Phil Hare

Mr. HARE

Mr. HARE. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in strong support of the Robert C. Byrd Mine Safety Protection Act of 2010 and for the rights of workers all across this great Nation. I would like to begin by thanking Chairman George Miller and Chairwoman Woolsey for their tireless work on this bill. As many of you know, I began my career on a factory floor and saw firsthand the inherent dangers that exist in a workplace. It is the dangerous working conditions I saw that continue to drive my commitment to making every workplace in America safe. Compromise is inevitable in Washington, D.C., but keeping our workers safe, healthy, and alive is nonnegotiable. I implore my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to remember that. It is clear that we can no longer rely on a system of fines and citations to protect our miners. MSHA must have the ability to swiftly shut down unsafe mines in order to save lives. We must end the corporate culture of ``profit at all costs'' that treats workplace safety upgrades as a budget line item rather than a moral and legal priority. Today, my colleagues, we have the opportunity to stand up and defend the rights and lives of countless American workers, and I ask you to join me in this great but never-ending fight. The bill before us today will overhaul the very system that has failed to provide adequate protections for our mine workers, each and every day, and I say, enough is enough. This bill puts forth commonsense reforms that are long overdue. It holds irresponsible mine operators accountable. One of the most unforgettable and heartbreaking moments of my congressional career occurred at the Education and Labor Committee hearing on mine safety. During that hearing, a young boy whose father had perished in the Crandall Canyon Mine disaster came up to me and asked me if I could attend one of his soccer games because ``his daddy was in heaven and couldn't go.'' It is for the families like this that we need to put partisan politics aside and pass this critical legislation. Every worker deserves to come home safely at the end of the day, and this bill will go to great lengths to ensure that this is the reality for all of our Nation's mine workers. I ask my colleagues to join me in standing up for all American workers and supporting this critical legislation.

Mr. HARE

Mr. HARE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 50th anniversary of the National Waterways Conference. I would like to begin by thanking Chairman Jim Oberstar of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for his support of the National Waterways Conference and for cosponsoring this resolution. I am proud to have introduced H. Res. 1639 because the National Waterways Conference has worked tirelessly since 1960 in educating the public and elected officials about the importance of our nation's inland waterways system. The Conference reaches all corners of inland waterways, the Great Lakes, and coastal stakeholders because it consists of a diverse group of professionals who all work toward a common goal: utilizing the waterways in an efficient and responsible manner, while being accountable to the environment in and around our waters. The Conference has also worked closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in planning valuable economic and environmental water-based projects in nearly every geographic region of the U.S. and territories. For example, in the 17th District of Illinois, the Sny Island Levee District and the Upper Mississippi, Illinois and Missouri Rivers Association have for years worked to ensure that Congress does not forget about the catastrophic flooding in the Midwest, and they have advocated for maximizing urgently needed flood protection and flood control. The Corps in turn has closely studied and crafted a plan for protecting the Upper Mississippi River Valley communities. The Conference and Corps complement each other extremely well. In addition to recognizing and commending the Conference, the resolution recognizes the solid commitment and excellent work done by the Corps of Engineers--the nation's premier waterways infrastructure operators, designers and builders. The Corps is responsible for waterways navigation, flood damage reduction, and environmental restoration for more than 11,000 miles of channels in 41 States, in addition to the important role it plays in supporting our troops. I believe it is in the best interest of the American people that the National Waterways Conference continues to work with the Congress, the Corps' Civil Works Division, and local communities because of its expertise in planning for a sound economy, industrial and agricultural productivity, regional development, environmental quality, energy conservation, international trade, and national defense preparedness. Mr. Speaker, I know the National Waterways Conference will have another successful 50 years advocating for improvements to our nation's water infrastructure. I would like to thank the National Waterways Conference for all of their hard work, and I wish them the best of luck in their next chapter. I urge all of my colleagues to support passage of this bill.

Mr. HARE

Mr. HARE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010. I want to thank our leadership for continuing the fight for American jobs and our Nation's small businesses. We all know that small businesses are the backbones of our local economies and bolster economic growth in our districts, States and Nation. Unfortunately, small businesses have not escaped the devastating impacts of this recession. When the credit markets tightened and payrolls declined, small business owners were forced to make incredibly tough decisions-- sometimes shutting their doors forever. This legislation will help existing small businesses grow and give entrepeneurs the assistance they need to open new ones. The bill creates a $30 billion small business lending fund in which financial institutions, such as the smaller community banks in my district, can leverage as much as $300 billion of badly needed credit to small businesses. I'm proud that this Congress continues to provide tax relief to our small businesses and I am happy that this bill includes another $12 billion in tax incentives for them. The bottom line is that this bill gives small businesses on Main Street the tools they need to continue to spearhead our recovery and fuel our economy. As Members of Congress, we have a responsibility to restore the economic promise of this Nation, and I won't rest until small businesses across Illinois are secure, have the resources they need, and are able to put many more of our neighbors back to work. Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to vote in favor of both the rule and the underlying bill so that Americans can get the help they need during these tough times of economic recovery.

