Bill Foster

Mr. FOSTER

Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Chairman, I am disappointed to be here once again speaking out against the Secret Science Reform Act. There are many problems that our Nation faces that we need to tackle--growing income inequity, a badly broken immigration system, and underinvestment in Federal research and development--so I am having a hard time understanding why congressional leaders think that this body, composed largely of lawyers and career politicians, should devote its attention to telling scientists how to conduct their research. We have heard many of these same politicians declare proudly, ``I am not a scientist,'' as they excuse their ignorance on issues like climate change or the effectiveness of vaccines, yet they want to rewrite the rules for standards of research for EPA scientists. As a scientist myself, as well as a manufacturer, one who started a business that now provides hundreds of manufacturing jobs in the United States and has kept those jobs in the Midwest and understands what is important for manufacturing to succeed in the United States, I always value the input of experts over political rhetoric. So what have the experts said about the Secret Science Reform Act? Today a letter was introduced into the Record from the American Association for the Advancement of Science, signed by 35 groups representing scientific organizations and research universities. In the letter, they state: The research community is concerned about how some of the key terms in this bill could be interpreted or misinterpreted, especially terms such as ``materials,'' ``data,'' and ``reproducible.'' Would the Environmental Protection Agency be excluded from utilizing research that involved physical specimens or biological materials that are not easily accessible? How would the Agency address research that combines both public and private data? These are all important questions that were not addressed when this bill was proposed last Congress and still remain unaddressed today. So I continue to stand alongside thousands of my colleagues in science in opposition to the Secret Science Reform Act. These are the standards that should be set by scientists and not by Washington politicians.

Mr. FOSTER

Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak out against the latest budget proposal from House Republicans. When Bill Clinton left office in 2001, our government was running a surplus and on track to pay down our national debt to zero by 2009. Republicans then took control of the House, Senate, and Presidency, and we saw 8 years of Republican budgets that drove us into debt and wrecked our economy. By the time Democrats regained control in 2009, our economy was in collapse, and the deficit was over $1 trillion a year. Republicans are now proposing to return to the very same policies that destroyed our economy in the first place: wars and military spending paid for on the backs of the middle class; tax cuts skewed to the wealthy that produce no jobs; and underinvestment in education, research, and infrastructure that are the lifeblood of our Nation's economic growth. Once again, we are seeing a budget that would increase financial stress on the middle class and the Medicare guarantee and force seniors to pay more for health care and for prescription drugs. We can and we must do better.

Mr. FOSTER

Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce in congratulating BMO Harris Bank as it is honored at the 39th Annual Salute to Accomplishment Dinner. For over a century, BMO Harris Bank has invested in Joliet, where it currently has five branches employing 61 people. Partnering with community organizations and local governments, BMO Harris Bank has worked on a number of initiatives to improve the quality of life throughout the community including investing in health care research and community service projects. Additionally, many BMO Harris Bank employees serve on boards and committees, and are members of various local non-profit organizations, including the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Joliet, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA, the Will County Council on Economic Development, and the Joliet Park District. Again, I would like to congratulate BMO Harris Bank and thank its employees for being a driving force of change in our community.

Mr. FOSTER

Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sherman L. Jenkins, who was named Outstanding African-American of the Year by the City of Aurora's African-American Heritage Advisory Board. Mr. Jenkins has been a key figure in the growth and development of the city of Aurora, Illinois. From 1991 until his retirement in 2012, Mr. Jenkins worked as assistant director and then as executive director of the Aurora Economic Development Commission. Under his leadership, the Aurora Economic Development Commission fostered the creation of the city's first downtown Master Plan, formed the Seize the Future Development Foundation, and worked to bring the Chicago Premium Outlets and many other infrastructure and business projects to Aurora, Illinois. In addition to his business career, Mr. Jenkins has been committed to serving his community. He is a member of the Ely Chapter of Lambda Alpha International, Rotary Club of Aurora, Past Chairman and Board Emeritus of the Aurora Public Library Foundation, a board member of the Northern Lights Development Corporation, and an Advisory Council member of the Board of Directors for the Quad County African American Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Jenkins is the President of SLJ Development Corporation and SLJ Communications, Inc., publisher of the monthly digital magazine Tell Me Somethin' Good, which focuses on African-American life outside the City of Chicago. I would like to congratulate Mr. Jenkins as he receives the Outstanding African-American of the Year Award from the City of Aurora's African-American Heritage Advisory Board and thank him for his service to our community.

