Gabrielle Giffords

Ms. GIFFORDS

Ms. GIFFORDS. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. GIFFORDS

Ms. GIFFORDS. Madam Speaker, many Members tonight are speaking on energy efficiency and renewable energy because they represent tremendous sources of barely tapped potential to help our Nation save money, increase energy independence and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This week the House Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Caucus is drawing attention to these important opportunities by sponsoring the annual Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Expo. The event will run all day on Thursday in the Cannon Caucus room. It will feature over 50 companies and advocacy groups explaining the latest and greatest in energy. Coming from southern Arizona, it's no surprise that my favorite type of renewable energy, of course, is the sun. And this is an exciting time for solar power. Technologies are rapidly improving, and costs are falling. Solar power is already cost-competitive with peak power in many areas of the country. Many experts believe that it is on track to be competitive all day long within just a few years. I urge my colleagues to stop by the expo on Thursday and learn more about these exciting contributions that energy efficiency and renewable energy will make to our future.

Ms. GIFFORDS

Ms. GIFFORDS. I'm honored today to be here to celebrate May as National Jewish American Heritage Month. A little history lesson: in 1654, 23 Jewish refugees traveled from Brazil to present-day New York and founded the first Jewish communal settlement in North America. It really wasn't until 100 years earlier that the Spanish Inquisition descended upon the inhabitants of New Spain, where Jews decided to flee to Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, and that really marked the beginning of a rich heritage of Jews in the Southwest. The Jewish community in southern Arizona today is strong and vibrant and we have a tremendous amount of history. During Arizona's territorial years, Henry Lesinsky, a Jewish immigrant from Europe, immigrated to southern Arizona and spearheaded the copper mining business in southern Arizona, and really, Bisbee of today is a legacy of his. Another pioneer, Isadore Solomon, a Jewish banker, founded Valley National Bank, which today is known as BankOne. This week we are also recognizing the 61st anniversary of the State of Israel. In my trips to Israel, I have had a chance to witness the resiliency and resolve of its citizens. So I'm proud, Mr. Speaker, to join with Jews of the Southwest to celebrate our heritage around the world, as well as to recognize Israel's 61st anniversary.

Ms. GIFFORDS

Ms. GIFFORDS. Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to celebrate April as National Community College Month with my support of H. Res. 338, ``Supporting the Goals and Ideals of National Community College.'' As the largest rural college district in the state, Cochise College has served the area of Southeastern Arizona since 1964. With multiple campuses and learning centers in Douglas, Sierra Vista, Benson, Willcox, Fort Huachuca, and Nogales, Cochise educates about 14,000 students a year. Community colleges are essential to expanding access to postsecondary education to those who might not normally benefit from traditional colleges and universities. As a member of the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges consortium, Cochise College offers tailored learning to active-duty or retired servicemembers and their families. Furthermore, community colleges contribute over $31 billion annually to the Nation's economic growth. In Cochise County, the College is the 10th largest employer in the county. Cochise College strives to educate students with transferable degrees and direct-employment training, which are important tools in a competitive job market such as this. As Southeastern Arizona continues to grow, the College's role becomes ever so important to our community's development. I am proud to celebrate National Community College Month by recognizing the integral role community colleges play in our evolving society.

Ms. GIFFORDS. Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to celebrate April as National Community College Month with my support of H. Res. 338, ``Supporting the Goals and Ideals of National Community College Month.'' More than 11 million students are enrolled in for-credit and not-for- credit programs at community colleges nationwide, and in my district alone, over 73,000 students attend Pima Community College in Tucson, Arizona. Community colleges are essential to expanding access to postsecondary education to a more diverse population than traditional colleges and universities. Pima Community College exemplifies that mission with a student profile compiled of 56% women and 42% ethnic minorities. Since 1969, Pima Community College has provided an affordable and convenient education by offering child care, job placement assistance, financial aid, and other support services. As University fees continue to rise and more people return to school in an increasingly competitive job market, the College's role becomes ever so important to our community's development. I am proud to celebrate National Community College Month by recognizing the integral role community colleges play in our evolving society.

