Carolina Relief Fund to help fire departments that were devastated by Hurricane Floyd. Red has also been generous enough to share his talents and expertise with the world. Red served as a representative for the United States at the World Federation of Firefighters meetings in Argentina, Denmark, Indonesia and Japan and is an active member of the International Society of Fire Service Instructors. After a lifetime of service to his community and his fellow first responders it should come as no surprise that Red would be chosen as an inductee to the Connecticut Firefighters' Hall of Fame. This latest recognition is one that is well deserved, and I applaud my friend Red for receiving this prestigious award. We in eastern Connecticut are lucky to have such a fine public servant.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Bob Munson and the employees of Munson's Chocolates which is headquartered in Bolton, Connecticut. During the recent holiday season, I had the privilege of visiting Iraq and Afghanistan with a Congressional Delegation led by Representative Gene Taylor of Mississippi and witnessed first hand the important work being done by the men and women of our armed forces. Our group spent time meeting with civilian and military leaders serving on the ground in each country. The holidays are always a difficult time for the men and women of the armed forces as they are away from their loved ones. One of the things that they will tell you makes this time of year a little easier is to enjoy some of the comforts of home. Thanks to Bob Munson, President of Munson's Chocolates of Bolton, the men and women of the 890th Engineer Battalion and the 926th Engineer Brigade, Multi-National Division currently serving in Baghdad were able to enjoy a sweet reminder of home. A few days before Christmas Congressman Taylor arranged for 2,000 pounds of shrimp gumbo to be served to the battalion and Munson's donated almost 600 Connecticut made chocolate bars for dessert. This gift is just another example of the generosity of the Munson family, who for generations has been active supporters of the military community. The Munson family of employees is no stranger to the heartache families endure while their loved ones are serving overseas. During my visit to the Munson factory, I had the honor of meeting Kay Doherty. Kay's son Stephen recently returned from a tour in Iraq. As Kay can attest, the holidays are an extremely difficult and trying time for military families which is why this generous gift is so timely.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, Carol Girard of Voluntown, Connecticut, is an inspiration to all of us. Last year a devastating fire forced Carol, her husband, Thomas, and family from their home and into a camper in the shadow of the home's charred remains. After that loss, Carol suffered the ultimate tragedy when her husband, Thomas, and their son, Marc, drowned in Connecticut's Green Falls Pond. This week the television show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition answered Voluntown's call for help. Today, where her house once stood, a new home, a new life and restored hope have arisen for Carol and her surviving children, Lucas, Hannah, Jacqueline and Adam. Hundreds upon hundreds of volunteers have poured on to the site this week making the construction of a new beautiful home possible. In particular, Home Designs by Bruno of Colchester, Connecticut, deserves America's thanks for coordinating this effort. In honor of the great work of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and the Girard family, I join all of Eastern Connecticut in saying ``Move That Bus!''

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, for nearly 6 decades Thomas Wolff built a legacy in Connecticut that included a prolific business career, leadership in academic and political communities, authorship of countless books and articles, and extensive philanthropic endeavors. His legacy has touched countless lives and will continue to inspire generations to come. While his passing brings great sadness to our community, reflecting on the memories of this extraordinary man brings solace to those in mourning. Thomas was born in New York City in 1928. In 1949. he moved to Vernon, Connecticut, and married his high school sweetheart, Bette. Following service in the Korean war, Thomas attended the University of Connecticut and graduated cum laude with a degree in economics. Shortly after, he would translate these studies and an uncanny business sense into a lifelong, successful business career. In the late 1950s, he launched Wolf-Zachin and Associates, a successful insurance firm that has remained a fixture in Connecticut's business community. The firm, now called the Wolff Group, is currently headed by his three children, Gary and Greg Wolff and Debi Davis, as well as his grandson, Keith Wolff. In 1969, Thomas launched Vernon Publishing Services, Inc., a publishing company that created training manuals and presentation binders for professionals in the insurance industry. His work in the insurance industry would define him as one of the most respected and knowledgeable leaders in the field. Highlights of his career include president of the Connecticut Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, president of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advsors, chairman of the board of Life Insurance Underwriters Training Council, and recipient of the International Insurance Society Gold Medal for Excellence. Additionally, Thomas served on the Vernon Board of Education, UConn's University Foundation Board, and was a member of Vernon's Town Council. He also brought the Big Brothers and the YMCA to Vernon, was the president of the Rockville Rotary Club, and endowed countless UConn programs and campus amenities. Beyond these numerous accolades, contributions, and achievements, Thomas was a devoted family man and friend to many in our community. His wife, Bette, whom he married in 1949, was his closest confidant for nearly 6 decades. The outpouring of love and support from his wife, children, grandchildren, and extended family reflects the strong bond that they shared. Thomas lived an extraordinary life, filled with personal and professional vigor and he will be greatly missed. I ask my colleagues to join with me and my constituents in honoring his life and offering condolences to his family.