Brian Higgins

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure I rise today to congratulate Multisorb Technologies on 50 years as a thriving company in Western New York and an innovator in the field of active packaging. Founded in 1961 by John S. Cullen, Multisorb Technologies set out to address the needs of protecting products against moisture. They are now the world leader in active packaging. Multisorb sends their product protection all over the world with main facilities in Buffalo and in Telford, England. They have built a report as a reliable and consistent company over their 50 years. Multisorb employs hundreds of skilled technicians, researchers, engineers and sales people that all work hard everyday to produce the best product possible. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor I stand today to commemorate Multisorb Technologies 50th anniversary. I extend my thanks to their contribution to the Western New York community in which they call home; as well as my best wishes for continued success.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, the Great Lakes are one of the most overlooked and unappreciated national assets. They are the largest source of freshwater in the world and contain 20 percent of the freshwater on Earth. The Great Lakes face many challenges. Agricultural runoff, sewer overflows, and other pollution makes its way into the Great Lakes from across the northeast and the Midwest, leading to unsafe water quality and public health concerns. Also, invasive species hitch a ride in the ballast water of oceangoing vessels, like the zebra mussel, or swim up the Mississippi River, like the Asian carp, and threaten to alter the lakes' fragile, closed ecosystem. In recognition of the importance of the Great Lakes and to combat the threats to their health, in 2010, 11 Federal agencies announced a plan to implement the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, an ambitious action plan to remove toxins, clean up the lakes, and protect them from further pollution and invasive species. I am concerned that funding for this important program has been uneven. It was funded at $475 million in fiscal year 2010, fell to $300 million this year, and is funded at just $250 million in the fiscal year 2012 Interior Appropriations bill the House will consider next week. However, the mere existence of this special cleanup funding is evidence that Congress and the administration recognize the Great Lakes are a unique natural resource that deserves protection. In 1969, the Cuyahoga River famously caught fire, symbolizing the abysmal water quality of the water in the Great Lakes basin. Legislation from the Clean Water Act and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has gone a long way toward returning the lakes to good health. However, the Great Lakes face a new threat beyond water quality: the diversion or removal of water from the Great Lakes basin. In recognition that due to national and global trends, the value of freshwater will increase, as will the incentive to remove it from the Great Lakes, the eight States that border the Great Lakes entered into a compact with each other and two Canadian provinces on the use of Great Lakes water. Congress ratified the agreement, and it was signed into law by President Bush in 2008. Among the most important provisions of the compact are restriction on the removal or diversion of water from the Great Lakes basin. The underlying goal was to prevent any one State from plundering the freshwater in the Great Lakes. So it is with great concern that I learned yesterday that the Ohio State legislature had passed legislation to permit businesses to remove 5 million gallons of water a day from Lake Erie. In New York, we are about to adopt a far more reasonable limit by requiring a permit for the withdrawal of 100,000 gallons per day. The Ohio bill, if adopted, would violate the spirit of the historic Great Lakes compact and force a race to the bottom among the eight signatory States, which will result in an accelerated level of diversions and further reduce the water level in the Great Lakes beyond the impact of Ohio businesses. Such an outcome is unacceptable. The consequence of such a large scale removal of water from the Great Lakes basin would have a devastating environmental and economic impact in my community. Water levels in the Great Lakes are already on the decline, and the additional large-scale removal of water will lead to algae blooms and reduced water quality, negatively impacting aquatic wildlife and the associated fishing industry, and reduce recreational boating and commercial shipping activities. In my community of western New York, this action would threaten the progress we are making in Buffalo toward reclaiming the waterfront as an engine of recreational and economic opportunities. I wrote to Ohio Governor John Kasich yesterday encouraging that he conclude, as have his predecessors Bob Taft and George Voinovich, that this legislation poses a danger to the health of our greatest regional asset, and suggesting that he veto this ill-advised legislation. I hope that he will heed that advice so advocates for the Great Lakes can focus attention on the restoration initiative and on cleaning up the lakes instead of having to fight to protect them from massive withdrawals of freshwater for profit when the issue was supposed to have been settled years ago. Now more than ever, it is critical that the Great Lakes remain vigilant and united against the threat of water diversion.