Ms. GIFFORDS

Ms. GIFFORDS. Madam Speaker, I am proud today to highlight May as ``Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and to rise in support of House Resolution 269, which I introduced with my colleague from Texas, Congressman Michael Burgess. Our resolution recognizes the importance of motorcycles, and encourages riders to always wear helmets and other protective gear, to never drink and ride and to be properly licensed and trained. H. Res. 269 also serves as a reminder to all riders and motorists to always share the road respectfully. I have been riding and racing motorcycles for over 20 years--so the issue of motorcycle safety is of great importance to me. Sadly, it is true that motorcycles have a higher rate of fatal accidents than automobiles. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, motorcyclist fatalities increased by 57 percent between 2002 and 2007. Motorcyclists are about 35 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a motor vehicle traffic crash and 8 times more likely to be injured. As motorcyclists across the county gear up for the upcoming riding season, these startling statistics highlight the need for safety education. They also reflect the growing popularity of motorcycles. Over the past decade, U.S. motorcycle sales have more than tripled. In my home state of Arizona we have more than 150,000 registered motorcycles. With over 300 days of sunshine in our state every year, you can imagine why so many Arizonans choose to ride their bikes! There are many other reasons why motorcycles are so popular, but one explanation is simple economics: motorcycles offer a more fuel efficient--and cheaper way--of getting around. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, motorcycles consume 56% less fuel per mile traveled. On average, motorcycles can get between 40 and 75 miles per gallon of gas. I am proud that, as a motorcyclist, I can leave a smaller footprint on our earth by riding my bike. I also want to take this opportunity to thank the Motorcycle Industry Council, the American Motorcyclist Association, and the Motorcycle Riders Foundation for all that they do to support motorcyclists. I am pleased that the House will be considering H. Res. 269 today, and I urge its swift passage. Thank you and Happy Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month!

Ms. GIFFORDS

Ms. GIFFORDS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Canyon Del Oro High School Academic Decathlon Team who recently won first place in the Arizona state competition and placed fourth in the United States Academic Decathlon. These smart, industrious young men and women have set a wonderful example for every public school student in our country. Their achievements remind us that excellence is the direct result of determination, hard work and clearly defined goals. The nine-member team includes: Taylor Cleland, Marie Clymer, Benjamin Ferell, Melinda Fraser, Jordan Kurker-Mraz, Rush Moore, Dylan Ousley, Danielle ``Ellie'' Strasser, and Jennifer Wendel. Guiding these talented young people was their able coach and teacher, Mr. Chris Yetman. Before traveling to Memphis, Tennessee for the national competition, the Canyon Del Oro High School Academic Decathlon Team participated in the state competition in Phoenix. There, they took written exams, gave prepared and impromptu speeches and were interviewed on a diverse range of subjects. They were tested on their knowledge of mathematics, music, literature, economics, art history and social sciences. To be successful, each team must include students who have mastery in each of these subject areas. It was a great source of pride for all Southern Arizonans when the Canyon Del Oro High School Academic Decathlon Team defeated their closest competitor by 3,000 points in the state competition. This victory paved their way to Memphis, Tennessee and their prestigious fourth place finish nationally. Students on the team also won individual awards. Taylor Cleland finished with the bronze medal in art, the bronze in math and the silver in social science. Melinda Fraser finished with the silver in art. Benjamin Ferell finished with the top score on the team and was awarded the bronze in art, the bronze in literature, the gold in math and the bronze in ten events. Jordan Kurker-Mraz finished with the gold in art, the gold in essay, the silver in social science, the silver in the super quiz, and the bronze in ten events. Rush Moore finished with the silver in social science, and Jennifer Wendel finished with the gold medal in interview. Additionally, Benjamin Ferell received $1,000 in scholarships and Jordan Kurker-Mraz received $3,000 in scholarships. I commend the Canyon Del Oro High School Academic Decathlon Team for their outstanding accomplishments. Their journey to these academic heights has brought local, state and national recognition to each of them and their school. Their achievements are an inspiration to us all.

