Mark Kirk

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Mr. President, I wish to recognize the National Roofing Contractors Association, NRCA, headquartered in Rosemont, IL, and its efforts to designate the week of July 6-12, 2014 as National Roofing Week. The roof is one of the most important components of any home or business. It is the first line of defense against natural elements, such as rain, snow or wind, and yet it is often taken for granted until it falls into disrepair. National Roofing Week recognizes the thousands of roofing contractors and roofing-related businesses across the country, the industry's commitment to public service and is a valuable reminder of the significance quality roofing has on every home and business in the United States. Established in 1886, NRCA is one of the Nation's oldest trade associations and the voice of professional roofing contractors worldwide. Today, the NRCA has more than 3,800 members located across all 50 States and represents a variety of industry stakeholders, including roofing, roof deck, and water proofing contractors. Utilizing its vast network of roofing contractors and industry-related members, NRCA is responsible for the installation of the majority of new construction and replacement roof systems on commercial and residential structures in America. With most of its members employed by small, privately held businesses, the NRCA represents thousands of hard- working families and individuals that are the backbone of our economy. Professional roofing contractors provide vital services to their communities, both on and off the clock. This year NRCA members will gather in Chicago, IL throughout the week of July 6-12 and donate their time and materials to charitable community service roofing projects throughout the Chicago area. I commend the NRCA and the vital role the organization and its members play in every community and I ask my colleagues to join me in acknowledging their contributions during National Roofing Week.

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Mr. President, I rise to memorialize the life of my Washington, DC, scheduler who passed away yesterday, Lisa Radogno. This is a picture of her. I am going to give these remarks as if I am talking to Lisa because this blow was such a severe one that we suffered yesterday. Lisa Radogno was one of the brightest lights of my Washington, DC, office. She was such a strong supporter of mine, even stronger than I. Lisa was a diehard White Sox fan. She even had a White Sox logo tattoo on her ankle. We will miss her so very dearly. Lisa, I will tell you that this loss is--sorry, Mr. President. I get very emotional about this death that just happened yesterday. I want to memorialize Lisa, who was so much like her mother, State senator Christine Radogno of Lemont, dedicated to the service of the people of Illinois. She was a fierce, fierce worker on campaigns and here in the Senate. She is somebody I will miss with every fiber of my being. She was with me in the House of Representatives and here in the Senate and was so proud to represent the people of Illinois here in the Senate. To have her die yesterday was a big blow, especially for a young woman in her thirties. It is a real shock to my staff to have Lisa gone from us. Lisa, these days are going to be really hard. I will just say you ran the schedule so perfectly. It was a work of art, in your case, to do the complicated workings of a House office, of a Senate office, to be so perfect and so young in what you did. The staff is all now in shock. You were certainly the social light of our operation here in Washington, DC. I spent a good part of last night on your Facebook page looking at pictures of you, and it really caused me to cry a bunch. I will miss you, especially in our office, and watching you online quite a bit, hoping that Facebook leaves up those pictures forever so I can always take a quick look at your smile and remember your humor, which was always right at the ready. Lisa was such a strong supporter of my office. To have her lost like this so suddenly was a big shock to us. This is pretty hard for all of us in the Kirk operation to handle. Thank you Mr. President. I yield the floor.

