Paul Gillmor

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, I thank the chairman and the ranking member for their cooperation and support and I urge passage of the amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for this, and I also note that the amendment I am offering today represents a compromise on a provision dealing with corrections to the State and Tribal grants technical correction authority to make it clear that it applies solely to earmarked grants in the conference agreement that are incorporated by reference in the appropriations bill and that the authority does not apply to future appropriations. I understand the chairman's need for language that allows him to conduct some technical housekeeping of some grant provisions in predecessor spending bills. I look forward to further discussions with him regarding the terms ``for other purposes'' to ensure that this language is clearly and narrowly understood as applying to corrections that are technical in nature and not broadly defined to include changes in policy.

Mr. GILLMOR. I yield to the gentleman from North Carolina.

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I am offering this amendment today to clarify some language in the bill that is under the jurisdiction of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. It is a good amendment that I hope we can adopt today. As part of the debate on this amendment, I would like to engage in a colloquy with the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Taylor), the chairman of the Subcommittee on the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations. First, however, let me thank the gentleman from North Carolina (Chairman Taylor) for his patience and express my appreciation both to him and to his staff for the fair way that they have worked with me and my staff to remove authorizing provisions in the appropriations bill, which are under the jurisdiction of the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Chairman, I make a point of order that the language beginning with, quote, that for fiscal year 2006 on page 69, line 19 through ``further'' on line 22 violates clause 2 of rule XXI of the House of Representatives prohibiting legislation on appropriations bills. The language that I have cited provides for State authority to remain in effect under section 302(a) of Public Law 104-182 allowing States to swap a portion of their drinking water and waste water trust funds between accounts. This language clearly constitutes legislating on an appropriations bill and as such violates clause 2 of rule XXI.

Mr. GILLMOR. Point of order, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Chairman, I make a point of order to the language beginning with, that beginning in fiscal year 2006 on page 68 line 23, through school districts on page 69 line 3 violates clause 2 of rule XXI of the rules of the House of Representatives prohibiting legislation on appropriation bills. The language that I have cited authorizes the Administrator of the EPA to set terms and conditions for grants concerning the retrofitting and replacement of diesel engines in school bus services that contract with communities. This language clearly constitutes legislating on an appropriations bill, and as such violates clause 2 of rule XXI.

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Chairman, I have two more points of order.

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Chairman, I make a point of order to the language beginning with quote, except that notwithstanding section 1452(n) on page 67, line 17 through water contaminants on line 22, violates clause 2 of rule XXI of the rules of the House of Representatives prohibiting legislation on appropriation bills. The language that I have cited says that notwithstanding the provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act none of the money in the fiscal year 2005 Department of Interior appropriations bill or even previous appropriations acts may be reserved by the EPA Administrator for health effects studies on drinking water contaminants. This language clearly constitutes legislating on an appropriations bill, and as such, violates clause 2 of rule XXI.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a truly wonderful friend of the Fifth Congressional District of Ohio. Daniel P. Gallagher is currently the minister at Edon Church of Christ in Edon, Ohio. Today the House was honored to open our legislative session by the inspirational words of Daniel as our guest chaplain. To his soldiers at Valley Forge, our Nation's Founding Father George Washington proclaimed, ``To the distinguished character of patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian.'' Today, before our House could again open and continue to work the will of the people, we paused, and we paused, as we have each morning since the Continental Congress, to give thanks and ask for strength. We have had a chaplain since 1789, and as Guest Chaplain, Daniel Gallagher continues the great tradition by offering his leadership and guidance to this institution. Through Reverend Gallagher's opening prayer today, the Village of Edon has extended its arms and offered their prayers to those elected to serve them. Williams County, Ohio is proud to claim the Village of Edon and its nearly one thousand citizens. The county borders both the States of Michigan and Indiana. This wonderful area of Ohio produces great crops for consumption, machines for production and the toys which deliver upon us the joyful sounds of children laughing. Williams County and the Village of Edon provide the fruit of life to our Nation and today it has sent us its shepherd. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to Daniel P. Gallagher as we give thanks for his inspiring words. On behalf of the people of the Fifth District of Ohio, I am proud to recognize his faith and service. We wish Daniel and his family the best as we salute one of Ohio's finest citizens.