Ms. GIFFORDS

Ms. GIFFORDS. Mr. Speaker, this week the Space Shuttle Discovery docked at the International Space Station to deliver the final platform of solar panels that will support additional laboratories and the arrival of an expanded crew. As the new chair of the Space and Aviation Subcommittee and a champion of solar energy, I am delighted by the space solar alliance that will advance human knowledge and technological development. The panels being installed 220 miles above us this week have a wingspan of a 747, and they contain over 32,000 cells, enough to power 50 homes. Recently, First Solar, an Arizona solar panel maker, announced solar cells that will be less than $1 per watt. Global Solar, another Arizona company, creates solar cells that can be integrated into military and police gear. What started as an expensive niche technology is now a consumer- driven, mass-produced product. Solar was absolutely vital to America's success in fulfilling our bold commitment to explore the heavens. Today it is playing a vital role in tackling an equally daunting task, America's energy independence.

Ms. GIFFORDS

Ms. GIFFORDS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor United States Air Force Staff Sergeant Timothy Bowles, who was killed in action with three fellow Airmen when his armored vehicle struck a buried IED near Kot, Afghanistan on March 15, 2009. He leaves behind father, his Louis, a Retired Airman, his mother, Lisa, and a sister, Heather. Born in Anchorage, Alaska, Timothy grew up on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and lived much of his life in Tucson, where his father was stationed. Timothy graduated from Tucson High School in 2002 and attended Pima Community College before joining the Air Force in 2007. Staff Sergeant Bowles was assigned to the 3rd Logistics Readiness Squadron at Elmendorf Air Force Base back in Alaska, where he was trained to be a fire truck mechanic. But on this day, he volunteered to stand in for a fellow airman who was not feeling well. Timothy's Provincial Reconstruction Team was headed out to Jalalabad to check on a local schoolhouse when a pressure-plate IED ended his life. He was only twenty-four years old. Born to and raised among the United States Air Force, Staff Sergeant Bowles knew well the costs of war. He volunteered for the nine-month deployment that took him to Bagram Air Base in November 2008. He volunteered for this dangerous duty. Tying humanitarian support to local security, Timothy and his PRT teammates stood between civilians and insurgents as Afghans seek to rebuild their long-oppressed country. We remember Sergeant Bowles and offer our deepest condolences and sincerest prayers to his family. My words cannot effectively convey the feeling of great loss nor can they offer adequate consolation. However, it is my hope that in future days, his family may take some comfort in knowing that Timothy's legacy reaches beyond the desolate landscape of Afghanistan and into the hearts of a grateful nation. This body and this country owe Timothy and his family a debt of gratitude and it is vital that we remember him and his fellow servicemembers who have paid the ultimate price. Timothy is a hero both to his country and to his wonderful family. We salute his selfless service, sacrifice and bravery. May he not be forgotten and may his mission continue in the work of this body and the hearts of all Americans.