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate Manish Shah. I am proud to have put forward Mr. Shah to be a Federal district court judge for Northern Illinois. I thank President Obama for nominating him. I thank the Senate for voting to confirm Manish Shah. Senator Durbin, Illinois' senior Senator, and I work to ensure Illinois has highly skilled judges to help strengthen our courts. Mr. Shah was such a judicial nominee. In Illinois, Mr. Shah has established himself as an outstanding lawyer and dedicated public servant. He was among the most experienced prosecutors in the Northern District of Illinois. Now with Senate confirmation, Mr. Shah starts the next phase of his legal career. He is ready to take a seat on the Federal bench. We, as Americans, should be proud of Manish Shah. He is a great American success story. Mr. Shah was born in New York. His parents emigrated from India and raised their two sons in West Hartford, CT. Mr. Shah attended Stanford University and graduated with honors and distinction. He attended the University of Chicago Law School, and again he graduated with honors. After law school, Shah was a litigation associate at Heller Ehrman in San Francisco and clerked for Hon. James B. Zagel of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Mr. Shah joined the Chicago U.S. attorney's office in September 2001 and prosecuted violent crime, international drug trafficking, complex fraud, and public corruption. During his time as a Federal prosecutor, Mr. Shah developed a stellar record--notably, Mr. Shah worked with former U.S. attorney Patrick Fitzgerald. Mr. Shah and a team of prosecutors and Federal agents investigated and prosecuted a series of cases arising out of the city of Chicago's Hired Truck Program and Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. While working at the U.S. attorney's office Mr. Shah served in several leadership positions. He was a deputy chief of the General Crimes Section and the Financial Crimes and Special Prosecutions Section, and he was the chief of the Appellate Section. Mr. Shah was the chief of the Criminal Division and responsible for supervising the prosecutions in the Northern District of Illinois handled by the approximately 130 Assistant U.S. attorneys. These are the types of life and work experiences that make great judges. Mr. Shah will be a knowledgeable jurist who will provide a fair forum for the resolution of civil disputes and the prosecution of alleged crimes. I am sure Mr. Shah will have a long and stellar career on the Federal bench in the Northern District of Illinois. I am certain Mr. Shah will be a top-rate judge. I congratulate Mr. Shah on his confirmation. I look forward to following his judicial career. Congratulations, Manish Shah. I wish you well.

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Madam President, I wish to recognize and thank Mr. Patrick Sullivan, the retiring director of the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center--FHCC--in North Chicago, IL. Lovell Hospital is a first-of-its-kind partnership between the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense--DoD,--integrating all medical care into the Nation's first truly joint Federal health care facility with a single combined VA and Navy mission. The men and women of Lovell Hospital serve approximately 67,000 servicemembers, veterans, and their families through a network of eight facilities in Illinois and Wisconsin. Mr. Sullivan served as the facility's first director when it was formally established in October 2010. As director, he took on the daunting task of integrating the North Chicago VA Medical Center and Naval Health Clinic Great Lakes and combining the missions of caring for active duty military members, their families, military retirees and veterans. Mr. Sullivan has skillfully led a VA/DoD team of over 3,000 as they have developed a national model for integrated Federal health care. Mr. Sullivan had a long and successful career caring for our Nation's heroes. He served as the director of the North Chicago VA Medical Center before its integration into the Lovell FHCC. He has worked at VA Medical Centers across the country, including centers in Prescott, AZ, Portland; OR, Martinez, CA and Poplar Bluff, MO. Mr. Sullivan also extends his leadership skills to his community, serving on the board of several community organizations in Lake County, Ill. I wish to personally thank Pat Sullivan for his service to our country and its veterans. His tireless efforts to make the Lovell Hospital vision a reality will not be forgotten. His work was ahead of its time and stands as a model for the future.

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Madam President, on the afternoon of January 29, 2013, Lawrence D. Sellers, Jr. and his friends were relaxing in Chicago's Vivian Gordon Harsh Park after finishing their high school final exams. Shots rang out. Lawrence pushed his girlfriend out of harm's way. A bullet struck his left leg below the calf. And as the group tried to run away, Lawrence heard a scream and turned around to see his friend, Hadiya Pendleton, falling to the ground. Hadiya's murder has become a rallying cry in Chicago to give law enforcement the tools they need to reduce gang and gun violence. I remain committed to passing legislation that bears her name to stop the straw purchasing and trafficking of guns that can end up in the hands of dangerous gangs like the Gangster Disciples. I will continue working with Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy to ensure additional Federal resources are promptly delivered to implement a holistic, all-of-government strategy to make our communities safer. But today I wish to recognize Lawrence for his bravery and heroism-- because inside this tragedy, we can find a spark of hope to restore our faith in what is possible when good people are not afraid to do the right thing. Lawrence is that spark. A senior at King College Prep in North Kenwood with aspirations of becoming a math teacher, Lawrence is an Eagle Scout, and, just last month, he received the Honor Medal from the Boy Scouts of America. ``Doing the right thing, you shouldn't get an award for it,'' Lawrence said with great humility. ``But I am honored to receive it, of course; I just feel like it's just the right thing.'' In a community torn apart by gang violence, it is not always easy to do the right thing--or to always know what the right thing is in the first place. That is what makes groups like the Boy Scouts and other community youth groups so important in a holistic antigang violence strategy. I am proud to join the Boy Scouts of America in honoring Lawrence Sellers. Lawrence is a role model to his peers and a reminder that supporting civic-minded youth organizations like the Boy Scouts must be a part of our antiviolence, antigang strategy.