Mr. FOSTER

Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, on February 26th, I missed one recorded vote. I would like to indicate how I would have voted had I been present. On rollcall No. 91, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. FOSTER

Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Gonzalo Arroyo for his nearly two decades of commitment to helping low-income and immigrant families in Aurora, Illinois, through his leadership of Family Focus Aurora. Gonzalo began working at Family Focus' Aurora Center in 1996, and has served as the director of the facility since 1998. During that time, he has helped countless families and individuals through the organization's many programs, from counseling new parents to computer classes aimed at improving work skills. Under Gonzalo's direction, Family Focus also has become a leader in providing guidance for recent immigrants looking to start a new chapter of their lives in Illinois. I would like to congratulate Gonzalo for his hard work and his commitment to Family Focus Aurora and the people of our community. Although Gonzalo's leadership will be missed, I have no doubt that the work he has done and the lessons he has passed on will continue to serve and inspire the people of Aurora for many years to come.

Mr. FOSTER

Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, once again, our country is seeing the dangerous effects of failing to listen to science. In 2000, the United States had effectively eliminated endemic measles--an effort 40 years in the making--but all of that progress is quickly coming undone, not by an act of nature but by willful ignorance. Last year, there were 644 cases of measles in the United States--the highest number in 20 years. Already this year, there have been 102 cases in 14 States, including in my home State of Illinois. This is a dangerous game and one that some elected officials are encouraging. As leaders, it is our duty to inform the public of the truth. For those of us with scientific and medical backgrounds, this duty falls even more seriously. When you fail to vaccinate, it is not just yourself and your children that you are putting in danger; it is everyone you come into contact with. And when politicians give voice to misinformation and paranoia, they are putting us all at risk. Measles may not spread as fast as erroneous sound bites and tweets, but they both have the potential to cause a great amount of damage. I know that many of my colleagues have reminded us that they are not scientists as they use this as an excuse for their advocacy of bad public policy, but it does not take a scientist to realize that opposing vaccines is wrong. Absent a valid medical reason for exclusion, vaccines are critical for every man, woman, and child in our country--period.

Mr. FOSTER

Mr. FOSTER. Madam Speaker, as the 114th Congress continues to set its course for the coming term, I rise today to honor Jerry ``J.R.'' McBride, a member of the DuPage County Board, who died of cancer in October at the young age of 47. I rise not to dwell on his passing but to suggest that we all may take a moment to learn a few lessons from his life. J.R., as he was affectionately called, lived his life by focusing on the needs of others. He was a family man. He cared deeply about his wife, Becky, and his five children. He was a community man, helping more area nonprofit organizations than I have time to mention here. Perhaps most important for those of us in Congress, J.R. was a public servant who put the needs of his community and his constituents ahead of politics and partisanship. J.R. was an equal opportunity listener and a friend to Republicans and Democrats alike. He knew the importance of cooperation and of compromise, of humor and humanity. He saw in his fellow public servants the common aspiration to do what is right for the people that we have been elected to represent. Mr. McBride recognized that we are all in this together, and he was committed to working together for the greater good. That lesson, along with his accomplishments for DuPage County and his memory, will live on.

Mr. FOSTER

Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Professor David Hillyer Voorhees and his election as an Education Section Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Mr. Voorhees is an associate professor of earth science and geology at Waubonsee Community College, which has campuses in Sugar Grove and Aurora, Illinois. He is being honored for his contributions as an educator and for his role in creating Geo2YC, a national organization for geoscience faculty at two-year colleges. Geo2YC, a division of the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, brings professors from two-year institutions together for networking, support, and research into geoscience education. I would like to thank Mr. Voorhees for his commitment to science and quality education in our community.

Mr. FOSTER

Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the firefighters and paramedics of the East Joliet Fire Protection District and to recognize the past 75 years of service to the community of Joliet, Illinois. Since the formation of the East Joliet Fire Protection District in 1940, the protection of our community has been in the hands of truly dedicated volunteers and professionals. With each alarm, the firefighters, paramedics and support staff of the East Joliet Fire Protection District perform heroic acts to save lives and protect property. If not for its service, many businesses, homes, and members of our community would not be here today. I would like to thank the members of the East Joliet Fire Protection District for all that they do to protect the community they have set out to serve.