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 Michael H. Persiani of Perrysburg, Ohio has been offered an appointment to attend the United States Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado. Michael's offer of appointment positions him to attend the United States Air Force Academy this fall with the incoming cadet class of 2009. 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. Michael brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming class of Air Force cadets. While attending St. John's Jesuit High School in Toledo, Ohio, Michael has attained a grade point average of 3.90, which places him near the top of his class of nearly two hundred students. While a gifted athlete, Michael has maintained the highest standards of excellence in his academics, choosing to enroll and excel in Advanced Placement classes throughout high school. Michael has been a member of the National Honor Society, Honor Roll, French Club and has earned awards and accolades as a scholar and an athlete. Outside the classroom, Michael has distinguished himself as an excellent student-athlete. On the fields of competition, Michael has earned letters in Varsity Hockey and Tennis. He was named Captain of the Varsity Hockey team and served as President of the French Club. Michael'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 Michael 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 Michael H. Persiani 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 Michael will do very well during his career at the United States Air Force Academy. 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 woman from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am happy to announce that Mary B. Guzowski of Tiffin, Ohio has been offered an appointment to attend the United States Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado. Mary's offer of appointment poises her to attend the United States Air Force Academy this fall with the incoming cadet class of 2009. 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 women and men have to offer. Truly, it is one of the most challenging and rewarding undertakings of their lives. Mary 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, Mary has attained a grade point average of 3.72, which places her in the top ten percent of her class of over two hundred students. While a gifted athlete, Mary has maintained the highest standards of excellence in her academics, choosing to enroll and excel in Advanced Placement classes throughout high school. Mary has been a member of the National Honor Society, Honor Roll, the Marching Band, the Symphonic Band and has earned awards and accolades as a scholar and an athlete. Outside the classroom, Mary has distinguished herself as an excellent student-athlete by earning letters in both Varsity Soccer and Swimming. She has also remained involved in her community by coaching elementary soccer, serving as a church lector and assisting her peers as a Teen Advisory Board Member. Mary's dedication and service to the community and her peers has proven her ability to excel among the leaders at the United States Air Force Academy. I have no doubt that Mary will take the lessons of her student leadership with her to the United States Air Force Academy. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mary B. Guzowski on her 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 Mary will do very well during her career at the United States Air Force Academy. 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 Brandon W. Burner of Tiffin, Ohio has been offered an appointment to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. Brandon's offer of appointment poises him to attend the United States Military Academy this fall with the incoming cadet class of 2009. 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. Brandon 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, Brandon has attained a grade point average of 4.06, which places him at the top of his class of more than two hundred students. While a gifted athlete, Brandon has maintained the highest standards of excellence in his academics, choosing to enroll and excel in Advanced Placement classes throughout high school. Brandon 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, Brandon has distinguished himself as an excellent student-athlete. On the fields of competition, Brandon has earned letters in both Varsity Football and Track and Field. He was named Honorary Captain of the Varsity Football team, selected as a 2004 delegate to the American Legion's Boys State and attained the rank of Eagle Scout as a sophomore. Brandon'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 Brandon will take the lessons of his student leadership with him to West Point. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Brandon W. Burner 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 Brandon 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 a friend and ally of the public employers and employees of the State of Ohio. Since 1994, J. Russell Keith has served as General Counsel for the State Employment Relations Board. As he prepares to depart the Board after nearly eleven years of dedicated service, the many state employers and employees of Ohio's Fifth Congressional District offer our thanks. As General Counsel, J. Russell Keith has provided legal direction to SERB as its members work to protect the rights of the public sector, which includes nearly 365,000 public employees under Ohio Revised Code 4117. For more than a decade, Russ has worked tirelessly to craft thoughtful and fair labor law for Ohio's public sector. As an accomplished attorney, Russ has been a determined advocate for the people of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, the General Counsel to SERB has many responsibilities. One must provide legal support for the Board, draft and issue unfair labor practice complaints, oversee the Investigations Section, supervise the Hearings and Representation Sections, and assist Board members in the preparation of opinions and orders. Under his leadership, decisions were seldom appealed and rarely reversed. In addition to serving as General Counsel, on two occasions J. Russell Keith also lent his formidable management skills as Acting Executive Director of SERB. While his responsibilities have been substantial, Russ has performed superbly and served the people of the State of Ohio admirably. Throughout Russ's accomplished career, he has enjoyed a broad range of legal experiences. After graduating from Capital University Law School, Russ served as an Attorney/Law Clerk for Ohio's Fourth District Court of Appeals. Later, Russ quickly became Chief Legal Counsel to the Ohio Bureau of Employment Services where he directed a legal program affecting nearly 230,000 Ohio employers. The consummate professionalism with which J. Russell Keith has served the people of the State of Ohio by crafting evolving state labor decisions, primarily on issues of bargaining, deserves the highest commendation. His proficiency as General Counsel, leadership as Acting Executive Director, and compassion as a friend of all Ohioans will be sorely missed upon his departure from the State Employment Relations Board. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to J. Russell Keith in recognition of his superlative administrative service to Ohio's State Employment Relations Board. On behalf of the people of the Fifth District of Ohio, I am proud to recognize his many accomplishments. We wish Russ and his family all the best as we salute one of Ohio's finest citizens.

