Deborah Halvorson

Mrs. HALVORSON

Mrs. HALVORSON. Mr. Speaker, the intent of H.R. 5993, the Securing America's Veterans Insurance Needs and Goals (SAVINGs) Act is to increase transparency and disclosure of the Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program. The intent is to increase financial counseling for beneficiaries and to allow Congress to play a better role in providing oversight and access of the program. It is not the intent of H.R. 5993 to have Congress weigh in on the legal question of whether or not the Department of Veterans Affairs has the authority to allow `retained asset accounts'. The language in H.R. 5993 is not intended to validate in any manner whether 'retained asset accounts' are authorized in section 1970(d) of title 38, United States Code.

Mrs. HALVORSON

Mrs. HALVORSON. I thank the chairman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of military families and the surviving family members of our men and women who were killed in battle as they fought to defend our freedom. H.R. 5993 will help ensure that the families of our soldiers killed in action fully understand the benefits that they are entitled to, and it will help them comprehend the financial products they are using. As many of our colleagues know, Mr. Speaker, many of our soldiers participate in the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance program, or the SGLI, as they fight overseas. The SGLI is intended to provide our servicemembers and their families with low-cost life insurance under circumstances in which most insurance companies would not take the risk of providing life insurance coverage. In the tragic circumstance that a soldier is killed in action, the surviving family member is then entitled to a policy that helps ease some of the financial burdens left behind. Currently, the beneficiary may receive the payment in the form of what is called a ``Retained Asset Account,'' which is administered by the insurance company. These financial products are similar to a checking account in that they allow the beneficiary the ability to draw down the funds in increments until exhausted. Unfortunately, there have been recent media reports highlighting that some beneficiaries did not fully understand that their money was being held in these accounts. I know I was outraged, as many of my colleagues were, to hear about the lack of disclosure and transparency, which is what we are fixing today--addressing disclosure, transparency and accountability so that our families know exactly what they have coming to them. They didn't understand what these accounts were, what was happening to their money when it was sitting in these accounts and, three, that these accounts were not FDIC-insured. This left the beneficiaries feeling as though they were being taken advantage of and that they were part of a financial scheme buried in the fine print of their policies. The surviving family members of our fallen soldiers should never feel that way. It is our responsibility to make sure that they don't ever feel that way again. We need to make sure that 100 percent of these survivors feel protected and safe. My bill is endorsed by the American Legion, the National Military Family Association, the Military Officers Association of America, the Gold Star Wives of America, and on and on and on. I have letters from all of them that I would like to include in the Record. However, I want to read an excerpt from the National Military Family Association. It reads: ``Dear Representative Halvorson, the National Military Family Association has long been an advocate for improving the quality of life of our military family members who have sacrificed greatly in support of our Nation. We are writing today in support of H.R. 5993, which seeks to ensure that insurance companies provide appropriate information and financial counseling to survivors who receive payments from the SGLI groups. ``H.R. 5993, the Securing America's Veterans Insurance Needs and Goals, which is called the SAVINGS Act, which you have introduced, would mandate that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs require insurance companies providing coverage through these programs to only provide counseling and disclosure information to family members of fallen soldiers. ``The National Military Family Association is the leading nonprofit organization committed to improving the lives of military families. Our over 40 years of service and accomplishments have made us a trusted resource for families and the Nation's leaders. As the only nonprofit organization that represents the families of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the association protects benefits vital to all families, including those of the deployed, wounded, and fallen.'' So as you can see, this is something that is badly needed so that the families know exactly what they have available to them so that they can make the best decision with those benefits. It focuses on making Congress also better aware of what these SGLI programs are about. Again, let me be perfectly clear. Today we are strictly focused on disclosure, transparency, financial counseling, and oversight. And make no mistake, we need to do more work on improving the SGLI program. I think we are all committed to doing that, and that is being done through investigations, through the VA, and through other committees of jurisdiction, but we can't wait. Our military families can't wait. The families of our fallen soldiers cannot wait. Today, we have the opportunity to move forward on an important protection for our military families, and this is an urgent issue, and it absolutely needs to be our main focus. It is our responsibility to go above and beyond the call of duty. They sure have, and we need to protect these widows and orphans. This is one of the most important and solemn duties that we have as Members of Congress. H.R. 5993 will help us fulfill that responsibility in a reasonable and effective manner. Before I close, I would like to thank Chairman Filner, Chairman Hall, as well as all of our committee staff who have worked so hard to move this legislation along, and we have all worked hard on this bill. I urge my colleagues to stand with me--protect the families of our fallen soldiers--by voting ``yes'' on H.R. 5993. Gold Star Wives of America, Inc., September 26, 2010. Chairman Bob Filner, House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC. In light of recent news that insurance companies could potentially use group life insurance policies to profit from accounts it maintains for the families of fallen soldiers, Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. supports H.R. 5993. H.R. 5993 would ensure that insurance companies authorized by VA to administer SGLI accounts are fully open and honest about its practices for these policies on which so many servicemembers rely to ensure financial security for their families. H.R. 5993, the Securing America's Veterans Insurance Needs and Goals (SAVINGS) Act of 2010, introduced by Representative Debbie Halvorson, would mandate that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs require insurance companies that provide coverage through the Sevicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program, to offer financial counseling and improved disclosure information to family members and survivors of fallen soldiers. It would also require an annual report to Congress by VA to ensure that insurance companies are being responsive to military families and survivors and that the Office of Survivors Assistance will be a greater resource in this effort. It is critical that the options and information available for survivors offered under the SGLI program involve more disclosure and greater transparency. H.R. 5993 would do that by guaranteeing that survivors of our fallen heroes have access to oral and written financial counseling. This greater disclosure requirements and counseling would better help survivors to understand their options so that they can make sound decisions during a stressful and sorrowful time. Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. supports H.R. 5993 so that we can do everything in our power to protect the families and survivors of our fallen soldiers. Their loved ones have answered the call and their survivors deserve these protections. Respectfully, Martha M. Didamo, Board Chair, Gold Star Wives of America, Inc.