Mr. FOSTER

Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Patrick B Perez and his tenure as the Sheriff of Kane County. Sheriff Perez retired on Sunday, November 30th, 2014 after over 22 years of service to Kane County. Since becoming the first Hispanic sheriff of Kane County in 2006, Sheriff Perez had many successes, including his efforts to combat gang violence, heroin and other substance abuse problems in Kane County. During his tenure, the city of Aurora saw a 13-month period from 2012-2013 of no reported murders. Sherriff Perez oversaw the creation of the agency's website, which sees more than one million visitors a year, and the construction of a new shooting range for the 244 officers who must show competence with their weapons twice a year. He also led successful charitable efforts and community outreach programs, such as the citizens' police academy and the annual car show. He served with professionalism, a strong work ethic, and a sense of duty to the officers under his command and the community they serve. I congratulate Sheriff Perez on his retirement and thank him for his service to Kane County.

Mr. FOSTER

Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Eisenhower Academy in Joliet, Illinois, which was ranked the best elementary school in Will County by the Chicago Tribune. I would like to recognize the teachers, administrators, and students of this magnet school for their commitment to learning. The rankings were based on the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) and found that over 94 percent of students in grades three through five met or exceeded expectations. Although 100 percent of the students at the school come from low- income families, through hard work and with the support of teachers and parents, these students have already achieved something remarkable. I look forward to following their progress. Congratulations to Eisenhower Academy and Joliet Public Schools District 86. I would like to thank the teachers, administrators, parents and students for their hard work and dedication.

Mr. FOSTER

Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor Companeros en Salud/ Partners in Health, a not-for-profit grass roots organization in Aurora, Illinois that is celebrating its 15th Anniversary. Since 1999, Companeros en Salud/Partners in Health, NFP has provided assistance for members of the Hispanic community and other diverse groups to ensure equal access to health care and other social services in the Fox Valley. I would especially like to recognize Dr. Lulu Blacksmith, Companeros en Salud's founder, for her dedication and leadership of the organization. Through programs such as the Latina Health Festival, the Men's Health Festival, and Language Access Healthcare, Companeros en Salud has become an important resource for our community. Since its founding, the organization has been expanding its focus into areas such as mental health and diabetes, while still offering high quality service to those who need assistance the most. I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to Companeros en Salud/Partners in Health, NFP as it celebrates its 15th Anniversary.

Mr. FOSTER

Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Charles McLimans, the President and CEO of Loaves & Fishes Community Services in Naperville, Illinois. Loaves & Fishes is a nonprofit community organization that has become an institution for Naperville and DuPage County for both the population it serves and the over 1,500 volunteers that help every year. The Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry provided aid to over 18,000 people in 2012-2013, handling over 3 million pounds of groceries. Additionally, the organization's Pathways to Empowerment program assists people in accessing vital community services and training courses. Mr. McLimans is stepping down as President and CEO on January 9, 2014 after seven years leading the organization. Under his leadership, Loaves & Fishes has moved to a new home, added additional services such as healthcare counseling and computer classes, and expanded its coverage to serve all of DuPage County. I would like to thank Charles McLimans for his service to our community and for his tireless efforts in the fight against hunger.

