André Carson

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer my congratulations to the Indiana School for the Deaf Baseball Team. Last month, they were crowned the national champions at the Hoy Classic in Fremont, California. Since the inception of this program four years ago, this was the first time that the Indiana School for the Deaf captured the championship title. I applaud the team for its exceptional performance. This was also the first time that they played on a Varsity Schedule. The team exemplified themselves at the tournament by finishing with a record of 4-1, defeating the host California School for the Deaf by 5- 3. This year's team was led by an impressive roster of talented athletes who were recognized for their outstanding sportsmanship. Pitcher Tyler Crace was named the Most Valuable Player at the event, with 16 strikeouts in nine innings. Tony Dall and Jose Mast were selected for the all-tournament team. I would also like to recognize Will Fetzer, Dylan Osbourne and Trevor Rouse as some of the top players throughout the competition. It is important to mention that this exceptional achievement would not have been possible without the dedication of first-year Head Coach, Rusty Crace and Assistant Coach, Steve Sorse. With their unwavering support, these coaches pushed the team to reach their full potential. Additionally, the dynamic faculty, staff and student body should be recognized for their enthusiasm and pride in their team. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating this outstanding baseball team, the coaching staff and the school for their marvelous achievement in winning the Hoy Classic championship title and distinguishing themselves as one of the best baseball teams in the nation.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Andrea E. Brooks of Indianapolis, Indiana. She passed away on April 25, 2009 at the age of 65. Andrea was a great leader and an inspiration to us all. As a government servant, Andrea dedicated her career to working with the Department of Veterans Affairs and as a labor activist to the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE). Her perseverance stemmed from the belief that unions play a necessary role in the fight for fairness and equal justice in the workplace. Over the course of 30 years, Andrea had led a brilliant career. She served as the National Vice President of Women's and Fair Practices Department at the AFGE. Before that Andrea was Chief Steward, then Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer, Executive Vice President and then President for ten years of the AFGE Local 490 at the Veterans Affairs Regional Office in Los Angeles, California. Andrea left behind a legacy of being a visionary activist. Her hope for the union was for it to be a leader for civil rights activism, protecting the rights and freedom of women, minorities and the disabled. Andrea's many accomplishments will continue to motivate everyone who was touched by her work. I extend my deepest condolences to her friends and family as they mourn her passing. My thoughts and prayers are with them all during this difficult time. Madam Speaker and esteemed colleagues, I urge you to join me in paying tribute to Andrea E. Brooks for her distinguished service to our Nation's workforce.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Christi Morse Gilbert for receiving the National Childcare Provider Award. Christi was honored today in the nation's capital for her unwavering commitment in providing high quality childcare services to needy children. As an educator, Christi was keen on understanding the disparities that existed amongst young children who struggled when they began grade school. To address this problem, she quit her job as an elementary school teacher to become a childcare services provider for children under the age of five. Her work focuses on preparing her charges with the cognitive, social, emotional and physical skills that they need to be productive. In order to achieve this goal, Christi has designed a dynamic curriculum that introduces children to the basics of mathematics and the sciences through fun experiments and hands-on activities. She has exposed her pupils to the different cultures around the world through music and other extracurricular activities. Christi is an accomplished woman who has opened her home and her heart to Indianapolis area families, so that our children are able to grow and learn in a nurturing environment. I applaud her for her dedication to ensuring that the needs of young children are met. Madam Speaker and esteemed colleagues, I urge you to join me in thanking Christi Morse Gilbert for her ceaseless efforts as an educator and childcare provider.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Sergeant Glen Ruegsegger for being named Police Officer of the Year by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. Earlier this month, he was honored as one of Indianapolis' finest officers in 2008 for the tremendous contributions he has made to his department. Under the leadership of Sergeant Ruegsegger, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department has been able to advance the use of technology so that law enforcement officers are better equipped with information while they are patrolling the streets. By utilizing his expertise as the director of the police technology department, Sergeant Ruegsegger has led the effort in developing a mechanism of sharing case information with other departments. The goal is to allow for effective and timely communication among law enforcement officers so that they can fulfill their duty to protect citizens. As a former law enforcement officer, I understand the importance of utilizing innovative systems that will have a positive impact on the lives of Indianapolis residents. I applaud Sergeant Ruegsegger on this significant achievement and wish him the best in his continued service to our city. I urge my colleagues to join me in thanking Sergeant Ruegsegger for his exceptional service and congratulate him on this distinguished award.