Bob Dold

Mr. DOLD

Mr. DOLD. Mr. Speaker, as people in the United States evaluate what happened this past weekend in the Presidential election in Egypt, I have a simple message: we shouldn't deceive ourselves. At a time when we are focused on stopping Iran's nuclear weapons program and on isolating the Iranian regime, the incoming Egyptian President vows to expand ties with Iran. At a time when families in southern Israel constantly live in fear of Qassam rocket attacks from Hamas-controlled Gaza, the incoming Egyptian President vows to expand ties with Hamas. As for relations with Israel, we should not paper over the most obvious reason for alarm. While the incoming President has recently pledged to honor the Camp David Accords, it is our responsibility to ensure that the U.S. goodwill is not taken advantage of and painfully looked upon as naive. We must understand that the Muslim Brotherhood has a very clear history of opposing the peace treaty. Six weeks ago, incoming President Mohammed Morsi stated: ``Jihad is our path, and death for the sake of Allah is our most lofty aspiration.'' While we welcome the democratic process, Mr. Speaker, this result is nothing to cheer. We must not be in denial of what the Muslim Brotherhood really wants.

Mr. DOLD

Mr. DOLD. Mr. Speaker, as the Supreme Court is about to rule on the health care law, Americans all across the country are focusing again on health care. Health care makes up about one-fifth of the United States' economy, and it is increasingly taking up a larger share of our Federal budget, so it's important that we look to implement strategies that bend the cost curve down. Scientific research over the years has enhanced our understanding of disease and has continuously led to many breakthrough treatments. However, it is critical that we emphasize not just treatment, but specifically cures for diseases as well. Last year, the United States Government spent just under $32 billion to help the National Institutes of Health carry out its critical mission: seeking fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems, applying that knowledge to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce the burdens of illness and disability. The NIH, Mr. Speaker, has earned a proud reputation for its research and has made a positive impact in the health care world. I'm a firm supporter of the NIH, and I spoke this past March to the House Budget Committee about the importance of funding NIH's mission. However, I also believe that we can always do more with the resources that we have and believe that we should refocus a portion of our health care resources toward a new mission. One idea that has been brought to me is a center that concentrates exclusively on eliminating diseases rather than continuing the practice of just treating diseases. This center, known as the American Center for Cures, would be a public-private partnership that utilizes the resources of the government with the creativity and accountability of the private sector to find cures for the diseases that in some way affect almost everyone on the planet--diabetes, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, just to name a new. By bringing our Nation's best and brightest minds together, from business boardrooms to scientists from around the world, the center would singularly devote its efforts to curing diseases by establishing renewed lines of communication amongst the world's most reputable scientists, funding collaborative research, unblocking bottlenecks in clinical research, facilitating speedy clinical trials, and ensuring that the research performed remains focuses on outcomes and results. In addition to promoting the United States as the leading place for innovations and pioneering medical research, finding cures to some of mankind's deadliest diseases would also have global implications. The money saved by not having to dedicate it to treating or managing a disease could be freed up and invested in education, infrastructure, and deficit reduction, and we would be able to further help raise the standards of living for everyone in developing nations and around the globe. During these difficult fiscal times, Mr. Speaker, here in our own country we have to start thinking differently. Today, we spend approximately $235 billion annually on treating diabetes alone. Think about the cost if we add Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. If the American Center for Cures could find a cure, think about the possibilities. Think about the good we could do, for instance, with 235 billion extra dollars right here. That's what we spend in our country. Think about what gets spent all around the globe. We need to start thinking differently, Mr. Speaker. Change is hard, and change in Washington is even harder, but I believe that we have an obligation, as stewards of our taxpayers' hard-earned money, not only to effectively allocate their tax dollars in a manner that produces results, but change the way that we look at all the possibilities for our future. This mission could impact not just every American life, but every human on the planet.

Mr. DOLD

Mr. DOLD. Madam Speaker, I join with many others in the greater Chicago area in recognizing the life and recent passing of a tremendously respected, selfless, and inspirational leader in our community--Richard Schoenstadt. Richard, no doubt, made a difference in this world with his tireless dedication to strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship. His sweeping passion and energy for pro-Israel advocacy set a very high bar, which both elevated and advanced the commitment of so many good people to pro-Israel causes. Richard believed in engagement and activism, and he lived his life knowing there was only one way to do things--the right way. He served his community as an outstanding example of leadership and earned a reputation as a brilliant and committed mentor to many, many people. Like so many who were lucky to know him, I feel I was given a special gift in Richard's friendship. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family--his wife, Cindy, his daughters, Carly and Kate, and the entire extended Schoenstadt family. May his memory continue to inspire us all to action, and may we in this Congress now and forever remain dedicated to advancing the principles that Richard Schoenstadt so proudly stood and fought for throughout his life.