Mrs. HALVORSON

Mrs. HALVORSON. Madam Speaker, I proudly rise today to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the completed construction of Exelon Nuclear's Dresden Unit 1 facility, celebrating 50 years of safe, reliable, nuclear generated electricity at the Dresden site. Employees and guests will be celebrating this achievement on Wednesday, September 22, 2010. On August 1, 1960, Dresden Unit 1 entered commercial operation and became the nation's first full-scale, privately financed commercial nuclear power plant. This feat alone marks a great accomplishment in human technological advancement, but also an incredible contribution towards the advancement of our society and the growth of surrounding communities. Construction of Dresden Unit 1 began in June of 1957 on a site at the mouth of the Illinois River near Morris, just 60 miles southwest of Chicago, and began generating electricity on April 15, 1960. Dresden Unit 1's success was followed by the completion of Dresden Units 2 and 3 in 1970 and 1971, respectively. Although Unit 1 has since been placed in dormancy, Units 2 and 3 continue to generate electricity for our local communities. Madam Speaker, I also rise to commemorate the approximate 950 employees of the Dresden generation facility, and congratulate all employees, past and present, for their hard work and contributions towards making our communities and our country a better place to live and for showing the world of the benefits of clean and efficient nuclear energy. With Dresden's annual contributions to the local United Way, its sponsorship of the Grundy County Corn Festival fireworks display and other donations and sponsorships to community organizations and events, the Dresden Generating Station is a shining example of social responsibility and investing in the local community. As the 11th Congressional District is also home to Dresden's sister- plants, Braidwood and LaSalle, I am proud to represent this facility in the United States Congress and I give thanks for all of Dresden's past successes and wish it the best in the future.

