Bill Delahunt

Mr. DELAHUNT

Mr. DELAHUNT. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1246) expressing sympathy to the people of Poland in the aftermath of the tragic plane crash that killed the country's President, First Lady, and 94 others on April 10, 2010.

Mr. DELAHUNT. I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Mr. DELAHUNT. Madam Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. I rise in strong support of this resolution, which expresses sympathy for the people of Poland following the tragic plane crash last weekend that killed their President and so many others. I wish to thank my colleagues and friends, Representatives Dahlkemper, Kanjorski, and Lipinski for quickly preparing a text that enables this House to add its voice to the condolences being expressed around the world on this sad occasion. Last Saturday we woke to the terrible news of a plane crash in western Russia. This accident took the lives of Polish President Lech Kaczynski, his wife, the deputy foreign minister, the deputy defense minister, the chiefs of the army and navy, the president of the national bank, dozens of members of parliament, as well as civilian and military staff. Today, the House mourns the death of President Kaczynski and his colleagues. We express our deepest sympathies to the people of Poland as well to the families who have suffered such a grievous loss. We think, too, of the millions of Americans who claim Polish ancestry, as we know their hearts are also heavy. We pledge to stand by the Polish Government as it seeks to reconstitute itself and reaffirm our enduring friendship for Poland. Madam Speaker, what makes this accident even more tragic is that it occurred as President Kaczynski's delegation was traveling to commemorate one of the most brutal events of World War II--the execution of more than 20,000 Polish officers, prisoners, and intellectuals in Katyn Forest by the Soviet Secret Police in 1939. Earlier in the week, there were encouraging signs that Poland and Russia were beginning to heal the deep wounds caused by these horrific wartime events. Russian Prime Minister Putin joined Poland Prime Minister Donald Tusk at a ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of this massacre--the first time a Russian leader has ever participated in this memorial. The Russian people have been very supportive and responsive in the wake of the disaster, with Prime Minister Putin personally heading the inquiry into the crash. Konstantin Kosachev, chairman of the International Relations Committee of the Russian State Duma--described the death of the Polish President as a great tragedy for both the Polish and the Russian peoples. Observing that both countries were mourning together, he solemnly noted, and these are his words: ``Katyn took some more victims.'' If anything positive is to come from these tragic deaths, it may be the development of closer ties between these two nations and their citizens. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DELAHUNT. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to one of the original sponsors of this resolution, the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Mrs. Dahlkemper).

Mr. DELAHUNT

Mr. DELAHUNT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a fallen soldier, son, husband, and, now, a father. The life of Sergeant Benjamin Sherman was tragically cut short thousands of miles from home near on his second heroic tour of duty in Afghanistan. His daughter, Skylah May-Marie Sherman, was born just yesterday on Tuesday, March 9. Ben was a hero long before he sacrificed his life for his country. Born to Bill and Denise Sherman of New Bedford, Massachusetts, he served as an exemplary role model for his two sisters, Meredith and Jessica, through their youth and adolescence at Plymouth South High School. It was during middle school in Plymouth that Ben first met Patricia--the girl who would one day become his wife. While many young high school students struggle to balance their daily routines with the natural torment of their teen years, Ben held himself to a standard above his peers. Always the first to stand up for a cause, he was a student of integrity and a model of resilience. Recognizing his own passion to aid his fellow Americans, Ben enlisted in the Army in August of 2006. He was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina in the battalion mortars section of the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment. He was deployed for the first time in January of 2007, where his unit was engaged in fierce fighting throughout the Helmand Province of Afghanistan. Often in the thick of the action, Ben was instrumental in the battalion's efforts to clear the Taliban from the Helmand River Valley. His steadfast resolve served him well through the cutting edge of battle, and he was publicly lauded for his astute decision-making despite the pressures of battle and his courage in the face of determined enemy attacks. It was during his return from that first deployment, on May 2, 2008, that he proposed to the girl who had waited for him with patience and grace through the long months of deployment. Patricia and Ben were married August 26 and hurriedly began what they prayed would be a long, healthy life together in Fayetteville, North Carolina. In July of 2009, one month before his final deployment, Ben and Patricia learned the happy news that their first child--a daughter--was on her way. With this newfound joy in his heart, Ben returned with his unit to Afghanistan in August. Regularly exposed to the many dangers inherent in war, Ben continued his tradition of excellence during his second deployment in the Badghis Province in northwestern Afghanistan. No task was too difficult nor challenge too daunting for the expert mortar-man, Sergeant Sherman. On November 4, 2009, while conducting operations near the town of Bala Murghab, Ben fell into the Murghab River and drowned. He was 21 years old. Ben's greatest gift to his country lies not in his heroism in battle, his legacy at Plymouth South High School, or the tragedy of his untimely death. Instead, his memory will forever endure in the starlit eyes, coy smile, and zealous ambition of Skylah May-Marie Sherman--a daughter who may never know the embrace of her father, yet will always carry in her heart the stories, photos, and memories of a man whose passion for life was fueled by his love for an unborn daughter and beloved wife.