Mr. HARE

Mr. HARE. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Senate amendment to H.R. 1586, the Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act. Madam Speaker, weeks before students go back to school in Illinois, 20,000 teachers are on the front line of huge layoffs due to deep state budget cuts. For several months, I joined Chairman Miller and Chairman Obey in leading the call to pass emergency education funding to protect quality public schools. And with great pride, I will vote for the Education Jobs Fund before the House today that will keep 350 teachers in my district in the classroom and off the unemployment line. Madam Speaker, in keeping with our promise to restore fiscal responsibility abandoned by Republicans, the bill is fully paid for primarily by closing tax loopholes for corporations who ship jobs overseas and reduces the deficit by $1.4 billion over the next decade. Madam Speaker, teachers out of work threaten our recovery, so I ask all of my colleagues to support passage of the Education Jobs Fund.

Mr. HARE

Mr. HARE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by thanking Chairman Oberstar, Ranking Member Mica, my friend Chairman Costello, and the staff of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for their strong support of this important resolution. House Resolution 1366 formally recognizes the contributions and accomplishment of the freight rail industry and its employees throughout our great Nation. Like many of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, freight rail is incredibly important to my district and my home State of Illinois. I have had the opportunity to see firsthand the hard work freight rail employees put forth each and every day. In cities like Galesburg, Rock Island, and Decatur, I am constantly reminded of the positive impact that this industry has had on the economies of the localities and the improvements of our Nation's transportation infrastructure. Throughout its rich American history, freight rail has proven time and again to be among the most efficient, environmentally friendly ways of transporting our Nation's goods. Freight rail generates hundreds of billions of dollars in annual economic activity, and supports over 1.2 million jobs throughout the United States. As our economy continues to recover, the freight rail industry will be an essential component in fulfilling the great demand to move goods again and put more Americans back to work. I am proud to say that I have received letters of support for this resolution from both the business and the labor sector, including the Association of American Railroads, Growth Options for the 21st Century, and the Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO. I have no doubt that the industry will continue to contribute in indispensable ways to the health and growth of the United States economy and our infrastructure, and will continue to reduce its impact on the environment. Again, I thank the chairman and my colleagues on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for supporting this resolution. I believe that Congress is long overdue in formally recognizing the industry and the vital role it continues to play in our country's growth, job creation, and economic recovery. I urge my friends on both sides of the aisle to support this noncontroversial resolution. Association of American Railroads, May 19, 2010. Hon. Phil Hare, Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Congressman Hare: I am writing in support of your resolution recognizing and honoring America's freight rail industry. H. Res. 1366 correctly notes that our nation's freight railroads operate the safest, cleanest, most efficient and most environmentally sound rail system in the world. We've worked hard to earn these credentials and look to set the standards even higher moving forward. Freight rail is a highly efficient industry that is essential to the U.S. economy and economic recovery. Not only does our industry employ nearly 190,000 well-paid workers, the overwhelming majority which are union employees, but freight rail also supports millions of jobs for workers in American businesses that rely on our industry to ship their goods. We are committed to continuing to provide the affordable, efficient transportation our customers depend on. And we will do so in the most environmentally sensitive and energy efficient manner possible. As you so eloquently stated, freight railroads meet our nation's transportation needs today and will have an even more positive impact in the future. We like to say that our nation's recovery is running on our steel spine. Thank you again for taking the time to recognize our industry and the important benefits we deliver for America. Sincerely, Edward R. Hamberger, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. HARE