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the exemplary history of public education in the town of Killingly, Connecticut. This year, the town of Killingly celebrates the 300th anniversary since its incorporation in 1708. Equally inspiring, it celebrates the 150th anniversary of its public education system. The development of public education in Killingly has been a microcosm of the region, the state of Connecticut, and country as a whole--it is a model of progress. From a time when providing free education to the public was a visionary innovation to a time when teacher shortages plagued the country when teachers were drafted to serve in World War II, Killingly's education system persevered and thrived. The mission outlined by the town of Killingly for its school system includes as a high priority fostering citizenship in our Nation's next generation. Moreover, Killingly's contribution to citizenship is not confined to the classroom. I was proud to see pictures of the high school marching band in a Veterans' Day parade. Killingly's commitment to community and progress is certain to continue to energize its education system for another 150 years. I am pleased to see Killingly's strong commitment to education, evolving over many generations. I know Connecticut will continue to benefit from Killingly's progress for generations to come.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, Michael Tobin was an exceptional academic leader, a devoted and loving family man, and friend to many. While his passing brings great sadness, the memories of this extraordinary man bring solace to our community. Early in life, Michael attended the University of Connecticut, where he was an active participant in ROTC. Following graduation, he entered the Air Force and served as a Second Lieutenant. He subsequently earned his PhD from the West Michigan University and would go on to teach at Southern Connecticut State University. Between 1976 and 1992, Michael was a professor at Southern Connecticut State University. During his tenure, he taught educational leadership to students from our community and communities across the Nation and abroad. His professional work inspired countless students and instilled the qualities that we need in our future educational leaders. Beyond these professional achievements, Michael was a devoted and loving family man. In his passing, the love shared by his extensive family reflects the strong bond that he shared with each. Throughout these journeys, Michael called Vernon, Connecticut his home since 1963. He was an excellent neighbor and even better friend and his presence will certainly be missed. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me and my constituents in honoring his life and offering condolences to his family.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the career of Girard Bastien, an outstanding member of our eastern Connecticut community. After six decades of service in the Baltic Fire Department, in Baltic, Connecticut, Girard will commemorate his retirement with family and friends on October 25, 2008 with a celebratory dinner. As a veteran of World War II and the Korean War, Girard's commitment to public service began early in life. In August 1948, between service in WWII and the Korean War, Girard joined the Baltic Fire Department and launched a lifelong career that would span six decades. During his career, Girard achieved the rank of Deputy Chief, was a member of the New London County Fire Chiefs' Association, and served as the Sprague Tree Warden between 1954 and 1990. Additionally, Girard was the head of the Baltic Fire Department kitchen and orchestrated weekly bingo event in recent years. Support from his wife of 62 years, Jeanette, as well as his sons, Dennis and Edward have made his career a long and fruitful one. Madam Speaker, Girard's lifetime of public service has and will continue to inspire our eastern Connecticut community, and I ask my colleagues to join with me and my constituents in recognizing and celebrating this service.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding educator from my district, Norma Fisher-Doiron, Principal of Southeast Elementary School in Mansfield, Connecticut. This year, Norma has been recognized by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) with the 2008 National Distinguished Principals award. Since 1984, the National Distinguished Principals Program has recognized educators from communities across this nation and abroad who are committed to academic excellence. To be eligible for this award, educators must incorporate of communal and parental involvement in student curriculum. Educators must also display the use of tailored educational programs that facilitate academic success for all students. For 15 years, Norma has served as the Principal of Southeast Elementary School in Mansfeld Center, Connecticut. Although the Southeast Elementary School community is widespread, Norma was successful in reaching out to all comers of the area to win support from parents and community leaders to reinforce personal and academic success from Southeast Elementary students. During her tenure, Norma has also prioritized with her students character building--including appreciation and respect of others--a positive attitude, and coping skills. On October 16th and 17th, Norma will join 61 other honorees from across this nation and abroad, in Washington, D.C. to celebrate this recognition. While in Washington, the honorees will participate in a U.S. Department of State reception and a White House briefing. Madam Speaker, the success of our education systems relies on the strength and passion of our academic leaders. Norma has exemplified these characteristics, and I remain confident that she will continue to contribute to successes in our public education system. I ask my colleagues to join with me and my constituents in recognizing Norma's contributions and celebrating her award.