Mr. DELAHUNT

Mr. DELAHUNT. Madam Speaker, I want to join with the American people in paying tribute to the Haitian people. Who have suffered so much. But who have proven so strong. While the world does all it can to help, it is the Haitian people, first and foremost, who are saving themselves. I also want to honor those who have rushed to Haiti's aid from across the globe: the diplomats and aid workers, the humanitarians, the volunteers, and the members of the military--particularly the United States Coast Guard. Last but certainly not least, I want to pay tribute to the men and women of the United Nations peacekeeping mission known as MINUSTAH. They came to a foreign land. To help give a foreign people a better life. Now many of them are dead. Or injured. Or missing. We must ensure that their sacrifice was not in vain. We must work with the Haitian people and the world to help Haiti recover. Because doing so is not just in line with our interests. It is in keeping with our most basic and cherished values of compassion and common decency.

Mr. DELAHUNT

Mr. DELAHUNT. I thank the gentlewoman. I just want to take the time to convey my thanks and my gratitude to the gentleman from Missouri. This has been an arduous trip on occasion, but I can't imagine this bill coming at a more propitious time given the news on unemployment. As Mr. Blunt said and as Ms. Castor said--and let me, too, acknowledge her tremendous leadership in terms of enhancing and promoting tourism, not just in the State of Florida but in this country. This bill will provide a stimulus to an important segment of our economy that has seen, over the course of time, a declining market share of international visitors. The gentleman from Missouri is correct. This, too, is a diplomatic tool as far as how the United States is perceived by people from abroad and by nations whom we will need in terms of securing our objectives in terms of foreign policy. Again, thank you, Mr. Blunt, and thank you, Ms. Castor.

Mr. DELAHUNT

Mr. DELAHUNT. I thank the gentleman. Well, I do support Israel, and I intend to vote ``present'' on this particular resolution because, like most Members, I haven't had time to read 575 pages. We often speak about process in this body and it is a concept we all embrace, at least rhetorically. But on this occasion, we only have the rhetoric, and the process has been totally inadequate. This resolution came to the floor on suspension without a hearing, despite the willingness of Judge Goldstone to come before the United States Congress and answer any questions that we might pose to him. And that judge, by the way, is highly regarded in the international rights community for his courage, impartiality and scholarship. He has participated in a number of high profile inquiries, including investigation into Nazism in Argentina. As the gentleman from Minnesota indicated, he is a self-described Zionist. As both the Chair of the full committee and the Chair of the Subcommittee on the Middle East indicated, they have the utmost respect for Judge Goldstone. He has expressed his strong concerns about this resolution, and he said this: ``I have strong reservations about the text of the resolution in question, text that includes serious factual inaccuracies and instances where information and statements are taken grossly out of context.'' Last night, we received in the form of a ``Dear Colleague'' a response by Chairmen Berman and Ackerman that attempted to refute it. Clearly, we need more discussion and more debate. An opportunity to have that discussion should have occurred prior to this resolution coming to the floor. This is not about bias against Israel.

Mr. DELAHUNT. We know that exists. This is not about Hamas. They have committed horrific acts of terrorism against citizens. This is about us. This is about us.