Ms. GIFFORDS

Ms. GIFFORDS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor United States Army Sergeant Jeffrey A. Reed, who was killed in action near Taji, Iraq on March 2, 2009. Sergeant Reed was assigned to the 411th Military Police Company, 89th Military Police Brigade, from Fort Hood, Texas. His mission in Iraq was to mentor Iraqi Police units so that they could effectively maintain the peace as we withdraw our forces in the coming months. Jeffrey was just 15 days from completing his second tour in Iraq and returning to Tucson, where he and his wife Ashley reside. A Chesterfield, Virginia native, Jeffrey joined the Army shortly after he graduated from high school in 2004, following the example of his older brother, who left college to sign up with the Army after the Sept. 11 attacks. He was part of a routine patrol just north of Baghdad when a grenade ended his life. Jeffrey was just 23 years old. We remember Sergeant Jeffrey Reed and offer our deepest condolences and sincerest prayers to his parents and young wife. My words cannot effectively convey the feeling of great loss nor can they offer adequate consolation, but it is my hope that in future days, his family may take some comfort in knowing that Jeffrey's legacy reaches beyond the desolate landscape of Iraq and into the hearts of a grateful nation. This body and this country owe Jeffrey and his family a debt of gratitude and it is vital that we remember him and his fellow servicemembers who have paid the ultimate price. Jeffrey is a hero both to his country and to his wonderful family. We salute his selfless service, sacrifice and bravery. May he not be forgotten and may his mission continue in the work of this body and the hearts of all Americans.

Ms. GIFFORDS

Ms. GIFFORDS. Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to celebrate March as National Women's History Month with my support of H. Res. 211, ``Supporting the Goals and Ideals of National Women's History Month.'' Women make up only 17% of the 111th Congress--that is abysmal given that we make up more than 50 percent of America's population. In the private sector, women CEOs are also in the minority. According to a 2008 census by Catalyst, among fortune 500 companies, only 2.4 percent are women. We can do better. More voices of women are needed in our boardrooms, courtrooms and in the halls of Congress. In my home state of Arizona, women have been trailblazers. This year, Arizona became the only state in the nation to have three female Governors in a row: Jane Hull, Janet Napolitano and Janice Brewer. In 1998, Arizona became the first state to elect women to all five of its top offices, dubbed the ``Fab Five.'' Additionally, Sandra Day O'Connor, the first women to serve on the United States Supreme Court, hails from the great state of Arizona. All of these strong, independent leaders embody the true spirit of Arizona women: self-reliant, hard-working and determined. I also want to pay tribute to the countless organizations and coalitions that work tirelessly to improve the lives of women and girls throughout Southern Arizona. I am proud to celebrate National Women's History Month by recognizing the increased awareness and knowledge of women's involvement in history.

Ms. GIFFORDS

Ms. GIFFORDS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize former United States Marine Corporal Javier Alvarez, who January of this year was awarded the Silver Star for his gallantry in Iraq. As a Squad Leader with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit near New Ubaydi, Iraq, Corporal Alvarez joined other U.S. and Coalition forces attempting to stem the flow of foreign fighters and insurgents in Operation STEEL CURTAIN. Corporal Alvarez and his platoon were attacked by frontal and flanking fire from four, well-fortified enemy positions. Braving certain peril, Corporal Alvarez courageously led his squad one-hundred meters through withering automatic weapons fire to reinforce his Platoon Commander and other Marines. Although wounded, Corporal Alvarez continued to lead his Marines in close combat with the enemy, while aiding in the evacuation of other Marines. While reloading his weapon, an enemy grenade was thrown in the midst of Corporal Alvarez and his squad. Selflessly and without regard to his own well being, he grabbed the grenade and began to throw it back at the enemy when it detonated. Severely injured by the blast, Corporal Alvarez was evacuated by his Platoon Sergeant. His valiant efforts and those of his fellow Marines resulted in the deaths of 18 enemy insurgents and undoubtedly saved the lives of numerous Marines and Sailors. His citation reads in part, ``Corporal Alvarez's indomitable spirit, dauntless initiative and heroism were an inspiration to those with whom he served. By his outstanding display of decisive leadership, unlimited courage in the face of heavy enemy fire, and total devotion to duty, Corporal Alvarez reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.'' Our Nation owes him a debt of gratitude and remembers his fellow Marines, Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen who have paid the ultimate price in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Ms. GIFFORDS