Mrs. HALVORSON

Mrs. HALVORSON. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mrs. HALVORSON. Madam Chairman, our veterans deserve the best care in the world and at the best and most modern medical facilities, and that's why we're working to accomplish this here. And in this body we need to keep those promises. This is something that is very important, I think, to all of us here in Congress. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. HALVORSON. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Chair, I would first like to take a moment and praise Chairman Obey and Chairman Edwards for their continued commitment to caring for American veterans. Three-and-a-half years ago, their committee made a commitment and renewed the promise to care for those who have served in our armed services. They have kept that promise and have dramatically increased funding for our veterans by 70 percent since 2007. As the only Member of Congress from Illinois who sits on the Veterans' Affairs Committee, I really can speak to the critical need that these funds have addressed for Illinois veterans. Madam Chair, my amendment is simple. It adds $10 million to the VA Major Construction Project and subtracts $10 million from the general operating expenses. Much of the VA medical infrastructure is aging, outdated and, in many cases, obsolete. According to the 2011 Independent Budget, which is written by some of the largest Veteran Service Organizations, a great number of current medical facilities were built after World War II and were constructed with structurally obsolete designs which ``typically do not meet the needs of modern health care delivery.'' The result of these outdated buildings has left the VA with a long list of major construction projects, which are just sitting there, waiting for congressional funding. Right now, there are over 60 medical construction projects in the backlog. That means that there are over 60 locations that are in need of major construction, renovation, or modification. It means that there are 60 locations where our veterans are not receiving optimal care in modern facilities. Unfortunately, this bill was only able to address a total of five of these projects, and only two of them are new medical facilities. With more women and men servicemembers transitioning from active duty to VA care and with multiple illnesses, such as PTSD and TBI, we will require even more new and modified medical facilities. Though $10 million is far less than what is needed to address these aging medical facilities' infrastructures and construction needs, the amendment will still play a role in ensuring that more veterans are receiving the care they deserve in a modern and quality health care facility. This amendment is also supported by the American Legion. I urge my colleagues to stand up and to support modern medical facilities for our veterans and to vote ``yes'' on this amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. HALVORSON. Absolutely not. You have the amendment, as do I, and it just takes $10 million out of the general operating to put it into major construction. You know, there are needs everywhere. I wish it were in some way to help my district. We have needs, but it does not help my district. This major construction is $28 million less than it was last year. So I would like to see that we gradually get it back up to the $28 million at least that it was last year.

Mrs. HALVORSON. At any location anywhere. I wish I could say that it were for someplace special, but it is not.

Mrs. HALVORSON

Mrs. HALVORSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today with great pride to introduce Pastor Herb Brooks, who kindly delivered this morning's opening prayer. Herb Brooks is not just the pastor at St. John Baptist Church in Joliet, Illinois. He is a husband to wife Gwen, and a proud father and grandfather. He serves as a member of the Will County Board, where he represents his constituents with passion, integrity, and intelligence. And he has been an outspoken advocate for civil rights and the need for better health care in our community. It is all of these reasons why he is considered a true leader in our district, and why I have invited him here today to continue this great tradition. Pastor Brooks embodies the spirit and pride that defines our community, and I could not think of anyone better to represent our district during the opening prayer. I thank him for being here, and I am so proud to introduce him.

Mrs. HALVORSON

Mrs. HALVORSON. Madam Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to a distinguished veteran, an amazing community servant, a true patriot. Terry Weiden selflessly worked for the residents of LaSalle County, not the least of which were his fellow veterans. Mr. Weiden passed away Tuesday, July 6th, leaving a deep void in our hearts. Born in Utica in 1954, Terry Weiden would eventually serve his country in the Armed Forces. As a military police officer in the United States Army, he rose through the ranks to become a Sergeant and served with distinction for thirteen years. After his distinguished military career, Mr. Weiden became an active member of the Utica American Legion Pierce Davis Post 731 and the LaSalle Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4668. He is perhaps best known for his work as chairman of the Utica Veterans Day Parade, the largest Veterans Day parade in north-central Illinois. Mr. Wiedens reach in LaSalle County was broad and extended beyond the veterans community. Mr. Weiden also served as the commissioner of the Utica Emergency Medical Training program for four years and led his local Knight of Columbus chapter, which helps make up one of North America's largest Catholic charities. Mr. Weiden made his community and our country a better place. For the generations of Americans to come, his service and philanthropy stands as a splendid example.