Mr. DELAHUNT

Mr. DELAHUNT. I want to thank the gentleman from Missouri for bringing these concerns to our attention and to the floor. I want to assure the gentleman that these points and these issues are important to the success and effectiveness of this legislation, and I'm in full agreement with the gentleman.

Mr. DELAHUNT. I thank the gentlelady for her leadership on this effort and the work that many who are sitting here have contributed to today's debate on the floor. As has been indicated, the bill addresses the sharp decline in the number of overseas visitors to the United States. There were over 600,000 fewer visitors in 2008 than there were in 2000. This is happening as the world travel market is expanding but our market share is plummeting. In other words, overseas tourists and businessmen and students are going elsewhere. This has a devastating consequence to our economy, as one of every eight nonfarm jobs is created directly or indirectly through travel and tourism. This drop in foreign travel during the 7-year period from 2001 to 2008 translates into a loss of $182 billion in visitor spending, a loss of $27 billion in tax revenue, and the loss of more than 200,000 American jobs annually. The question is: Why? Why did this happen? The reason is painfully simple. We don't make a coherent effort to tell America's story, to say to foreign visitors that they are welcome here or to explain the confusing and sometimes intimidating rules and delays and even indignities that have become part of our visa and border entry process since 9/11. Just last week, an International Olympic Committee member from Pakistan went out of his way in explaining his vote against Chicago to host the games to note that going through the United States customs can be a harrowing experience. This legislation would clarify misperceptions about security protocols and other confusing aspects of our entry process that scare away potential visitors in droves and to communicate unambiguously: welcome to the United States. And the best part: it would not cost U.S. taxpayers a penny. The program is partially funded by a $10 fee charged to visitors under the Visa Waiver Program. The rest of the cost is defrayed by the U.S. travel industry itself. In fact, it will actually reduce the deficit by some $400 million. So it's a win for the economy, it's a win for American foreign policy, and it's a win for fiscal responsibility. So I urge my colleagues to join my friend from Missouri (Mr. Blunt) and I, along with the co-Chair of the Travel Caucus, Mr. Farr, in voting for this legislation. I look forward to getting this program under way within the next few months. I understand that the gentlelady from Guam wishes to enter into a colloquy.

Mr. DELAHUNT. I yield to the gentlelady from Guam.

Mr. DELAHUNT. I thank the gentlelady from Guam for raising this issue and for her leadership. It is not the intent of this body for the territories to be excluded from the mandate of the Corporation for Travel Promotion or from the scope of duties prescribed by the bill for the offices within the Department of Commerce. This bill should be interpreted, rather, as granting the corporation both the authority and obligation to promote tourism in the territories.

Mr. DELAHUNT

Mr. DELAHUNT. Thank you. I just want to pick up on a theme that Barney touched on. You know, Ted Kennedy might have had adversaries but they were never his enemies. He treated everyone with respect and with dignity and that character, that DNA, if you will, was the proximate cause of his success as a Senator who championed all of the great causes in the past 50 years. You know, Tip O'Neill said that all politics is local. Well, with Ted it was personal. It was based upon those personal relationships. I'm sure that there are literally thousands that considered Ted Kennedy a dear and close personal friend. I know I did. I had the fun of being Ted Kennedy's Congressman, and as you all know here from Massachusetts, we had our own schtick. It was a great banter. And he would leave me messages on occasion on my cell phone at night, reminding me that the grass hadn't been cut and that the snow hadn't been shoveled out in Hyannis Port. I sailed with Ted Kennedy frequently; our colleague and his son, Patrick; his oldest son, Teddy, junior; and a sister, Kara; and his devoted wife and soulmate, Vicki Kennedy. He was an exceptional friend. I miss him terribly. But I know that my experience with him was multiplied by the thousands. He had a way of communicating with people that was unique. You could reveal to him your concerns. You could share with him your secrets, and you could always be assured that the advice that you received was sound, and it was in your best interests. You know, we're saddened by his death, those of us who have served with him, those of us who considered him a dear and close friend. But I guess for me the gift of that friendship was something that was so special that it overwhelms the sadness that we all share and that so many share. We were indeed fortunate not just to serve with probably the most prolific Senator that ever served in the United States Congress--2,500 bills. I'm not going to touch on his public record, but we know that his record speaks for itself. But what many in this country are only beginning to discover is that for Ted Kennedy, it was not about himself; it was about others. He had his share of pain and tragedy in his own life, and I dare say that that provided him with an incredible capacity for empathy and to understand others better than anyone I've ever met in public life. So let me conclude by saying I miss you terribly, Teddy, but I know you're still with us. Sail on.