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Deputy Kevin Vice for being recognized as Marion County's Sheriff's Deputy of the Year. Deputy Vice received this prestigious award for his courageous response to a gun shooting that took place while he was off-duty. Without any back-up support he deftly maintained his composure as he helped a wounded victim, reported a run-away vehicle, called for emergency help and detained two individuals who had been near the scene of the crime. Due to his heroic actions, a suspect was later arrested. Deputy Vice has worked with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and the Marion County Sheriff's Department, proudly serving the city of Indianapolis, Indiana as a law enforcement officer since 2001. In addition to his extensive experience, it was his training that made the greatest difference last June in contributing to his heroic efforts. In going above and beyond the call of duty, Deputy Vice has personified the best that Marion County law enforcement has to offer. I would like to extend my most sincere thanks to Deputy Vice for his courageous dedication to the safety of our community. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Deputy Vice for his outstanding service and wish him continued success in his work as one of Indianapolis' finest public servants.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Captain John ``Mud'' Medvescek with the Indianapolis Fire Department. On April 16, 2009, he was recognized as Indianapolis' 2008 Firefighter of the Year for his outstanding service to the city of Indianapolis. With thirty years of service with the Indianapolis Fire Department, Captain Medvescek has exemplified himself through his commitment to ensuring the safety of our community. As a member of the advanced rescue squad he has worked tirelessly and bravely to provide emergency response support to those in need. Through these experiences, Captain Medvescek has been able to generously share his wealth of knowledge, which has allowed him to play an invaluable role in training the next generation of firefighters. For decades he has bravely served on the front lines, selflessly fighting to save the lives of countless Hoosiers in the face of great danger. As a former law enforcement officer, I understand the true value of Captain Medvescek's dedication to our city and to the people of Indianapolis. Madam Speaker and distinguished colleagues, I urge you to join me in thanking Captain Medvescek for his tremendous contributions. He is a devoted public servant whose mentorship has served as a lasting legacy for those aspiring to pursue careers dedicated to protecting the lives of others.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Indiana Children's Wish Fund on its 25th anniversary and for its mission of fulfilling the dreams of children suffering from life- threatening illnesses. Children forced to battle terminal diseases rarely get to experience a normal childhood and are forced to grow up quickly. By granting their wishes, this organization seeks to bring a smile to these children's faces by bringing laughter, joy and normalcy to their lives. Since 1984, this organization has granted 2,000 wishes to Indiana children between the ages of 3-18. Each year, it assists approximately 140 children, many of whom are referred to the Wish Fund by hospitals, social workers and families from across the state. With the average cost of a wish being $5500, the Wish Fund would not have been able to provide these services without the generous support of its community. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Indiana Children's Wish Fund as it celebrates 25 years of service and for its commitment to helping children realize their dreams.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the faculty and students of Franklin Central High School for their dedication as dynamic and sharing members of their community. Earlier this month, FCHS students raised over $24,000 for Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, Indiana. The students raised the money at their inaugural dance marathon. This program was a six hour event with 325 students participating. In addition to the dancing, the dance marathon included a dodge ball tournament and a girl's basketball free throw contest that raised $6,000. The faculty and staff set an excellent example by raising an additional $3,500 to contribute to their students' efforts. All in all, the inaugural dance marathon was an extremely successful program that surpassed its intended goal of $15,000. The Riley dance program was originally established in 1991 in memory of Ryan White, an AIDS activist and Riley patient. Since the program's inception, thousands of Indiana's high school and college students have committed themselves to raising funds for Riley. It is a program that Riley has come to depend on to facilitate research and provide treatment to children in need of vital health services. I urge my colleagues to join me in thanking Franklin Central High School for their dedicated public service.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Natalie Wolfe for her brilliant career as a child advocate. She has distinguished herself through her dedication to ensuring that all children are afforded the right to quality childcare services. After losing her daughter due to the negligence of an unlicensed child-care provider, Natalie has committed herself as a driving force in the State of Indiana to increasing awareness about the need for child-care reform. As a result, she has helped establish the Indiana Association for Child Care Resource & Referral Better Baby Program. As a voice for thousands of parents who have suffered from similar circumstances, Natalie participated heavily in the passage of Reagan's Law. Earlier this month, Natalie represented Hoosier families in Washington, D.C. at the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies' (NACCRRA) National Policy Symposium. This conference allowed Natalie to meet with other child-care advocates and policy makers on the importance of passing sound legislation that protects and safeguards young children. I urge my colleagues to join me in thanking Natalie Wolfe for her dedicated public service. Her efforts should inspire us all to recommit ourselves to ensuring that the growing child-care needs of our nation's children are effectively met.