Mr. DOLD

Mr. DOLD. This week, I joined with some of my colleagues to introduce the bipartisan Startup Jobs Act 2.0. Mr. Speaker, students come to America from all over the world. They earn advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Then, upon graduating, they're forced to leave our country--forced to go back home and, in essence, compete against us. With them goes their knowledge, their ideas, and their aspirations to change the world. Many of these students want to stay here in America to make something of themselves here because America is still the best place for ideas to become realities. These ideas become solutions, which turn into job-creating companies. According to a study by the National Foundation for American Policy, immigrants founded or cofounded almost half of the top 50 venture- backed companies in the United States. Since our Nation's founding, immigrants have flourished right along with our economy. America becomes a richer and more dynamic society by encouraging the best and the brightest from all over the world to set up shop here on our soil. That is why I'm honored to be an original cosponsor of the bipartisan, bicameral Startup Jobs Act 2.0 that will help America get back to work.

Mr. DOLD

Mr. DOLD. Mr. Speaker, I certainly want to thank the chairman for his leadership. I'm pleased to rise in support of this legislation because it will save jobs. We hear time and time again all across the country that the biggest issue that we face is jobs and the economy. We've got an unemployment rate of 8.2 percent, and we need to be focusing in on growing our economy. This special tax increase on medical device manufacturers frankly would do quite the opposite. It would cost jobs. In the 10th District of Illinois, thousands of individuals are employed by manufacturers that provide medical devices. Frankly, we need to create an environment here in Washington, D.C., that promotes innovation, promotes these medical device companies from all around the globe to come here to our country. So I'm pleased to support this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support it as well, because we cannot have additional anxiety, uncertainty that is out there in the marketplace. We need to make sure that we are growing our economy, and we need to do that by providing an environment right here in Washington. Frankly, we're not doing that today. I support the legislation, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. DOLD

Mr. DOLD. I yield to the gentleman from Alabama.

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

Mr. DOLD. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. DOLD. I certainly want to thank the chairman and the ranking member for their leadership on this legislation, and I want to thank the staff for working with me on this amendment. Mr. Chairman, my amendment increases the Coast Guard operating expenses by $5.2 million to address search and rescue capabilities in the Great Lakes Region. Search and rescue is one of the Coast Guard's oldest missions, dating back to the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service that was founded in 1790. Today, Coast Guard search and rescue response involves multimission stations, cutters, aircraft, and boats linked by communication networks. It also includes over 5,000 commercial vessels that provide a voluntary global response force. Using these assets in the past year, the Coast Guard has responded to over 6,468 search and rescue cases, assisting over 10,000 people and saving over 1,400 lives. Just last week, Mr. Chairman, two young women were saved by the Coast Guard's air assets on Lake Michigan. Unlike the President's budget, which makes dramatic cuts to critical search and rescue operations, this amendment would increase our Nation's search and rescue capabilities by adding funding for needed assets, assets vital to lifesaving capabilities. Mr. Chairman, these investments build on previous investments that specifically increase capability in the Great Lakes to include the installation of Rescue 21 this past December. Rescue 21 is now standing watch on over 42,000 miles of coastline, improving the Coast Guard's ability to assist mariners in distress and saving lives and property. Further, by the end of this fiscal year, the Coast Guard will have delivered the last of three new long-range response boats to the Great Lakes area, which will enhance response capabilities. Mr. Chairman, the Great Lakes is one of the most popular recreation areas in our country, and the Coast Guard is a vital part of making it safe for thousands each year. We can't stand by and allow the administration to eliminate lifesaving efforts on our Great Lakes, so I certainly urge support for this amendment. I do want to yield the remaining time I have to my good friend who has been instrumental in assisting me on this amendment, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Huizenga).

Mr. DOLD. I thank the gentleman for his help. I do urge my colleagues to support this amendment. It is commonsense legislation. We cannot afford to have search and rescue capabilities be diminished. As we look at the number of recreational boaters, it's a vital part of making sure that we're saving lives in the Great Lake's region.