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. HIGGINS. I thank my colleague and friend Mr. Reed. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of this amendment, which would provide an adequate level of funding for the Non-Defense Environmental Cleanup program. The Non-Defense Environmental Cleanup program addresses the environmental legacy of former civilian and non-defense nuclear programs at sites across the country. The large quantity of hazardous and radioactive waste generated at these sites and the contamination that remains is one of our Nation's largest environmental liabilities. The Department of Energy has an obligation to clean up this nuclear waste and protect local communities against risk to human health, safety, and the environment. And Congress has an obligation to fund the program at a sufficient level to clean up these sites thoroughly and expeditiously. However, quite simply, the amount of money appropriated in this bill is insufficient to do so. Mr. Chairman, continuing to underfund the cleanup of these nuclear sites will delay and extend project schedules, cause commitments to State governments and local communities to be missed, and increase the overall costs in the long run. In my community of western New York, the West Valley site was established in the 1960s in response to a Federal call for efforts to commercialize the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel from power reactors. The site ceased operations in 1972, and 600,000 gallons of high-level radioactive waste was left behind, posing a significant and enduring hazard. The land is highly erodible and contains streams that drain into Lake Erie. We have already seen a leak on the site level into a migrating plume of radioactive groundwater. The consequences would be environmentally and economically dire if this radioactive waste makes its way into the Great Lakes, the largest source of freshwater in the world with 20 percent of all the freshwater supply on Earth. For the past four decades, the progress in cleaning up the waste at West Valley has been stymied by perennial funding shortfalls. The insufficient funding in this bill will extend the first phase of the cleanup from 10 to 14 years. With maintenance costs at $30 million a year, an additional 4 years means $120 million in Federal funding will be wasted, which could be avoided if we properly fund this cleanup. Mr. Chairman, we cannot jeopardize the irreplaceable natural resources of the Great Lakes or of the communities and resources near the other nuclear sites across the country by continuing to underfund this important cleanup program. Congress needs to maintain its commitment to clean up these sites, and it needs to take proper steps to ensure that our communities and our environment remain safe for future generations. I am proud to work with my friend and colleague Mr. Reed on this important issue, and I urge support for this bipartisan amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sergeant James T. Hackemer, a veteran of the Iraq War who tragically died in an accident on July 8, 2011 at the age of twenty-nine. A native of the Village of Gowanda, Sergeant Hackemer joined the military after graduating from Gowanda High School. He had hopes of becoming a state trooper after serving his country. Sergeant Hackemer's selfless ambitions made him a model of heroism for his generation. In March of 2008, Sergeant Hackemer was in southern Baghdad when a bomb exploded under his vehicle. The disaster robbed him of both his legs and his left hip. After spending the next three years in physical therapy, Sergeant Hackemer defied his doctors' expectations by regaining his ability to walk again with the help of prosthetic legs. After leaving the hospital, Sergeant Hackemer returned to his life in Western New York. Even while struggling with his loss, Sergeant Hackemer made an effort to enjoy life through spending time with his friends and family and learning how to bike again. His story is a lesson of hope for everybody in his community. Sergeant Hackemer is survived by his wife, Alycia, and his two young daughters, Kaelynn and Addison. It is my honor to pay tribute to Sergeant James T. Hackemer's life, and I offer my deepest condolences to the Hackemer family for their loss. His resolute spirit and valor will be remembered by those in his community.