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, let me take this opportunity to recognize the outstanding military service and contributions to our country of Commander Gerald Nereus Miranda, Jr., U.S. Navy--known to us all as Jerry--on the occasion of the completion of his assignment as Deputy Director of the Navy Congressional Liaison Office for the U.S. House of Representatives. A native of San Diego, California, Commander Miranda is a 1990 graduate of the University of California at San Diego. He received his commission at the Navy's Officer Candidate School at Newport, Rhode Island that November. After completing his initial submarine training, he earned his submarine ``gold dolphins'' in 1993. He served aboard USS Portsmouth (SSN 707), USS Florida (SSBN 728), and as Executive Officer aboard USS Key West (SSN 722). He also served with Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) at Fort Bragg, North Carolina and was a key member of a Joint Special Operations Task Force battle staff while stationed in Iraq, supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Following his Executive Officer tour, Commander Miranda was selected to serve as Deputy Director, Navy House Liaison in February 2006. In this highly visible tour, he assisted in the passage of vital Navy budget legislation during the 109th and 110th Congresses. Additionally, he planned, executed, and led 42 congressional and staff delegations across the globe that included meetings with various world leaders in support of America's national security policy. Over the past two years, Commander Miranda has been a fixture in my office. His expansive knowledge of the Navy's policies and priorities, especially his experience in the submarine force, has helped me advocate for the needs of my constituents and my district. Whether it was answering questions from my staff about submarine policy, coordinating congressional delegation trips to Groton or simply taking the time to stop by the office to check in, Commander Miranda has always been a ready and accessible resource. His professionalism, resourcefulness and dedication to the Navy and our Nation has proved invaluable to me and my colleagues, and he has truly set a high bar for those who follow in his position. I am proud to say that Commander Miranda has become a valued friend to me and my staff, and we will miss having his counsel and support here in Congress. As Commander Miranda prepares to leave Capitol Hill to serve as a commanding officer of a United States Submarine, I ask all my colleagues to join me in thanking Commander Miranda and his family for their tireless contributions to a grateful nation and in wishing them the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, stigmas surrounding mental health illness have negatively impacted disease acceptance, and in turn, access to quality care and treatment. For too long, members of our eastern Connecticut community and Americans across our nation have suffered the consequences of these inequalities in our health care system. Today, we have the opportunity to ease access to quality care and treatments for those with mental illness by passing the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (H.R. 6983). In 1996, the Mental Health Parity Act codified the first national mental health parity requirements, mandating that annual and lifetime dollar limits on coverage for mental health treatment be no less than those for physical illness. While this legislation marked a monumental achievement with improving access to mental health care and treatments, more must be done. Throughout the 110th Congress, the House and Senate have worked on mental health parity legislation that will extend coverage requirements beyond those established in the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996. The Mental Health Parity Act (S. 558) introduced in the Senate and the Paul Wellstone Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (H.R. 1424), which I cosponsored in the House, both extend coverage mandates to include equity in copayments, deductibles, as well as in- and out-of- network coverage. On March 5, 2008 and September 17, 2007, the House and Senate respectively passed H.R. 1424 and S. 558 with bipartisan support. The Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act reflects a compromise between the House and Senate bills, and more broadly, an equitable standard for mental health care coverage. Mr. Speaker, nearly one in four Americans suffers from a diagnosable mental disorder. By passing the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act we recognize the prevalence and seriousness of mental health illness as well as the need for expanded coverage. I ask my colleagues to join me in voting in favor of this critical legislation.