Mr. HARE. I thank my friend from New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Resolution 611, supporting the goals and ideals of Fragile X Awareness Day. Madam Speaker, with 100,000 Americans affected and 1 million more at risk, fragile X syndrome is the most commonly inherited cause of mental impairment and autism. However, fragile X syndrome still remains a largely unknown disorder and is often misdiagnosed. Tomorrow, July 22, families, patients, and advocates will take part in the 10th annual National Fragile X Awareness Day. Thanks to the efforts of the National Fragile X Foundation to unite the fragile X community, on Thursday, advocates all across the country will hold events and fundraisers in their cities and communities to raise awareness about this condition. Madam Speaker, National Fragile X Awareness Day is an opportunity to educate the public as well as the medical profession about this disease. Increased awareness about this little known disease can significantly reduce the incidence of fragile X and lead to quicker diagnoses for families dealing with the disease. Growing awareness of this condition is also critical to securing additional research funding to create tomorrow's scientific breakthroughs to treat and ultimately cure fragile X. I introduced this resolution not only to support the goals and the ideals of Fragile X Awareness Day but also to recognize fragile X advocates who work tirelessly to increase the awareness. Together, their voice is an invaluable part of promoting public consciousness about fragile X syndrome, and it is because of their commitment that we are closer to finding a cure. Madam Speaker, I first learned of the fragile X syndrome as I was leaving the floor and was walking back to my congressional office. I looked at my schedule, and I saw I had a group of constituents who wanted to talk to me about fragile X. I had no idea what fragile X was. On the way to my office, I kept trying to think, what could this be? I had the opportunity to meet Holly Roos and other parents. Holly told me about her son and her daughter's battle with fragile X. The family shared stories and photos, and it motivated me to get involved. I started by participating in my first fragile X walk in Canton, Illinois, 3 years ago. Three walks later, I am as committed today as I was then to work to find a cure. Because of Holly, Parker, Allison, and all of the people affected by fragile X, I was inspired to establish the Fragile X Caucus, along with Congressman Delahunt and my friend Congressman Harper. The caucus is growing, and we are educating more Members daily about fragile X. We have also successfully fought for more research funding for fragile X at the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense. We organized the first congressional briefing on fragile X. We released a public service announcement, and we continue to make finding a cure for fragile X syndrome a national priority. I proudly serve on the caucus with two of the most dedicated Members of Congress to the fragile X cause: The co-chairman, Gregg Harper, is the parent of a child whom I've had the opportunity to meet. What a wonderful young man. How proud you are of him--his engaging smile and his willingness to come and to tour and to be with his father. You can see the love between them and what a wonderful and special young man he is. For 15 years our friend Chairman Bill Delahunt has advocated on behalf of the fragile X community, and we will certainly miss his leadership on the caucus upon his retirement, but there is an old saying: Do you think this is the end for you, Mr. Delahunt? This is only the beginning. We are going to be asking more of you because Mr. Delahunt is going to have more time to spend with us. Madam Speaker, Congress has an important role in raising awareness of fragile X syndrome. It's my hope that this resolution, and the efforts of the Fragile X Caucus, will provide greater awareness of fragile X. I urge all of my colleagues to vote in support of House Resolution 611. I want to thank Chairman Waxman and Chairman Pallone for working with me to bring House Resolution 611 to the floor on the eve of Fragile X Awareness Day.

Mr. HARE

Mr. HARE. Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5114, The Flood Insurance Reform Priorities Act of 2010. This legislation would give families in my district and across the Nation the peace of mind that comes with knowing they'll be protected from the financial insecurity caused by flooding. I'd like to thank Chairwoman Waters for her leadership on this issue and for working with me to include language in the managers amendment that would require FEMA to update its flood maps for an area that has had its levee system improved to eliminate the risk of flooding. My language also clarifies that updated flood maps that are issued will result in the elimination of the mandatory purchase requirement for the improved areas. My district in Illinois lies on the banks of the Mississippi River and contains large parts of the Illinois and Rock Rivers--a district obviously that is impacted greatly by policies dealing with the National Flood Insurance Program. It is why I strongly support the underlying bill and urge my colleagues to do the same--this legislation reauthorizes the National Flood Insurance Program for five years and puts an end to Congress passing short-term flood insurance extensions that leave the program in a state of uncertainty. There are several other provisions of this bill that are common sense and long overdue which I would like to briefly highlight. The bill: Phases in Premium Increases; creates a flood insurance premium payment installation plan for low-income families; and establishes the Office of Flood Insurance Advocate within FEMA, which would help communities and homeowners interpret, implement and appeal flood insurance rate maps. These are just a few of the provisions of this bill that I thank the chairwoman for including, and I again urge my colleagues to support both the manager's amendment and the underlying bill. Passage of this important legislation will benefit all Americans who live in flood-prone areas of our Nation.

Mr. HARE

Mr. HARE. Madam Speaker, on July 13, 2010, I was unavoidably detained in Illinois due to a family medical emergency. I would like the Record to reflect that had I been present, I would have voted as follows: on rollcall No. 434, On Motion To Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 4514, the Colonel Charles Young Home Study Act, I would have voted ``aye''; on rollcall No. 435, On Motion To Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 4438, the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park Leasing and Boundary Expansion Act of 2010, I would have voted ``aye''; and on rollcall No. 436, On Motion To Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 4773, the Fort Pulaski National Monument Lease Authorization Act, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. HARE