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to my constituent LTC Catherine M. Black for her exemplary dedication and service to the United States Army and to the United States of America. She has served for the last 2 years as a congressional budget liaison for the Secretary of the Army. A native of Chicago, IL, Lieutenant Colonel Black enlisted in the Army in the summer of 1994. She was selected as the Soldier of the Year at Fort Gordon, GA, and was subsequently selected for the Officer Candidate School, earning a commission as a finance officer in April 1997. Lieutenant Colonel Black has served in a broad range of duty stations and assignments over her two decades of service. As a Lieutenant, she served as a disbursing officer in a finance group at Fort Bragg, NC. This culminated in a rotation through the U.S. Army Forces Center in Doha, Qatar. Following the horrific attacks on September 11, 2011, she provided financial management services during the ground invasion in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. As a Captain, Catherine Black served as a finance detachment commander and battalion operations officer at Fort Richardson, AK, and later as a financial management operations officer at Fort Belvoir, VA. After promotion to major, she commanded the 126th Financial Management Unit for a year and a half, while simultaneously serving as the Battalion Executive Officer for the Special Troops Battalion, 1st Sustainment Brigade at Fort Riley, KS. She trained and deployed her three financial management detachments to both Iraq and Afghanistan. She then deployed her headquarters to Kandahar, Afghanistan and stood up financial operations throughout southern Afghanistan. There she provided finance support to joint and coalition forces and developed financial management infrastructure for the nation of Afghanistan. Lieutenant Colonel Black was selected to serve as a congressional budget liaison officer in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for financial management and comptroller. She managed the Army's military personnel and operations and maintenance accounts, the Working Capital Fund, and activity at the depots and arsenals that support the Nation's organic industrial base, including Illinois' Rock Island Arsenal. Lieutenant Colonel Black's leadership throughout her career has positively impacted her soldiers, peers, and superiors. As a budget liaison officer, she worked directly with the Senate and House Appropriations Committees to educate and inform Senators, Representatives, and staff for the United States Army. Mr. President, on behalf of a grateful Nation, I thank and commend LTC Catherine Black for two decades of service to her country. I wish Catherine, her husband Geert Jacobs, and her sons Alexander, Achilles, and Elias all the best as they continue their journey of service.

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Madam President, I have been silent for the last 2 years due to having a stroke a little under 2 years ago. I have come to speak because I believe so passionately in the ENDA statute. This is not a major change to law. It is already law in 21 States. I think it is particularly appropriate for an Illinois Republican to speak on behalf of this measure, in the true tradition of Everett McKinley Dirksen and Abraham Lincoln, men who gave us the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. With that, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Mr. President, I wish to support three Illinois citizens from East St. Louis who have made a lasting impact on their community. These leaders are the late James E. Williams, Sr., the first African-American mayor of the City of East St. Louis, his wife Lillian Croom Williams and Milton Wharton, a retired circuit court judge of the 20th Judicial Circuit of Illinois. It is my pleasure to honor their service and highlight their commitment to the city. Besides his service as mayor, Mr. Williams also served as the school board president of District 189. He was well known for his accessibility and commitment to public service. Mrs. Williams joined her husband in public service as both an educator and civic leader. Her advocacy for higher education and support for local police, firefighters and teachers are among her lasting contributions to the area. Judge Wharton earned his law degree from DePaul University in 1975, and was appointed an associate judge for the St. Clair County Circuit Court in 1976. Twelve years later, he was elected as a full circuit judge for the 20th Judicial Circuit. He has received numerous awards and accolades and is an active Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumni member. These individuals will be honored this month by the Emma L. Wilson- King Foundation, which provides scholarships and other resources to local students. I join with the foundation in honoring Mr. and Mrs. Williams, Judge Wharton and their families for their important public service contributions.