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 John D. Moonshower of Ohio City, Ohio has been offered an appointment to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. John's offer of appointment poises him to attend the United States Military Academy this fall with the incoming cadet class of 2009. 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. John brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming class of West Point cadets. While attending Van Wert High School in Van Wert, John has attained a grade point average of 3.97, which places him near the top of his class of more than one hundred fifty students. While a gifted athlete, John has maintained the highest standards of excellence in his academics, choosing to enroll and excel in Advanced Placement classes throughout high school. John has been a member of the National Honor Society, Honor Roll, Beta Club, Key Club, and has earned awards and accolades as a scholar and an athlete. Outside the classroom, John has distinguished himself as an excellent student-athlete. On the fields of competition, John has earned letters in Varsity Football, Baseball and Basketball. He was named Co-Captain of the Varsity Basketball team and served as President of the Spanish Club, Vice President of the Beta Club and as Senior class representative. John'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 John will take the lessons of his student leadership with him to West Point. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating John D. Moonshower 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 John 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. I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, as an original cosponsor of H.R. 1185, I am particularly pleased to see that this important measure again incorporates a measure that I introduced in February, H.R. 544, the Municipal Deposit Insurance Protection Act of 2005. Currently, towns, counties and school districts are faced with a hard choice when deciding where to place their deposits. Local officials care about their communities, and they would like to foster economic development by putting their funds in local banks. However, without the guarantee of FDIC coverage, they are often forced instead to put their deposits in out-of-state institutions. This bill increases coverage for local government deposits equal to the lesser of $2 million or $130,000 plus 80 percent of the amount of deposits in excess of the new standard. Providing this essential coverage will help local communities keep public moneys in their neighborhood, improving the economic climate by enabling local banks to offer more loans for cars, homes, education, and other community needs. In 2002, the FDIC closed a bank in my district, the Oakwood Deposit Bank. Local municipalities and other public entities that held deposits at that institution were put at risk due to the $100,000 FDIC coverage. This risk is too high for many communities in this country, and it can have a devastating effect on local budgets. The community in Oakwood is still feeling the effects of this failure. The village was forced to miss a Federal loan payment for its sewers and was forced to lay off municipal employees, all because of the funds it lost. Wayne Trace local school district and Paulding County Hospital were also harmed by this lack of coverage. This legislation will enable local government funds to be retained in the local area from which they came. It will help the economy of those areas by being used for installment loans, mortgages, and small business loans. Again, I want to commend Chairman Oxley and Chairman Bachus for bringing up this important bill, and I look forward to its passage.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time and for his great work on this bill. Mr. Chairman, this country needs to create a new energy landscape that begins shrinking our disproportionate reliance on foreign energy sources and begins building one that places American ingenuity, producers and consumers at the forefront. I want to highlight one provision and that is the provision that significantly strengthens the important Leaking Underground Storage Tank program. The bill increases State funding from the LUST trust fund for States containing a larger number of tanks or whose leaking tanks present a greater threat to groundwater, it requires onsite inspections of underground storage tanks every 3 years, it institutes operator training requirements for tank owners and operators, and the legislation allows States to stop deliveries of fuel to noncompliant regulated tanks in order to achieve legal enforcement. These are all strong recommendations not only made by the General Accounting Office, but they have also been previously passed by the House. They are proenvironment, antipolluter provisions. I urge their support and the support of the bill.