Mr. HARE. Mr. Speaker, for too long the irresponsible actions of big banks have put American families at risk. Today, with the passage of this financial reform legislation, we will finally begin to protect consumers on Main Street from the greed on Wall Street. Predatory lending, risky schemes, and exploiting loopholes were just some of the tricks used by Wall Street fat cats to send our economy spiraling to the brink of a depression, but under this bill, we are ending these practices, and we are shining new light on products and transactions that threaten the stability of the financial system. This bill is a landmark achievement in consumer protection by establishing a Consumer Financial Protection Agency, dedicated to ensuring that bank loans, mortgages, and credit cards are fair, affordable, understandable, and, most importantly, transparent. This bill is good for small business. It is good for consumers, and it is good for the financial security of our great Nation. It will also ensure that our financial sector will continue to remain an engine of economic growth, which is one of the reasons the Community Bankers Association of Illinois supports this legislation. I want to thank Chairman Frank and all of the members of the Democratic leadership for having the courage to do what is right and for standing up for American families. Today, we have the opportunity to say enough is enough, to rein in Wall Street, and to protect our constituents. I ask my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in supporting this critical piece of legislation.

Mr. HARE

Mr. HARE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the achievements of Mr. Ron Gettelfinger, President of the United Auto Workers, and to thank him for his unwavering commitment to the American worker. His retirement is surely a bittersweet moment for us all. Through his eight years as President of UAW, Mr. Gettelfinger navigated some of the most difficult and trying times that the labor movement has faced in recent history. During the economic downturn and with countless jobs moving overseas, his steadfast leadership has helped restore faith in our auto industry and has helped workers feel secure during this period of great instability and change. I am deeply moved by Mr. Gettelfinger's unwavering resolve in his fight for labor protections, accessible and affordable health care for all, and his push for keeping manufacturing jobs in the United States. I speak today on behalf of the Illinois members of the UAW in thanking Mr. Gettelfinger for all of his work. Workers throughout Illinois have played a large role in supplying our automakers and are one small part in a much larger supply chain. Because of this connection, the UAW itself has deep roots in Illinois, and Mr. Gettelfinger's work has touched countless Illinois families. I would like to thank Mr. Gettelfinger for his efforts to make life better for workers across my home state of Illinois and across the United States. The people of Illinois will not soon forget what Mr. Gettelfinger has accomplished for them. Mr. Speaker, it is with pride and admiration that I offer my thanks and recognition to Mr. Ron Gettelfinger for his service to the UAW and to our nation.

Mr. HARE

Mr. HARE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in sorrow at the news of the death of my friend, Stewart Winstein, from Rock Island, Illinois. Stewart was one of the most respected and admired leaders in my community and built a strong reputation for local activism, public service, and the belief that politics could be a driving force for positive change in the lives of everyday Americans. It's a legacy that will be sorely missed in Rock Island, the city that Stewart loved and called home. As a child of the Great Depression, Stewart and his family faced great poverty. It was a powerful influence on him and I'm sure formed much of his success as an attorney and a founding force of the Rock Island Democratic Party. As one of the greatest advocates for working men and women that I knew, I think his legacy will be that he wanted to make sure that other families didn't have to face economic hardships that he knew too well. And as many in the Quad Cities can attest, whether it was working people or the vast number of clients he represented, it is a legacy of great success. Stewart had a huge impact on my life. He was a valuable teacher who led by example, and I learned by witnessing firsthand the contributions he made to the Democratic Party, numerous charities and local government. Above all, I was proud to call Stewart my friend. My thoughts go out to Stewart's family, especially his beloved son, Arthur.

Mr. HARE

Mr. HARE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in sorrow at the news of the death of Stewart Winstein, from Rock Island, Illinois in my Congressional District. Stewart was one of the most respected and admired leaders in my community and built a strong reputation for local activism, public service and the belief that politics could be a driving force for positive change in the lives of everyday Americans. It is a legacy that will be sorely missed in Rock Island, the city that Stewart loved and called home. As a child of the Great Depression, Stewart and his family faced great poverty. It was a powerful influence on him and I am sure informed much of his success as an attorney and a founding force of the Rock Island Democratic Party. As one of the greatest advocates for working men and women that I knew, I think his legacy will be that he wanted to make sure that other families didn't have to face the economic hardships that he knew too well. And as many in the Quad Cities can attest, whether it was working people or the vast number of clients he represented through his law firm, it is a legacy of great success. Stewart put much of his energy and drive into the legal practice he built. He started practicing law in 1938 and established an early reputation as a formidable attorney. In 1960, he founded the firm of Winstein, Kavensky and Wallace with his two partners. The firm thrived and grew through his drive and dedication. Stewart was dedicated not only to the long-term growth of the Quad Cities but also to his mission of public service. His title and positions in the community and local government were numerous, including his long-time service as chairman of the Quad City International Airport Authority, his stint as President of the Rock Island County Welfare Information and Referral Services, and his role as the public administrator, public guardian and conservator for Rock Island County from 1974 to 1978. The people he has inspired to pursue public service in West Central Illinois and throughout our state are almost too numerous to count, but all of them can testify that he was an inspiration and a mentor as they have pursued their callings. Stewart had a huge impact on my life and my career of public service. He was a valuable teacher who led by example and I learned by witnessing the contributions he made to the Democratic Party, numerous charities, and local government. Above all, I was proud to call him my friend. My thoughts go out to Stewart's family, especially his beloved son Arthur.