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Mr. President, I rise to address a crisis of confidence at Chicagoland's suburban commuter railroad--Metra. Metra plays a vital role for our area--reducing congestion and carrying thousands of suburban residents to and from Chicago each day. But recent developments highlight a troubled transit system and a misuse of public dollars. Earlier this summer it was reported that Metra CEO Alex Clifford received a severance package worth nearly $750,000 following allegations of political influence at the agency. Clifford received $442,237 alone just to buyout the remaining term of his contract, on top of $307,390 for an additional 12 months if he is unable to find new employment. This is a gross misuse of public dollars. With this action, Metra's former CEO makes more than President Obama, who currently makes $400,000 a year. I asked the Congressional Research Service how this golden parachute ranks compared to the annual salary of the top ten largest transit agencies in the country, and the results were surprising. Each of the top 10 largest transit systems pays their chief executive no more than $350,000, meaning Metra, the 24th largest transit agency in the country, had the highest earning CEO. Fortunately federal taxpayer dollars did not contribute to Clifford's golden parachute. But Metra is expected to receive more than $135 million in federal capital dollars. If our local government bodies can't be trusted to be good stewards of the public, then the Congress should step in to put in place reasonable taxpayer protections. Today I have introduced the Public Transportation Accountability Act which for the first time will put limits on executive compensation at public transit agencies that receive federal funds. No executive or employee of a transit agency would be able to receive annual compensation that is greater than that of the President of the United States. This is a common sense bill that sadly is necessary to safeguard taxpayers' pocketbooks.

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Mr. President, I rise to address a crisis of confidence at Chicagoland's suburban commuter railroad--Metra. Metra plays a vital role for our area--reducing congestion and carrying thousands of suburban residents to and from Chicago each day. But recent developments highlight a troubled transit system and a misuse of public dollars. Earlier this summer it was reported that Metra CEO Alex Clifford received a severance package worth nearly $750,000 following allegations of political influence at the agency. Clifford received $442,237 alone just to buyout the remaining term of his contract, on top of $307,390 for an additional 12 months if he is unable to find new employment. This is a gross misuse of public dollars. With this action, Metra's former CEO makes more than President Obama, who currently makes $400,000 a year. I asked the Congressional Research Service how this golden parachute ranks compared to the annual salary of the top ten largest transit agencies in the country, and the results were surprising. Each of the top 10 largest transit systems pays their chief executive no more than $350,000, meaning Metra, the 24th largest transit agency in the country, had the highest earning CEO. Fortunately federal taxpayer dollars did not contribute to Clifford's golden parachute. But Metra is expected to receive more than $135 million in federal capital dollars. If our local government bodies can't be trusted to be good stewards of the public, then the Congress should step in to put in place reasonable taxpayer protections. Today I have introduced the Public Transportation Accountability Act which for the first time will put limits on executive compensation at public transit agencies that receive federal funds. No executive or employee of a transit agency would be able to receive annual compensation that is greater than that of the President of the United States. This is a common sense bill that sadly is necessary to safeguard taxpayers' pocketbooks.

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Mr. President, I stand today to honor the Kraft Foods Group, Inc. plant and its dedicated employees in Champaign, IL, as they celebrate its 50th anniversary. This Champaign plant has the unique distinction of being Kraft's flagship facility, employing more than 1,100 of my fellow citizens of Illinois, and proudly producing more than any other Kraft plant in the country. From the time it opened in 1963, this facility has grown in both size and production. For generations, millions of Americans have enjoyed the products made in Champaign, from Miracle Whip and Velveeta, to Kraft Singles and Cheese Whiz. The plant continues to expand its output, with new varieties of pasta, dressing and cheese being added to their production line in 2012, and earlier this year, Kraft chose to dedicate their entire Velveeta production to this single facility. The Kraft Foods Group has called Illinois home since its founding in 1903, and Champaign has been a critical part of this company for more than half of that time. Kraft has so greatly contributed to Champaign's economic climate, helping to make the city this plant calls home a great place to live and work. Likewise, the people of Champaign helped make Kraft great. Our State is proud of all that Kraft produces, but we are especially proud of the ingenuity, industry, and drive that this plant's workers have embodied for 50 years. It is clear that because Kraft's Champaign employees have been dedicated to achieving success, this plant has continued to thrive after half a century. In closing, I ask all my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Kraft Foods Group on reaching this incredible milestone and honoring the employees at their acclaimed flagship plant.

