Paul Gillmor

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I had some other speakers but they are not here. So let me just say that I hope we can pass this bill. And I want to echo what my colleague from Michigan (Mr. Dingell) said. This is not a partisan issue. And I very much appreciate the way that Members, particularly of our Committee on Energy and Commerce, have been able to come together and move this bill unanimously, and hopefully we can see it move further in the other body.

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, reclaiming my time, let me just point out that in the Detroit News, it was reported on September 1 that the environmental ministry spokesman from Ontario, Kate Jordan, said the deal was prompted by fear of this bill's becoming law and that Michigan might stop all trash shipments within 30 days. Now, I am not critical of the Senators, and I haven't been, for trying to negotiate a deal. But I do want to point a couple things out. First of all, anybody could sue for anything; so you may have litigation. But the fact of the matter is we went to great lengths to be sure that this complied with both NAFTA and the U.S.-Canadian transboundary agreement. The other point is that the so-called deal with the Canadians is not in any way legally enforceable. All you have is a promise that they will do that. They can turn around tomorrow or next week or next month and take that back. So there is one legally enforceable way to protect Michigan and the other States, and that is passage of H.R. 2491. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GILLMOR. I yield to the gentleman from Michigan.

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Just a couple of points. I have been advised that when the Canadians entered into this so-called agreement, they referenced the passage of this bill, H.R. 2491, as a reason for doing that. I am also a little confused by the position of the gentleman from Michigan, who first said he supported the bill and then said if we passed the bill, it could result in litigation that would delay the stopping of the garbage. So I am not sure what his position is.

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to Mrs. Miller from Michigan.

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Rogers).

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume. Mr. Speaker, I want to begin by thanking several cosponsors of this bill from Michigan, Mr. Rogers, Mr. Dingell, Mrs. Miller, Mr. Stupak, Mr. Upton, Mr. Camp and many others. The legislation the House is considering today is the version of H.R. 2491 unanimously reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce with two minor technical amendments; one to correct the year expressed in the bill's title from 2005 to 2006, and the second one to clarify the committee's position as stated in its filed report that this legislation does not cover solid waste generated incident to the provision of service in interstate, intrastate, foreign or overseas air transportation. Today's consideration of H.R. 2491 has been a long time in coming. This legislation gives States and localities some control over the amount of waste that is generated outside of the United States that they must accept. To give you an idea of the scope of the problem, we now have almost 4 million tons of municipal solid waste coming into landfills in the United States from outside the country. My staff has calculated that is more than 425 truckloads per day. Current law basically punishes the environmentally responsible and rewards the environmentally irresponsible. Those States which go to the expense and the effort to create landfill space are finding their landfills clogged with waste from those who do not make and will not make this financial and legal commitment. While there are many issues in the area of waste from and between jurisdictions, this bill deals only with the international waste, and great care has been taken to be sure to only limit itself to international waste. Quite simply, this bill gives States the authority, only if they want to use it, to place limits on municipal solid waste generated in another country and exported for disposal in the United States. In addition, the bill provides the necessary legal authority for the United States to fully implement the U.S.-Canada Waste Agreement. EPA has testified before the House Energy and Commerce Committee that such legal authority was necessary for our country to fully meet its commitments under this pact. The steps in this bill are ones that must be taken to give meaningful and needed powers to both Federal and State governments. They are consistent with the powers granted in the United States Constitution and the U.S.-Canada Waste Trade Agreement. We have worked hard to assure that they do not violate any of our international trade obligations like those in the North America Free Trade Agreement. I urge all Members to support this bill, to send a message to other countries that the United States is not going to be their wastebasket. I would urge Members to support H.R. 2491. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to insert extraneous material.

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2491) to amend the Solid Waste Disposal Act to authorize States to restrict receipt of foreign municipal solid waste and implement the Agreement Concerning the Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Waste between the United States and Canada, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney) and that he may be able to yield.