Mr. DOLD

Mr. DOLD. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Financial Services be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 5890) to correct a technical error in Public Law 112 122, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. DOLD. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 5890.

Mr. DOLD

Mr. DOLD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Cancer Survivor Beauty and Support Day. To my left here is a poster for Cancer Survivor Beauty and Support Day, which appears right now in hundreds of businesses all across our Nation and will be read by over a million survivors. This important day is observed on the first Tuesday in June, which falls this year on June 5. I am very pleased to help draw attention and raise awareness for this important day. Mr. Speaker, there are nearly 12 million cancer survivors living in the United States, and each year that number continues to grow. In 2012, about 1.6 million new cases are expected to be diagnosed, and each individual will face challenges both during and after treatment. Each individual will need a tremendous amount of care and support. Since its inception in 2003, Cancer Survivor Beauty and Support Day has helped bring warm support, comfort, and pride to survivors. This day is one of a kind, bringing together all cancer survivors in this country--men, women and children, regardless of their type of cancer or when they were diagnosed--with thousands of volunteer stylists, beauticians, barbers, and industry professionals who are looking to offer a little personal kindness to our Nation's cherished cancer survivors. These individuals have overcome so much and have shown us all the courage to fight on in the face of so many uncertain challenges. This day simply is an opportunity to provide relaxation and to connect survivors with one another and with caring volunteers. Cancer Survivor Beauty and Support Day is the only event of its kind in our Nation, with complimentary services being offered to all survivors by salons, barbershops, day spas, and other beauty and massage therapy facilities. The event is nationwide, with support in literally all 50 States. It is also important to note that participation in this day is purely voluntary by these businesses, with no monetary solicitation or donations before, during, or after the event. Support for this important day continues to grow, thanks to the hard work of so many good people and dedicated supporters. I'd like to especially recognize Barbara Paget, the founder and dynamic leader of this cause, for her hard work. It certainly would not be the event that it is today without her leadership. In addition to the signs and flyers like this one we have right here, Mr. Speaker, all around the country, Stand Up To Cancer will reach over 1 million survivors on their Facebook page on June 5, 2012. This day is very established and deserves recognition by this body. To this end, I have introduced House Resolution 494, a bipartisan resolution which expresses the support for designating the first Tuesday in each June as National Cancer Survivor and Beauty Support Day. I certainly urge all of my colleagues to recognize and jump on board this important resolution. But more importantly, I ask everyone to take a moment to recognize this day. Put something on your Web site. Urge survivors and volunteers in your districts to participate on this day, June 5, and honor the cancer survivors all across our Nation.

Mr. DOLD

Mr. DOLD. Mr. Speaker, I'm proud to welcome my friend, Rabbi Aaron Melman. Rabbi Melman has served the families at Congregation Beth Shalom in Northbrook, Illinois, for the past 9 years, where he works with children and adults to help them better develop their faith. Previously, he studied and taught in New York City, where he served as a student chaplain to the New York City Fire Department. On September 12, 2001, he found a way to get to Ground Zero, and thereafter provided comfort and support to those first responders in need. Rabbi Melman is devoted to helping others. He serves as the president of the Chicago Region of the Rabbinical Assembly; he provides valued education to families through his work as a board member for the Chicago Center for Jewish Genetic Disorders; and he continues to support firefighters by serving as the chaplain to the Northbrook Fire Department. Mr. Speaker, I'm honored to call Rabbi Melman my friend. I do want to also congratulate Rabbi Melman and his bride, Elisa, on their 13th wedding anniversary, which they celebrated last night. We certainly appreciate you joining us and celebrating that with us today.

Mr. DOLD

Mr. DOLD. For the last 1,115 days, the United States Senate has failed to pass a budget. If any business, big or small, were to operate in this very fashion, I submit it would be out of business in a matter of months. Yet the United States Senate refuses to pass a budget blueprint to address what I would consider are the very serious challenges facing our Nation today. This is just unacceptable. The American people are frustrated; and, frankly, I'm frustrated as well. With a skyrocketing debt of over $15.5 trillion and with trillion-dollar deficits happening year after year, we must come together to address the spending problem here in Washington, D.C. This is something we simply cannot ignore. We need to work in a bipartisan fashion to find common ground and to put people before politics and progress before partisanship. Mr. Speaker, I supported the only bipartisan budget to hit the floor in decades because it took a step forward to adjust the problems facing our Nation. I would encourage the Senate to do the same.