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Mr. President, I am pleased to join with Senator Durbin to introduce a bill in support of New Philadelphia, the first town founded by a freed African-American. This bipartisan legislation directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of New Philadelphia to determine the feasibility of designating the area as a unit of the National Park System. In 1836, Frank McWorter platted and officially registered the town of New Philadelphia, the first known town founded by a freed African- American before the Civil War. After saving money from neighboring labor jobs to purchase his own freedom and the freedom of fifteen additional family members, Mr. McWorter purchased a plot of land between the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers in Pike County to establish New Philadelphia. The town became a station along the Underground Railroad and was a community where European-American, freeborn African- Americans and formerly enslaved individuals were able to live together during a time of intense racial strife. In 2005, the town of New Philadelphia was designated as a National Historic Place and in 2009 the town was designated a National Historic Landmark. Further designating New Philadelphia as a unit of the National Park System will ensure that its historical legacy is preserved as an inspiring example of freedom and opportunity for future generations. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Mr. President, I am pleased to join with Senator Durbin to introduce a bill in support of New Philadelphia, the first town founded by a freed African-American. This bipartisan legislation directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of New Philadelphia to determine the feasibility of designating the area as a unit of the National Park System. In 1836, Frank McWorter platted and officially registered the town of New Philadelphia, the first known town founded by a freed African- American before the Civil War. After saving money from neighboring labor jobs to purchase his own freedom and the freedom of fifteen additional family members, Mr. McWorter purchased a plot of land between the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers in Pike County to establish New Philadelphia. The town became a station along the Underground Railroad and was a community where European-American, freeborn African- Americans and formerly enslaved individuals were able to live together during a time of intense racial strife. In 2005, the town of New Philadelphia was designated as a National Historic Place and in 2009 the town was designated a National Historic Landmark. Further designating New Philadelphia as a unit of the National Park System will ensure that its historical legacy is preserved as an inspiring example of freedom and opportunity for future generations. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Mr. President, I stand today to honor Dr. Piermaria Oddone as he retires after 8 years of exemplary leadership as director of the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, also known as Fermilab. As America's premier particle physics laboratory, Fermilab is a point of pride for Illinois. For over 45 years it has supported thousands of scientists across the country whose research is a priceless contribution to the world's understanding of matter, energy, space, and time. With the appointment of Pier Oddone as director in 2005, Fermilab was placed under the leadership of a visionary who ensured that the United States would remain a producer of groundbreaking research in particle physics. Under the direction of Dr. Oddone, Fermilab entered a period of unparalleled scientific progress. The laboratory launched a new era of research in high-intensity particle beams, and experimentation on muons and neutrinos. It advanced our understanding of dark matter and led the Pierre Auger Observatory project to study ultra-high-energy cosmic rays. Fermilab, in partnership with the State of Illinois, constructed the Illinois Accelerator Research Center. It concluded a 28-year run for the Tevatron collider that discovered the quark. It contributed invaluable resources to the groundbreaking discovery of the Higgs boson. Most importantly, however, Fermilab has provided state-of-the- art facilities for over 4,000 researchers each year so that they can continue their work for the advancement of science and society. Dr. Oddone's contributions to the scientific community outside of his leadership at Fermilab are no less impressive. Born in Peru, he received his Ph.D. in physics from Princeton before joining the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. He quickly rose to become the laboratory's deputy director and was responsible for the scientific development that contributed to many of the lab's successes. As an elected member of the National Academy of Sciences in both the United States and Peru, Dr. Oddone has received numerous awards for his work, including fellowships from the American Physical Society and American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He is a recipient of the Panofsky Award for his invention of the Asymmetric B-Factory particle collider, and is known for his role in the SLAC BaBar collaboration that helped to discover matter-antimatter asymmetry in B mesons. As my friend Dr. Piermaria Oddone retires from Fermilab, I ask that you join me in honoring an individual who embodies the spirit of discovery through a shining example of scientific excellence. Thank you for your leadership.

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce a bill that waives the naturalization requirements for non-citizen recipients of our armed forces' combat service awards. When a soldier, sailor, airman, or marine puts their life on the line for the United States, it only makes sense that we reciprocate their commitment to this nation by awarding these heroes U.S. citizenship as expeditiously as possible. These awards include the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Combat Medical Badge, the Combat Action Badge, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Air Force Combat Action Medal, or any equivalent award recipients. They recognize a servicemember's presence under hostile fire or engagement in combat missions. According to the Center for Naval Analysis, roughly 70,000 non- citizens enlisted in the active duty military between 1999 and 2008. These men and women have served in Operations New Dawn and Iraqi Freedom, and continue to serve today in Operation Enduring Freedom and elsewhere around the world. The contributions of these men and women to the character of our military are unquestionable, and they possess language and cultural skills that are critical to the Department of Defense's mission. This legislation honors their service, and I encourage my colleagues to support its passage.