Mrs. HALVORSON

Mrs. HALVORSON. Madam Speaker, today I rise with a heavy heart to pay tribute to Lieutenant Frank W. Fouts V, a hero of his community, a proud father, and a loving husband. Lieutenant Fouts served the people of Kankakee as a firefighter and paramedic with honor and courage. Lieutenant Fouts passed away in the line of duty on July 1st, leaving behind an unimpeachable record of service to his fellow citizens and a deep love for his family. Frank Fouts V was born on October 29, 1972 in Chicago Heights, IL. As a kid, Frank greatly admired his maternal grandparents, who were an active part of his upbringing. He attended local schools and enjoyed playing with his brother. When Frank Fouts graduated from Bloom Trail High School, he volunteered with the Grant Park Fire Department. Frank eventually was hired by the department and was certified as a paramedic. Frank continued to improve himself, attending Southern Illinois University and earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Fire Science. Frank then joined the Kankakee City Fire Department, where he literally wrote the book on responding to medical emergencies. A testament to his skill and knowledge, his texts on the subject are required reading for all incoming Kankakee firefighters. Frank would build an impressive career, achieving the rank of Lieutenant in the Kankakee City Fire Department. Frank Fouts was more than a firefighter. He was a family man, who cared deeply for his two young boys, Grant and Parker, and his loving wife, Kathy. A dedicated father, Frank set aside time each week for a boys' night, where he would spend time with his children. When his wife became ill, Frank was at her side, through the hardest hours of illness and recovery. Lieutenant Fouts' commitment to community and deep affection to family are reasons why he was so adored and why his loss has brought such deep sadness. His service is in keeping with his profession's highest traditions of integrity and courage. We are forever in Frank's debt.

Mrs. HALVORSON

Mrs. HALVORSON. Mr. Speaker, I wish to join my colleagues in congratulating Ron Gettelfinger upon his retirement. Ron has been a true champion for American families, a leading advocate for American workers, and a dedicated president of the United Auto Workers. I came to Congress to work on jumpstarting our economy and I'm reassured to know that under Ron's leadership, the UAW has been a steadfast voice for protecting American jobs and the rights of the hundreds of workers in my district. Prior to coming to Congress, I served in the Illinois State Senate and was proud to represent the hard working men and women, members of UAW Local 588, who work at the Ford Stamping Plant in Chicago Heights, Illinois. I'm now proud to represent members of UAW Local 2488, who work at the Mitsubishi Plant in Bloomington, Illinois. It has been an honor to represent all of these working families. Ron's vision that our country's success is rooted in everyday working men and women is something many of us share and we are lucky to have had such a passionate advocate for this cause over the past eight years. It is this belief that has protected and advanced the rights of the American worker during Ron's tenure as UAW President. On behalf of the 11th Congressional District of Illinois, I thank Ron for his service and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

Mrs. HALVORSON

Mrs. HALVORSON. Madam Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the life of Dianne Waller-Nyman. Dianne passed away on June 11th after a long bout with cancer. Dianne was a dedicated public servant, a longtime political activist, and a dear friend whom we will miss dearly. Dianne was a pioneer in many of her endeavors. She was the first woman to serve as a regional manager with the Handy Andy chain of hardware stores. Dianne was also the youngest person ever elected as a Trustee of Park Forest South, Illinois (later known as University Park). For those of us who knew Dianne, one of her most admirable traits was the passion with which she pursued causes she believed in. For several decades, Dianne was active in local politics and government. She served several terms on the Park Forest South/University Park Board of Trustees and over the years Dianne managed or volunteered for dozens of campaigns at the federal, State, and local levels. She was proud to be a very early supporter of now President Obama when he ran for the U.S. Senate in 2004. Even as Dianne battled cancer towards the end of her life, she continued to play a leadership role in local political organizations. I can also say that I would not be serving as a Member of Congress today without Dianne's tireless efforts on my behalf. We often referred to Dianne as the ``Sergeant Major'' because we knew we could count on her to get the job done. Dianne is survived by her loving husband, Arnie, three children--Ron Waller, Edie Fortner, and Diana Tomsic, and five grandchildren--Nick, Matt, Phillip, Richie, and Kal. My thoughts and prayers are with them in this time of loss. We share their sorrow, but we join them in honoring the remarkable life of Dianne Waller-Nyman.