Mr. HARE

Mr. HARE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to proudly recognize the Quincy Notre Dame High School girls' soccer team, the Lady Raiders, for winning the Class 1A state championship. On May 29, 2010, the Lady Raiders soundly defeated the Manteno High School Panthers 2-0 at North Central College's Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium in Naperville to win the state championship, capping their record at an impressive 24 wins and only 2 losses. I extend my congratulations to all of these amazing athletes: goalkeepers Quentessa Keating, Mackenzie Little, and Megan Rabe; defenders Alex Reis, Jamie Pyatt, Alyssa Klene, Leah Waterkotte, Hannah Witte, Kayla Struck, Claire Obert, and Paula Holm; midfielders McKenna Murphy, Lexi Dreyer, Kate Genenbacher, Katie Hancox, Brooke Dreyer, Brooke Burgess, Hilary Hoffman, and Lexi Niemann; and forwards Abby Grawe, Shannon Foley, Jordan Frericks, Samantha Hall, and Leigh McLaughlin. I would also like to commend their coaching team led by Mark Longo and assistant coaches Randy Struck, George McDonnell, Jason Keller, Anthony Longo, and Jay Zanger, and the rest of the Quincy community who provided tremendous support in their historic victory. I am honored to represent Quincy Notre Dame High School and pleased to be able to share their victory with my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives, and I wish the Lady Raiders the best of luck in their future academic careers and athletic ambitions.

Mr. HARE

Mr. HARE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support and recognition of World Day Against Child Labor. I join with all of my colleagues in the House, and on both sides of the aisle, in condemning the horrendous practice of child labor. While great strides have been made in eradicating child labor in the United States, this Congress and our Nation must do more to end the practice across the world. Throughout the world, children are exploited and forced to work in often horrendous conditions. As a moral and just society, we can not continue to turn a blind eye. According to the Child Rights Information Network, from 1997 to 2007, more than 35 percent of African children were subject to illegal child labor. Statistics from other regions are just as alarming. In the Caribbean, Latin America, East Asia and the Pacific, 11 percent of children are laborers, and in South Africa, 13 percent of children are in the workforce. It is clear that we, as leaders in the global economy, must do more to work with the governments in these regions to rid our world of the practice of child labor. However, as we tackle the challenges posed by child labor, we must realize that the primary culprit in the continuation of this practice is global poverty. Unfortunately, many families are left with no other alternative than to send their children into the workforce to help support their family. In our capacity as a world leader, we have a responsibility to raise global standards in order to improve the global standard of living and thus eradicate the demand for child labor. Madam Speaker, although the problem of child labor in the United States is less evident when compared to the labor issues of many other nations, there is still and always will be progress that can be made. The U.S. Department of Labor calculates that 4 percent of all 14-year- olds and 8 percent of 15-year-olds are working at ``high intensity'' in the United States. High intensity is defined as a child that works 15 or more hours per week, and more than half of all school year weeks. This may not seem like a difficult burden to carry, but in a Nation with a population of 17 million citizens between the ages of 14 and 17, these numbers are far too high. Like their international counterparts, many American families can not afford to have an able bodied member of the family sit out of the workforce regardless of their age. We all know that poverty in the United States is a major problem and I call on my colleagues to remember the indirect problems caused by it, such as child labor. The recent Hague Global Conference Against Child Labour set a goal of completely eliminating the Worst Forms of Child Labor by 2016. Madam Speaker, I believe that the United States should display the same dedicated and unwavering leadership that was displayed at the 1999 ILO Conference Against Child Labor. If we are successful in eliminating child labor and unfair labor practices around the world, we will ensure that children, regardless of where they are born, are able to be just that, children.