Ms. GIFFORDS. Madam Speaker, it is my great honor to pay tribute today to Cele Peterson, a resident of Tucson, Arizona who on March 14, 2009, celebrates her 100 birthday. Ms. Peterson is the founder and owner of a dress store that has been an integral part of the Tucson business community for generations. But to call Ms. Peterson a dressmaker or even a businesswoman fails to capture how important this woman is to countless Southern Arizonans who have been touched by her kindness and good works. It is impossible to imagine what Tucson would be like without Ms. Peterson's presence over these many years. Through her hard work and generosity, she helped define and shape our city. Her caring spirit and actions are an inspiration to all of us. Our world today is very different from the one Ms. Peterson entered 100 years ago, on March 14, 1909. Then, much of Europe was still ruled by kings and queens. A czar presided over Russia, a sultan based in Constantinople dominated the Middle East, and William Howard Taft occupied the White House. In 1909 the first Lincoln-head penny went into circulation, the Wright Brothers delivered the first military plane to the army, and two American explorers, Robert Peary and Matthew Hansen, declared they were the first to reach the North Pole. The year Ms. Peterson was born saw the U.S. Navy open a new base at Pearl Harbor, a Ford Model T win the first transcontinental motorcar race, Sir Thomas Lipton begin packaging tea in New York, and the White Star Line start construction of the Titanic. It was the year Barry Goldwater, Errol Flynn and Douglas Fairbanks were born and the year the artist Frederic Remington and the Apache leader Geronimo died. Ms. Peterson's life-long connection to Arizona began when the State of Arizona was born, in 1912. As a three-year old girl she moved with her family to Bisbee, then a thriving mining town. The population of the entire state in 1912 was around 200,000. Tucson had 14,000 residents and Phoenix--now the fifth largest city in the United States--had a population of 11,000. The Mexican Revolution had begun two years earlier and Ms. Peterson recalls climbing the hills around Bisbee to watch the revolution take place on the other side of the border. When Ms. Peterson launched her business in 1930, our country was at the threshold of the Great Depression and it was not long before her two business partners backed out of the venture. Ms. Peterson, however, did not give up. She stuck to it and not only survived, but thrived. For nearly 80 years, Ms. Peterson's merchandise and designs have been at the forefront of the fashion world. Her business has endured decades of ever-changing trends and economic ups and downs. Today, Cele Peterson's retail store is still going strong in Tucson. Her daughters are managing the business but Cele still comes to the store to greet customers and make sure that her tradition of great service is maintained. Over the years, Ms. Peterson has dressed an untold number of women from all walks of life. Among them are a host of well-known celebrities, such as Elizabeth Taylor and Lady Astor. Ms. Peterson's accomplishments go far beyond the realm of hems, pleats and necklines. She is a greatly admired and dynamic civic leader who has had a hand in the establishment of some Tucson's finest community organizations. She helped found the Arizona Theatre Company, the Arizona Opera Company, the Tucson Children's Museum and, perhaps most significantly, Casa de los Ninos. Casa de los Ninos' mission is to support children and families to both prevent child abuse and treat children who are victims of abuse. When the unmet needs of abused children were brought to her attention, Ms. Peterson offered up a three-bedroom house so that the new organization could begin its work. When it opened in 1973, it was the first shelter of its kind in the country. As Tucson celebrates the 100th birthday of Cele Peterson, it is worth noting that 2009 also marks the centennial of the birth of Wallace Stegner. This great writer of the American West once noted that ``creation is a knack which is empowered by practice, and like almost any skill, it is lost if you don't practice it.'' Cele Peterson never stopped practicing her knack for creation and in the process she helped build a caring community. For all that she has done we owe her a tremendous debt of gratitude. Thank you Cele for setting such a fine example of citizenship for all of us to follow. Happy Birthday to you!