Mrs. HALVORSON

Mrs. HALVORSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the city of Marseilles, Illinois as it celebrates its 175th Anniversary this month. Marseilles, founded in 1835 by settlers on little more than a dream and a few acres of land, commemorates a history of growth and prosperity that has turned it into the beautiful community that it is today. The city's history began in 1835 when a man named Lovel Kimball saw the great potential of the city, naming it Marseilles after the city in France that embodied the industrial center that he wished to establish. Founded on the banks of the mighty Illinois River and later near the Illinois Michigan Canal, the early settlement was full of promise with the capacity to become a center of manufacturing and industry. Today that same river still plays an integral part in the industrial and recreational life of Marseilles. Always a center for innovation and promise, the men and women who have called Marseilles home have gone on to make great contributions to their country and their fellow man. Solomon Bell, the inventor of the original reaper that transformed the agricultural industry worldwide, began his career in Marseilles and today this community is well equipped to nurture the next generation of inventors, scientists and leaders. The people of Marseilles have a rich history of service to their country. Soldiers and war heroes from nearly every major war in the past century have spent their time in Marseilles and many have found their final resting place here. Mothers and fathers have sent their sons and daughters to fight for our country's freedom for generations and the community of Marseilles has shown a unique dedication to honoring our veterans and remembering our fallen heroes. On June 19th, 2004, Marseilles became home to the Middle East Conflicts Memorial Wall. This Wall is the only memorial in the United States dedicated solely to honoring the servicemen and women who have lost their lives fighting in wars in the Middle East since 1979. As an ardent supporter of all veterans, I am especially proud of Marseilles for this fact. Since its founding 175 years ago, Marseilles has become a community that takes pride in its schools, its beautiful churches, its hard workers, and its atmosphere of friendliness and family. This character is what brings Marseilles into its 175th year as a thriving, vibrant community and I am confident that it will continue to carry on this legacy for many years to come.

Mrs. HALVORSON

Mrs. HALVORSON. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize a Joliet citizen and hero of the Greatest Generation, Charles Arthur Aleshire. Due to its rapid disbandment and lack of proper records, the efforts of members of the Naval Armed Guard Service, such as Mr. Aleshire, have been largely overlooked by history. Mr. Aleshire served our country with courage and honor when the world turned to the United States to fight tyranny and oppression in World War II. Mr. Aleshire volunteered when he was just 17 to join the U.S. Navy Armed Guard service and protect vital supplies and troops necessary for the war effort. His service took him around the world, to South America where he watched for German U-Boats, to the invasion of Okinawa, where he and his shipmates faced Japanese kamikaze attacks on their fleet. On February 18th, 1946, his 21st birthday, he was honorably discharged as a Coxswain at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center. However, his service to our country did not end there. In 1948, Mr. Aleshire entered the Air Force, and was assigned to the 509th Bombardment Wing, as an Airframe Repair Specialist. This unit served as the core of the newly formed Strategic Air Command. Mr. Aleshire was on active duty during some of the most dangerous conflicts and crises of the 20th century, including the Korean War, the Berlin Airlift, and the Cuban Missile Crisis. He retired as a Staff Sergeant in 1966. An indebted country cannot thank Mr. Aleshire and so many other brave man and women enough for their selfless sacrifice. His admirable service to our country is in keeping with the highest traditions of honor and service displayed by our armed forces, and is an example to all Americans.