Mr. DOLD

Mr. DOLD. Mr. Speaker, due to district business, I was unavoidably back in my Congressional District on May 15, 2012. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on H.R. 365, the National Blue Alert Act of 2011, ``yea'' on H.R. 3874, the Black Hills Cemetery Act, and ``yea'' on H.R. 205, the HEARTH Act of 2011.

Mr. DOLD

Mr. DOLD. This Memorial Day we will take time to remember those who have given their lives to keep our Nation safe and free. So many brave men and women have given the ultimate sacrifice to ensure that we can enjoy the very freedoms and liberties that we all enjoy today. I want to thank all of those who are currently serving, those who have served, and their families for putting our Nation first. America is a stronger and better Nation because of your sacrifice and service. Recently, veterans from Illinois came to Washington, D.C., and it was truly an honor and pleasure to meet the Illinois Honor Flight at the World War II Memorial, not only to hear their stories, but to have an opportunity to talk with these true heroes and learn more about their friends, those who made it back and those who didn't. The heroic efforts of the men and women of World War II--and I would argue from all of our conflicts--helped keep our Nation safe and away from harm's way. I cannot thank them enough for all they have done for our country. Last month, I had the privilege of presenting two veterans from Illinois's 10th Congressional District with their medals that had not been presented. These men served their country with distinction and deserve the medals that they have earned. George Ott, from Arlington Heights, served as an Air Force staff sergeant in the 6th Aircraft Repair Unit during World War II. He served from 1944 to 1946, serving in the Marshall Islands, the Philippines, and Japan. I was able to present him with the World War II Victory Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, and the Army Good Conduct Medal. Thomas Vana, of Des Plaines, was another veteran I was able to serve and present medals. He served as a sergeant in the 2nd Infantry Division during the Korean War. He served as an Active Duty medic from 1970 to 1974. I was able to present him with the Army Good Conduct Medal and the Korea Defense Service Medal. Beyond working directly with veterans, Mr. Speaker, to ensure they receive the recognition that they have earned, my office is also working with veterans to document their stories. The Veterans History Project is an ongoing effort by the Library of Congress to collect stories and photos to learn more about those who have served in battle and conflict not only at home, but overseas. My office is open to anyone who would like to document their story and share their experiences with the American public. It's important that we preserve these records, Mr. Speaker, so that future generations know the sacrifices that our men and women in the military have made. I would encourage anyone from the 10th District in Illinois who has served to call the Northbrook office at (847) 272 0404 and share your story so that we can preserve it for years and years to come. I want to thank all those who have served, those that are serving currently, and those that have given their lives to protect our country. This Memorial Day I believe that we must honor those who have fallen and never forget the sacrifices that they have made to make sure that our country remains safe and free.

Mr. DOLD

Mr. DOLD. I certainly want to thank my good friend from Illinois for her leadership and for her giving me some time, and I want to thank the ranking member, Ms. Waters, for her leadership as well. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in strong support of H.R. 5740. The history of American flood disasters has clearly shown us two things: First, an effective and proactive National Flood Insurance Program with paid-in premiums is a much better deal for taxpayers than after- the-fact Federal disaster assistance, which was the inevitable Federal response to flood disasters before this program's inception; Second, any lapse in the program's authorization irreparably damages our mortgage and real estate markets, and avoiding that irreparable damage is particularly important right now when those markets are already so seriously challenged. Although reauthorization is essential, we also recognize that the program needs meaningful reforms. We must gradually diminish taxpayer exposure to flood losses while improving the program's solvency and self-sufficiency; and we must work with the private sector to expand its role in protecting against flood disasters. Under Chairwoman Biggert's leadership, a long-term reauthorization bill with these necessary reforms, H.R. 1309, passed out of the Financial Services Committee unanimously, 54 0, and then the same bill received nearly unanimous bipartisan support right down here where over 400 Members voted in its favor. With that kind of overwhelming bipartisan support, I must say that it's a little frustrating that we're here once again discussing a short-term reauthorization, largely because the other body hasn't considered the long-term bill, even though the long-term bill passed out of the Senate Banking Committee by voice vote. One thing that seems clear is that the strategy of short-term authorizations, the corresponding temporary program lapses and uncertainty do not work to minimize taxpayer risk or to expand the private sector's role, but we must deal with the existing realities. To properly reform and strengthen this program, we need to reauthorize this program on a long-term basis, and we need to do so promptly; but the Senate hasn't acted, and we can't tolerate any lapse in the program. So I strongly urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5740, which will avoid a destructive program lapse while we continue to work towards a long-term authorization.