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. I thank my friend and colleague from Michigan for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of this amendment to terminate the National Flood Insurance Program. The National Flood Insurance Program is, both in its design and execution, the worst Federal program I have encountered in my time in Congress. This program levies a mandatory flood tax on homeowners who are at virtually no risk of flooding and see absolutely no benefit from the program. In western New York, the requirement to purchase flood insurance has increased mortgage costs and created economic dead zones in once-vibrant neighborhoods. This amendment will finally end this unfair burden on homeowners in communities like Buffalo and Lackawanna, New York, who neither want nor need to purchase flood insurance. I urge my colleagues to support it as well. I thank the gentlelady from Michigan.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, earlier today I was in a meeting with a constituent and inadvertently missed the vote on H.J. Res. 68, a resolution authorizing for one year the limited use of the United States Armed Forces in support of the NATO mission in Libya. Because of the importance of this matter I would like to request that the Record reflect that had I been present I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall 493 in support of the resolution. Stated against:

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, it is with pleasure I acknowledge the Buffalo and Erie County Library system's kick-off of their 175th anniversary celebration and their summer reading initiatives. The first public library service in Western New York began with the creation of the Young Men's Association (YMA) in 1836. The association circulated 5,500 items to its members in its first year alone. 50 years later the institution was purchased for the City of Buffalo and was re-established as a free circulating reference library open to all City residents. By 1897, there were 32,000 registered borrowers. Today with over 3.5 million items in circulation and 37 locations, the Buffalo and Erie County libraries have served nearly 4 million patrons. With a diversity of programs including adult computer training, resume tips and techniques seminars as well as preschool story hour-- the libraries continue to serve as centers of information, culture and entertainment for the residents of Erie County. It is with great pride that I stand today to commemorate the Buffalo and Erie County Library system's 175th year of service. I am grateful for the array of programs and services they offer to the Western New York community and am happy to acknowledge the kick-off to their summer reading initiatives.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, today I pause to remember the great life and work of Patricia Wojcik the longtime director of the Department of Senior Services in Cheektowaga, New York. For nearly two and a half decades Pat dedicated her life to making the lives of seniors in Western New York healthier, happier and more fulfilled. Upon first assuming her leadership role in town government in 1980, Pat made it her mission to give local seniors a place to gather, learn, have fun and build friendships. Two short years later the Cheektowaga Senior Center opened its doors and over the years since, thousands of seniors were greeted at those doors by Pat's smiling face and kind words. The many ways Pat touched the lives of others is far too great to mention here but her commitment is demonstrated in the respect she had for the commitment of those she served. Each year one of her trademark events was a ceremony which included a splendid celebration for Cheektowaga couples celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. Her devotion to her work didn't go unrecognized. She received citizen of the year awards from the Am Pol Eagle and Zonta Club, was recognized by the St. Joseph Hospital Foundation and in 2005 I was honored to nominate her to represent our area for the White House Conference on the Aging. That same year, 25 years after she first started, Pat turned over her duties at Cheektowaga's Senior Center and began a well-deserved retirement. On June 10, 2011 I will join long-time Cheektowaga leader Assemblyman Dennis Gabryszak, Pat's friends, family and co-workers to plant a tree in Pat Wojcik's honor in front of the building where she spent so many years. Her memory will live on with this tree as well as in the hearts of all of us who knew and loved her.