Mr. DELAHUNT. If the gentleman would yield for a moment before our friend, Steve Lynch, makes his remarks, this conversation, the colloquy between yourself and John Tierney, reminds me of an anecdote. I wasn't present and maybe Patrick could attest to its validity. But when Ted Kennedy was described as one of the two most significant United States Senators in that institution's history, the other being Webster, that his response was, Well, what did Webster do?

Mr. DELAHUNT

Mr. DELAHUNT. I yield the time to my friend and colleague.

Mr. DELAHUNT. Thank you for sharing that with us, Patrick. Thank you for your service, and know that we love you. Speaking of reaching across the aisle, I'm going to expose him as someone who had great love and affection for Ted Kennedy, your dad, and a wonderful guy for whom Senator Kennedy had the highest respect, even though they agreed on very little. That's the senior Republican on the House Judiciary Committee, Lamar Smith.

Mr. DELAHUNT

Mr. DELAHUNT. Madam Speaker, I rise today so that my colleagues in the House of Representatives can join me in honoring the service of U.S. Marine Corporal Nicholas G. Xiarhos--a loving son and brother, exceptionally dedicated soldier, and a constituent of mine. On July 23, Nick died after being injured by a roadside explosive while serving in the Garmsir District, an area in the volatile region of southern Afghanistan. If ever there was an individual who went above and beyond to answer the call of service to his country, Nick was that man. He returned from a tour of duty in Iraq this past October only to change battalions so that he could be redeployed to Afghanistan in May. At the time of his death, Nick was serving with the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, and was scheduled to return home around Christmas. Beloved and admired by his family, peers, fellow men and women in uniform, and his hometown community of Yarmouth, Massachusetts, 21- year-old Nick was the epitome of a true American hero. He eschewed being singled out for his achievements and admirable sacrifices, telling others that he was no different from the thousands of other Marines who shared the same mission. As he told his parents only two weeks before his death, he was living his dream while serving in Afghanistan despite the physical and emotional toll that combat takes on even the most seasoned soldiers. Six feet tall, athletic, and muscular, Nick had a heart of gold that instinctively drew others to him. During his years at Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School, he was dubbed ``the mayor of DY'' for his outgoing, amiable, friendly nature and popularity. As a senior, he received the ``Does Most For Others'' title--a well-deserved moniker that embodied how Nick approached relationships, his military service, and life in general. Upon returning from Afghanistan, Nick's goal was to attend college and--following in his father, Lieutenant Steven Xiarhos', footsteps--to become a police officer. Nick's life was one of immense promise, tragically ended too soon. As he is laid to rest tomorrow, I want to extend my deepest condolences to the Xiarhos family--his parents, Steven and Lisa; his younger brother, Alexander; and his twin sisters, Ashlynne and Elizabeth. While he will be truly missed by all those whose lives he touched, Nick's memory and the sacrifice he made for our country will forever live on. Thank you, Nicholas Xiarhos, for your service. May you rest in peace.