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4804, the FHA Manufactured Housing Loan Modernization Act of 2006, which was introduced by my financial services colleague, Congressman Pat Tiberi. H.R. 4804 would modernize the Federal Housing Administration title I program for manufactured homes and increase the availability of FHA insured manufactured housing loans to low and moderate income consumers who wish to purchase a manufactured home. Congressman Tiberi's legislation would amend title I of the Federal Housing Administration mortgage insurance program by encouraging more private sector participation in the title I program, increasing the availability of title I loans for manufactured housing and improving title I access to the secondary mortgage market. To accomplish these goals, the FHA Manufactured Housing Modernization Act of 2006 includes several important reforms to make the title I manufactured housing program more relevant and more meaningful. The bill requires FHA to insure title I manufactured housing loans on a loan by loan basis, similar to what is done in the single-family FHA program, instead of using the current insurance system which insures bundles of loans. This change would pose less risk to the secondary insurer and would encourage the securitization of title I loans. Since 1992, manufactured home prices have increased over 50 percent while loan limits have not been adjusted for inflation. To address this inequity, H.R. 4804 raises the maximum loan limits for manufactured homes and lots with annual indexing using U.S. Census data. The manufactured housing industry has evolved in the last decade to deliver a better quality product that saves as much as 25 percent of development costs associated with traditional single-family homes. Recent innovations in design, including multi-stories and attached garages, make manufactured housing a viable, affordable alternative for urban developments. The problem of housing affordability touches many Americans, young couples with limited incomes, single-parent families and low income households that seek decent shelter at a reasonable price, or retired persons looking for smaller homes with less maintenance. Many American families are unable to afford a medium priced site- built home. Manufactured housing provides a home ownership option for people who may not be able to afford or choose not to purchase site- built housing. H.R. 4804 will go a long way to ensure that manufactured housing continues to play an important role in meeting the country's affordable housing needs. I urge my colleagues to support this important piece of legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4804) to modernize the manufactured housing loan insurance program under title I of the National Housing Act, as amended.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in wholehearted support of this legislation. I think it stands as a testament to Congress's heeding the call of the American public for increased protections from these dangerous sexual predators. I would like to commend Chairman Sensenbrenner for his leadership and for his unwavering commitment to ensure that American families receive the necessary tools to protect their loved ones. As a father of three young children, I feel a special appreciation for the benefits that this legislation will provide, not the least of which is a national database of sexually violent offenders accessible to all Americans via the Internet, enhanced community notification measures, and a study to assess the merits of a standardized national risk-based classification system. I particularly want to thank the chairman for working with me in including those provisions which were set forth in two bills I had previously introduced. I urge passage of the bill.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the resolution. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my support for the efforts of our brave men and women in uniform fighting to protect our Nation in the global war on terror. Today, some people are trying to make this debate about politics or another opportunity to convince some of our national media that our efforts in Iraq have not been successful, these people are wrong in their facts and their intent. I recently led a delegation of members to Vietnam, India, Singapore and Thailand. After meeting with three prime ministers and their parliamentary leaders, I am ever more convinced of the need to stay the course in Iraq and Afghanistan. One common theme came from each of my meetings--the United States must win. It is a simple theme and a powerful one. We cannot leave Iraq before the job is done. If the terrorists who have invaded Iraq can prove to the world that they are able to overcome the will of the American people and force our early withdrawal, they can do that to any nation. Mr. Speaker, we are the world's last remaining superpower. We are the leader of democracy and the pinnacle of freedom. If bands of murderous terrorists in Iraq and Afghanistan can convince this body to abandon our mission, they will have won. And they will not stop at simply expelling America from Iraq. They will work to destroy the western world, our values and our freedoms. Our mission in Iraq has changed. Our forces easily defeated and captured Saddam Hussein and his henchmen. Now, our mission is to finish the job by building up Iraqi security forces and the Iraqi Government so that they can defend and govern themselves. I believe President Bush when he says, ``as Iraqis stand up, we will stand down.'' Today the Iraqi forces have gained great strength. There are now more than twice as many members of the Iraqi Security Forces as there are U.S. forces serving in Iraq. Iraqi forces are now a part of more than 90 percent of all operations in Iraq. With the complete formation of the presidential cabinet, three free elections and the elimination of al-Qa'ida leaders in Iraq, the global war on terror is indeed progressing and advancing freedom and democracy across the world. Mr. Speaker, our debate today is a useful one. It is an opportunity to say to the world that we stand behind our troops 100 percent. This debate shows that we support the mission of our American patriots. Today, the United States Congress should pass this resolution and demonstrate to the world, once again, our commitment to freedom and democracy.