Mr. DOLD

Mr. DOLD. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to call attention to the NATO summit that will take place next week in Chicago. NATO was founded with the signing of the Washington Treaty in 1949 to safeguard the freedom and security of all of its members. Since then, the alliance has been the mainstay of the transatlantic cooperation that has been an important part of this Nation's security. All 27 of our NATO allies, along with 22 non-NATO partners, have served shoulder to shoulder with our brave men and women in Afghanistan, working to ensure that that country never again becomes a safe haven for terrorists. In Chicago, we will continue important discussions on the transition of security responsibility from ISAF to the Afghans. Particularly in today's global economic environment, Mr. Speaker, it is essential that we recognize the value of NATO as a proven force multiplier. The alliance is working to ensure that NATO is well prepared for future challenges. As we welcome our friends to Chicago on May 20 and 21, we affirm the vitality of this transatlantic bond and of our continued commitment to our common defense.

Mr. DOLD

Mr. DOLD. I thank the gentleman for yielding. I certainly think this is an important topic because we talk about jobs and the economy as the number one issue that we face in this country. Today I'm pleased to come down and rise in support of the Ex-Im Bank, as it is something that I think is vital, something that we worked on in a bipartisan fashion through the committee, and something that I think all of our colleagues should be supporting. When we look at what the Ex-Im Bank does, most of us think oftentimes about large businesses, whether it be Boeing or others. The fact still remains that certainly across the country--and I know in my district, the 10th District of Illinois--83 percent of all the loans actually go to small business, but it does help big businesses. Back in my district, we have one of the largest manufacturing districts in the country. Over 93,000 employees are in manufacturing, and well over 50,000 of those employees rely upon exports. The world today is flatter than it's ever been, and we need to make sure that our companies are competitive in the global marketplace. Again, I want to emphasize, 83 percent of those loans go to small businesses. But we can take a look at the big businesses, and we can take a look at Boeing. When a Boeing Jetliner 777 lands anywhere in the world, it lands with the help of 22,000 small businesses. Most of them are right here at home. So when the minority whip talks about making it here in America, we do want to make it here in America. We want to make sure that American workers have a level playing field, and we want to sell American all over the globe. We want to make sure that we are giving them the opportunity. The Ex-Im Bank is going to be done at no cost to the taxpayer. We're going to bring dollars actually into the Federal Treasury. We want to make sure that we're giving our businesses an opportunity to compete, because what this is about is making sure we can sell American all over the globe. So I want to urge my colleagues to support this bill. In 2011 alone, the bank supported over 288,000 American jobs and helped finance over 3,600 American companies. This is an important piece of legislation, and one that we should all be able to get behind. With every $1 billion of exports, they say 7,200 jobs are created. This is a jobs bill. When we talk about jobs and the economy, this is the time. I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. DOLD