Mr. DELAHUNT

Mr. DELAHUNT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to invite my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Patient Safety Day, which will be observed across our country and around the world this weekend. Every year, as many as 98,000 Americans die and thousands more are left seriously injured as the result of an avoidable medical error. These incidents are extremely costly to our society--in monetary terms, but more importantly in the devastating pain and suffering that individuals and families experience in the wake of such a tragedy. As the wealthiest nation in the world, we can and must do more to ensure that our health care system promotes healing, prevents harm, and protects patients from dangerous medical errors. Today, my thoughts and prayers are with John McCormack, a Massachusetts state trooper, loving father, and a constituent of mine. In 2000, John lost his precious 13-month-old daughter, Taylor, after doctors postponed emergency surgery to relieve pressure on her brain. Channeling his grief and anger, John seized the opportunity to advocate for medical malpractice reform at the state level to ensure that no family need experience a similar loss. In 2004, the Massachusetts legislature passed Taylor's Law, a measure safeguarding the ability for patients and their families to be present with an attorney and confront doctors at disciplinary hearings. John fought admirably to turn his heartbreaking experience into a positive for our Commonwealth's families, but we must also ensure that meaningful steps are taken at the federal level to strengthen the safety of our health care system. Ten years ago, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) issued a seminal report, To Err is Human, which offered a forward-thinking, constructive set of recommendations toward that end. With health care reform front-and-center on Congress's agenda, now is the moment for us to draw on those ideas and to work together--as legislators, health care providers, patients, and consumer advocacy groups--to accomplish the goal of quality health care for every American. Patient Safety Day, which has been celebrated for the past eight years on July 25, falls at an opportune time. There could be no better occasion for us to remember those whose lives have been lost or harmed due to preventable medical errors and to commend the physicians, nurses, and other medical providers who dedicate their lives to providing safe, quality, compassionate care to those in need. I encourage all Americans--at home, at work, or wherever they may be--to join hands and hearts in a moment of silence this Saturday at noon and 6 p.m. in their respective time zones in honor of Patient Safety Day. And I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in efforts to improve the quality and safety of our health care system.

Mr. DELAHUNT

Mr. DELAHUNT. Madam Speaker, I rise today so that my colleagues in the House of Representatives can join me in recognizing the Cape Cod Baseball League of Massachusetts on its 125th anniversary. Recognized as ``the'' summer collegiate league in the Nation, the Cape Cod Baseball League today consists of 10 franchises in two five- team divisions. In its early years, during World War I and World War II, the league was populated largely by young GIs fresh from their service. The modern era of the league began in 1963, when it was officially sanctioned by the NCAA. Throughout its existence, the League has promoted to the big time,-- ``the bigs''--several Cy Young and Most Valuable Player Award winners, as well as Major Leaguers who achieved Hall of Fame status, as well as decorated scouts and managers, all of whom got their start on the fields of dreams on Cape Cod. Entering its 125th season, the League continues to offer the most talented baseball players from across the country the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in front of Major League scouts. As the pioneer among the Nation's summer leagues--including, by the way, the use of wooden bats--the Cape Cod Baseball League is truly America's League. Young players learn the importance of sportsmanship and teamwork not only on the diamond and in the dugout, but also through the generosity of Cape Cod families who open their homes to host these young men during the summer season. At a time when the integrity of the game is at risk, the Cape Cod Baseball League continues to embody the golden American tradition of wholesome entertainment. Our national pastime has been kept alive in its most pure state, owing to the effort of this volunteer organization, which enables fans to enjoy games at no expense; where visions of striped socks, crackerjacks, and lemonade evoke feelings of nostalgia for the bygone days of America's favorite sport. The Cape Cod Baseball League stands out as a national treasure that can captivate any spectator through an exciting, competitive, nine- inning baseball game. On this historic occasion, I am proud to honor the Cape Cod Baseball League for its 125 years of success and for its well-established, beloved reputation among the Cape Cod family, both residents and tourists alike. Congratulations to the players and to the volunteers in that organization, and may you forever be ``Where the Stars of Tomorrow Shine Tonight.''