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to the men and women, both past and present, who serve the Ohio Air National Guard's 180th Fighter Wing in Swanton, Ohio. In 1955, the 112th Bombardment Squadron moved from the Akron-Canton Airport to Toledo and became a Fighter Interceptor Squadron. Soon after, the base became a Tactical Fighter Squadron and was activated for the Berlin Crisis. Then in 1962, the squadron became part of the newly formed 180th Tactical Fighter Group. After earning the Air Force Outstanding Unit distinction in both 1985 and 1990, members of the base were deployed to Panama during Operation Just Cause and Iraq for both Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Today, the 180th Fighter Wing is equipped with F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft and continues to be a tactical asset to the National Guard. Members have served in Operations Provide Comfort and Operation Northern Watch over Iraq in 1996, 1998, and 1999. Additionally, the brave men and women of the 180th were some of the first to scramble jets in defense of our Nation on September 11th. Because its central location places the 180th Fighter Wing within a 30 minute flight time to nearly 50 million Americans, the base has been a vital force in American airpower for the past 50 years. The men and women who have served our area have benefited from the excellent quality of life in Northwest Ohio, and we in Northwest Ohio have benefited from their service. Many of my constituents have served honorably as members of the 180th Fighter Wing and earned numerous distinctions. In addition, the airmen of the 180th have contributed to our community through programs such as the ``Homeless Awareness'' project, the ``Adopt-A-School'' program and the Boy Scouts of America. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to the men and women of the Ohio Air National Guard's 180th Fighter Wing in Swanton, Ohio. Their dedication to duty and contribution to air power has proven the airmen of the 180th Fighter Wing to be American heroes. Today, we pay respect to 50 years of dedicated service to Northwest Ohio and look forward to a future in which our children and grandchildren grow up under the protections provided by these great patriots.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in reluctant support of H.R. 1270, legislation to extend, for 6 months, the tax that finances the Leaking Underground Storage Tank, LUST, Trust Fund. As chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials, I have spent the last couple of Congresses getting familiar with the LUST program. I think the goal behind this program--and its tax--is important. The LUST program, though well intentioned, is unable to realize its full potential because of the way Congress operates it. Congress first initiated this tax in 1986 primarily through a 0.1 cent-per-gallon motor fuels tax. The LUST tax generated roughly $150 million per year over a 9-year period, and more than $1.6 billion was collected for the fund before the taxing authority expired in December 1995. Congress reinstated the LUST tax through the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, Public Law 105-34, from October 1, 1997, through March 31, 2005. In fiscal year 2004, the LUST tax generated $192.9 million in revenues, and the fund earned $66.7 million in interest on an accrual basis. At the end of 2004, the fund's net assets were $2.33 billion. This is all well and good, but Congress has had a history of making annual appropriations in an amount that is close to the amount of interest that the LUST Trust Fund earns each year. In fact, the appropriated amount is much less than the annual revenues created each year by this tax. The LUST Trust Fund has been used by Presidents and Members of Congress in both parties to balance their books rather than protect and clean up groundwater pollution that was released from these tanks. Mr. Speaker, myopic views of LUST have helped to create the program deficits facing LUST and extending the LUST tax cannot be thoughtfully considered unless it is looked at as a whole. Several experts, including the Government Accountability Office, have testified before the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials that the LUST Trust Fund should be spent in greater quantity and that these amounts should help encourage inspection requirements, operator training, and more cleanup. These are important LUST program reforms that must be secured in order to make the justification of a LUST Trust Fund, and the tax that finances it, solid public policy arguments. Again, while I am not going to oppose this bill on this day, it is essential that prior to another extension of the LUST tax that, at a minimum, reform to the LUST program be coupled with any extension of the tax. These reforms have passed the House on two occasions last year and are currently contained in the energy bill discussion draft currently before the Committee on Energy and Commerce. I am hopeful we can get these reforms enacted soon.