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Chairman, this is the ultimate friendly amendment to this very solid bill, on which I commend the gentleman from Maryland for his leadership. Based on Mr. McKeon's positive comments earlier, I should probably make this very short and sweet. In a nutshell, what this amendment does is it encourages organizations that apply for this environmental education grant program to describe on their application for Federal grants how they have partnered or how they intend to partner with a State or with a local park and recreation department. As was mentioned in the earlier colloquy, Park and Recreation Departments all over the country already are very involved in environmental education programs, and that certainly holds true also for State park systems. In Connecticut, we actually have a program, by coincidence, called the No Child Left Inside Program, which was instituted in 2006 by the Republican Governor of Connecticut, Jodi Rell, and by her outstanding commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection, which again is following exactly the same mission that Mr. Sarbanes' bill is following, to encourage children to get outside, to experience nature, to learn about nature, and to hopefully stimulate an interest in environmental science, which again, as has been said many times here during the earlier debate, is an important way to make sure that we get children engaged and involved in science, technology, engineering, and math, which the education committee has spent many hours wrestling with because we clearly have an educational system which is not producing enough scientists and engineers to meet the workforce challenges of our country. The Connecticut program utilizes State park systems which, again, are perfectly established right now to provide trained personnel, transportation equipment and programs funding to again provide a very solid and an enriching experience in nature. They work together with school systems in a variety of programs. The Appalachian Connection program, which again uses the Appalachian Trail which goes through Connecticut, works collaboratively with school systems to bring children out to the Appalachian Trail. It's just an extraordinary part of Connecticut's environment. In Bolton, Connecticut, they have the geography in October program. In Preston, Connecticut, there is a recycling program, which again is operated through the No Child Left Inside Program. There are many examples of where working in collaboration between the State's park system and local school boards has really, again, provided a perfect model and an example of what this legislation seeks to achieve. The National Recreation and Park Association and local parks departments all over the country have endorsed this amendment. It's a ``may'' not ``shall'' amendment, so it is purely voluntary in terms of encouraging local school districts to participate. In conclusion, I just wanted to comment on some of the prior discussion regarding the energy needs of this country and how come we are taking up a bill like this. In my State, where we have an active nuclear power plant that provides 40 percent of the power of the State, we build nuclear submarines in my district, if you talk to people in the industry, an industry which in America has not built a nuclear reactor since 1973, in fact the biggest challenge is not financing or national energy policy, because we have over 20 new applications for new nuclear reactors before the NRC today. If you talk to the people in the industry, their biggest challenge is human capital, that the average age of a nuclear engineer in this country is over age 55. Because of that gap, which has existed because for a million different reasons, if we are really serious about promoting nuclear power as an avenue in the future, and with the cap and trade debate that is looming on the horizon in the future I believe it is going to be part our energy portfolio, the fact of the matter is we have to get serious about getting kids engaged and involved in science and engineering. And Mr. Sarbanes' legislation is all about that. It is exactly focused on the real energy needs that we have in this country, which is to create the scientists and engineers that are going to provide the solutions in all of the above avenues. Madam Chairman, with that, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of Chairman Peterson's bill, which is a logical follow-on to Tuesday's energy bill that had two goals: number one, to bring immediate relief to consumers; and, two, to bring long-term solutions to America's energy challenges. This bill will go a long way to bring accountability to the price of a critical commodity, oil, which is the lifeblood of our economy. The facts are clear, before energy commodities trading was exempted from CFTC oversight, about 70 percent of the energy futures trading was done by energy companies, 30 percent was done by speculators. Today those numbers are reversed, and the trading volume has increased sixfold. As an old friend of mine, who has been in the scrap metal business in Willimantic, Connecticut, for 30 years said, commodity markets were never intended to be investment markets. Yet that is what they have become, and consumers and small businesses cannot keep up with the huge price swings occurring every day with no apparent connection to supply and demand. These huge price swings have a direct result on my constituents in eastern Connecticut who are facing dire circumstances if home heating oil remains at high and unstable prices this fall and winter. It is time that Congress took additional steps to make sure that all markets, including foreign boards of trade, operate with CFTC oversight. We must bring transparency and stability to energy trading. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Americans With Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA), S. 3406. I want to commend Majority Leader Hoyer and Chairman Miller for moving this bill so quickly after Senate passage late last week. As the Education and Labor Committee said in its report on H.R. 3195, this bill provides ``an important step towards restoring the original intent of Congress. The scope of protection under the ADA was intended to be broad and inclusive. Unfortunately, the courts have narrowed the interpretation of disability and found that a large number of people with substantially limiting impairments are not to be considered people with disabilities.'' Unfortunately, the ADA has been misinterpreted by the courts resulting in a narrow view of those eligible to receive certain reasonable accommodations including individuals with learning disabilities. Historically, certain individuals with learning disabilities seeking accommodations in higher education--including high stakes exams--have seen their access to testing accommodations severely undercut by testing companies not willing to consider and support that learning disabilities are neurologically based, lifelong disabilities that may exist in students with high academic achievement because the individual has been able to cope and mitigate the negative impact while simultaneously being substantially limited in one or more major life activities. Too many individuals with documented learning disabilities, including dyslexia, are denied access to easily administered and often low-cost accommodations that would make the critical difference in allowing them to demonstrate their knowledge. These amendments to the ADA do not provide any special treatment, but rather, ensure that each individual with a learning disability has every opportunity to apply for and receive a reasonable accommodation so he/she can move forward in his/ her chosen educational and career paths. This bill continues to reinforce what we stated in our bipartisan committee report, that ``the determination of whether an impairment substantially limits a major life activity is to be made on an individualized basis.'' There should be no attempt to discriminate against a class of individuals based on any one disability. For example, people with dyslexia are diagnosed based on an unexpected difficulty in reading. This requires a careful analysis of the method and manner in which this impairment substantially limits an individual's ability to read, which may mean a difference in the duration, condition or manner of reading--for example, taking more time--but may not result in a less capable reader. Together, we can ensure that the ADA is accurately interpreted to provide access to accommodations for those that have appropriately documented disabilities. By supporting and fostering the academic potential for these individuals, we reap the benefits when talented, ambitious and creative individuals are able to fulfill their education dreams and contribute in a meaningful way to our society.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, in December, Senator McCain admitted that he is not an economic expert when he stated ``The issue of economics is not something I've understood as well as I should.'' He went on to say, though, that he had Alan Greenspan's book. Well, clearly, Senator McCain should listen to Greenspan, who called this week's financial news a once-in-a-century type of financial crisis. Unfortunately, Senator McCain was not listening because his response to the catastrophic economic events of this week was ``the fundamentals of our economy are strong,'' and he called for the oldest, lamest Washington trick in the book--the creation of a study commission. We don't need a commission to know that 600,000 Americans have lost their jobs in the last year, that the median income for working Americans has fallen over $2,000 a year over the last 8 years. Those are not strong fundamentals. Mr. Speaker, at a time when every economic expert agrees that our economy is in crisis, we need someone in the White House who is ready and willing to act now to fix it, and clearly, that person is not Senator McCain.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 1335, introduced by my friend and colleague Mr. Hodes, which rightly celebrates the 120-year partnership between Government and State veterans homes. State Veterans Homes are a critical part of the care our veterans receive after serving our country. In my State of Connecticut, the State Department of Veterans Affairs has provided care for Veterans and their dependents for 144 years, since the opening of Fitch's Home for Soldiers and Their Orphans in Darien, Connecticut on July 4, 1864--the first such facility in the Nation. In 1940, the Fitch home became the Connecticut State Veterans hospital and was relocated to Rocky Hill, Connecticut, where Connecticut veterans today continue to receive a spectrum of care and assistance they so urgently need from dedicated professionals and volunteers. In just a few weeks, Connecticut veterans will benefit from the opening of the first major new facility in Rocky Hill in over 65 years. The new veterans care facility will provide modern, state of the art care for Alzheimer's and hospice patients. From the new rooms that provide patients with long-needed privacy, to expanded lounge areas and family dining facilities that allow veterans to spend time with their families in a private and comfortable setting, the new facility will ensure that Connecticut veterans receive the dignified treatment they deserve. This exciting improvement was made possible by a strong Federal commitment to the State Home Construction Grant Program, which for 44 years has helped States like Connecticut meet the ever- increasing needs of our veterans by investing in long-term capital improvement projects. I had the honor of visiting the Rocky Hill facility just this past weekend, where I attended Stand Down 2008. This one-day event is an annual outreach and support program that helps needy and homeless veterans to receive services and information from over 30 State, Federal and private organizations all assembled in one location. During my visit, I observed countless volunteers from organization across the State helping needy and struggling veterans receive a variety of services, including medical screenings, dental exams, legal assistance, housing referrals, assistance with Federal VA benefits and disability claims, job counseling and training, financial assistance and debt counseling; education programs and services and everyday necessities such as free haircuts, clothing and supplies. At last year's Stand Down, 750 needy veterans came to Rocky Hill to receive assistance. This year, that