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to pay tribute to a special company in Ohio. This year, The Bascom Mutual Telephone Company in Bascom, Ohio, celebrates 100 years of dedicated service. Mr. Speaker, The Bascom Mutual Telephone Company in Bascom, Ohio, is one of the oldest mutual telephone companies in the State of Ohio. Founded in 1906, The Bascom Mutual Telephone Company has succeeded in providing quality telephone service to the residents of Bascom, Ohio. Beginning operations on February 22, 1906, The Bascom Mutual Telephone Company, known as Bascom Farmers Mutual Telephone Company from 1916 to 1953, began providing telephone service to the residents of Bascom, Ohio. At the time of its inception in 1906, The Bascom Mutual Telephone Company began operations with only eighteen members seeking the company's services. Today, The Bascom Mutual Telephone Company, who is a vital component to the telecommunications infrastructure of Northwest Ohio, proudly serves over 940 members. Throughout the decades, The Bascom Mutual Telephone Company, as a product of Seneca County, has clearly distinguished itself as an innovator and industry leader. Through a dedicated workforce, top-notch facilities, and excellent customer service, The Bascom Mutual Telephone Company has set a bench-mark for how to run a successful business. The real success of The Bascom Mutual Telephone Company comes not only from the technological advancements of its facilities, but from its employees. The management and staff of The Bascom Mutual Telephone Company have indeed provided their customers with the service and dependability that are expected of a first-class company. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to the employees and the legacy of The Bascom Mutual Telephone Company. As all who benefit from this fine establishment gather to celebrate its 100th anniversary of service, I am confident that the excellent employees will continue the successes of The Bascom Mutual Telephone Company into the future.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time, and I commend Chairman Barton and Chairman Upton for the hard work they did on this bill. This bill is pro-consumer and -business legislation. It represents a giant leap forward in our efforts to reform the Nation's telecommunications laws. Bringing our laws up to date with current technologies will remove many of the current bureaucratic barriers that prevent consumers from having access to the latest television and broadband technologies. Furthermore, this bill will have a significant impact on rural areas such as mine by making more services available. This legislation represents months of hard work, and for consumers it means two things: it means more choices and lower prices, pure and simple. Capitalizing on this opportunity now will ensure that Americans enter the Digital Age as soon as possible. Much has been said about net neutrality, and there is a Markey amendment in order which is called ``net neutrality.'' That is a catchy phrase, but it is not descriptive. What it is is government regulation of the Internet. Now you can call a pig a chicken, but it doesn't make it a chicken. It is still a pig. You can call an amendment ``net neutrality'' when it is government regulation, and it is still government regulation. That is an amendment that is a solution in search of a problem. I would urge Members to vote against that amendment, to vote for this rule, and vote for the bill.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding young woman from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am happy to announce that Deborah J. Almy of Tiffin, Ohio has been offered an appointment to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. Deborah's offer of appointment poises her to attend the United States Military Academy this fall with the incoming cadet class of 2010. Attending one of our nation's military academies is an invaluable experience that offers a world-class education and demands the very best that these young men and women have to offer. Deborah brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming class of West Point cadets. While attending Tiffin Columbian High School in Tiffin, Ohio, Deborah has attained a grade point average which places her near the top of her class. While a gifted athlete, Deborah has maintained the highest standards of excellence in her academics, choosing to enroll and excel in Advanced Placement classes throughout high school. Deborah has been a member of the Honor Roll, the High School Choir and has earned awards and accolades as a scholar and an athlete. Outside the classroom, Deborah has distinguished herself as an excellent student-athlete by earning letters in both varsity soccer and basketball. She has also remained involved in her community by serving as a teacher's aide and as a volunteer for her Church's nursery. I have no doubt that Deborah will employ the lessons of her student leadership as she excels among the leaders at West Point. Deborah's dedication and service to the community and her peers has proven her ability to excel among the leaders at West Point. I have no doubt that Deborah will take the lessons of her student leadership with her to West Point. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Deborah J. Almy on her appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available anywhere in the world. I am sure that Deborah will do very well during her career at West Point and I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing her well as she begins her service to the nation.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding young man from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am happy to announce that James D. McKinney of Bowling Green, Ohio has been offered an appointment to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. James' offer of appointment poises him to attend the United States Military Academy this fall with the incoming cadet class of 2010. Attending one of our nation's military academies is an invaluable experience that offers a world-class education and demands the very best that these young men and women have to offer. James brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming class of West Point cadets. While attending Bowling Green High School in Bowling Green, Ohio, James attained a grade point average which placed him near the top of his class. While a gifted athlete, James has maintained the highest standards of excellence in his academics, choosing to enroll and excel in Advanced Placement classes throughout high school. James has obtained the rank of Eagle Scout, has been a delegate to Buckeye Boys' State and president of his school's Model United Nations Club. Outside the classroom, James has distinguished himself as an accomplished student-athlete by actively participating in fencing and cycling. He has also remained active in his community by volunteering to assist his local Meals on Wheels program. Upon completion of high school, James continued his education at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. I have no doubt that James will employ the lessons of his student leadership as he excels among the leaders at West Point. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating James D. McKinney on his appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available anywhere in the world. I am sure that James will do very well during his career at West Point and I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing him well as he begins his service to the nation.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding young man from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am happy to announce that Joshua R. Flage of Wayne, Ohio, has been offered an appointment to attend the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Joshua's offer of appointment poises him to attend the U.S. Naval Academy this fall with the incoming midshipmen class of 2010. Attending one of our Nation's military academies is an invaluable experience that offers a world-class education and demands the very best that these young men and women have to offer. Joshua brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming class at the Naval Academy. While attending Wellsville High School in Wellsville, Ohio, Joshua attained a grade point average which placed him at the top of his class. While a gifted athlete, Joshua has maintained the highest standards of excellence in his academics, choosing to enroll and excel in Advanced Placement classes throughout high school. In addition to being a delegate to Buckeye Boys' State, Joshua has been a member of the National Honor Society and Student Council. Outside the classroom, Joshua has distinguished himself as an excellent student-athlete. On the fields of competition, Joshua earned varsity letters in swimming and track. He was named captain of the varsity swimming team and co-captain of the varsity football team. Upon completion of high school, Joshua continued his education at the Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Virginia. Joshua's dedication and service to the community and his peers has proven his ability to excel among the leaders at the Naval Academy. I have no doubt that Joshua will take the lessons of his student leadership with him to Annapolis. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Joshua R. Flage on his appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available anywhere in the world. I am sure that Joshua will do very well during his career at the Naval Academy and I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing him well as he begins his service to the Nation.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding young man from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am happy to announce that Joshua R. Minton of North Baltimore, Ohio has been offered an appointment to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. Joshua's offer of appointment poises him to attend the United States Military Academy this fall with the incoming cadet class of 2010. Attending one of our Nation's military academies is an invaluable experience that offers a world-class education and demands the very best that these young men and women have to offer. Truly, it is one of the most challenging and rewarding undertakings of their lives. Joshua brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming class of West Point cadets. While attending Elmwood High School in Bloomdale, Ohio, Joshua attained a grade point average which placed him near the top of his class. While a gifted athlete, Joshua has maintained the highest standards of excellence in his academics, choosing to enroll and excel in Advanced Placement classes throughout high school. Joshua has been a member of the National Honor Society, the Honor Roll and has earned numerous awards and accolades as a scholar and an athlete. Outside the classroom, Joshua has distinguished himself as an excellent student-athlete. On the fields of competition, he has earned varsity letters in basketball and football where he served as the captain of the varsity team. Joshua's dedication and service to the community and his peers has proven his ability to excel among the leaders at West Point. I have no doubt that Joshua will take the lessons of his student leadership with him to West Point. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Joshua R. Minton on his appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available anywhere in the world. I am sure that Joshua will do very well during his career at West Point and I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing him well as he begins his service to the Nation.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding young man from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am happy to announce that Keil J. Miller of Napoleon, Ohio has been offered an appointment to attend the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Keil's offer of appointment poises him to attend the United States Naval Academy this fall with the incoming midshipmen class of 2010. Attending one of our Nation's military academies is an invaluable experience that offers a world-class education and demands the very best that these young men and women have to offer. Truly, it is one of the most challenging and rewarding undertakings of their lives. Keil brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming class at the Naval Academy. While attending Napoleon High School in Napoleon, Ohio, Keil attained a grade point average which placed him near the top of his class. While a gifted athlete, Keil has maintained the highest standards of excellence in his academics, choosing to enroll and excel in Advanced Placement classes throughout high school. Keil has been a member of the Honor Roll, the Drama and German Club and has earned numerous awards and accolades as a scholar and an athlete. Outside the classroom, Joshua has distinguished himself as an excellent student-athlete by earning varsity letters in track and football where he served as the captain of his varsity team. He has also remained involved in his community by serving as a camp counselor for a youth football program and as an active participant in Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Keil's dedication and service to the community and his peers has proven his ability to excel among the leaders at the Naval Academy. I have no doubt that Keil will take the lessons of his student leadership with him to Annapolis. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Keil J. Miller on his appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available anywhere in the world. I am sure that Keil will do very well during his career at the Naval Academy and I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing him well as he begins his service to the nation.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding young man from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am happy to announce that Peter D. Guzowski of Tiffin, Ohio has been offered an appointment to attend the United States Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado. Peter's offer of appointment poises him to attend the United States Air Force Academy this fall with the incoming cadet class of 2010. Attending one of our Nation's military academies is an invaluable experience that offers a world-class education and demands the very best that these young men and women have to offer. Peter brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming class of Air Force cadets. While attending Tiffin Columbian High School in Tiffin, Ohio, Peter attained a grade point average which placed him near the top of his class. While a gifted athlete, Peter has maintained the highest standards of excellence in his academics, choosing to enroll and excel in Advanced Placement classes throughout high school. Peter has been a member of the National Honor Society, Honor Roll and has earned awards and accolades as a scholar and an athlete. Outside the classroom, Peter has distinguished himself as an excellent student-athlete by earning letters in varsity tennis and golf where he served as the captain of his varsity team. He has also remained involved in his community by coaching youth basketball and serving as an altar server. Peter's dedication and service to the community and his peers has proven his ability to excel among the leaders at the United States Air Force Academy. I have no doubt that Peter will take the lessons of his student leadership with him to the United States Air Force Academy. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Peter D. Guzowski on his appointment to the United States Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available anywhere in the world. I am sure that Peter will do very well during his career at the United States Air Force Academy and I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing him well as he begins his service to the Nation.