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I missed a round of votes in order to attend the remembrance services of a friend who passed away in Buffalo over the weekend. Because the votes I missed dealt with important questions of labor policy, foreign policy and funding for our veterans, I would like to enter into the record how I would have voted had I been present. On Rollcall 413, the LaTourette Amendment, I would have voted ``aye.'' On Rollcall 414, the Amash Amendment, I would have voted ``no.'' On Rollcall 415, the Sherman Amendment, I would have voted ``no.'' On Rollcall 416, retaining Title II (Department of Veterans Affairs), I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 90th birthday of a proud son of the city of Buffalo and an ardent believer in the Jesuit educational tradition--George Martin. When I think of George Martin, I think of a man of deep faith, commitment to public service, and a man who most of all places tremendous value in quality education. George Martin is one of the proudest Buffalonians I have ever had the pleasure to know. His commitment to education is so vast, so complete, that these words hardly live up to the record he has compiled. A proud alumnus of St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute, George's service to that institution is unparalleled. A longtime board chair, George was designated an Affiliate Christian Brother due to his faithful service to St. Joe's and to the wider LaSallian community. George has demonstrated as deep a commitment to Canisius College, where he is accurately regarded as a living legend. George was the very first lay Executive Vice President of Canisius College, where he blazed a trail and set an example for literally thousands of impressionable students. Today, a dormitory and an academic award are named in his honor, and an endowed scholarship fund exists in his name, demonstrating all the more the deep and abiding commitment George has to the college itself and to education in general. George has a great history in public service as well. A veteran of the Sedita administration in Buffalo City Government, George was also a friend and confidant to Governor Hugh Carey. George also served with honor and distinction for many years in leadership of the New York State Council of Parks, where he worked tirelessly to maintain the New York State Park system's preeminent position as among the very best state systems in the nation. Hailing from the proud neighborhoods of South Buffalo, George served his country with honor and bravery in World War II, and is patriarch to many nieces and nephews--many themselves alumni of Canisius. Our community is fortunate that this proud family shared their uncle with us, to dedicate so very much to the growth and success of these important Jesuit institutions. In closing, Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join with me and with the membership of the House to honor the dedicated service of Buffalo's George Martin, and to wish good health and Godspeed to him upon the occasion of his 90th birthday.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a faithful resident of Western New York, and a good friend, William F. ``Bill'' Cornell of Jamestown, who recently passed away at the age of 69. Bill started his career as an instructor of English at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. In his later life, he worked as a data processing manager for Hopes Architectural Products, a position he held for twenty six years. He was also employed by the Carriage House in Fredonia. Bill was an active member of the Chautauqua County Democratic Committee and was active in many civic and political causes in his hometown. A parishioner of Holy Angels Roman Catholic Church, Bill and his wife Peg were devoted parents to their children Chuck and Kathryn, and they were doting grandparents to 5 beautiful grandchildren. I got to know Bill Cornell well during my initial campaign for Congress in 2004 and have come to know him well in the years that have passed since. A steadfast Democrat proud of his roots in Jamestown, Bill was the kind of fellow who would give you the shirt off of his back. While he will obviously be greatly missed by friends and family, as a rare breed of Jamestownian, he will be just as sorely missed by the community at large. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join with me and with our colleagues to honor the life of Bill Cornell and offer the sincerest condolences of the House to Peg, Chuck, Lori, Kathryn and Kurt, and to his entire family.