number is expected to reach 900 or more, an increase largely fueled by the growing needs of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as the impact of the economic downturn on our neediest veterans. Our State Commissioner of Veterans Affairs, Dr. Linda Schwartz, has helped bring new life into this yearly event, making it an effective way to ensure that veterans have access to the services and care they need. Under her leadership, Connecticut is stepping up to ensure that no veteran who has served their Nation is left behind. Yet, as gratifying as it was to see veterans being helped at Stand Down, the growth in the number of veterans taking advantage of the event is a stark reminder of how much more our Nation must do to ensure that our promise to those who have served is fulfilled. I ask all my colleagues to join me in thanking the countless professionals at the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs, volunteers and organizations that came together at Connecticut's Stand Down in helping to make a difference in the lives or our veterans.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the leaders of the Energy Efficiency Caucus, Representatives Mark Udall and Zach Wamp, for spearheading the Congressional Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Expo. More than 50 businesses from around the country will demonstrate their sustainable energy technologies. Energy efficiency must be the cornerstone of our energy policy because it affords our country the ability to decrease demand for oil and other energy sources, thus reducing our overall energy consumption and increasing our national security. Congress must enact incentives to make sure that these technologies flourish. As I travel across Connecticut's Second Congressional District, I have seen first-hand the innovation that businesses, school districts and families are employing to reduce their energy costs and reduce energy emissions. Earlier this week, I attended a House field hearing in Hartford, Connecticut, at which the leaders of General Electric and United Technologies Corporation, both headquartered in Connecticut, discussed their energy efficient technologies. These two companies, like the ones exhibiting at the EXPO, have developed a variety of products for all sectors of the economy. At the same time, these companies are also seeing their own energy consumption and costs lowered as they embrace energy efficient technologies internally. I encourage my colleagues to stop by the EXPO in the Cannon Caucus Room on Thursday anytime between 9 a.m.-5 p.m. It is an opportunity to see innovation first-hand.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Montville Polish Club. On August 30, 2008, the club will commemorate 75 years of history with a night of celebration including traditional pierogi, kielbasa, and kapusta and Polish dancing. In the midst of the Great Depression, John J. Smith, Sam Onuparik and John Emilyta, conceived the idea for a regional Polish-American club to help connect and empower citizens of Polish descent in Montville, Connecticut and surrounding communities. In 1932, with the help of Walter Walenczyk, these men were able to garner support from 33 additional members of the community. In October of that year, the Montville Polish Club convened their first meeting in the Papyis Hall in Uncasville, Connecticut. In a time of great financial uncertainty, the Montville Polish Club offered hope and opportunity through continuity for members of the Polish community in eastern Connecticut. For newly arrived Polish immigrants, the club offered opportunities to acclimate to American life, providing English lessons, assistance with employment, and fellowship. For established Polish-American families, the club offered opportunity to preserve native cultures and traditions. Today, the club remains an integral part of the eastern Connecticut community, hosting picnics, plays, parties, and dances. The club has also proven a civic leader, sponsoring countless youth organizations. Madam Speaker, 75 years ago the Montville Polish Club was founded by a few Polish men with great hopes of bringing their community together. Today, with over 500 members, the club's continuity remains as strong as ever. I ask my colleagues to join with me and my constituents in recognizing and celebrating the Montville Polish Club's 75th anniversary.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, from 2001 to 2006, the cost of higher education exploded in this country. It went up 40 percent, destroying the dreams of too many young people and damaging our economy. During that time period, the Congress turned a deaf ear to that issue. The Pell Grant program had been basically frozen, and the interest rates for the Stafford Student Loan Program incredibly was increased. Last year, under Mr. Miller's leadership, we passed the College Cost Reduction Act which addressed those two problems. This year we are finally addressing a piece of legislation that was 5 years overdue, the Higher Education Reauthorization Act which, as the prior speakers have said, will do many good things in terms of holding colleges and universities accountable for high costs, and also cleaning up unethical lending practices which had cropped up, and many students, so desperate to find access to money, fell victim to. I urge support for this conference report which, again, has been long overdue for 5 years, and applaud the leadership of Mr. Miller, Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Hinojosa in leading the Congress in a new direction.