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, today I rise in recognition of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. As we celebrate St. Patrick's Day, I would like to honor the Indy Sports Foundation for their continued dedication in civic engagement and preservation of the rich Irish heritage in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Indy Sports Foundation has done an excellent job of hosting the Annual Indianapolis St. Patrick's Day Parade and Celebration along with the Annual Shamrock Run/Walk. With nearly 2,000 participants and over 20,000 spectators, the Indy Sports Foundation celebrates the vibrant Irish culture and Irish contributions to American society. For the past 25 years, the Indy Sports Foundation has played an invaluable role in our community to promote athletics and youth engagement They have sponsored events such as the Special Olympic Camps, summer programs for disabled children, and provided mentorship for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Each year, the Indy Sports Foundation recognizes an outstanding individual who's dynamic and selfless contributions have impacted the public good. I would like to congratulate Pat Cronin, the first female to be named ``Indianapolis Irish Citizen of the Year.'' I thank her for her service to the Irish community and her ceaseless efforts to advance the philanthropic mission of the Indy Sports Foundation. I urge my colleagues to join me this St Patrick's Day in recognizing the Indy Sports Foundation for their ongoing involvement in the Greater Indianapolis community.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this legislation and extending the DTV deadline. As a father, I try and limit how much television my daughter watches. However, that does not mean that I want to completely deny her access to this very informative medium, but that's exactly what others would have us here believe. They would have us deny access to millions of Americans, Americans who rely on TV not only for their entertainment but for their safety. Mr. Speaker, two major winter storms have passed through my district in the past 2 weeks, and thousands of people stayed off the icy roads during these storms because of the winter advisory alerts that went out on our local TV affiliates in Indianapolis. By having access to these alerts, thousands of my constituents were able to remain safe. So I would implore the minority not to politicize this issue. This is a very serious issue that demands we act swiftly and responsibly. I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor Tony Dungy, head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, who after more than 30 years in football has announced his retirement. Mr. Dungy's stellar career in professional football began on the field, where he won a Super Bowl Championship as a member of the 1978 Pittsburgh Steelers. Years later, this experience led to his hiring as the youngest assistant coach in the NFL at the age of 25. His respectful coaching style and emphasis on both personal and athletic growth has made Mr. Dungy one of the most successful and well regarded coaches in the NFL. His unique coaching style led the Colts to seven consecutive playoff appearances, including a victory in Super Bowl XLI. In 2012, Indianapolis will host its first Super Bowl, in part because of the prestige that Mr. Dungy has brought to the Colts organization. Off the field, Mr. Dungy has been a nationally recognized community activist. Because of his unwavering support of teen mentoring, prison ministry, and other faith based community outreach programs, President Bush appointed him to the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating Tony Dungy on an incredible career and thanking him for his dedication to the highest level of sport and community service.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize the Lawrence Central High School Marching Band, whose 2008 success catapulted them forward as one of our nation's top high school marching bands. With hours of dedicated practice, the band developed a musical expertise and performance ability that led them to their first Indiana State Championship since 2000. Following this victory, they were invited to participate in the Bands of America Grand Nationals where they placed third. Lawrence Central's amazing season culminated with an invitation to the prestigious Annual Fiesta Bowl and Blue Cross/Blue Shield National Band Competition. Competing against the nation's best bands, Lawrence Central was crowned Grand Master Champion, the highest award available. The band's achievements would not have been possible without the highest quality band staff. Directors of Bands Randy Greenwell and Matthew James and their staff all served as excellent teachers and mentors to their band members. Additionally, all the Lawrence Central fans, and in particular the spirited student body, should be recognized for their enthusiastic support. I offer my sincere congratulations to the Lawrence Central Marching Band, their band staff, classmates and parents on their incredible success in 2008.