Mr. DOLD. Mr. Speaker, in March, the United States recognized 10 women who were risking their lives to bring about justice in their countries. These women were honored in the United States as the 2012 International Women of Courage and visited Congress to share their stories and give a voice to the people of their countries who have nowhere else to turn. I had the privilege of meeting with each of these women and listening to their stories and learning more about their fight to end human rights abuses and to make the world a better place. I was impressed with their strength, their courage, and want to share some of their stories with you here today so that we can continue to speak up for those who have no voice. Maryam Durani is from Afghanistan. At age 27, she is the director of Women's Association for Culture and speaks out for the rights of women and girls in Kandahar province. Her life has been threatened numerous times, and yet she continues to fight for women in Afghanistan and has started the only female-focused radio station in the nation. She received the International Women of Courage Award for ``striving to give a voice to women through the power of media, government, and civil society.'' Pricilla de Oliveira Azevedo is from Brazil. She is 34 and serves as the General Coordinator for Strategic Programs for the Rio de Janeiro State Secretariat of Public Security. She is one of the most senior officers in the Police Pacification Units in her country and has worked to end drug-dealing operations in Brazil. She arrested a gang of criminals who had once kidnapped her and is working with the state and local governments to improve conditions throughout Brazil. She received this award for ``integrating previously marginalized populations into the larger Rio de Janeiro community.'' Zin Mar Aung is from Burma. At age 36, she is a democratic activist who was a former political prisoner and was held for 11 years because of her efforts to promote democracy, women's empowerment, and conflict resolution in Burma. She received this award for ``championing democracy, strengthening civil society, and empowering individuals to contribute meaningfully to the political transformation of Burma.'' Jineth Bedoya Lima is from Colombia and at age 38 is an investigative journalist. While on assignment, she was repeatedly raped and left in a Dumpster. She was left in this Dumpster by her attackers and told that they were sending a message to the Colombian press. Since that horrific attack, she has spoken out against sexual violence and has become a role model for women in Colombia. She was given this award for ``her unfailing courage, determination, and perseverance fighting for justice'' all around the globe. Hana Elhebshi is a 27-year-old architect from Libya who contributed to the proper documentation of the violence during the revolution in her country. She also is an advocate for women's rights in her country and received this award for ``courageous advancement of the cause of freedom of expression and promotion of women's rights during times of conflict and transition in Libya.'' Aneesa Ahmed is from Maldives and founded Hope for Women. She advocates for ending gender-based violence in Maldives and has served as the Deputy Minister of Women's Affairs. She received this award for ``courageous advocacy of women's rights and protection from domestic violence.'' Shad Begum is 33 and is from Pakistan. She is a courageous human rights activist. She provides political training, microcredit information and more to women in her country. There have been numerous attempts to end her life, but she remains committed to advancing women's rights and even won a local office in her country. She received this award for ``fearlessly championing Pakistani women's political and economic rights.'' Samar Badawi is from Saudi Arabia and at 31 monitors human rights in her country. She is the first woman in Saudi Arabia to file a lawsuit against the government demanding that women have a right to vote. She won this award for ``demonstrating significant courage in her activism while becoming a champion in the struggle for women's suffrage and legal rights in Saudi Arabia.'' Hawa Abdallah Mohammed Salih is from Sudan and is a human rights activist. Forced to flee Darfur, she lived in an internally displaced persons camp and has since spoken out against human rights abuses in these very camps and has advocated for women's rights in her country. She has been persecuted by the Government of Sudan and forced to flee her country. She received this award for ``giving a voice to the women and children of Darfur.'' Safak Pavey is a member of the Parliament in Turkey and is the first disabled woman elected to Parliament in her country. She is working to empower the disabled, women, and minorities in Turkey. She received this award for ``her personal dignity and courage.'' Mr. Speaker, I want to just simply say that these women act as a role model for all women across the country, across the world; and we must stand up for women's rights.

Mr. DOLD

Mr. DOLD. Madam Speaker, about 97 years ago, the government of the Ottoman Empire killed over 1.5 million people during the Armenian genocide. The Turkish state has never accepted responsibility for the acts of its predecessor government and maintains that the genocide never took place. For the past 90 years, the Armenian people have sought justice, yet the Turkish Government has continued to actively obstruct any attempt to recognize what has happened to the Armenian people. The United States can help bring closure to this longstanding moral issue by recognizing the Armenian genocide. That's why I'm proud to be a sponsor of House Resolution 304, which would formally recognize this atrocity. To date, 88 Members of this body have joined me in support of the resolution. I urge all of my other colleagues to support what is a very important resolution. If we do nothing, the victims of this horrible genocide may be forgotten. We cannot allow that to happen.