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6578, the Consumer Energy Supply Act, which would require a 70 million barrel exchange of light oil from the SPR in exchange for heavier crude at a later date. I introduced similar legislation in May 2008 to exchange 50 million barrels of light crude oil. I believe, it is critically important to use the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, SPR, to address our national energy crisis. The SPR was created to protect the United States from oil supply disruptions and is now more than 97 percent full, its highest level ever. Unfortunately, the Energy Department's Energy Information Administration announced on July 23, 2008 that non SPR crude oil stocks are down more than 55 million barrels from a year ago and distillate stocks are only a few million barrels above last year's levels. As I travel around Connecticut's Second Congressional District and meet with my constituents, I hear from families, school administrators and businesses about their concerns with high energy prices. While gasoline prices continue to hover above $4 per gallon in eastern Connecticut, residents and heating oil dealers are also concerned about the price and supply of heating oil this year. At an April 2008 hearing before the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, Melanie Kenderdine, with MIT and formerly of the Energy Department, testified that an exchange of 50 million barrels of light crude from the SPR ``could be expected to temporarily drive down oil prices without appreciably reducing the insurance value of the SPR in the near term.'' In 2000, when heating oil stocks were low, the Administration undertook an exchange of 30 million barrels of oil from the SPR and the impact on prices was immediate. All of the oil was refined, despite worries about refining capacity, and crude oil prices dropped almost 20 percent. In addition, there were sufficient heating oil supplies that winter. We need more oil on the market now to bring down the price of crude oil and gasoline and before the cold New England winter sets in. That is why I introduced my legislation and why I recognize that even more oil is needed on the market than my bill required. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6578.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding academic leader from my district, Randall Collins, Superintendent of Waterford, Connecticut public schools. On July 24, he will be inducted as the 2008-2009 President of the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) in a ceremony to be held in St. Louis, Missouri. For the past 18 years, Randy has dedicated his personal and professional life to the children, teachers, and faculty of the Waterford public school system in eastern Connecticut. Prior to joining the Waterford public school system, he was Superintendent of Easthampton, Massachusetts public schools. Over the course of his career, Randy has served as the President of the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents, Co-president of the New England Association of School Superintendents, and has been awarded with numerous accolades including Connecticut's 2002 Superintendent of the Year. Under Randy's leadership, four Waterford schools will also undergo a ``green overhaul'' to integrate green technologies such as geothermal heating and cooling pumps in the schools' infrastructure. The AASA is a national association of educational professionals that advocate for improvements in our public education systems as well as for the advancement of children's issues. As President of the AASA, Randy will guide these objectives in a national context. Over the coming year, he will serve as Chairman of the AASA's national convention in San Francisco, travel to Peru to speak with the country's Ministers of Education, and discuss national educational priorities with members of Congress. Madam Speaker, the success of our education systems relies on the strength and passion of our academic leaders. Mr. Collins has exemplified these traits and I remain confident that he will spark the same passion for children's education in his colleagues at the AASA. I ask my colleagues to join with me and my constituents in recognizing his significant contributions to public education and welcome him as the new AASA President.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of an outstanding citizen and constituent. Margaret Sullivan Wilson of Norwich, Connecticut passed away on Saturday July 12th. I want to take this opportunity to express my condolences and offer my prayers to her family, as well as honor her service to her community. After graduating from Willimantic State Teachers' College and getting her Masters in Education from the University of Connecticut, Peg Sullivan returned home to Norwich, Connecticut to begin a teaching career. After 44 years of dedicated instruction--from elementary school to college--she retired as an Executive Dean at Eastern Connecticut State University, where she was honored in 2006 by the dedication of the Margaret S. Wilson Child Family Development Complex. Her retirement from teaching did not end her tireless commitment to helping others. Peg was the President of the Thames Valley Council for Community Action; President of the Connecticut Mental Health Association; founder of Norwich, Connecticut's Head Start program; and in 2004, she founded the Norwich Historical Society. She also served on the Blue Ribbon Commission for the University of Connecticut Health Center, the White House Conference on Children and the National Commission to Reduce Infant Mortality. She also dedicated herself to the change she believed would help her compatriots. She served on the Norwich Board of Education, the Democratic Town Committee and as a delegate to the 1968 and 1972 Democratic National Conventions. Her dedication to early childhood education and educational reform of all kinds did not go unnoticed. She was honored by the Norwich Citizen of the Year Award in 1970 and Natchaug Hospital Lifetime Achievement Award in May of this year. Peg Wilson will live on through the memory of her achievements and the achievements by those she inspired. Peg, we in Congress honor your great service and you will truly be missed.

Mr. COURTNEY

Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.