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the thousands of uninsured children in Indianapolis, Indiana. In this recession, many of my constituents can no longer afford the skyrocketing cost of health care. Without checkups or medication for their children, they sit powerless. So, I implore those who oppose this bill to think of the uninsured children in their congressional districts. Should they be made to suffer from rising health care costs and an unstable job market? And should your constituents suffer because their children hang between Medicaid and private insurance? The answer to both of these questions should be an unwavering no. There are few opportunities in this body where the right decision is so obvious. Support our children by voting yes on SCHIP.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor Marco Dominguez, who as the station manager/anchor of WIIH-Univision for Indiana has become one of the most visible and influential advocates for the Latino community in Indianapolis. Marco began his Indiana broadcasting career as the director of productions for WTBU, Butler University's television station, before moving to WIIH, Indiana's only Spanish television station. Later, amid increasing racial tensions, he founded Community Link, a program devoted to Latino and African American news. This program has helped to bring awareness to the needs and achievements of minorities and has improved relations across the city. In 2004, the United States Small Business Administration recognized his successful work on behalf of the Latino community by nominating him for the Indiana Small Business Journalist of the Year Award. Marco's advocacy expands beyond broadcasting. Having developed a reputation for service, he receives thousands of requests for assistance from the Indianapolis immigrant community, which he diligently works to grant. Additionally, as an active member of organizations including the Indianapolis Press Club Foundation, Better Business Bureau, United Way Central Indiana Committee on Diversity, Latino Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence, and the Indiana Minority Health Coalition, Marco provides a strong voice for the needs of Latinos across Indianapolis. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Marco Dominguez, whose efforts have helped countless Latinos become an integral part of our city. He should serve as an example to community leaders everywhere.

Mr. CARSON

Mr. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today in support to H.R. 7221 in honor of my late grandmother, Congresswoman Julia Carson. My grandmother was a huge proponent of increasing homeless assistance to displaced families. Last year, she introduced the Homeless Emergency and Rapid Transition to Housing Act. She introduced this bill for children and families in need of assistance. This bill sought to implement more effective strategies for preventing homelessness and increasing emergency assistance for families in need. This bill before us today reflects a compromise between my grandmother's legislation and the Senate legislation. While I wish we could have gone farther in expanding the definition of homeless, this bill will provide critical assistance to families and children neglected by current law. I urge support of this bill and commend Congresswoman Waters, Congresswoman Moore, Congressman Davis, Congresswoman Biggert, Congressman Conyers and their staffs for their hard work on this legislation.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the 100- year anniversary of the Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana. I am fortunate to have such a hospital facility in my district. Over 100 years ago, on October 25, 1905, the cornerstone for Methodist Hospital was laid. Three years later, in 1908, the hospital was open to the public. Patient fees started at $7 a week and the hospital adopted a policy to care for the impoverished at no charge. Many things have changed since then. The hospital has grown in size and provides new services to fit the ever-growing needs of the city. But many things have stayed the same. The hospital's commitment to serve the disadvantaged and provide state-of-the-art, innovative medical care is as important a part of Methodist's mission today as it was 100 years ago. Methodist Hospital has always been on the forefront of health care. During the baby boom of the 1940s, it established the first premature birth station in the state. Methodist was the first Indiana hospital to perform open-heart surgery, in 1965. Seven years later, in 1972, its doctors performed the state's first kidney transplant. In 1982 the world's first successful heart transplant at a private hospital was performed at Methodist, followed 7 years later by the performance of the state's first heart lung transplant. Today, Methodist is one of only two adult regional Level 1 Trauma centers in Indiana. It houses an 899-bed facility and is one of the largest teaching hospitals in the Midwest. It runs the Indiana Poison Center in addition to staffing the LifeLine helicopter ambulances. Additionally, Methodist is also the official health care provider for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate all the doctors, nurses and health care professionals for being part of such an exceptional health care organization and thank them for their dedication to the health and well-being of the people of Indiana.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Church and School of the Holy Name of Jesus for the countless contributions it has made to our city, and to recognize the parish on its 100-year anniversary. The Church of the Holy Name of Jesus was founded in 1908 to serve parishioners in the city of Beech Grove, IN. Today, in its 100th year, the Holy Name of Jesus continues its commitment to service. The Holy Name of Jesus has provided education to hundreds of students who have gone through its schools and to thousands of individuals who have been ministered to within its walls. The past 100 years have seen many physical changes to this church but its commitment to its parishioners and the surrounding community has remained constant. For these reasons I thank the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus for its devoted service to our great city, and congratulate the parish on the 100-year anniversary.

