Deborah Halvorson

Mrs. HALVORSON

Mrs. HALVORSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today for those veterans who can't. I rise today for the catastrophically injured veterans who have to battle their injuries and their rising health care costs. I rise today for those caregivers who dedicate their lives to supporting our wounded warriors and our military families. I rise today to support S. 1963 and the two provisions in the bill that I was proud to author. The first provision, H.R. 1335, would relieve the burden of costly copayments from catastrophically disabled veterans who receive medical or nursing home care from the VA. This was the first piece of legislation that I introduced when I came to Congress because I knew that there are men and women who have served honorably that need our help. These are brave men and women who have sacrificed so much so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we have every day. These are men and women who struggle through their routines in life that we take for granted, and they should not have to struggle to make their copays. Passing this measure into law would be a great way to show our support for our wounded warriors and to show that we are truly dedicated to making their lives better. However, it is not just our injured veterans who need our help. Every day in districts across the country caregivers provide essential services to our veterans. When my stepson, Jay, was injured in Afghanistan and recuperating at Walter Reed, I spoke to so many of these families who just began their second battle, the battle to rehabilitate. That is why I worked to include in this bill H.R. 2898, the Wounded Warrior Caregiver Assistance Act, to provide support services to those taking care of our wounded warriors. Just as it is our duty to care for a disabled soldier, passing this provision would help care for those who work tirelessly every day to look after our injured veterans. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring those who have sacrificed for us by supporting this legislation.

Mrs. HALVORSON

Mrs. HALVORSON. Madam Speaker, I want to just say that now that the health care bill has passed and the rhetoric and the politics and the noise can be set aside, now we will have an opportunity to let the American people know about what is in it. This is going to be about accountability, about choice, and about lowering costs. And now, as we are able to let everybody know what this is about, the American people are going to finally be able to see through all this noise.

Mrs. HALVORSON

Mrs. HALVORSON. I thank Chairman Filner for yielding. Madam Speaker, it was truly a privilege to introduce H.J. Res. 80, which recognizes and honors the Blinded Veterans Association on its 65th anniversary. Madam Speaker, this simple resolution helps to honor the service and sacrifice of the more than 165,000 blind or visually impaired veterans. The resolution helps us to remember that on March 28, 1945, 100 blinded members of the Armed Forces who served in World War II formed the Blinded Veterans Association in order to help veterans and their families meet and overcome the challenges of blindness. The following year, in 1946, General Omar Bradley of the Veterans Administration, appointed the BVA as the first official representative for blinded veterans for the filing of claims and appeals to the Veterans Administration. This made the Blinded Veterans Association only the eighth Veterans Service Organization to receive such distinction and responsibility. In 1958, Congress followed General Bradley's lead and echoed his recognition of the BVA by officially approving the BVA congressional charter. Since that time, the BVA has encouraged and assisted blinded veterans to take their rightful place in the community with their fellow men and work with them towards the creation of a peaceful world. Their leadership continues to advocate for the war-blinded to regain independence, confidence and self-esteem through rehabilitation and training. Almost 13 percent of the evacuated wounded servicemembers in Iraq and Afghanistan have suffered a serious eye injury of one type or another. This means that the Blinded Veterans Association's services are just as crucial today as they were 65 years ago. H.J. Res. 80 recognizes the extraordinary members and work of the BVA, and the good that they do for America's visually impaired veterans. I thank the members of the BVA for their service and strongly encourage my colleagues to do the same by voting in favor of this resolution.

Mrs. HALVORSON

Mrs. HALVORSON. Throughout this entire health care reform debate, two numbers have concerned me more than others: 130 and 60. These numbers represent the health insurance costs that small businesses are facing and the effects on those who work for small businesses. Small businesses have seen their premiums go up 130 percent over the last decade. And of all of those Americans who are uninsured, 60 percent of them are small business owners, employees, and their families. Madam Speaker, I believe America is facing a health care crisis, and I believe that we need to act to bring down costs for regular families and hold health care and insurance companies accountable. Too many Americans are denied care because of preexisting conditions. Too many businesses are being priced out of affordable health care. We need health care reform that addresses these issues.