Ms. GIFFORDS

Ms. GIFFORDS. Madam Speaker, I am honored today to pay tribute to Elizabeth Littlefield, a hairdresser from Marana, Arizona. Ms. Littlefield has set an inspiring example for all Americans with one selfless act--the donation of one of her kidneys. It was not to a loved one or longtime friend that Littlefield made this generous donation, but to a customer whom she had known only a short time. Ms. Littlefield's donated kidney went to Dale Charnick. Not long after Ms. Charnick became a customer of Ms. Littlefield's salon in 2006, both of her kidneys began shutting down. Upon learning of her customer's plight, Littlefield made the surprise offer that saved Ms. Chanick's life. ``I have two good kidneys,'' Ms. Littlefield said. ``You can have one of mine.'' Now, as a result of Ms. Littlefield's donation, Ms. Charnick is on the road to a strong recovery. Ms. Littlefield's selfless act reminds us in a dramatic way what it means to help a person in need. I also want to commend the extraordinary medical skills of the well- trained health care professionals at Tucson's University Medical Center for their role in giving Ms. Charnick's a new lease on life. My constituents in Southern Arizona are indeed fortunate to have a new team of nationally recognized transplant experts in our community. This team includes: abdominal transplant chief Dr. Rainer Gruessner; nephrology chief Dr. Bruce Kaplan, who is also a deputy editor of the American Journal of Transplantation; vice chief of abdominal transplantation Dr. John Renz; Dr. Thomas Boyer, who is director of the Arizona Liver Institute; and Dr. Khalid Khan, director of the UA's Pediatric Liver and Intestinal Transplantation Program.

Ms. GIFFORDS

Ms. GIFFORDS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize, congratulate and welcome home the remaining Soldiers of the 40th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, part of the 11th Signal Brigade, to Fort Huachuca, Arizona. The battalion's 600 Soldiers began their deployment in December 2007. The men and women of the 40th Signal Battalion supported combat operations throughout the Middle East as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom by providing secure communications and command-and-control networks for both U.S. war fighters and coalition partners. This was the third time the unit was called to war since the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan began. This week the remainder of the 40th Signal Battalion returned home to a proud and grateful nation. They join other Soldiers from 11th Signal Brigade who returned to Fort Huachuca at the end of December from a similar mission in the Middle East. Together, the 40th Battalion and the 11th Brigade Soldiers courageous and heroically completed their critical mission. They represent the best of Southern Arizona and our Army. As with all of our brave men and women, we are proud and appreciate their service to our nation.

Ms. GIFFORDS

Ms. GIFFORDS. Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize the AbilityOne Program, which in the last year, has helped more than 40,000 Americans who are blind or who have severe disabilities gain skills and training that ultimately led to gainful employment. The Beacon Group SW implements this program in my district in Southern Arizona. The AbilityOne Program, formerly known as the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Program, harnesses the purchasing power of the federal government to buy products and services from community based non-profit agencies that are dedicated to training and employing individuals with disabilities. This program gives Americans with disabilities opportunities to acquire job skills and training, receive good wages and benefits, and gain greater independence and quality of life. This program provides essential assistance to a segment of the population that has one of the highest levels of unemployment in our country. I am proud to acknowledge the important work of the Beacon Group, which since 1952, has provided training and employment services to people with disabilities. The history and mission of the Beacon Group stands as a clear example of why this program is a winning proposition for all parties involved. In the past year the Beacon Group employed over 25 individuals with severe disabilities through AbilityOne contracts. With the help of AbilityOne and other programs the Beacon Group served over 1,700 individuals and their families in the community. The direct impact of these services on the lives of Americans with disabilities cannot be overstated. For an individual with a severe disability who has never had the opportunity to hold a job, be independent, participate in community life, or contribute their talents to society; the AbilityOne Program and agencies like the Beacon Group are invaluable. I am pleased to acknowledge the tremendous accomplishments of the AbilityOne Program and the dedication and commitment of Steven R. King the President and CEO of the Beacon Group and his staff. Each day they assist individuals with disabilities to find meaningful employment and assume their rightful place in our nation's workforce. I also want to commend each AbilityOne employee for their hard work and their participation in this important program.