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of the late Kenneth Ahlstrom of Dunkirk, New York. Mr. Ahlstrom was a proud, patriotic American. He served in the United States Navy during World War II aboard the USS Phoenix in the southwest Pacific. During his service, Mr. Ahlstrom participated in 25 landings in New Guinea, New Britain, the Philippines, and Borneo. Professionally, Mr. Ahlstrom worked for many years as a salesman with Eber Brothers Wine and Liquor Corporation. Throughout his life, Mr. Ahlstrom demonstrated a deep commitment and devotion to his local community. For more than 50 years, Mr. Ahlstrom has remained active in the American Legion Post 62, serving as treasurer, post commander, an officer of the board of directors and county vice commander. Concurrent with his service at Post 62, he also belonged to the VFW, Dunkirk Exempt Firemen, Dunkirk Lakeside Club, First Ward Falcon Club and the Buffalo Bills Booster Club. Mr. Ahlstrom had served on the Boys State Committee and the American Legion Baseball Scholarship Committee and was a past president and member of the Dunkirk High School Marauder Booster Club. He also had served as secretary-treasurer at Willowbrook Park Cemetery. Of the many significant accomplishments of his life, Mr. Ahlstrom took the greatest pride in his family. Married to Nancy Ahlstrom for more than 63 years, Mr. Ahlstrom was patriarch of a great Western New York family that includes 8 children, 17 grandchildren, and nine great- grandchildren. His is a wonderful legacy that each family member may cherish for years to come. It is with great pride that I rise today, only a few days after our Memorial Day holiday, to honor and commemorate that service of Kenneth Ahlstrom. I hope that you will join with me, Mr. Speaker, and the entirety of our membership in the House in expressing the condolences of the House to the Ahlstrom family.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the death of United States Navy veteran Mr. Kenneth Ahlstrom. Mr. Ahlstrom served in the Navy during World War II aboard the USS Phoenix in the southwest Pacific, and participated in 25 landings in New Guinea, New Britain, the Philippines, and Borneo. Mr. Ahlstrom was devoted to his local Buffalo community, and held offices in the American Legion, the Dunkirk High School Marauder Booster Club, and Willowbrook Cemetery. Mr. Ahlstrom was also a family man. He leaves behind a widow, Mrs. Nancy Ahlstrom, 8 children, 17 grandchildren, and several great- grandchildren. It is with great pride that I rise today to remember Mr. Kenneth Ahlstrom, a veteran of our Nation's armed forces, and a proud member of my own Buffalo community.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Chairman, our amendment would enhance public safety in communities across the country by striking the provision in the bill that would limit participation in the Urban Area Security Initiative program to just 10 cities. Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano has said that the architecture of homeland security begins in the homeland. The Urban Area Security Initiative program protects the hometown by allowing first responders and emergency officials to practice coordinating response scenarios across jurisdictional lines. Until recently, the program supported these crucial activities in 64 communities, including my own, judged by the Department of Homeland Security to be vulnerable to terrorist attack. That was until we decimated the program by cutting 20 percent of its funding in the continuing resolution. Rather than allow all communities to suffer cuts proportionately, the Department made matters worse by deciding to eliminate half of the 64 communities from the program, including all four communities in upstate New York. Let us not make a third mistake this year by limiting participation in this important program to even fewer urban areas. Mr. Chairman, my community of western New York includes four international bridge crossings and the busiest passenger crossing at the northern border; the largest electricity producer in New York State; and the homegrown al Qaeda terrorist cell, the Lackawanna Six. It sits along two Great Lakes which contain the largest freshwater supply in the world, and it is within a 500-mile radius of 55 percent of the American population and 62 percent of the Canadian population. For 8 years the Department evaluated western New York to be a highly vulnerable area and thus eligible for the Urban Area Security Initiative. Now, this year the Department wants to eliminate us from the program, and this bill would codify that decision. Why? What has changed? We are still vulnerable, according to the Department's own assessment, and we will still need the resources to prevent and respond to attacks. Mr. Chairman, this body should not prevent my community, or the other 54 communities the Department has judged to be vulnerable, from this essential Homeland Security program. I oppose this provision of the bill, and I urge adoption of our amendment. Mr. Chairman, finally, I would like to thank the cosponsors of this amendment: Representatives Berkley, Tonko, Ellison, Moore, Wasserman Schultz, Capps, Slaughter, Cuellar, Fudge, and Wilson. Now I would like to yield to the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Berkley).