Mr. DOLD

Mr. DOLD. Mr. Speaker, just minutes ago I had an opportunity to be outside and see the space shuttle flying around the United States Capitol on its way to Dulles, which brought back memories. Certainly those who study history realize that back in the '60s it was President Kennedy who said that the United States will take a man, deliver him to the Moon, and bring him safely back to the Earth. Consequently, the space race took off at that point in time and literally hundreds of thousands of people became more engaged in science and technology, engineering and mathematics, something that I think that we need to rekindle today. Mr. Speaker, I represent one of the largest manufacturing districts in the United States; and when I tour small businesses throughout the 10th District of Illinois, employers continually tell me that they have got job openings available, yet they can't find people, individuals, workers, able to fill those roles, roles that need to be filled by those who have taken science and technology, engineering and mathematics courses, or the STEM fields. In the depths of this recession that we have been going through, manufacturing associations have statistics that say 600,000 jobs across our Nation went unfilled. They went unfilled because not enough people were trained in the STEM fields. These are not low-paying jobs, Mr. Speaker. These jobs, on average, pay $77,000 annually. We must empower our students and job-seekers to pursue STEM education so that they can fill these good high-paying jobs right here at home. Certainly one of the pillars of my Main Street Jobs Agenda is that of STEM education. If we can prepare our students and those who are looking for work, we can help empower these people to find good-paying jobs and keep our manufacturing and innovation right here at home. The College of Lake County, a college in my district, has teamed up with local manufacturers to help provide education, education that is necessary in the STEM fields for those who are unemployed or wanting to pursue a manufacturing career. I am pleased to say that one of the local manufacturers actually went to the College of Lake County and said we're actually pulling students from Iowa and Ohio, is there any way you might be able to offer courses here at the College of Lake County so that we could start hiring people locally to fill these jobs. They were all too happy to oblige. I recently held a STEM field trip where I took interested students from high schools all across the 10th District to different high-tech organizations in the region. These students learn how they can apply their education firsthand and pursue advanced careers in this field. Just last week, I hosted the first-ever Manufacturing and Education Summit to bridge the gap between educators and manufacturers. We had folks from high schools and colleges. We had manufacturers there trying to say what it was that they needed, what were they looking for in students who were going to be graduating from either high school or college. This is exactly what we need to be doing right now. One of the success stories of bridging the gap between education and manufacturing is that of Wheeling High School principal Dr. Laz Lopez. He has worked with local businesses to find out what the actual needs are in the community and offering students options in pursuing a STEM education. Today, Dr. Lopez has been recognized as starting one of the most successful STEM high schools in our country. Just this last Friday, I joined him and other STEM students from various high schools around the area while they competed in a STEM competition, focusing on nanotechnology and high-powered computing. These are extraordinarily bright students who are better prepared for the 21st-century workforce. STEM education is and should be a bipartisan idea. I believe that this is an area of common ground and that we should be promoting local efforts all across our Nation to help manufacturers fill open jobs and better prepare our emerging workforce for 21st-century careers. We must not stand idly by and hope that this happens. Rather, we must be proactive and work to spur our local economy by demonstrating the success of STEM education. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics is one way we can help spur our economy to get our country back to work. I would encourage my colleagues to get involved in their local schools and communities, local colleges, to find out more on how they can better prepare students for a career in the 21st century through STEM education. It was not too long ago that John Kennedy gave us a charge to bring a man to the Moon and safely back to this Earth, spurring on STEM education. We have to do it again today. We have to make sure that we have that pipeline of students to be able to make jobs right here at home.

Mr. DOLD

Mr. DOLD. Mr. Speaker, this week, the Chicagoland region hit a record--a record high for gas prices. Gas is $4.51 a gallon in the 10th District of Illinois and is about $4.67 in the city of Chicago. At a time when family budgets are stretched to their limits, rising gas prices are contributing to many things, including that of rising food prices and skyrocketing bills at the pump. My energy plan includes investing in domestic energy and in implementing an all-of-the-above approach because these are bipartisan ideas that we can and should support. Not only will this help reduce our dependence on foreign oil, but it will help create jobs right here at home and lower the cost of energy for small businesses and families across the country. We must continue to explore environmentally friendly forms of energy while utilizing the resources we have here at home. Let's come together on this important issue so that hardworking taxpayers and hardworking families can be assured that we are listening and are putting their concerns above political rhetoric.

Mr. DOLD

Mr. DOLD. I certainly thank the gentleman for yielding and for his leadership on this. I also want to take the opportunity to thank my friend, Paul Ryan, for his work on the budget which I think is so critical. As we look at budgets right now, there are not so many of them over in the United States Senate, and when I think about running a business or the families across the country that need to put together a budget, I think it's wrong that the United States Government doesn't have one. Mr. Chairman, my children were on the floor today. They were here in Washington, D.C.; and when I think about why I came to Washington, D.C., it's because of them, about the American Dream for my children, about providing a country that's better off for them. We've got $15.5 trillion in debt; we borrow 42 cents of every single dollar. It's time that we put people before politics and progress before partisanship so that we can get something done. It's about providing solutions for our country so that we can come together, have a document that we can use to be able to move the country forward. We need to cut back and rein in spending. We need to be able to provide that certainty for American businesses that are out there. This is our time. We, Republicans and Democrats alike, have to put the party bickering aside. We have to focus on the solutions that are out there. Am I going to like all of it? The answer is, no, I'm not going to like all of it.