Mrs. HALVORSON

Mrs. HALVORSON. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Army Sergeant Justin Sikma, Bourbonnais resident and member of the 317th Engineer Company. While working to clear a swampy field in Iraq, an extra vigilant Sergeant Sikma, spotted a live fragmentation rocket in the path of a piece of machinery being operated by a fellow soldier. Sikma's keen eye protected the nine other men at his squad's work site. America is fortunate to have brave soldiers like Sergeant Sikma in our armed forces keeping us safe and protecting our freedoms here at home and abroad. We all owe a debt of gratitude to Sergeant Justin Sikma and the millions of those who have served and will serve the great United States of America.

Mrs. HALVORSON

Mrs. HALVORSON. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize the Minooka Community High School Boys Varsity Wrestling Team for becoming the 2009-2010 Illinois High School Association Class 3A Dual Team State Wrestling Champions. Through relentless practice and commitment to their sport, the team captured Minooka Community High School's first ever team state championship title. I congratulate the hard work, dedication, and long hours that everyone involved put in to make this title possible; the coaches for their patience and working with these young athletes, to the parents for believing in their students, to the competitors for believing in themselves and their team. The members of the championship Indian squad are: Kevin Akers, Mitchell Brozovich, Clayton Charland, Brandon Collofello, Jacob DeKlerk, Zachary Friant, Joseph Govednik, Brandon Haase, Kalvin Hill, Alex Hoshell, Cody Jones, Sean Kenny, Matthew Meyer, Matthew McEvilly, Michael McNulty, Blake Montella, Mitchell Morris, Colin Nielsen, Corbett Oughton, Jacob Potts, Josh Pullara, Jacob Residori, Daniel Ruettiger, Leo Ruettiger, Kevin Ruettiger, Matthew Stevens, Timothy Wright and Robert Zabel; and are led by head coach Bernie Ruettiger; and the assistant coaches; Jeff Charlebois, Mike Butterbach, Paige Schoolman, Stan Tischer, and Jon Ryan. Congratulations on a season to be remembered.

Mrs. HALVORSON

Mrs. HALVORSON. Madam Speaker, on April 3, 2010, friends, family, and colleagues of Robert Fronek will gather to celebrate his 35 years of service to the New Lenox Fire Protection District. Today, I join the chorus of praise for Robert's service. Robert, or Bob to his friends, began his service to the New Lenox Fire Protection District on June 14, 1973. When he first began, Bob gave his time for little or no pay. He gained a Master's Degree in Fire Science and his role in the fire department grew as he devoted his time and effort to the Fire Protection District. Over the past 35 years Bob has worked for the New Lenox Fire Protection District. He has served as Lieutenant, Captain, Deputy Chief, and Trustee. He currently serves as District Operations Manager. Bob is the only person to have held every office on the district's Board of Trustees, serving as President, Treasurer, and Secretary. Bob has also been awarded the honor of Firefighter of the Year. During his time with the Fire District, Bob was an advocate for the businesses in New Lenox by making sure that the Fire District received bids from local businesses whenever possible. Bob is known to his colleagues as a very meticulous worker and a great friend. Bob is also a loving grandfather, father, and husband. Bob and his wife Mary have been married for 37 years, all but one of which have been spent living in New Lenox. Bob and Mary have five children and ten grandchildren. The 11th Congressional District of Illinois and the community of New Lenox owe Robert Fronek a debt of gratitude. I am proud to represent him and all the wonderful firefighters who serve the 11th District. I congratulate Robert on being honored by his colleagues and wish him continued success.