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support for May as National Cancer Research Month. Cancer research is a vital part of our Nation's biomedical research enterprise, and this research both improves the quality of life of our Nation's citizens and generates new economic investment. Cancer research is vital to the community I serve in western New York, home to our country's first comprehensive cancer center, Roswell Park Cancer Institute. The classic view of innovation is that government funds basic science while industry comes up with new and innovative products based on that science. To make this model work best, it requires a sustained commitment to cancer research at the National Institutes of Health and National Cancer Institute. When federal cancer research funding is cut or not sustained over the long term, we lose promising cancer research and talented cancer researchers. After doubling funding between the years 1998 and 2003, research funding has flat-lined, and it has decreased substantially if you take into account medical inflation. By and large, our country's investment in innovation in biomedical research has worked well. Over the past 40 years, 153 new FDA approved drugs and vaccines have been discovered through research carried out at public institutions with federal funds. In the last 20 years alone, one out of every five important medical advances approved by the Food and Drug Administration was invented in a federally funded laboratory. Those inventions, which included 40 new drugs for cancer, are currently generating more than $100 billion a year in sales for drug and biotechnology firms. The only failure in research is when you quit or are forced to quit due to lack of funding. National Cancer Research Month provides us a reminder of those risks, and also the immense reward that arrives when promising research alleviates the suffering of cancer patients.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Dennis Kahn, the 2011 Honoree for the American Cancer Society's Cuisine for the Cure Event, for his struggle in overcoming cancer and his remarkable contributions to the community I serve in Western New York. Dennis, a highly regarded attorney, has dedicated his life to representing those facing significant challenges in their own lives and professions. Also a loving and devoted husband to Carrie and father to Max, Dennis exemplifies the strong values that make communities like Buffalo great. Yet nothing could quite prepare Dennis for the challenge he faced in the fall of 2009, when he found out that he had stage 4 cancer in his parotid gland. Like so many other cancer patients, Dennis's diagnosis hit him like a ton of bricks. And after enduring surgeries and an aggressive radiation and chemotherapy regimen, we are lucky to have him here with us today to share his story and the lessons he has learned from it. Like many other cancer survivors and their families, Dennis wants to give back and help others like him. The struggles of people with cancer are unique--not knowing whether your body is actively growing cells that will harm you can be sheer terror. To handle this amid all of life's normal challenges is overwhelming. Dennis's commitment to help other patients and survivors is notable, making him worthy of being honored at this year's Cuisine for a Cure event. We need more advocates like Dennis to raise awareness about cancer in our communities. Let his story be a lesson to us, to inspire us, and to continue to fight to alleviate suffering due to cancer in our lifetime. I often say that cancer research is a continuum, and it needs to be maintained, and that we can't just stop and start. Advocates like Dennis remind us of this promise.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life of my friend Abraham Breehey, who passed away yesterday at the young age of 35. Abe was a champion for working men and women throughout his career. As Legislative Director for the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Abe was a leader among his colleagues representing the building and construction trades. He fought for labor and economic policies that would promote a fairer economy, and was an early leader in making the case that an energy policy to combat climate change would also be economically beneficial to those who, like boilermakers, are engaged in energy production. I got to know Abe before coming to Congress. We served together in Albany, where I was a Member of the New York State Assembly and Abe was a legislative aide to my Western New York colleague Sam Hoyt. We bonded over our shared love of music, and Abe gave me my first lessons on the guitar, a fact he never grew tired of reminding me about. Abe's life was tragically cut short, a victim of brain cancer. He leaves behind a wife and daughter. He had much more left to give the people he fought for, but he had already given so much. His advocacy will be missed by the labor movement, and his warm heart will be missed by his friends. For my part, I will honor Abe by drawing inspiration from his work on behalf of those working in the building trades, and by redoubling my commitment to support cancer research. Abe was a gentleman, a professional, an optimist and a good, kind friend. He is missed.