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding young man from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District, I am happy to announce that Travis S.C. Root of Norwalk, OH, has been offered an appointment to attend the United States Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, CO. Travis's offer of appointment poises him to attend the United States Air Force Academy this fall with the incoming cadet class of 2010. Attending one of our Nation's military academies is an invaluable experience that offers a world-class education and demands the very best that these young men and women have to offer. Truly, it is one of the most challenging and rewarding undertakings of their lives. Travis brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming class of Air Force cadets. While attending Norwalk High School in Norwalk, OH, Travis attained a grade point average which placed him near the top of his class. While a gifted athlete, Travis has maintained the highest standards of excellence in his academics, choosing to enroll and excel in advanced placement classes throughout high school. Travis has been a member of the Honor Roll, the Academic Challenge Team, and the Key Club. Outside the classroom, Travis has distinguished himself as an excellent student-athlete by earning varsity letters in football, swimming and track. Travis's dedication and service to the community and his peers has proven his ability to excel among the leaders at the Air Force Academy. I have no doubt that Travis will take the lessons of his student leadership with him to the United States Air Force Academy. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Travis S.C. Root on his appointment to the United States Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available anywhere in the world. I am sure that Travis will do very well during his career at the United States Air Force Academy and I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing him well as he begins his service to the Nation.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding young man from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am happy to announce that Jason C. Shank of Pemberville, Ohio, has been offered an appointment to attend the United States Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado. Jason's offer of appointment poises him to attend the United States Air Force Academy this fall with the incoming cadet class of 2010. Attending one of our Nation's military academies is an invaluable experience that offers a world-class education and demands the very best that these young men and women have to offer. It is one of the most challenging and rewarding undertakings of their lives. Jason brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming class of Air Force cadets. While attending Eastwood High School in Pemberville, Ohio, Jason attained a grade point average which placed him at the top of his class. While a gifted athlete, Jason has maintained the highest standards of excellence in his academics, choosing to enroll and excel in Advanced Placement classes throughout high school. Jason has been a member of the National Honor Society, Honor Roll and has earned awards and accolades as a scholar and an athlete. Outside the classroom, Jason has distinguished himself as an excellent student-athlete by earning letters in varsity track, basketball and golf where he served as the captain of his varsity team. He has also remained involved in his community by actively participating in 4-H Club, his church youth group and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. I have no doubt that Jason will employ the lessons of his student leadership as he excels among the leaders at the United States Air Force Academy. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Jason C. Shank on his appointment to the United States Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available anywhere in the world. I am sure that Jason will do very well during his career at the United States Air Force Academy and I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing him well as he begins his service to the Nation.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4167, the National Uniformity for Foods Act. I am pleased to be one of 226 cosponsors, and congratulate its sponsors, Mike Rogers and Ed Towns, for their leadership in bringing this important food safety bill to the floor. Domestic manufacturers and consumers alike will be well-served by this legislation which aims to alleviate the confusion created by a patchwork regulatory system, by requiring that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the states work together to develop uniform safety standards. Of note, the National Uniformity for Foods Act will likely benefit an estimated 16,000 food processing facilities scattered throughout the country. Most of them process foods that are distributed across state lines, including items like soup, ketchup, candy and crackers, all of which are produced in my congressional district. Beyond food processors, glass manufacturers, who package food, beverages, cosmetics and other consumer products in Northwest Ohio will also be impacted positively by H.R. 4167. Given the nationwide distribution of most products packaged in glass, it is critical that glass manufacturers follow a national standard for the bottles that they produce. Under the current regulatory system, each of the 50 states has the ability to require its own warning labels separate and apart from the FDA's requirements. Again, this multi-tiered regulatory environment can be highly inefficient, and serves to often confuse, rather than educate consumers. Manufacturers and consumers should have reasonable expectations that rational, scientifically based, and consistent standards will apply. The citizens of all states deserve the same level of food safety. I should also point out that H.R. 4167 will not pre-empt existing state food safety requirements without thorough FDA evaluation, and will not prevent states from taking enforcement action without federal approval, so long as state food safety laws are the same as the federal government's requirements. Furthermore, this measure will not interfere with a state's rapid response mechanism to take action in emergency circumstances. Mr. Chairman, I again urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 4167.