Mrs. HALVORSON

Mrs. HALVORSON. Madam Speaker, on April 3, 2010, friends, family, and colleagues of Glen Krohn will gather to celebrate his 50 years of service to the New Lenox Fire Protection District. Today I join the chorus of praise for Glen's service. Glen, a 70 year resident of New Lenox, began his service to the New Lenox Fire Protection District on December 8, 1960. When he first began, Glen gave his time for little or no pay. His role in the fire department grew as he devoted additional time and effort for what he viewed as a great cause. Glen began his life of service to our country with three years in the US Army. He then began a half century of service to the New Lenox Fire Protection District. He has served as Lieutenant Engineer, Chief Engineer, and, since 1997, as Trustee. Glen has twice been awarded the honor of Firefighter of the Year. He is known to his colleagues as the historian of the fire district and is said to possess a heart of gold. Glen is also a loving grandfather, father, and husband. Glen and his wife, Doris, have been married for 56 years and have three children and seven grandchildren. The 11th Congressional District of Illinois and the community of New Lenox owe Glen Krohn a debt of gratitude. I am proud to represent him and all the wonderful firefighters who serve the 11th District. I congratulate Glen on being honored by his colleagues and wish him continued success.

Mrs. HALVORSON

Mrs. HALVORSON. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Mayor Chris Koos of the Town of Normal, for being named by Governor Patrick Quinn as an ``Environmental Hero'' by the State of Illinois. The award is given in recognition of a strong commitment to the health and protection of the environment in Illinois. Through strong leadership and commitment to sustainable practices, Mayor Koos was at the forefront of creating a pedestrian-friendly community that has attracted Fortune 500 companies and over $200 million in private investment. In addition, Uptown Normal is the first neighborhood in the United States to require Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for new buildings. Having had the opportunity to work with Mayor Koos, I know first- hand that this award is well deserved. His dedication to innovative, cleaner and greener initiatives, has improved the quality of life for the citizens of the Town of Normal. For this, I commend him for his efforts and wish him and the Town of Normal continued growth and success for years to come.

Mrs. HALVORSON

Mrs. HALVORSON. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize the 20th Anniversary of the McLean County Community COMPACT (Collaborating on Meaningful Partnerships and Careers for Tomorrow). The COMPACT, through a coalition of business, education, community, and government volunteers, offers support to school-aged youth in McLean County, Illinois. The COMPACT helps youth become self-sufficient, contributing citizens, through an effective transition from formal schooling to the world of work. The COMPACT offers a variety of supportive special programs and services for students, teachers, and educational entities through a collaborative effort among business and community leaders. The COMPACT promotes active exchange of resources among businesses and educational entities, including the participation of students in research projects. The McLean County Community COMPACT was born in 1989 when a small group of local leaders met to address the high school dropout rate and the number of children in McLean County living in poverty. From these leaders came invitations to colleagues to join the effort and a volunteer organization named the COMPACT was born. Since 1990, thousands of students have participated in the COMPACT's projects and from those projects created awareness, motivation, and direction for many young people. In November of 1994, the COMPACT entered into a partnership with the University of Illinois Extension in McLean County. The organization continued to move forward, hiring an executive director who coordinates among the COMPACT's 250 members. In its 20th year, the COMPACT focuses on 8 project areas including the original Sixth Grade Business Education Partnerships, Principal for a Day, and Career Preparation Realities. It also serves at-risk youth through Achieving Competence in Education and brings technology to homes of students without it through the Clearinghouse Project. More recently, the COMPACT has developed youth leadership activities through Teens in Prevention and YouthLEADS, offering opportunities for youth to help their peers find the correct path. I would like to commend the McLean County Community COMPACT staff, volunteers and board of directors for their commitment and innovative collaborative efforts in preparing the youth of McLean County for the world of work. I wish them many more years of continued success.-