Mr. HARE

Mr. HARE. Madam Speaker, I rise today with great pride to applaud the Macoupin County Courthouse and its inclusion as one of the ``150 Great Places In Illinois'' as determined by the American Institute of Architects as part of its 150th anniversary celebration. This remarkable courthouse in the City of Carlinville has long had great historical significance. It was built to replace the courthouse where a persuasive attorney named Abraham Lincoln once practiced law, and since its completion it has stood as a central part of the county and local community. Completed in 1870, the courthouse was designed by Elijah E. Myers, who later designed numerous state capitols. This extraordinary building resembles the Corinthian order with its impressive portico on the north side and south elevation. The large dome, classical detailing and use of native limestone all add to the building's splendor. At the time of its completion, this courthouse was among the largest county courthouses in the United States, rivaled in size only by the one in New York City. Within Illinois it became an impressive symbol of grandeur, as it even outsized the Illinois Statehouse in the Springfield Capital. Along with its aesthetic appeal, the building also garnered praise for being technologically advanced. The Macoupin County Courthouse was designed and constructed to be nearly fireproof--a characteristic not at all common among structures of the day. Stone, brick and metal were used almost exclusively, with wood used only sparingly. The painted sheet metal was magnificently detailed, and some of the major doors were constructed from cast iron. The ornate design, materials and construction resulted in a cost of over $1.3 million dollars once completed, roughly $19 million by today's standards. The Macoupin County Courthouse still serves as the seat of the county government 143 years later, which demonstrates the enduring impact and quality of the structure. With its inclusion as one of the ``150 Great Places In Illinois,'' the Macoupin County Courthouse joins other significant landmarks such as the State Capital and the homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in Oak Park. I applaud the American Institute of Architects for including the Macoupin County Courthouse and recognize that it will continue to be a proud symbol of Illinois achievement and magnificence for generations to come. I thank the Speaker for allowing me to share this moment of joy stemming from the 17th Congressional District of Illinois.

Mr. HARE

Mr. HARE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act which would create jobs, extend critical tax credits, provide assistance to people in need, and ensures that my home state of Illinois is able to continue building its infrastructure. The bill extends unemployment insurance until November 30, 2010. It extends the National Flood Insurance Program until the end of the year. It also extends key tax credits for Illinois clean energy producers. Further, enactment of this legislation will ensure that short line and regional rail lines can continue critical track maintenance, providing reliable infrastructure for rail customers and communities across the nation. It achieves this through the Railroad Track Maintenance Credit. The 45G rail tax credit will enable small and mid-sized railroads to update and upgrade their track capacities in order to promote those railroads as a viable way to move freight. This provision means that railroads in and around my district, such as the Burlington Junction Railway, the Decatur Junction Railway, the Illinois & Midland Railroad, the Iowa Interstate Railroad, the Keokuk Junction Railway, and the Toledo, Peoria & Western Railroad, would all be able to make the necessary upgrades and perform maintenance to tracks which move our nation's food, consumer goods, and coal. Another aspect of this bill that I am proud to support is commonly known as the ``Doc Fix'', which prevents a 21 percent doctor payment cut under Medicare which is scheduled to take place in June in order to preserve seniors' access to the doctor of their choice. This 19 month fix to the Sustainable Growth Rate formula increases physician payment rates by 2.2 percent for the rest of 2010 and 1 percent in 2011. This provision is necessary to guarantee that Medicare beneficiaries can continue to enjoy the excellent access to care that they do today. Finally, H.R. 4213 ensures that Illinois highway funds are protected. A provision in the original legislation would have cost Illinois $118 million. But language was added to ensure the state can keep these critical resources. I thank Chairman Oberstar for working with the Illinois delegation to ensure that the state was held harmless in this regard. The bill saves taxpayer dollars by ending subsidies for corporations who ship our jobs overseas, requiring Wall Street investment fund billionaires to pay their fair share of taxes, and ensuring BP meets its responsibility for the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. We are finally starting to see some positive momentum in the job market. But with many Americans still looking for work, these long-term extensions of unemployment insurance are critical to ordinary families' ability to make ends meet. I am pleased this bill also includes two important provisions for our farmers in Illinois. An extension of the National Flood Insurance Program will give families who live along the Mississippi River important protection from future disasters. In addition, those farmers who produce clean energy like biodiesel and ethanol will continue to receive a tax credit. We pay for much of this by ceasing to reward multinational corporations for shipping American jobs overseas. This policy combined with several unfair trade deals has battered the manufacturing base in my district. It is time to stand up for American workers again.

Mr. HARE

Mr. HARE. Mr. Chair, I'd like to begin by thanking my friend Chairman Skelton, for his unwavering commitment to our Nation's defense and the warfighter. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of my amendment included in En Bloc package 3. Mr. Chair, my amendment simply asks the Army Secretary to report to Congress with the details of the Heirloom Chest policy, plans to continue the program and a cost estimate of expanding it. The Heirloom Chest is presented by the Army to families in memory of soldiers who have fallen in the defense of our Nation. Under the Army's policy, in the case of separated, divorced, or unmarried parents, the chest is given to only one surviving parent. While I applaud the Army's efforts to support surviving families, I believe this policy ignores the loss that both parents share and has also unintentionally put added strain on bereaving parents. Mr. Chair, the intent of my amendment is to ensure the sacrifice of both surviving parents is properly recognized. Families of the fallen have made the ultimate sacrifice, and it is our duty to honor the sacrifice of all survivors. I urge my colleagues to support this en bloc amendment and the underlying bill.