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Colonel Marguerite C. (McDonald) Garrison who will be retiring from the U.S. Army after more than thirty years of service. Col. Garrison was born and raised in South Buffalo, NY. Upon graduating from St. Bonaventure University in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology/Biology, she was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Military Police Corps through the ROTC. After completing the Military Police Officer Basic Course, Col. Garrison spent nearly six years stationed in Germany, where she served as the Commander of Headquarter and Headquarters Detachment in Kornwestheim, Platoon Leader of the 194th Military Police Company in Neu Ulm, Assistant S3/Training Officer in the 385th Military Police Battalion, and finally as Commander of the 630th Military Police Company in Bamberg. In 1987 Col. Garrison returned to the United States for the Military Police Officer Advanced Course and was assigned to Fort McPherson, GA. From 1987 to 1991 she served as the Force Structure Officer in the Forces Command Provost Marshal Office, Assistant Secretary to the Joint, Forces Command, and the Executive Officer in the Forces Command Provost Marshal Office. In 1992 she attended the 170th session of the FBI National Academy, one of only twelve army personnel selected annually, and after graduating from the eleven week program became the Deputy Program Director of the World University Games held in Buffalo, New York. In this position, Col. Garrison coordinated joint security planning between the military, state, and local police. Col. Garrison went on to attend the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and was assigned as Executive Officer of the 705th Military Police Battalion. She earned a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University in 1995, and in recognition of her expertise in public safety was selected as a Security Liaison for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta, GA. Col. Garrison next assigned as the Inspector General of the United States Total Army Personnel Command in Alexandria, VA. From 2000 to 2002 she commanded the 5th Military Police Battalion, Criminal Investigation Command, in Kaiserslautem, Germany, and went on to serve as the Inspector General for the Army Criminal Investigation Command. Following her graduation from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, Col. Garrison was assigned to the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense as the Deputy Director for Antiterrorism Policy. In her next position, Col. Garrison served as Garrison Commander at Fort McPherson and Fort Gillem, GA. Following her time in GA, she was deployed to Iraq and served in the Multi-National Force-Iraq CJ3 as the Director for Protections, Chief of Staff and Deputy Director, of Current Operations. Upon her redeployment in 2009, Col. Garrison was assigned to her current position as the Army's Chief, Initiatives Group, Vice Chief of Staff. During her career, Col. Garrison graduated the United States Army Command and General Staff College, the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, and, at the time of her induction, was the youngest member of the St. Bonaventure University ROTC Hall of Fame. She is married to LTC (Ret.) Kevin Garrison, and is the proud mother of her twin sons, Sean and Kieran, and her daughter, Kelsea. Her awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (Oak Leaf Cluster), Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal (with Bronze Star), Iraqi Campaign Medal (with two stars), the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon (Numeral 3), and the NATO Medal (Kosovo). Col. Garrison was also authorized to wear the Secretary of Defense and Army Staff Identification Badges and the Order of the Marechausse in Silver. Mr. Speaker, Col. Marguerite Garrison is a proud soldier, patriot, and Western New Yorker. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Col. Garrison and thanking her for her years of dedicated service in the defense of our country.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. I thank the gentleman. Madam Speaker, I rise to express my strong opposition to an amendment made in order under this rule, an amendment which would block the implementation of regulations to prevent pilot fatigue. Our current pilot fatigue regulations are outdated and have been on the books for decades. In that time, we have seen many preventable accidents occur due to pilot fatigue, including the crash of Flight 3407, near Buffalo, in which 50 people died 2 years ago. In response to that tragedy and after over a year of consideration, last year the House and the Senate unanimously passed legislation to update our pilot fatigue rules. They are pending implementation by the Federal Aviation Administration. These reforms have been on the National Transportation Safety Board's ``most wanted'' list for the past 20 years. They are based on science, on fact, on real input from the professional aviation community. However, the amendment offered by Mr. Shuster would have the effect of blocking their implementation. Pilots are people who have a huge responsibility to the flying public. It doesn't matter whether they are flying a cargo plane, a regional plane or a large passenger plane. They need adequate rest to perform their duties. Quite simply, these pilot fatigue reforms will save lives. Fifty lives were needlessly lost 2 years ago. Last year, we voted unanimously to enact these reforms due to the dogged advocacy and determination of the families who lost their loved ones in that crash. These families want nothing more than to make our airways safer and to prevent this tragedy from happening again. I urge my colleagues to stand with these families, to stand with aviation safety, and to please vote against the Shuster amendment.