Mrs. HALVORSON

Mrs. HALVORSON. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Ms. Kelly Reffett's years of work in community service and disaster relief and to wish her well as she retires from her role as President of the Illinois Valley Federation of Labor. Ms. Reffett began her career in 1979 as an operator for Ameritech in Canton, IL. After working for Ameritech for twenty years, Kelly joined the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago as Director of Partner Relations and AFL-CIO Labor Participation. For ten years, Kelly worked to expand preparedness education opportunities to diverse populations, served disaster stricken communities, and broadened partnerships with corporations and community organizations. In this position, she directed teams of nearly 100 people at 23 locations, providing executive guidance and program assistance to onsite supervisors and Volunteer in Service to America members. She also served as Partner Services Manager/Officer and Labor Liaison on 25 national relief operations including Hurricane Katrina and World Trade Center 9/11 operations. She co-developed the AFL-CIO's 2009 handbook outlining guidelines and policies for volunteer disaster relief operations. These accomplishments are only a small sampling of Kelly's impressive career. In addition to her national service, Kelly was also selected to serve at the state and county level. Since 2003, Kelly has served as a commissioner on the Illinois State Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service. In 2008, she was appointed to serve on the LaSalle County Board. Shortly thereafter, she was elected to that office. Throughout her long career, Ms. Reffett has also remained dedicated to the cause of working families. Serving as President of the Illinois Valley Federation of Labor for over two decades, she always put the best interests of Illinois Valley workers first. Ms. Kelly Reffett has had a long and proud career, one that is not ending as she retires from the presidency of the Illinois Valley Federation of Labor. Having worked with her over the years, I am sure she will continue to work to improve her community, as she has done over and throughout her long and successful career.

Mrs. HALVORSON

Mrs. HALVORSON. Where are the jobs? I think we can answer that every time we speak. In my district it is happening quite literally. Recently I was very proud to announce $1.2 billion in Recovery Act funding being invested in Illinois for high-speed rail lines from Chicago to St. Louis. Two of the towns in my district happen to be stops along the rail line--Joliet and Normal. There are those who have said, and continue to say, that projects like these will not put people to work, that the stimulus isn't working. But here is the reality: These high-speed rail lines in Illinois alone are going to put 6,000 people to work. This wouldn't have been possible without the investment in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. I am proud that the Recovery Act is putting these people to work and putting our communities back on the track to recovery. We must continue to invest in American infrastructure, build upon the work of the Recovery Act is doing, and continue working to create jobs. The future of our districts depends on it.

Mrs. HALVORSON

Mrs. HALVORSON. Mr. Speaker, it's critical that we get people back to work across this country. Nothing is more important to the American people at this time than jobs. That's why I was proud to announce $22 million in stimulus funds for my district's multimodal transportation center located in the city of Normal, Illinois. There are those who have said, and continue to say, that projects like this will not put people back to work; who still say that the stimulus isn't working. But here's the reality: The construction of this center is going to put 300 people to work and give access to good transportation options to countless more residents of central Illinois. This project would not have been possible without the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. I'm proud that the Recovery Act is helping those individuals get back to work. We must continue to invest in American infrastructure, build upon the work that the Recovery Act is doing, and continue to work to create jobs.

Mrs. HALVORSON

Mrs. HALVORSON. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mrs. HALVORSON. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. I rise to urge my colleagues to support my amendment to H.R. 4061, the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2009. This amendment is simple, necessary, and beneficial to veterans. It will add veteran status as an additional item of consideration when selecting individuals for the Cyber Scholarship for Service program. In light of recent attacks on both government and commercial technology infrastructure, it is critical that America be on the forefront of cybersecurity. Our veterans and servicemembers have a proven track record of successfully protecting American interests at home and abroad. The experiences and skills that our veterans have gained through their service are exactly what we need to improve our cybersecurity. My amendment helps veterans continue their service to our country by increasing the likelihood that a veteran or servicemember will be selected for this competitive scholarship. The scholarship program will provide funding to individuals seeking B.A.s, M.A.s, and Ph.D.s in the field of cybersecurity. This amendment will allow our veterans and servicemembers to afford a better education and continue to serve their country. Additionally, many veterans and servicemembers have already received cybersecurity and other relevant training during their service in the military. They are uniquely qualified to defend our Nation from cybersecurity threats we face. Furthermore, upon successful completion of their degree, scholarship recipients will be eligible for Federal employment in the field of cybersecurity. With thousands of veterans returning from service in Iraq and Afghanistan, and more than 20 percent of veterans under the age of 24 unemployed, it is critical that they are given every opportunity to continue serving their country. Our veterans and servicemembers have sacrificed to protect our country and our freedom. We owe them all the assistance we can give them in helping them to better education and job opportunities in their civilian lives. I would like to thank the committee and the chairman for working with my colleague from New Hampshire and me to introduce this amendment. Once again, I rise in strong support of the amendment, and I urge my colleagues to vote in support of it. With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. HALVORSON. With that, I yield 1 minute to my colleague, the gentlewoman from New Hampshire (Ms. Shea-Porter).