Mrs. HALVORSON

Mrs. HALVORSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 278, a resolution honoring the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Sons and Daughters in Touch. For the last two decades, this organization has provided support to those sons and daughters who lost a parent fighting during the Vietnam War. During the war in Southeast Asia, we lost over 58,000 men and women in uniform; of those, it is estimated that more than one-third were fathers. That means that more than 20,000 children were lost without a father to help raise them. This means that thousands of children missed out on the memories of growing up with a parent or, in some cases, even the opportunity to meet them. Founded by a son who helped bury his father after being shot down over Vietnam, Sons and Daughters in Touch was founded by Tony Cordero, who simply wanted to find others like him who had lost a parent in battle. Working with members of other organizations that connected and supported those left behind at home, Tony worked to create an organization that continues to benefit 3,000 people every day. Next Monday, those of us here will return home to honor the lives of those who sacrificed everything to keep our country safe. Today, we can honor those who were left waiting. Today, we can honor those who fought the battle of moving on without that loved one by their side. I ask my colleagues to stand here with me as we stand up for our military families. I ask my colleagues to stand with me and with those who have joined us today as we honor the loss and sacrifice they have endured. I ask that my colleagues join me in supporting H. Con. Res 278, honoring the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Sons and Daughters in Touch. I would also like to take a moment to recognize Chairman Filner for his dedication and hard work on behalf of our veterans, as well as for his help in bringing this resolution to the floor in such a timely manner.

Mrs. HALVORSON

Mrs. HALVORSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 278, a resolution honoring the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Sons and Daughters in Touch. For the last two decades, this organization has provided support to those sons and daughters who lost a parent fighting during the Vietnam War. During the war in Southeast Asia, we lost over 58,000 men and women in uniform; of those, it is estimated that more than one-third were fathers. That means that more than 20,000 children were lost without a father to help raise them. This means that thousands of children missed out on the memories of growing up with a parent or, in some cases, even the opportunity to meet them. Founded by a son who helped bury his father after being shot down over Vietnam, Sons and Daughters in Touch was founded by Tony Cordero, who simply wanted to find others like him who had lost a parent in battle. Working with members of other organizations that connected and supported those left behind at home, Tony worked to create an organization that continues to benefit 3,000 people every day. Next Monday, those of us here will return home to honor the lives of those who sacrificed everything to keep our country safe. Today, we can honor those who were left waiting. Today, we can honor those who fought the battle of moving on without that loved one by their side. I ask my colleagues to stand here with me as we stand up for our military families. I ask my colleagues to stand with me and with those who have joined us today as we honor the loss and sacrifice they have endured. I ask that my colleagues join me in supporting H. Con. Res 278, honoring the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Sons and Daughters in Touch. I would also like to take a moment to recognize Chairman Filner for his dedication and hard work on behalf of our veterans, as well as for his help in bringing this resolution to the floor in such a timely manner.

Mrs. HALVORSON

Mrs. HALVORSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of the Reverend John H. Rice, Sr. upon the fortieth anniversary of beginning his tenure at St. Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago Heights, Illinois. Born in Starkville, Mississippi, Reverend Rice moved to Chicago Heights, Illinois at the age of four. There he spent his childhood, graduating from Bloom Township High School. After receiving his Associate's Degree in Masonry from Los Angeles City College, he returned to the area in 1959 and married Movita Tate, a classmate from Bloom Township High School. He continued his education, graduating from the Moody Bible Institute's evening school in 1967 and receiving his Bachelor's Degree in Interpersonal Communications from Governors State University in 1982. As pastor at St. Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, Reverend Rice tended to a congregation of 600 families. He spent his 40 years serving the local community, caring for the poor and the homeless. In 1986, he opened the Bethel Community Facility, which became known as the ``Miracle on Portland Street'' for the year-round services it provides to the homeless. The Facility provides not only food, clothing and shelter for the homeless, but also a doctor's office and several job training programs. In 1990, he opened the Bethel Annex, which provided a ``rent-a-church'' space for small congregations to worship and now serves as a warming and cooling center for the homeless. Reverend Rice retires next month after a fulfilling, impressive, and inspirational career. He is truly an asset to Chicago Heights and the Southland area. It is with great pride that I celebrate the career of Reverend John H. Rice, Sr. May his retirement be as fruitful and joyous as his ministry has been.