Mr. FOSTER

Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, it is far too common for Members of Congress to come to the floor of this Chamber to weave their narrative of incompetent Federal bureaucracies, lazy and unresponsive members of the unionized Federal workforce, and greedy and irresponsible Federal contractors. I rise today to tell a very different story. On September 26, 2014, commercial flights in nearly every airport around this country were delayed or canceled after the Chicago Air Route Traffic Control Center, also known as Chicago Center, in Aurora, Illinois, was disabled in an act of sabotage by a disturbed individual. A fire destroyed the communications equipment that processes flight plan data and enabled air traffic controllers at the facility to communicate with pilots in the 91,000 square miles of airspace for which they are responsible. This could have led to a tragic loss of life. However, due to the efforts of controllers at Chicago Center and adjacent air traffic control facilities, all planes in the air when Chicago Center lost communications were landed safely. Nearly 200 of the controllers at Chicago Center then traveled to 12 air traffic control towers and terminal radar approach controls throughout the Midwest to help direct air traffic. At the same time, technicians, mechanics, and electricians were working around the clock to replace damaged equipment and restore the Chicago Center facilities. In total, they replaced 10 miles of cable, dozens of racks of computers, and 835 communication circuits to restore the center's voice communications, radar flight planning, and weather capabilities. As a scientist who has installed giant experiments and accelerators on tight time scales, I respect what they have accomplished. Professional restoration crews also removed fire, soot, smoke, and water damage from the affected areas, and all of this was accomplished in just over 2 weeks. Mr. Speaker, despite significant challenges, Chicago airports were able to operate at more than 90 percent capacity within days of the fire. One week after the fire, Administrator Huerta visited Chicago Center with me and my colleagues in the Senate to assess the progress of the restoration. While it was clear that the damage had been extensive, I drew confidence from what I saw. Everyone understood what they needed to do for the sake of the traveling public. They set an aggressive schedule for repairs, and they kept it. The air traffic controllers, FAA employees, and contractors who responded to this crisis performed admirably and deserve our sincere thanks and appreciation. Under difficult circumstances, members of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association from throughout the Midwest rose to the challenge and kept the flying public safe. Within 4 days of the fire, O'Hare Airport regained its title as the busiest airport in the world. I would like to say a special thank you to Toby Hauck, the Chicago Center NATCA Facility Representative; Gerry Waloszyk, the Chicago Center PASS facility Representative; Bill Cound, the Chicago Center Air Traffic Manager; Mike Paulsen, the Chicago Center Technical Operations Group Manager; and everyone else who worked to restore Chicago Center. Because of all of you, by October 13, repairs were completed, and Chicago Center returned to full capacity. Mr. Speaker, important lessons have been learned, that the fire that crippled Chicago Center not only affected flights departing and arriving in the Midwest, but also those flying through Chicago's airspace to reach their destinations. Between Friday and Sunday, more than 3,000 flights were canceled at O'Hare alone. The estimated cost to the airlines has been reported to be more than $350 million in total. However, what made this crisis unique wasn't the number of delays or cancelled flights. It was that just one person was able to disrupt the travel plans of so many thousands of people. The systems that protect the flying public must be made more robust. Although the fundamental redundancy had been built into the system--the ability for nearby radar systems to see into the Chicago airspace--the FAA must and is improving contingency plans to restore service much faster than it was able to do. In the long term, the best way to ensure the safety and reliability of the National Airspace System is to facilitate the transition to the NextGen air traffic transportation system. Mr. Speaker, currently, the ground-based radar system is the foundation of the National Airspace System. NextGen will rely on GPS satellites that are more accurate than ground-based radar. It will also include a transition from radio voice communications to a digital network that is similar to the mobile phone service. This transition to NextGen will enable air traffic controllers to reestablish air traffic control services much more quickly after this type of disaster. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in commending the FAA's response team on a job well done and to support the President's request for full funding for implementing NextGen in the 114th Congress.

Mr. FOSTER

Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support my resolution to establish December 3 as National 3-D Printing Day. As an entrepreneur, myself, who built a manufacturing company from the ground up, I know firsthand how invaluable this technology is. Advances in 3-D printing are creating unprecedented opportunities for entrepreneurs and manufacturers to develop new products and bring their ideas to life. When I think of the long hours that my brother and I spent in the machine shop building parts for our first prototype, parts that could now be built quickly and easily with 3-D printing, it makes me envious of today's startups. From biotechnology to food production to advanced manufacturing, 3-D printing is creating endless opportunities for innovation. Additionally, 3-D printing technology is a great teaching tool for students. There is nothing like the look of awe on students' faces as they watch a 3-D printer build something that they designed, something that started out as their idea that they can now hold in their hand. It is also a great way of teaching them the value of coordinate geometry. So it is critical that we continue to develop this technology and recognize the importance in the modern economy and in inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in STEM and advanced manufacturing. Again, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing December 3 as National 3-D Printing Day.

Mr. FOSTER

Mr. FOSTER. I would like to thank the ranking member for her leadership on this issue. Mr. Chairman, we frequently hear my colleagues across the aisle say, ``I am not a scientist,'' in response to a stance they may be taking on a matter which has a strong technical or scientific aspect to it. Well, I am a scientist, and that is why I am standing today in strong opposition to the Secret Science Reform Act. Even my colleagues in the House who are not scientists, when they have a question of law, they will consult a lawyer, but that doesn't seem to be the case where science is concerned. I think that it would be good if in this House we spent a little while listening to the scientists who are concerned with these issues. Today, a letter was introduced into the Record from the American Association for the Advancement of Science, signed by 42 organizations representing scientific organizations and research universities. In the letter, they state that the research community is concerned about how some of the key terms in this bill could be interpreted or misinterpreted, especially terms such as ``materials,'' ``data,'' and ``reproducible.'' Would the Environmental Protection Agency, for example, be excluded from utilizing research that involved physical specimens or biological materials that are not easily accessible? How would the Agency address research that combines both public and necessarily private data? These are all important questions which this legislation and, sadly, this debate have not addressed, so I stand alongside thousands of my colleagues in science in opposition to the Secret Science Reform Act and in support of what has been referred to in this debate as ``so- called peer review.'' Let us scientists set the scientific standards and not Washington politicians.