Mrs. HALVORSON. I yield the remainder of my time to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Lipinski).

Mrs. HALVORSON. In closing, I just urge my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. HALVORSON. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mrs. HALVORSON

Mrs. HALVORSON. I want to thank Congressman Pallone. I would also like to thank my colleagues for recognizing me on behalf of this very important and timely resolution. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1011, commemorating the goals and ideals of Cervical Health Awareness Month, and I urge my colleagues to support its passage. January has long been recognized as Cervical Health Awareness Month, particularly throughout the public health, women's health, and cervical health advocacy communities. Today we commemorate the hard work and sacrifice that has been made by these patients, their families, and those who have been confronted by this disease. We also honor the health care providers and advocates that tirelessly work to treat this disease and work to educate the general public on its causes and treatments. Madam Speaker, cervical cancer is usually a very slow-growing cancer that may not present any symptoms. And it is primarily caused by the human papillomavirus, HPV, but can be detected by early detection tests. It is estimated that 4,000 women in the United States die of cervical cancer every year, and approximately 11,000 new cases will be detected just this year. Half of those women diagnosed with the disease are, as has been said, between 35 and 55 years of age. And approximately 20 percent of all those diagnoses are made in women who are older than 55 years of age. In the vast majority of cases, these deaths could be prevented with early detection, and by being educated and aware of causes, screenings, and medical treatments. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control, cervical cancer is the easiest female cancer to prevent, and yet it was the number one cause of death from cancer in women. But for the first time in history, we have the potential for significantly reducing, if not eliminating, the number of victims of this cancer through advancements in treatments and procedures that aid in prevention. So in keeping with the goals and the ideals of Cervical Health Awareness Month, I encourage the people of the United States to learn about cervical cancer, its causes and its treatments, and I encourage health care advocates to continue to raise public awareness about cervical cancer and the importance of early detection, because the earlier cervical cancer is detected, the better the chance a woman has in surviving cervical cancer. Once again, I would like to thank you all for allowing H. Res. 1011 to come to the floor today, and I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of its passage.

Mrs. HALVORSON

Mrs. HALVORSON. Madam Speaker, on rollcall 13, I was in the Chamber but unable to record my vote. I intended to vote ``yea'' on that question. Stated against:

Mrs. HALVORSON

Mrs. HALVORSON. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize a great day in American history. On December 3, 1818 Illinois joined the United States of America. This month marks the 191st anniversary of this event. I join over 12 million Illinoisans in celebrating our great state's inclusion in the Union. For nearly two centuries, Illinois has occupied an important position within our country. From Illinois, great, transformative leaders have risen to national prominence. In 1830, our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln, moved to Illinois where he practiced law in Springfield and served in our state legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives before winning the presidency in 1860. It was in Illinois where Lincoln and foe, Senator Stephen Douglas, debated the issue of slavery, the first of which was in Ottawa. Lincoln proclaimed that, ``A house divided against itself cannot stand.'' It was Illinois that answered Lincoln's call by being the first state to ratify the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery. Today, we are proud to have another Illinoisan following Lincoln's legacy in the White House, our 44th President Barack Obama, with whom I served in Springfield and who served our great state in the U.S. Senate. Illinois is home to a wide array of historic sites testifying to its important role in our nation's history. From Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry, a physical remnant of the 1893 World's Fair, to the Cahokia Mounds, a pre-Columbian settlement in the southern part of the state, Illinois bears many of our nation's historical riches. In addition, Illinois serves as one of the leaders in our nation's economy. Illinois is at the forefront of agriculture. It is the number two producer of corn, number one producer of soybeans in the United States, and a major producer of pork. Illinois is one of our nation's leading transportation hubs, which contribute greatly to our local economy. My district is home to the largest intermodal in the country, which provides thousands of local jobs. Many large corporations call Illinois home, such as State Farm Insurance of Bloomington, which is a major employer in Illinois' 11th Congressional District. Many motion pictures have been filmed in Illinois including the classic film Blues Brothers. Within Illinois, communities from large urban cities to small rural villages come together to form the fabric of the fifth most populous state in the nation. In my own 11th District, I am proud to serve communities ranging from Peotone, in the near Chicago, to smaller communities, such as Streator and Princeton. In my district and across the state, farmers and urban professionals, teachers and firefighters all compose the diverse body of Americans known as Illinoisans. I am proud to join them today in celebrating our great state.