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to Mr. John Kauffman, upon his retirement as the Managing Editor of the Advertiser-Tribune Newspaper in Tiffin, Ohio. John Kauffman, like many young Americans, entered his adulthood by proudly serving his country as a member of the United States Navy. After John's enlistment, he attended and graduated from The Ohio State University where he was an integral part of the student newspaper, The Lantern. Upon graduation, John embarked on his journalistic career at the Ypsilanti Press in Michigan and later served as Editor of the Kenton Times. Then in 1981, John accepted his current position as Managing Editor of the Advertiser-Tribune where he has provided constant leadership. Drawing upon his past experiences, John has brought stability and journalistic integrity to a newspaper which has seen tremendous changes. As Managing Editor, John remained cognizant of the Advertiser- Tribune's rich history which can be traced to 1832 with the beginnings of the Seneca Advertiser and its predecessor, the Seneca Patriot. With this rich history in mind, John has displayed great leadership by effectively communicating the mission at hand and adapting to the ever changing world around him. Through John's drive and leadership, the Advertiser-Tribune instituted a Sunday edition in 1989, daily publishing in 1990 and converted to a morning publishing cycle in 1992. After 23 years of distinguished service to the residents of Tiffin and Seneca County, John leaves behind the legacy of a paper inspired by dedication and compassion. In addition to John Kauffman's commitment to the Advertiser-Tribune, he has shown an unwavering desire to be an active participant in his community. Whether it is his activity in his local church, or his participation in the League of Women Voters' candidates' night, John has continued to lead by example. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to Mr. John Kauffman. Our communities are well served by having such honorable and giving citizens, like John, who care about their well being and stability. We wish John and his family all the best as we pay tribute to one of Ohio's finest citizens.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to pay tribute to an outstanding service organization located in Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. On December 14, 2004, the Lion's Club of Old Fort, OH, celebrated its 60th anniversary. The village of Old Fort, my hometown, is a community renowned for its civic pride and commitment to service. In 1944, it was home to five active churches, an active Grange as well as school organizations dedicated to helping others. There was not, however, an agency which could coordinate these services to provide for the entire community. My father, P.M. Gillmor, who served as the first president of the Old Fort Lions Club, along with Ralph Blaney, were members of the nearby Tiffin Lions Club. Together, they proposed that Old Fort should form a club of their own. After enlisting 41 good citizens of Old Fort, they became charter members and joined Lions International. The Lions Club was a good fit for Old Fort and the members were active in the community from the very beginning. Throughout its history there has never been a lack of enthusiasm or volunteer labor for its many projects. In addition, the Old Fort Lions Club has been active throughout the years in zone, State and International Lions. Ralph Blaney served as an international director, David Biddle and Ralph Gillmor served as district governors, and the Club has had many zone officers. Anniversaries are a time to reflect upon a steadfast tradition of service. They are also a time to look toward new horizons. Lions have made it their responsibility to serve those in need by keeping pace with the ever increasing challenges facing mankind. Mr. Speaker, it is obvious that the community and the members of the club have greatly benefited from the effort that was started in 1944. I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the achievements of the Old Fort Lions and encourage them to continue to uphold what has become the standard for service in Ohio.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to pay tribute to a special company in Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. This year, the Roppe Corporation of Fostoria, OH, will celebrate 50 years of dedicated service. Mr. Speaker, the Roppe Corporation is one of the nation's leading suppliers of rubber and vinyl flooring products and accessories. The Roppe Rubber Corporation was founded in 1955, by Thony Roppe and production began in 1956. With only seven employees, the Roppe Rubber Corporation focused exclusively on rubber products. Through the expansion of its trucking fleet and an increased customer base, Roppe has grown and flourished since its beginning. Due to the expansion of products and services that Roppe Rubber offered, it officially changed its name, in 1990, to the Roppe Corporation. In 1993, the Miller family purchased the Roppe Corporation where Donald Miller continues to serve as chairman of the board, nearly 47 years after beginning his service at Roppe. With