Mr. FOSTER

Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Union School District 81--a single school district in Joliet, Illinois--for winning an Award of Merit from the Illinois State Board of Education for outstanding improvement and effort. This district has undergone a transformation that would have seemed impossible 2 years ago. Since then, in addition to a renewed focus on academics, the school has built its first playground, provided computers for all students in the third through eighth grades, and added 18 days of school for students, all while improving its financial rating. The teachers, administrators, staff, parents, and students of Union School District 81 deserve this commendation for their hard work and for their dedication. I would also like to recognize the efforts of Superintendent Tim Baldermann for his dedication to providing a top-quality education for all of his students. I congratulate them on their important achievement.

Mr. FOSTER

Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the ribbon cutting of the Veterans Resource Center at Joliet Junior College. The Veterans Resource Center will benefit approximately 300 students that use GI education benefits every semester at Joliet Junior College. The dedicated space will provide veterans with an area to socialize, study, access computers, and attend counseling sessions. I applaud Joliet Junior College for providing our veterans with services like the Veterans Resource Center and for its dedication to ensuring that the men and women who serve our country have access to a great education in a supportive environment. I congratulate Joliet Junior College on opening the Veterans Resource Center and thank the college for its hard work on behalf of our veterans.

Mr. FOSTER

Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the ribbon cutting of Joliet Junior College's Tutoring and Learning Center in Joliet, Illinois. Joliet Junior College was the first public community college in the nation, and since its founding in 1901 it has provided students with excellent educational opportunities. This tradition will continue with the opening of the Tutoring and Learning Center. The Tutoring and Learning Center will provide students with free access to tutoring services such as drop-in math assistance, presentation training, online tutoring, and writing assistance, all under one roof. These services will give Joliet Junior College students the skills they need to succeed not only in their education, but after graduation as well. Again, I would like to congratulate Joliet Junior College on the opening of the Tutoring and Learning Center and thank the college for its hard work on behalf of our students.

Mr. FOSTER

Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry as it celebrates its 100 year anniversary. For the past century, the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry has supported local businesses with training, charitable work, and community promotion. I would like to recognize and thank the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chair of the Board Jeff Thompson and the rest of the Chamber Board for their leadership and dedication to our community. I would also like to recognize and thank Russ Slinkard, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and all of the staff. The Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been a partner to the city as it has grown and changed over the past 100 years. The Chamber plays a vital role in the economic health of Joliet and the surrounding area. Again, I would like to congratulate the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry for 100 years of service to our community.

Mr. FOSTER

Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Hispanic Pioneer's Breakfast in Aurora, Illinois. For the past ten years, Alderman Juany Garza, who represents Ward 2 on the City Council of Aurora, has hosted a breakfast to honor the members of the Hispanic community who have given back and inspired us all. These breakfasts have honored diverse members of the community. Past honorees have included local sports figures, health care providers, police officers, firefighters, and members of the military. For the 10th Annual Hispanic Pioneer's Breakfast, Alderman Garza is highlighting the contributions of the unsung heroes in Aurora, people who have dedicated their time and effort to making their community better without looking for praise or reward. I would like to thank our unsung heroes for their dedication to making our community stronger. I would also like to thank Alderman Garza for her continued service to the people of Aurora, Illinois.

Mr. FOSTER

Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 468 had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. FOSTER

Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, on July 22, I missed one recorded vote. I would like to indicate how I would have voted had I been present. On rollcall No. 434, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. FOSTER

Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to an issue that is near and dear to many constituents in my district. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the decades-long struggle to find a common ground between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots. On July 20, 1974, Turkey deployed its military forces to the island of Cyprus, separating thousands of families from their homes and dividing the sovereign nation in half. Today, there are still many challenges that the Greek and Turkish Cypriots need to resolve before reunification can take place. While the path won't be easy and it will take the political courage of both sides, I am confident that a peaceful resolution can be found. On February 11, 2014, the two Cypriot leaders, Nicos Anastasiades and Dervish Eroglu, renewed negotiations for a Cyprus settlement. This Joint Statement reflects the spirit of compromise and lays down a solid foundation for result-oriented talks. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in urging for the peaceful reunification of the island of Cyprus and I call upon the United States to do everything it can to support both sides in this process.