Mr. HARE

Mr. HARE. Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of this first amendment en bloc to the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010. I support this legislation because I believe a substantial investment in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics translates to innovation and good-paying jobs. As a member of the Education and Labor Committee, it is clear to me how federal grant opportunities for colleges provides for a strong American workforce. Mr. Chair, included in this en bloc amendment is language I authored which seeks to give every higher education institution, regardless of funding history or its location, a fair shot at receiving funding. I have concerns that a disproportional amount of the funding authorized under this bill would end up being awarded to large institutions, which may eclipse small colleges and universities, many of which are located throughout rural America. Let me be clear--I strongly support, and encourage, all institutions of higher learning to pursue federal STEM funding opportunities. What my provision does is simply express the sense of Congress that when the grant-making authority is evaluating two or more applications of equal merit, that additional consideration should be given to applicants in rural areas and those that have no history of federal STEM grant funding. Mr. Chair, because there are many bigger schools which have an entire staff dedicated to searching for grant opportunities, I believe that we must ensure there is a level playing field so that all areas of this nation and schools of all sizes and resources are able to benefit. I believe the language I authored will benefit the overall legislation by enabling unprecedented STEM funding access to schools all across this nation. I would like to close by thanking and congratulating Chairman Gordon and Ranking Member Hall for their extraordinary work in crafting the underlying bill. I was proud to support the 2007 COMPETES legislation, and I am proud to support its reauthorization. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting both en bloc amendment number one and the final passage of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act.

Mr. HARE

Mr. HARE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to join with the Chairwoman of the Railroad, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee, Representative Corrine Brown, in supporting H. Res. 1301, a resolution supporting and recognizing National Train Day. The story of trains in our country is one that mirrors the remarkable story of our nation. Over 150 years ago, the first trains started to move people and goods across the nation. Trains helped lay the groundwork for the industrial revolution and helped spur westward expansion. Today, trains continue to play an important role in American life. In my district, freight is safely moved by train throughout Galesburg, Decatur, and many other areas. Passenger rail plays a tremendous role in modern America. In places like Quincy, Illinois, Amtrak has helped connect smaller communities with larger ones and the resources they have to offer. In the near future, high-speed rail will cross my district in two separate areas helping bridge urban and rural America and making each accessible in a more environmentally friendly way, I am proud to say that the future of trains in America is bright. I join Chairwoman Brown in aggressively pursuing a network of high-speed rail corridors that will make the viability of passenger trains more attractive while continuing our work to ensure that the nation's freight rail network remains secure, active, and vibrant. National Train Day calls attention to the many positive contributions rail makes to our national economy. Rail makes for a safe, clean, effective transport of goods and services. Trains have been, are, and will continue to be a critical part of our nation's great story. Madam Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to pass H. Res. 1301, a bipartisan resolution which recognizes and supports National Train Day. I thank Representative Brown for authoring this bill and look forward to continue working with her.

Mr. HARE

Mr. HARE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the long and distinguished career of public service of Richard Carol Smith, known to family, friends and colleagues as RC. A life-long resident of the Midwest, RC has been a fixture in Macon County and in particular Long Creek Township through his work in government service as well as his political activism. What is even more impressive is that while working diligently for the public good, he was employed by Wabash, Norfolk & Western and Norfolk-Southern Railways, for some 39 years. Yet he found the time to be an incredibly active and respected member of his community and our region. His service and commitment to Long Creek is unparalleled. He currently serves as Long Creek Township Clerk, a post he has held since 1997, as well as being a former assessor for the town. He has also served Long Creek as the township supervisor and assistant supervisor. His service to Macon County is just as impressive. RC served on the Macon County board for almost 30 years. He was first elected to the board in 1970 and served as chairman from 1985 to 1986 and as vice- chairman for 6 years. He also served as the Mt. Zion Township Supervisor and was the first Democrat elected to the post in 20 years. In addition to a long career in area Democratic Party politics, Mr. Smith has been an ardent supporter of the labor movement, culminating with him serving as the executive director of Decatur Area Labor- Management from 1989-1997. A man of faith, RC is active in his local church, where he is an ordained Deacon at the Tabernacle Baptist Church. He also served his country honorably in the U.S. Air Force from 1952 to 1956. RC can't quite shake the pull of politics and will remain the president emeritus of the Long Creek Township Democrats as well as continue as the secretary of the Macon County Democrats. However, with all of the accomplishments and commitments, RC has earned a well deserved retirement from his service as the chairman of the Long Creek Township Democrats. RC has been married over 45 years to his wife Wanda and is the proud father of three children and a grandfather to boot. I know that he is looking forward to spending more time with his family, but I am confident he will still remain as an active and steadfast force for his community. I hope he enjoys his retirement--it is well earned after many years of service and commitment to the people of our area.