Mr. DELAHUNT

Mr. DELAHUNT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today so that my colleagues in the House of Representatives can join me in recognizing a special piece of Americana, the Cape Cod Baseball League of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, on the occasion of its 125th anniversary. Widely renowned as the best summer collegiate league in the Nation, the Cape Cod Baseball League today consists of 10 franchises in two, five-team divisions. In its early years, during World War I and World War II, the league was largely populated by young GIs fresh from their service overseas. The modern era of the Cape Cod Baseball League commenced in 1963, when it was officially sanctioned by the NCAA. Throughout its existence, the league has been responsible for several Cy Young and Most Valuable Player awards in the Bigs and many Hall of Famers and renowned scouts and managers, all of whom received their start in the Cape Cod Baseball League. Entering its 125th season, the league continues to offer the most talented baseball players from across the country the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in front of professional scouts. As a pioneer among the Nation's summer leagues in many respects, including the use of wooden bats, the Cape Cod Baseball League is truly America's league. The young players learned the importance of sportsmanship and modesty, not only on the diamond and in the dugout, but also through the generosity of generations of Cape Cod families who open their homes to host them during the summer season. At a time that has not always been conducive to preserving the integrity of the game, the Cape Cod Baseball League continues to embody the golden American tradition of our wholesome national pastime. That pastime has been kept alive in its pure and amateur state owing to the outstanding efforts of this volunteer organization, which enables fans to enjoy games at no expense where visions of Red Sox, Cracker Jack and lemonade evoke feelings of nostalgia for the bygone days of America's favorite sport, baseball. The Cape Cod Baseball League stands out as a national treasure that can captivate any young man or woman through nine heart-pounding innings. On this historic occasion I am particularly proud to honor the Cape Cod Baseball League for 125 years of success and its well established, beloved reputation among Cape Cod residents and tourists alike. Congratulations to the Cape Cod Baseball League, and may you forever be, as the saying goes, ``Where the Stars of Tomorrow Shine Tonight.''

Mr. DELAHUNT

Mr. DELAHUNT. Madam Speaker, I rise today so that my colleagues in the House of Representatives can join me in recognizing the distinguished and selflessly dedicated contributions of Sister Aline Antil, a native daughter of New Bedford, Massachusetts. In February of 1959, Ms. Antil first entered the Congregation of the Holy Cross, a spiritual decision that would shape not only her life but those of the countless women, children, and families whom she has touched through her missionary work. Across New England--in North Grosvernordale, Connecticut; in West Franklin, New Hampshire; and in Springfield, Massachusetts--Sister Aline used her infectiously positive attitude and love of learning to instill her elementary- and middle- school-aged pupils with wisdom, knowledge, and the highest moral values. For the past 37 years, Sister Aline has served in various parts of Haiti, a country whose population depends upon the humanitarian efforts of those compassionate enough to answer the calling. Most recently, she served as principal of Ecole Presbyterale de Fleurenceau, St. Marc, a position she has held in other locations. In a country where most Americans would find conditions appalling, Sister Aline Antil has never looked down on her students with pity. Rather, she has treated them as equals and taken great pride in the opportunity to help them learn, grow, and understand their valuable role in the world. Sister Aline speaks fluent French, English, and of course, Creole, the native tongue of the people with whom she lives and works. Those who know her well--her family and peers--will tell you that no matter where she is in a room, you'll know her by her laughter. Her optimism and enthusiastic love of life know no bounds, a trait that has allowed her to thrive and brought her comfort under trying circumstances that most of us can only imagine. As she celebrates her 50th Jubilee this week, Sister Aline Antil deserves the highest praise and recognition for the difference she has made in lives both young and old. Her charitable example is a story of hope, love, and inspiration at a time when we all need it. Thank you, Sister Aline Antil, for your exemplary work. I wish you health, happiness, and all good things in the years to come.

Mr. DELAHUNT

Mr. DELAHUNT. Madam Speaker, I rise today so that my colleagues in the House of Representatives can join me in recognizing the heroic crew of the General Arnold, a contingent of men who risked and ultimately gave their lives for our country's independence some 230 years ago. During the course of the Revolutionary War, the American colonies relied on a small, organized navy as well as a vast number of privateers to defend themselves against the British. The privateers chartered vessels both large and small, were commissioned with letters of marque, and dispatched on the high seas. Indeed, it is unlikely that our nation could have achieved its independence without the noble efforts of these privateers, many of whom disrupted British shipping and wrought considerable damage upon the enemy's vessels during the war. On Christmas Day, 1778, one of these privateer ships--the General Arnold, a brigantine with 20 cannons under the command of Captain James Magee--set sail with its own crew and a battalion of marines led by Captain John Russell. Battered by a frightening and terrible nor'easter, the ship was driven back toward Plymouth Harbor, where it ran aground on the White Flat, a sandbar approximately one half-mile from shore. For three days, the crew remained trapped aboard the ill-fated vessel's quarter-deck, drenched by angry sea and freezing snow and lashed by savage winds. By the time help arrived on December 28, 72 of the 105 men had perished. Many of their bodies were frozen together, locked in an ``embrace of death.'' Some of the survivors were permanently crippled, some forced to undergo amputation, and some died prematurely not long thereafter, making this incident one of the most tragic and gruesome losses of life experienced by either side during our nation's struggle for independence. As we prepare to celebrate the birthday of our nation next week, it is important that we take a moment to acknowledge the brave men aboard the General Arnold who suffered and died for our freedom. Many of them, sadly, remain nameless. Yet we owe them a debt of gratitude for their valiant efforts to champion the cause of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. To the crew and to all those who served on the General Arnold, today we honor and give you thanks for your admirable sacrifice.