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce a bill that waives the naturalization requirements for non-citizen recipients of our armed forces' combat service awards. When a soldier, sailor, airman, or marine puts their life on the line for the United States, it only makes sense that we reciprocate their commitment to this nation by awarding these heroes U.S. citizenship as expeditiously as possible. These awards include the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Combat Medical Badge, the Combat Action Badge, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Air Force Combat Action Medal, or any equivalent award recipients. They recognize a servicemember's presence under hostile fire or engagement in combat missions. According to the Center for Naval Analysis, roughly 70,000 non- citizens enlisted in the active duty military between 1999 and 2008. These men and women have served in Operations New Dawn and Iraqi Freedom, and continue to serve today in Operation Enduring Freedom and elsewhere around the world. The contributions of these men and women to the character of our military are unquestionable, and they possess language and cultural skills that are critical to the Department of Defense's mission. This legislation honors their service, and I encourage my colleagues to support its passage.

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Madam President I wish to call attention to the plight of the Baha'i community and the atrocious human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Today marks the fifth year Fariba Kamalabadi, Jamaloddin Khanjani, Afif Naemi, Saeid Rezaie, Behrouz Tavakkoli, and Vahid Tizfahm have been behind bars in Iran due to their faith. These six individuals, along with Mahvash Sabet, imprisoned 2 months earlier, make up the ``Yaran-I-Iran,'' or Friends of Iran, which is the former leadership group of the Baha'i community of Iran. We must not let up on our efforts to defend the Baha'i community until the Iranian Government's intensifying persecution comes to an end. Iran outlawed Baha'i institutions in 1983, leading to the establishment of an ad hoc leadership group to meet the basic spiritual and social needs of the Baha'i community of Iran. In August 2010, the Government of Iran sentenced the Yaran to 20-year prison terms on the absurd charges of ``spying for Israel, insulting religious sanctities, propaganda against the regime and spreading corruption on earth.'' The Baha'i faith is an independent world religion that began in 19th- century Persia. Its central tenets include unity, peace, and understanding. The Baha'is are currently the largest non-Muslim minority in Iran, numbering some 300,000 members, and the Baha'i faith is one of the world's fastest growing religions with more than 5 million followers worldwide. Since the Iranian Revolution in 1979, the Baha'is have been a target of systematic government-sponsored persecution. Roughly 200 Baha'is in Iran have been killed by government authorities since 1978 and more than 650 Baha'is have been arrested since 2005 alone. In May 2011, the government conducted raids on the Baha'i Institute of Higher Education, an informal learning system created by the Baha'i community in response to the exclusion of Baha'is from universities. Several educators were arrested and detained. Seven of them--Mahmoud Badavam, Noushin Khadem, Vahid Mahmoudi, Kamran Mortezaie, Farhad Sedghi, Riaz Sobhani, and Ramin Zibaie--were sentenced to 4 and 5-year prison terms, although Vahid Mahmoudi has since been released. Since October 2011, four more BIHE instructors were imprisoned. The 2013 U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom Report stated that ``during the past year, the already poor religious freedom conditions continued to deteriorate, especially for religious minorities, in particular for Baha'is.'' On February 28, 2013, the U.N. Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran reported that there were 110 Baha'is currently imprisoned in Iran solely for practicing their faith. Baha'is in Iran are restricted from filling public and private jobs, denied business licenses, and excluded from university. In recent years, the state- sponsored media in Iran embarked on a systematic campaign to demonize and incite hatred against Baha'is through the use of false and offensive propaganda pieces. An increasing amount of personal property has been confiscated, an increasing number of Baha'i-owned businesses have been vandalized and attacked, and an increasing number of Baha'i cemeteries have been desecrated over the past year across the country. Despite being bound to numerous international treaties, the Iranian Government continues to persecute those who seek to exercise their freedom of expression, thought, conscience, and religion. As Americans, we honor our fundamental rights and freedoms by speaking out for the rights and freedoms of the Baha'is and all others who are oppressed in Iran. And it is incumbent on the Senate to reveal the truth about the situation of the Baha'i community in Iran and take steps to eradicate the violence and injustice. Illinois is home to the world-renowned Baha'i Temple, so the plight of Baha'is in Iran holds special significance for our citizens. I am proud to have joined with my Illinois colleague, Senator Durbin, in introducing S. Res. 75, a resolution that condemns the Government of Iran for its state-sponsored persecution of its Baha'i minority and its continued violation of the International Covenants on Human Rights. Today, we reaffirm our solidarity with the faithful Baha'is in Iran who are subject to discrimination, detention, or worse solely for their beliefs and views. It is my hope that S. Res. 75 will bring the persecution of Baha'is and the issue of human rights in Iran to the forefront of the international agenda.

