Paul Hodes

Mr. HODES

Mr. HODES. Madam Speaker, it was with great sadness that I learned of Tom Lantos' passing yesterday. As our colleague and our friend, we knew him to be a man of incredible courage and strength, a man who had overcome unimaginable adversity to serve as a voice for justice against the dark forces of human evil. Tom was born to Jewish parents in Hungary. He was 16 when Hitler's army marched in to occupy his birth country in 1944, and he tragically lost much of his family in the Holocaust. Tom courageously escaped from forced labor camps not once, but twice. Here in Congress, he rose to the chairmanship of the Foreign Relations Committee with the unique perspective and the power of real moral authority. Promoting human rights for all is a part of his lasting legacy. Those who follow Tom Lantos in that cause have a high bar to match. Tom and his beloved wife, Annette, were blessed with a wonderful and extraordinarily talented family, including my dear friend, his daughter, Dr. Katrina Swett, Tom's son-in-law, Ambassador Dick Swett, our former colleague who held the seat I now hold. They and their family are my neighbors in my home State of New Hampshire. Tom was a frequent visitor to the Granite State, a remarkably devoted father, mentor, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a patriarch in the best sense of the word, and on behalf of all of New Hampshire's citizens, we mourn Tom's passing as one of our own. I am honored to have served with such a remarkable and accomplished individual. He was the first Member of Congress to welcome me when I arrived. He was an inspiration to me. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time. I know they will take solace in the lasting legacy that their beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather left us. He showed us that even in the darkest corners of the human experience, one strong, clear voice, one irrepressible beacon of light can stand as an unwavering candle whose flame will never go out. Thank you, Tom.

Mr. HODES

Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 867) commending the Houston Dynamo soccer team for winning the 2007 Major League Soccer Cup.

Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time to myself as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I'm pleased to join my colleagues in the consideration of House Resolution 867, which provides for the recognition of the Dynamo soccer team, out of Houston, Texas, for their recent 2007 MLS championship win. House Resolution 867 was introduced by Representative Gene Green of Texas on December 11, 2007, and was considered by and reported from the House Committee on Oversight on January 29, 2008, by voice vote. The measure has the support and cosponsorship of nearly 55 Members of Congress, and its consideration today on the House floor allows our entire body the chance to commend the Dynamo on winning the coveted MLS Cup. As is the case in most professional sporting or athletic leagues, ultimate success or winning of a championship title requires hard work, sacrifice, and innate desire to win. The Houston Dynamo, led by 2005 MLS Coach of the Year Dominic Kinnear, have clearly demonstrated their commitment to these ideals as they not only hold the 2007 MLS Championship Cup but are also the proud winners of the 2006 MLS Championship Cup as well. The Dynamo's recent wins mark the first time in 10 years that a team has won back-to-back MLS Cups. For this accomplishment, Mr. Speaker, we stand to commend the Dynamo, their players, coaches and supportive fans on a job well done. I urge the passage of this measure. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, I yield to my distinguished colleague from Texas (Mr. Gene Green) so much time as he may consume.

Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. HODES

Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 931) expressing support for designation of February 17, 2008, as ``Race Day in America'' and highlighting the 50th running of the Daytona 500.

Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, I yield to myself so much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleagues in the consideration of House Resolution 931, which expresses our support for naming a ``race day'' in America and recognizes the 50th running of the Daytona 500, which will occur on the 17th at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona, Florida. House Resolution 931 was introduced by my distinguished colleague, Representative Tom Feeney of Florida, on January 17, 2008, and was considered by and reported from the House Oversight Committee on January 29, 2008, by voice vote. The measure, which has the support and cosponsorship of 68 Members of Congress, couldn't have been considered at a more fitting time as fans across this great country prepare for what is being called the most anticipated event in automobile racing history, the 50th running of the Daytona 500 on Saturday, February 17, 2008. With a history dating back to February 22, 1959, the Daytona 500 at the Daytona International Speedway is a 500-mile motor sport international sweepstakes that draws the attention of millions of American racing fans and racing fans around the world every February. Often referred to as ``The Great American Race,'' the Daytona 500 is NASCAR's biggest, richest and most prestigious race and has been won by stock car racing greats such as Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon. Mr. Speaker, given the monumental occasion of the 50th running of the Daytona 500, I think it is only appropriate that we express our support of NASCAR and ``The Great American Race'' by passing this measure. I urge passage of this bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HODES

Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 273) recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences.

Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I'm pleased to join my colleagues in the consideration of House Concurrent Resolution 273, which acknowledges the 50th anniversary of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences. House Concurrent Resolution 273 was introduced by Representative Mary Bono Mack of California on December 19, 2007, and was considered by and reported from the Oversight Committee on January 29, 2008, by voice vote. The measure has the support of over 60 Members of Congress, and provides our body a collective opportunity to both recognize and congratulate the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences on its 50th anniversary Grammy Awards celebration. Established in 1957, the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, also known as the Recording Academy, serves as the premier organization of musicians, producers, recording engineers and other recording professionals dedicated to improving the quality of life and cultural conditions of others through music and the arts. As a producer of recordings myself, I am especially aware of the academy's fine and important work. The Recording Academy is best known for its presentation of the Grammy Awards, which is the only peer-presented award ceremony to honor artistic achievement, technical proficiency and overall excellence in the recording industry without regard to album sales or chart position. In addition to the Grammys, the Recording Academy is also known for its philanthropic efforts to cultivate the understanding, appreciation and advancement of the recording industry's contributions to American culture through music and education programs offered by the Grammy Foundation. Mr. Speaker, I'm sure we all agree that the Recording Academy has made a significant contribution to the landscape of our country. For its service in improving the environment for music, music makers and music lovers over the past 50 years, the Recording Academy is undoubtedly deserving of recognition. Therefore, I urge swift passage of House Concurrent Resolution 273. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HODES

Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 942) recognizing the significance of Black History Month.

Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, I yield to myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleagues in the consideration of H. Res. 942 which calls for Congress to recognize the significance of February as Black History Month. H. Res. 942 was introduced by Representative Al Green of Texas on January 28, 2008, and was considered by and reported from the Oversight Committee on January 29, 2008, by voice vote. The measure has the support and cosponsorship of 55 Members of Congress, yet gives us all an opportunity to pay tribute to the remarkable contributions African Americans have made to America's growth, development, and rich history. As we are aware, February marks the beginning of Black History Month, which was first celebrated as Negro History Week in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, a noted African American author and scholar, but has since become a month-long commemorative celebration as a way of recognizing and highlighting the role black Americans have played in America since the existence of our country and the role they continue to play on a daily basis. Across our great land, Black History Month is marked by the offering of educational and cultural programs, heightened media coverage and special celebrations and events, all designed to share with the world the strength, ingenuity, and accomplishments of our fellow American citizens. Mr. Speaker, as we move to recognize Black History Month and this year's theme of ``Carter G. Woodson and the Origins of Multiculturalism in America,'' let's all recall the experiences and valuable contributions of African Americans to our fine country. Let us not forget that black history is truly American history. And with that, Mr. Speaker, I urge the swift passage of H. Res. 942. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, I yield 6 minutes to my distinguished colleague from Texas (Mr. Al Green) and, in doing so, commend him for his extraordinary leadership in introducing this resolution and his service to the United States.

Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I am proud to yield 7 minutes to my distinguished colleague, Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton, who has represented the City of Washington, DC for many years and is known universally as a passionate advocate for truth and justice.

Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HODES

Mr. HODES. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 943. January 28, 2008, marked the 22nd anniversary of the Challenger space shuttle disaster. On January 28, 1986, at 11:38 eastern standard time, the Challenger took off from the Kennedy Space Center and disintegrated just 73 seconds into its flight, killing all seven members of its brave crew. The accident occurred on what would have been the Challenger's 10th trip into space. I introduced House Resolution 943 to honor the courage and bravery of all seven crew members who died as a result of this tragic accident. The crew of the Challenger embodied the goals of the United States space program and our highest ideals: a commitment to knowledge of our universe and inspiring a new generation of scientific pioneers. The tragic accident that day was especially poignant for those of us in New Hampshire. New Hampshire is a small State, and we pride ourselves on our sense of community. And one of those crew members was Christa McAuliffe of Concord, New Hampshire, my hometown. She was a friend. She was someone who was woven deeply into the fabric of our community. She touched the lives of countless students. She was a mom. She was somebody who was loved and admired. And she was on board the Challenger as the first participant of the Teacher in Space program, the pride of New Hampshire and of Concord and of the Nation, for the first teacher in space was enormous and seemed to magnify the tragedy of the accident. Christa dedicated her life to education. She taught at Rundlett Junior High School, Bow Memorial Middle School, and Concord High School between 1978 and 1985. On July 19, 1985, she was selected from a field of roughly 11,000 applicants as the primary candidate for the Teacher in Space Project. Her mission as a crew member was to teach schoolchildren lessons from space and to encourage students to pursue careers in science and mathematics. Twenty-two years after the Challenger disaster, Christa McAuliffe's goal of promoting scholarship in the sciences is more important than ever as our Nation works to stay at the forefront of global innovation. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the anniversary of the Challenger disaster and to support House Resolution 943.

Mr. HODES

Mr. HODES. I thank the gentlewoman for her work in a bipartisan way on this bill. And I thank the chairman for his great leadership for rural housing over many years.

Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I have no further requests for time and I yield back the balance of my time.