Mr. DELAHUNT

Mr. DELAHUNT. I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I rise in strong opposition to this amendment as well. This provision is intended to improve the effectiveness of the State Department and USAID, to save taxpayer dollars, so that there is greater efficiency, improved capabilities, less waste, more bang for the buck, if you will. To do that, we have taken a page from the military. Section 303 is modeled after Lessons Learned Centers in the armed services. These are mechanisms, if you will, which allow our men and women in uniform to learn from the successes and, as importantly, the mistakes of their colleagues. By cutting down on the need to reinvent the wheel, they have saved not just money, but they have saved lives. But the State Department and USAID do not have a Lessons Learned Center, even though they, like the military, are spread across the globe with multiple missions. This results in waste, inefficiency, wasted energy, and, tragically, sometimes in the loss of lives of American Foreign Service personnel. By the way, this is not just an intellectual exercise. With all due respect, I would suggest to my friend from Florida she read this book entitled ``Hard Lessons.'' It is about the colossal waste in the reconstruction of Iraq. If we had a Lessons Learned Center, we could have saved billions of taxpayer dollars. Read the book, my friends. It is put out by the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction, Mr. Bowen, and it is a testimony about what happens if you do not have a tested blueprint with the expenditure of dollars overseas. It is a remarkable piece of work. I want to make clear what this provision does. It begins the process of creating a Lessons Learned Center by authorizing its creation and requiring a report from the Department of State on how much it would cost to actually establish such a center. So it is only calling, at this moment, for a report, and that report, itself, will detail the cost. I would be happy to work with the gentlewoman from Florida as this report is produced so that we can ensure that it details ways. Please oppose this amendment.

Mr. DELAHUNT

Mr. DELAHUNT. Madam Speaker, I rise today so that my colleagues in the House of Representatives can join me in congratulating a young, profoundly dedicated community volunteer--and a constituent of mine-- Ms. Brittany Bergquist. As a distinguished winner of the 2009 Prudential Spirit of Community Award, Brittany was recently named as one of our nation's top 10 youth volunteers. Her passion for improving the lives of others was sparked five years ago by a TV news story about an Army reservist who struggled with overwhelming cell phone bills while trying to keep in touch with his loved ones overseas. Sympathetic to our brave men and women in uniform, Brittany and her brother Robbie began raising money to send on their behalf. They scraped together piggy-bank savings, hosted car washes, and organized bake sales as their dedication to the cause intensified day-by-day. Today, the nonprofit organization that the Bergquist kids co- founded--``Cell Phones for Soldiers''--has collected and recycled nearly 700,000 pre-paid phone cards for the men and women serving in our armed forces. She and her brother arranged for a recycling company to purchase donated phones; designed a Web site to spread awareness of their campaign; recruited volunteers from across the continent; and secured a large donation from a mobile phone company. To date, the Bergquist children have sent more than $2.5 million worth of one-hour phone cards to military hospitals and bases around the world. What began as the idealistic initiative of a young girl and her brother, ``Cell Phones for Soldiers'' has blossomed into a national effort well-deserving of the recognition it has received. Brittany is an inspiration not only to the people of her home state of Massachusetts, but to young adults nationwide who aspire to make a difference. On behalf of the thousands of soldiers who have been able to communicate with their families thanks to Brittany's efforts, I want to take this opportunity to recognize and thank her for her exemplary work and compassion. She is a young woman of exceptional potential, and I wish her the very best of luck in all her future endeavors.