Mr. CARSON

Mr. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, the American people are hurting and in need of immediate relief. And the relief they need extends beyond their urgent need for lower energy costs. Mr. Speaker, the American people also need jobs and they need them now. And I am proud to say that this bill seeks to achieve both--it seeks to lower energy costs and create jobs. This legislation will create several green jobs by providing tax incentives to companies that invest in renewable energy resources. The creation of green jobs was the focus of a forum I recently hosted in my district. For too many years, hardworking Hoosiers have seen good-paying manufacturing jobs leave the great State of Indiana. Through the creation of green jobs, this bill will boost our economic performance and lessen our dependence on foreign oil. I am proud to support this legislation.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, there are real differences when we talk about the Democratic and Republican energy plan. We are talking about expanding renewable sources of energy, and we are talking about creating good-paying jobs here in the great United States of America. Since January alone, 90,000 Americans lost their jobs; 16,000 of those Americans were from the great Hoosier State of Indiana. The Center for American Progress just released a report saying if we invest $100 billion into a comprehensive plan, we will be able to create 2 million green jobs in 2 years. We have already spent trillions of dollars in Iraq. We can invest $100 billion in a comprehensive plan that can employ Americans. Eighty percent of Hoosiers are without college degrees; 70 percent of Americans are without college degrees. This is an opportunity to help Americans pull themselves out of poverty by investing in the green movement.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I come to the floor today with a heavy heart as we remember and pay our respects to those brave Americans we lost in the September 11 terrorist attacks. But Madam Speaker, I also come to the floor today with a feeling of resilience and determination, a resilience and determination that says we must remain vigilant in dismantling those terrorist networks intent on doing us harm; a resilience and determination that mandates that we give our intelligence agencies the resources they need to neutralize these rogue organizations that target our citizens and threaten the security of our homeland. Having served as a police officer and a supervising watch officer with the Intelligence Fusion Center at the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, I know firsthand about the security threats facing our Nation. And in order to successfully combat these threats, it is going to take a sustained and concerted effort from all of us. Therefore, it is my hope that we use this anniversary, Madam Speaker, as an opportunity to remember our fallen brethren, but also to reaffirm our commitment to protecting our citizens and our homeland.