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the three and a half years of service given from Mr. Adam Bratton, the outgoing Executive Director of the Robert H. Jackson Center. Under the direction of Mr. Bratton the Jackson Center has seen many innovations and improvements bringing the Jackson Center into the international community. Through new social media innovations Mr. Bratton has ushered the Jackson Center into a new realm of possibilities. He has created an international constituency with hundreds of thousands of individuals. Mr. Bratton is responsible for increasing the donor base tremendously. During his service the Jackson Center raised over $2 million and the number of donors has increased by 75%. Adding to his successes, the number of annual individual gifts has increased by more than 100% over the past three years. The board of directors has also grown stronger and more involved in the Jackson Center. Many nationally known and respected individuals have been added to work together and make this establishment thrive. We are truly blessed to have such strong individuals that work tirelessly to make our world a better place. Mr. Bratton is one of those people and that is why Mr. Speaker I rise in tribute to him today.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ralph C. Lorigo and his many years of dedicated service to Western New York. Ralph was born on July 17th, 1947 to Ralph E. and Caroline (Juliano) Lorigo. He attended St. Lucy's School on Swan St. through the age of 12 and went on to West Seneca High School after his family moved to West Seneca in 1960. Upon graduation from high school, Ralph earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Buffalo. He would go on to attend the University of Buffalo Law School, earning his juris doctorate degree in May of 1973. Ralph's interest in politics, which was certainly passed on to him from his mother Caroline, began in 1981 when he decided to run for Town Justice in West Seneca. Though his first bid was unsuccessful, Ralph went on to serve as a member of the Town Committee, then Town Chairman, and eventually as an Executive Board Member. In 1990, Ralph became the Erie County Conservative Vice-Chairman and in 1993 was a candidate for the New York State Supreme Court in a narrowly unsuccessful election campaign. Finally in 1995, Ralph became the Erie County Conservative Chairman and continues his work in that position to this day. In addition to his political career, Ralph is also a dedicated member of the West Seneca Lions Club. He helped start a West Seneca Youth Court in 1984, has taught in the West Seneca Continuing Education program since the 1970's, sat on the West Seneca Continuing Education Board for several years, and has been involved in many other community programs. Ralph is married to the former Deborah Caruana and has three adult children: son Michael (wife Devonie), son Joe (wife Jean), and daughter Jaime. Ralph and Deborah also have three grandchildren, Adrianna, Alana, and Alexa. On a personal note, Mr. Speaker, let me say that I have had the high privilege of knowing Ralph Lorigo for more than 25 years. As an attorney and political leader, Ralph's career has been one of intense dedication to those whom he has represented. But as a husband, father and community leader, Ralph's true priorities--family, faith and community--have never failed to stand out. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Ralph C. Lorigo for his many years of tireless service on behalf of the Western New York community.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time today to honor the life and achievements of Bruce A. Holm, an internationally known biomedical researcher and crucial advocate in the effort to develop high-tech research at the University of Buffalo and throughout the region of Western New York. Bruce dedicated his sharp intellect and spirit of entrepreneurship toward the improvement of research in the field of life sciences. During his time as executive director of UB's New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, he was instrumental in the growth of the region's biotechnology industry as he skillfully attracted researchers and companies from around the world to collaborate at the Center. Bruce was also a pioneering researcher in the biology of lung development and therapies for acute lung disease. Among his many other significant accomplishments, Bruce's collaboration with UB colleague Edmund Egan resulted in the development of a drug that has lowered the mortality rate of premature infants. Known to his colleagues and students as an exceptional researcher and teacher, Bruce offered immeasurable contributions to the scholarly community at the University of Buffalo and the Western New York region. His passing is a tragic loss to his family, friends, and colleagues, and although his legacy will endure for years to come, today we mourn the loss of his brilliant life cut short. I ask you to stand with me in this moment as we honor the life of Bruce Holm and offer our condolences to his colleagues, friends, and family.

Mr. HIGGINS

Mr. HIGGINS. I yield to the gentleman from Massachusetts.