Mrs. HALVORSON

Mrs. HALVORSON. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize the Village of Tinley Park in Illinois, which was recently named ``America's Best Place to Raise Your Kids'' by Business Week Magazine. The village was recognized primarily for its top-rated schools, low crime, beautiful parks, affordable housing, and easy access to jobs. Founded in 1892, Tinley Park rests just a Metra ride from the city of Chicago, and a short drive from Illinois' vast farmlands. Established on the Rock Island Railroad, Tinley Park grew over the years through both agricultural industries, including a grain elevator and a windmill, and manufacturing plants, including a soft-drink bottling plant. The population grew slowly prior to World War II; however, it grew rapidly after the war, doubling every decade from 1950 to 1980. In recent years Tinley Park has grown in recognition, with all three main high schools ranking among the top 100 in the state. Students of Andrew High School help at neighborhood shelters, libraries, and nursing homes through a requirement they complete 24 hours of community service. This requirement keeps the students closely tied to their community and, as a result, only three percent of the student body of 2,400 move away during high school, compared with the state average of 14 percent. Tinley Park is also home to many exceptional citizens, including Olympic swimmer Christine Magnuson and former Major League Baseball player Kevin Sefcik.

Mrs. HALVORSON

Mrs. HALVORSON. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize the Joliet Arsenal Development Authority (JADA) for being named the 2009 Base Redevelopment Community of the Year by the Association of Defense Communities. I join the Association of Defense Communities in honoring JADA for bringing permanent jobs and revenue to the community in an environmentally friendly manner. JADA was created in 1995, after Congress passed legislation allowing the former Army munitions facility in Joliet, IL, to be redeveloped with a transfer of ownership. The site has been developed into the largest intermodal facility in the Nation. An intermodal involves the transportation of freight in a container or vehicle, using multiple modes of transportation without any handling of the freight itself when changing modes. The development of the 3,000-acre site has already created 2,000 permanent jobs with approximately $150 million in annual wages. A portion of the site will be devoted to a state-of-the-art facility engineering training facility for the development of a range of engineering skills. There remains enormous potential to create many additional high-paying manufacturing and engineering jobs at this site. Throughout the process of this redevelopment, special attention has been devoted to mitigating the environmental impacts of ammunitions waste on the site. A dozen public and private agencies worked to clean up the site and provide quality groundwater and soil. They finished this important work last year, three years ahead of schedule. Will County and the Joliet area have greatly benefited from the efforts of the Joliet Arsenal Development Authority. It comes as no surprise JADA is being recognized on the national stage as a leader in redevelopment.

Mrs. HALVORSON

Mrs. HALVORSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of women across the country and protecting their access to cancer screenings. As the daughter of a breast cancer survivor--my mother got breast cancer under the age of 50--I understand the importance of regular mammograms and know they save lives. I have met so many women across my district who are still with us today because of preventive care. We should always encourage women to get screened, and we should never allow insurance companies to stand between a woman, her doctor, and a procedure which may save her life. This is a disease that has affected so many of us in this Chamber and so many of our constituents back home. I call on my colleagues to support this resolution and support women's health.