Mr. CARSON

Mr. CARSON. Madam Speaker, today I rise to congratulate the Decatur Central High School baseball team. The Hawks were crowned Division 4A Indiana State Baseball Champions on June 14, 2008 at Indianapolis's Victory Field. Decatur Central captured the state title with a 7-3 victory over Fort Wayne's Homestead High School. The boys worked tirelessly throughout the season and compiled an overall record of 29-7. This is the first state championship for a Decatur Central team. This year's team was led by seniors Harmon Cooper, Zack Deakin, Anthony Eldridge, Adam Kirk, Shawn Mattingly, Jeff Pace, and Isaac Pruitt. Other members of the team include juniors Jake Gharst, Aaron Gregory, Andrew Kinnaird, Nate Kress, Pat Sharpe, Kenny Rackley, Nick Stoia, Taylor Tijerina and sophomores Eric Howell, Brent Ledford, Shane Muse, Ronnie Shelton, Austin Sprinkle and Zach Weldon. Top performers this year included Nick Stoia, who set a school record for runs batted in and Andrew Kinnaird, who set a school record for doubles. This team's achievements would not have been possible without the support of their coaches and school officials. Head Coach Phil Webster, in his 23rd season of coaching at Decatur Central, and his staff served as excellent teachers and mentors to the young men they were charged with coaching. Additionally, all the Decatur Central fans, and in particular the always energetic student body, should be recognized for their enthusiasm and pride in their team. The 2008 Decatur Central baseball team has secured a place in the storied history of Indiana high school sports. I offer my congratulations to the members of the team, the coaching staff, the school, and the greater Indianapolis community on their accomplishments throughout the season.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Foreclosure Prevention Act. This comprehensive reform package will help working families keep their homes and avert foreclosure. H.R. 3221 is especially important to the people in my home State of Indiana. Hoosiers have had to endure many hardships throughout this housing crisis. Indiana, at one point, led the Nation in foreclosures, and currently ranks ninth. I am particularly pleased that this bill provides assistance to cities to rehabilitate vacant, foreclosed homes. In my neighborhood alone, there are over 60 vacant and boarded homes. As a former law enforcement officer, I know these vacancies can lead to violence and theft in our neighborhoods. We need the resources provided in this housing measure so that our communities can be revitalized and our neighborhoods stabilized. I want to thank Chairman Frank for his work on this bill.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 5353.

Mr. CARSON of Indiana

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6003, the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008. As this country's sole provider of regularly scheduled intercity passenger rail service, Amtrak's importance and necessity to all Americans is clear. In the face of continually rising gas prices, overloaded highways and congested airports, many Americans are being forced to make difficult financial decisions regarding their modes of travel. Amtrak has become an ever more viable transportation option at such a time, and continues to be a practical option for many of those people searching for an efficient and economical travel alternative. Mr. Chairman, as you know, Amtrak carried almost 25.8 million passengers and posted approximately $1.5 billion in ticket revenue in 2007. This is a gain of 10 percent over FY06 ticket revenues, and is the third consecutive year that ticket revenues have increased. It is through a combination of increased profits and a reauthorization bill that proposes $14.4 billion dollars over the next five years that Amtrak will have an incredible opportunity to thrive and flourish. H.R. 6003 does much to aid in the continued growth and vitality of Amtrak. The bill authorizes $4.2 billion to Amtrak for capital grants and $3 billion for operating grants. It is no secret that inconsistent Federal support has hampered Amtrak's ability to replace equipment necessary for it to provide service. These capital grants will help Amtrak make additional capital improvements and maintenance over its entire network. In addition, the operating grants authorized under the bill will help Amtrak pay salaries, health costs, overtime pay, fuel costs, facilities, and train maintenance and operations. These operating grants will also ensure that Amtrak can meet its obligations under its recently negotiated labor contract. The Amtrak reauthorization bill also does much for intercity and high speed passenger rail in this country. The bill creates a new State Capital Grant program for intercity passenger rail and capital projects. It also recommends that the United States establish a high- speed rail network for the entire country. The bill authorizes $1.75 billion for grants to States and Amtrak to finance the construction and equipment for 11 authorized high-speed rail corridors. However, Amtrak still has many hurdles to overcome, the biggest of which is its $3.17 billion worth of debt. Although Amtrak has taken great steps in reducing its debt by almost $600 million since 2002, it still has a long way to go. As a result, this bill explicitly helps Amtrak manage its debt by authorizing $345 million each year for debt service through FY2013. Mr. Chairman, I am particularly pleased and grateful to the committee, under the leadership of Chairman Oberstar and Chairwoman Brown, for including a provision that calls for a report on Amtrak's utilization of the Beech Grove repair facility in my congressional district. The report will also include an examination to determine the extent that Amtrak is maximizing the opportunities for each facility, including any attempts to provide maintenance and repair to other rail carriers. As the largest Amtrak maintenance facility in the country, it is my belief that the Beech Grove facility is underutilized and that Amtrak can bring more maintenance work to this facility. Mr. Chairman, this piece of legislation is long overdue and much needed. It is time for us to give Amtrak all the funding and opportunities it needs to become a more efficient and effective travel alternative for Americans. I am pleased that we are bringing this bill to the floor and I urge all my colleagues to vote in favor of this legislation.