Mrs. HALVORSON

Mrs. HALVORSON. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mrs. HALVORSON. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mrs. HALVORSON. Madam Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would also like to thank the gentleman from Tennessee, Chairman Gordon, for his very hard work on this very important legislation that will spur innovation, modernize our manufacturing base, and prepare our workforce for the next generation of good-paying jobs. I rise today in support of my amendment to the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act. My amendment is very simple. It will help expand career opportunities in science and engineering for veterans of our armed services. As the only Member from my State that serves on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I am proud to stand up for the brave men and women who have served our country and our military. It is important for us to stand up for them not only when they are on Active Duty, but also when they return home. Unfortunately, too many of our veterans have difficulty finding jobs when they transition back into civilian life. With the veterans' unemployment rate at about 13 percent, well above the national average, we need to do everything we can to provide veterans with career opportunities. The America COMPETES Reauthorization Act establishes a new postdoctoral research fellowship program at the National Science Foundation. This program will award competitive, merit-based research fellowships for up to 3 years to graduates who have recently completed a doctoral degree in a field supported by the foundation. My amendment will instruct the director of the foundation to give consideration to the goal of promoting participation by veterans when evaluating applications. Many of our Nation's veterans specialize in science and engineering fields during their service in the military, and some of them even had the opportunity to pursue advanced degrees in these fields during their service. Others choose to continue their education in science and engineering by pursuing doctorate degrees after they leave Active Duty. My amendment will help these uniquely qualified veterans build careers in science and engineering by encouraging them to compete for the new National Science Foundation postdoctoral research fellowships established by this bill. When our veterans ask for the opportunity to continue serving their country in the next generation of jobs, we should give them that chance, which is what my amendment seeks to do. Once again, I thank Chairman Gordon and his staff for working with me on this amendment, and I ask for the support of my colleagues. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. HALVORSON. Madam Chair, I yield the remainder of my time to the gentleman from Tennessee, Chairman Gordon.

Mrs. HALVORSON

Mrs. HALVORSON. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize the success of ``Operation Cookie Share,'' a collaborative effort of the Girl Scouts of Central Illinois and the State Farm Military Affinity Group. This year, customers purchasing Girl Scout cookies were able check on their order form whether they wanted to donate extra boxes of cookies to our troops. As a result of this effort, over 86,000 boxes of Girl Scout cookies were sold and delivered to our troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, military hospitals in the U.S. and overseas, and USO hubs at major American airports for deploying and returning troops. Our sons and daughters fighting for us overseas put their lives on the line every day and everything we can do to make their lives easier helps. These cookies aren't just a treat; they're a simple reminder of home and a simple gesture of thanks from a grateful community. I'm proud to support the great members of the Girl Scouts of Central Illinois and the State Farm Military Affinity Group, and honor the work done by so many in our community to thank our troops.

Mrs. HALVORSON

Mrs. HALVORSON. Mr. Speaker, the House will soon take an important step by approving a motion to go to conference on H.R. 2194, the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability and Divestment Act. Last December, the House voted overwhelmingly in support of this bipartisan legislation. Now we need to act quickly on the conference report so that we can send a bill to the President. Every day we delay is another day that Iran grows closer to acquiring a nuclear weapon. A nuclear Iran is an unacceptable scenario that would be a threat to the State of Israel, our trusted ally, and could destabilize the entire Middle East. It would also be a threat to our own national security. Enacting strong, crippling sanctions on the Iranian regime will send a clear signal to the international community that we need to work together to prevent a nuclear Iran. I look forward to working with my colleagues and the administration to make this happen.