expanded facilities and dedicated leadership, the Roppe Corporation has become a premier employer in the Fifth Congressional District of Ohio. By maintaining its factory in Fostoria, OH, Roppe has become a permanent fixture in the community. Today, Roppe has become the world's largest rubber wall base manufacturer. Roppe has over 45 distributors with 105 locations in the United States and exports products worldwide. The Roppe Corporation has grown in annual sales to $60,000,000 and now owns ATECO, Tri County Broadcasting, Seneca Millwork, Custom Corner, The Fostoria Focus, and Flexco. Mr. Speaker, the real success of the Roppe Corporation comes not only from its products, but from its people. The employees of the Roppe Corporation provide customers with the service and dependability that are expected of a first-class company. Beyond the walls of Roppe, its employees are model citizens by providing for and leading their community. In all but 1 of the past 20 years, Roppe employees were the highest per capita givers to the Fostoria United Way campaign. Each year, we can count on the employees of Roppe to give of their time and their means to the community of Fostoria, OH. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to the employees and the legacy of the Roppe Corporation. As all who benefit from this fine company gather to celebrate its 50th anniversary of service, I am confident that the good people of Fostoria, OH, will continue the successes of the Roppe Corporation into the future.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to Ballreich's Potato Chips in Tiffin, Ohio on their inclusion in the Guinness Book of World Records. On August 8, 2003, a team of Ballreich's Potato Chip makers created the world's largest bag of potato chips, weighing in at 1,082.5 pounds. Ballreich's Potato Chips has been synonymous with Tiffin, Ohio since its founding in 1920. Ballreich's Chips was formed by the thirteen Ballreich children and quickly grew. Ballreich's processes more than eight million pounds of potatoes into two million pounds of chips each year. To celebrate the 150th birthday of the potato chip, Ballreich's created the world's largest potato chip bag at the 150th Ohio State Fair. The bag, weighing 1,082.5 pounds, measured 8 feet tall, 5 feet wide and 5 feet deep. The ingredient's used were 700 pounds of soybean oil, 80 pounds of salt, and of course, 4,250 pounds of Ohio potatoes. The event was recorded for the Food Network and aired on the ``Unwrapped'' show. Mr. Speaker, Ballreich's was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records for the creation of the world's largest bag of potato chips. However, Ballreich's does more than make great chips and earn world records. Ballreich's is a loyal employer of Tiffin citizens, a family owned business, and a mainstay in the Fifth District. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Ballreich's Potato Chips for their recognition by the Guinness Book of World Records and their 84 years of service to the people of Tiffin, Ohio. On behalf of the people of the Fifth District of Ohio, I am proud to recognize the great achievements of Ballreich's Potato Chips. We wish the employees and management of Ballreich's continued success into the future.

Mr. GILLMOR

Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to Mr. John Reagan McKee on the occasion of his retirement. On June 4, 2004, Mr. McKee retired after thirty years as an English teacher at Libbey High School in Toledo, OH. To truly do Mr. McKee justice would not be to speak of his achievements by the awards he received or the teams he coached; it would be to speak of the kind of educator he was. John McKee was able to turn discouraging circumstances into opportunities. John McKee introduced students to their potential and his belief in their character guided and motivated children to fulfill their dreams. For the past five years, the Graduating class has chosen Mr. McKee as the teacher who influenced them most. Whether an English teacher, basketball coach or Advisor on the school paper, John McKee brought out the best in his students and made sure they recognized it as well. In doing so, he ensured himself a permanent spot in the memories of his students as one who truly believed in them. Among students and among his fellow teachers, his presence at Libbey will be sorely missed. Mr. Speaker, the profession of education is not merely a job, it is a lifestyle. My appreciation for teachers runs deep. And my appreciation for dedicating one's life to the advancement of education runs deeper. John McKee has effectively displayed a commitment to his community. John's passion for education is what makes him a model citizen of the Fifth District. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to John Reagan McKee for thirty years of success as an educator. On behalf of the people of the Fifth District of Ohio, I am proud to recognize John McKee's great achievement. We wish John and his family all the best as we pay tribute to one of Ohio's finest citizens.