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Mr. President, today I wish to honor Arlington Heights Mayor Arlene Mulder. After 20 years of service to the village as mayor, she is taking a well-deserved retirement. For 34 years, Mayor Mulder has been a tireless public servant--from park district commissioner to village trustee and eventually mayor. She has served on countless boards and commissions, but the title that I was most grateful for was that of ``friend''. I have known Arlene since the days I was a congressional staffer for Congressman John Porter. Arlene was a ``get things done'' mayor. It is why she was tapped by both Democrats and Republicans to partner on issues. When I first took office as Congressman for the 10th Congressional District, Arlene quickly became my go-to mayor for a host of issues. Whenever we wanted to schedule a townhall meeting in the northwest suburbs, Arlene was my first call. I remember during the health care debate we had a townhall meeting at the village building. When hundreds of citizens showed up and it was clear our room would not be large enough to hold everyone, Arlene immediately went into action and helped us have not one townhall meeting, but two back-to-back. Her resourcefulness ensured that we could communicate with twice the number of constituents on a very important issue. While we Senators may feel as if we have a full workload between constituent and committee meetings, votes and briefings, Arlene's membership in outside organizations is enough to make even the best multitasker dizzy. She has served on more than a dozen outside boards, commissions, and committees, many focused on the importance of transportation. As a member of Metra's board of directors, she became an advocate for thousands of suburban commuters who rely on commuter rail to get to their jobs. As chair of the O'Hare Noise Compatibility Commission, she led efforts to ensure a balance between the economic development role of O'Hare International Airport and the impact on surrounding communities. But what I will miss most is our time at the Arlington Heights Memorial Day Parade. Each year, we would honor a local veteran with a military award that was earned but never received. It was always a moving day, and while she will not be the mayor at future ceremonies, I know I will see her there for many years to come. While I am honored to serve as Arlene's Senator, I am more proud that Arlene was my mayor. Her dedication to the village and people of Arlington Heights will not be forgotten. I wish Arlene and her husband Al and their entire family all the best as she begins the next phase of her public service. Arlington Heights and the State of Illinois were lucky to have her. Thank you, Arlene for all that you have done for us.