Ms. GIFFORDS

Ms. GIFFORDS. Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize Robert Luther ``Lute'' Olson, the former men's basketball head coach at the University of Arizona. In his long and illustrious collegiate career Lute Olson amassed a record of 780-280 in 34 seasons, including a 589-187 mark in his time at Arizona. He holds the all-time record for Pac-10 victories with 327. He is also one of only 17 coaches with over 1,000 victories, spanning a career as a high school, junior college, and college head coach. On March 29, 1983, Coach Olson became the head coach at Arizona after successful runs at Long Beach State and the University of Iowa, the latter of which he guided to the 1979 Big Ten title and the 1980 Final Four. Few could have predicted the meteoric rise of the program he turned around from a 4-24 record in 1983. Just 2 years later, he guided the team to the NCAA tournament and began the Nation's longest active streak for NCAA tournament appearances, currently at 24 consecutive seasons. Lute Olson transformed the University of Arizona and the Tucson desert into a college basketball oasis. In his 24 seasons he won one national championship, reached 4 Final Fours, and won 11 Pac-10 titles, solidifying the program as a perennial title contender and bringing national prestige to both city and school. At the top of his game, Coach Olson took the Wildcats on an improbable run to the 1997 national title, including victories over three No. 1 seeds, a feat not achieved before or since. For these accomplishments, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on Sept. 27, 2002. Lute Olson's successes were not limited to the hardwood. As a high school teacher in Mahnomen, Minnesota, he taught six classes, was head coach of the basketball and football team, and assistant coach on the baseball team. He went to become a junior high counselor in Colorado, high school coach in Southern California and entered the collegiate ranks in 1972. Along the way, as a teacher and coach, Lute Olson has encouraged students to live healthy, work hard and pursue their dreams. He has inspired and encouraged students across the country, in Tucson, and at the University of Arizona. Many young people have benefited from his guidance and are proud to call him their mentor. I am pleased to acknowledge and thank Coach Olson for his great leadership and outstanding contributions to our community.

Ms. GIFFORDS

Ms. GIFFORDS. Mr. Speaker, a strong solar power industry creates good jobs and widespread economic growth. It increases our energy independence and reduces the threat of global warming. Unfortunately, the economic downturn has caused many energy investors to put their projects on hold. They are unable to take advantage of the investment tax credit that we fought so hard to pass and extend last year. To get these projects moving again, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act allows solar energy developers to take grants in lieu of tax credits. But for the grant program to be an incentive for the largest renewable energy programs, it has to be expanded. Simply put, renewable projects will not get off the starting line until there is a usable incentive waiting for them at the finish line. As the conferees work to finalize this bill, I urge them to expand these grants. This will safeguard the solar industry's ability to fully contribute to our economic recovery. I commend the excellent work done on the energy provisions in this bill and greatly appreciate the conferees' willingness to work to make them as effective as possible.

Ms. GIFFORDS

Ms. GIFFORDS. Mr. Chairman, I now yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boccieri). (Mr. BOCCIERI asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. GIFFORDS. Mr. Chairman, I now yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Maryland (Ms. Edwards).

Ms. GIFFORDS. I'd like to thank Chairman Obey as well for all his work, and members of the committee on both sides of this bill, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. As a member of the Science and Technology Committee, it's my great privilege to work with Chairman Gordon and Ranking Member Hall to advance our Nation's capabilities in scientific research and technological innovation. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act contains critical funding for the National Science Foundation, the Office of Science at the Department of Energy, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and NASA. It also includes significant funding for research and development in advanced energy technologies. These critical investments will create high-quality jobs, strengthen our economic competitiveness, and improve access to clean, affordable energy. With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. GIFFORDS. I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Wu).

Ms. GIFFORDS. I yield the gentlewoman an additional 30 seconds.

Ms. GIFFORDS. Mr. Chairman, I now yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Tonko).

Ms. GIFFORDS. Mr. Chairman, may I inquire how much time we have remaining?