Mr. HARE

Mr. HARE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 11th annual National Work Zone Awareness Week, which brings national attention to motorists, worker safety and mobility issues in work zones. This year's Awareness Week takes place April 19-23, and is coordinated by the Federal Highway Administration, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, and the American Traffic Safety Services Association. Although work zone fatalities have declined nationally by over 30 percent since 1996, 720 people lost their lives in 2008 alone. We can do better. National Work Zone Awareness Week encourages drivers to pay close attention to their surroundings such as putting down their mobile phones and other devices while proceeding through work zones. With increased awareness, we can continue aiming to make our roads safer for both workers and drivers, but also work toward further decreasing the number of work zone fatalities. According to research from the Illinois Institute of Technology, highway work zone fatalities have actually increased from 2007 to 2008 for both highway workers and vehicle travelers. Its research also shows that Illinois highway worker fatalities have actually stayed consistent over the last 15 years. We need to urge the American people to continue striving to reduce this fatality rate. This is an ambitious goal, but with 7,000 work zone crashes per year in my home State, 29 leading to death, National Work Zone Awareness Week is something we should all support. In addition, as a Member serving on both the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Education and Labor Committee, I would also like to recognize my two committee chairmen, Representatives Jim Oberstar and George Miller, for their constant vigilance on making workplace safety a top priority of each respective Committee. Madam Speaker, we should all be reminded that driving safely doesn't stop just because you slow down through a highway construction zone, but rather it encompasses all factors that allow motorists to pay close attention to the road while also allowing road workers to improve our infrastructure. These workers should not have to worry about whether or not they're going to make it through the day unscathed. Again, I would like to offer my recognition for National Work Zone Awareness Week. I thank the Speaker and urge all of my colleagues to join in recognizing this important campaign.

Mr. HARE

Mr. HARE. Once again, I just want to thank Chairman Skelton for his wonderful work on this bill. With that, Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HARE. Mr. Chair, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Let me begin by taking this opportunity to thank Chairman Skelton and Ranking Member McKeon as well as Chairman Andrews and Ranking Member Conaway for their leadership on the underlying bill and for their commitment to our Nation's Armed Forces. The amendment before us today is one of great importance that aims to ensure a level playing field for domestic manufacturers with the hope of strengthening our economic recovery through the defense acquisition process. My amendment declares that it is the sense of Congress that the Department of Defense should ensure full compliance throughout the acquisition process with the Berry Amendment and the Buy American Act. Further, the amendment declares the sense of Congress that the Department of Defense not procure products made by domestic manufacturers that fail to comply with the labor standards that are set by the laws established by Congress. Both the Buy American Act and the Berry Amendment are intended to benefit American industry and workers. And at a time of high unemployment, we must ensure compliance with these important laws to ensure that DOD procurement benefits American families in every corner of this Nation whenever possible. I think we can all agree here that we want the best equipment and items procured for our Armed Forces, and I think we can all agree that we want to ensure that these acquisitions adhere to the laws and labor standards of the land. My amendment simply expresses and reaffirms congressional intent and aims to aid the economic recovery that our Nation so desperately needs. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HARE. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. HARE

Mr. HARE. I want to thank Chairman Woolsey for her leadership on the Workforce Protection Subcommittee, who I have had the pleasure of serving with. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 375. On April 28, we observe Workers' Memorial Day, when people all over the world gather to remember and mourn the workers killed or injured on the job. April 28 also commemorates the creation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Since its inception in 1970, OSHA has been a driving force in improving workplace safety and health conditions across the country. Over the past several decades, through the work of OSHA, we have made enormous strides in protecting workers, yet there's still much work left to be done. Mr. Speaker, worker safety has been at the forefront of our social conscience lately. We've seen devastating tragedies from West Virginia to Connecticut to Washington State and now Louisiana. While we grieve for those lost in these tragedies, we should never forget those who are killed on the job but never make the front pages. Their families' pain is no less substantial and our obligation to protect them is no less important. Each of these deaths should remind us that failing to give OSHA the tools it needs to regulate the workforce efficiently leaves our constituents, the American workforce, in jeopardy. The government alone cannot fully protect our workers. Workers' Memorial Day must also be a reminder to our Nation's employers of their obligation to keep their employees safe. The days of certain companies skirting safety just to save a buck must come to an end once and for all. For those employers that fail to comply, we must strengthen worker protections and make penalties more severe. On behalf of all of those who we honor on Workers' Memorial Day, I ask my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join Chairman Woolsey and me in the fight to modernize OSHA to protect the lives and health of America's workers. Let us all stand together today in solidarity in recognizing Workers' Memorial Day, honor all those we have lost, and vow to take the steps necessary to make every American safer at work.