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Mr. President, today I rise to join with Senator Durbin to introduce the Great Lakes Water Protection Act. This bipartisan legislation would set a date certain to end sewage dumping in the Great Lakes, America's largest source of surface fresh water. The Great Lakes are home to more than 3,500 species of plants and animals and are the source of drinking water for more than 30 million Americans. It is time that we put a stop to the poisoning of our water supply. Cities along the Great Lakes must become environmental stewards of our country's most precious freshwater ecosystem and take action to reverse the trend of discharging sewage into the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes Water Protection Act gives cities until 2033 to build the necessary infrastructure to prevent sewage dumping in the Great Lakes. Those who violate the EPA's sewage dumping regulations after this deadline will be subject to fines up to $100,000 for every day they are in violation. These fines would be directed into a Great Lakes Clean-Up Fund within the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to be used for wastewater treatment options, with a special focus on greener solutions such as habitat protection and wetland restoration. Many cities along the Great Lakes Basin lack the critical infrastructure needed to divert sewage overflows during times of heavy rainfall. Some reports estimate that as much as 24 billion gallons of combined sewage and storm water runoff are dumped into the Great Lakes every year. Loaded with a mix of bacteria and other pathogens, untreated sewage poses a serious threat to public health and safety and is one of the leading causes of beach closings and contamination advisories at Great Lakes beaches. According to data collected over the past 5 years by the Illinois Department of Public Health, it is not uncommon to see the total number of beach closures and contamination advisories across the Lake Michigan beaches in our State exceed 500 in a single swim season. These events threaten the health of our children and families and cost local economies millions. A University of Chicago study concluded the closings due to high levels of harmful pathogens like E.coli cost the local economy about $2.4 million each year in lost revenue. Protecting the Great Lakes is one of my top priorities in Congress. As an original cosponsor of the Great Lakes Restoration Act, I support a broad approach to address some of the greatest challenges to the Great Lakes ecosystem and the economic growth of the region. However, while we continue to push for comprehensive Great Lakes restoration, we must also move forward with tailored approaches to tackle specific problems. I am proud to introduce this important legislation to end the disastrous practice of releasing billions of gallons of untreated sewage into our Nation's most abundant source of freshwater. It is my hope that my colleagues will work with me to to preserve the Great Lakes and ensure this source of safe drinking water is safeguarded for future generations. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Mr. President, today I rise to join with Senator Durbin to introduce the Great Lakes Water Protection Act. This bipartisan legislation would set a date certain to end sewage dumping in the Great Lakes, America's largest source of surface fresh water. The Great Lakes are home to more than 3,500 species of plants and animals and are the source of drinking water for more than 30 million Americans. It is time that we put a stop to the poisoning of our water supply. Cities along the Great Lakes must become environmental stewards of our country's most precious freshwater ecosystem and take action to reverse the trend of discharging sewage into the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes Water Protection Act gives cities until 2033 to build the necessary infrastructure to prevent sewage dumping in the Great Lakes. Those who violate the EPA's sewage dumping regulations after this deadline will be subject to fines up to $100,000 for every day they are in violation. These fines would be directed into a Great Lakes Clean-Up Fund within the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to be used for wastewater treatment options, with a special focus on greener solutions such as habitat protection and wetland restoration. Many cities along the Great Lakes Basin lack the critical infrastructure needed to divert sewage overflows during times of heavy rainfall. Some reports estimate that as much as 24 billion gallons of combined sewage and storm water runoff are dumped into the Great Lakes every year. Loaded with a mix of bacteria and other pathogens, untreated sewage poses a serious threat to public health and safety and is one of the leading causes of beach closings and contamination advisories at Great Lakes beaches. According to data collected over the past 5 years by the Illinois Department of Public Health, it is not uncommon to see the total number of beach closures and contamination advisories across the Lake Michigan beaches in our State exceed 500 in a single swim season. These events threaten the health of our children and families and cost local economies millions. A University of Chicago study concluded the closings due to high levels of harmful pathogens like E.coli cost the local economy about $2.4 million each year in lost revenue. Protecting the Great Lakes is one of my top priorities in Congress. As an original cosponsor of the Great Lakes Restoration Act, I support a broad approach to address some of the greatest challenges to the Great Lakes ecosystem and the economic growth of the region. However, while we continue to push for comprehensive Great Lakes restoration, we must also move forward with tailored approaches to tackle specific problems. I am proud to introduce this important legislation to end the disastrous practice of releasing billions of gallons of untreated sewage into our Nation's most abundant source of freshwater. It is my hope that my colleagues will work with me to to preserve the Great Lakes and ensure this source of safe drinking water is safeguarded for future generations. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Mr. President, I rise in support of the Stop Illegal Trafficking in Firearms Act of 2013, which I am proud to join in introducing with Senators Leahy, Gillibrand, Durbin and Collins. There are an estimated 33,000 gangs with 1.4 million active members who live in our neighborhoods, towns and cities across the United States. With more than 100,000 gang members, the city of Chicago has more gang members who terrorize its residents than any other city in the United States. The Chicago Crime Commission also reported the existence of an additional 15,000 gang members operating in our suburbs. Gangs such as the Vice Lords, Gangster Disciples, and the Latin Kings are responsible for nearly 80 percent of the city's homicides, which just last summer amounted to 500 deaths in Chicago. These homicides are most often perpetrated with illegal weapons. Law enforcement officers in Chicago confiscate an average of 13,000 illegal weapons each year. It must end. That is why I have joined this bipartisan group to take serious action to prevent weapons trafficking and straw purchasing, where a third party member legally purchases a firearm then sells or trades it to a criminal who is legally barred from purchasing such a weapon. Our bipartisan, consensus legislation includes the Gun Trafficking Prevention Act, which Senator Gillibrand and I introduced earlier this year, that would for the first time make it a Federal crime to traffic illegal guns. The Stop Illegal Trafficking in Firearms Act also strengthens the tools law enforcement need to crack down on straw purchasers, particularly those who transfer those weapons in furtherance of crimes of violence or drug trafficking. This legislation also calls upon the Sentencing Commission to substantially increase the penalties when these crimes are committed by individuals affiliated with gangs and other criminal enterprises. A portion of this new anti-illegal gun trafficking legislation is named after Hadiya Pendleton, a 15-year-old who was shot and killed by gang gunfire in Chicago. For Hadiya and thousands of other victims, my hope is we can break through the gridlock here in Washington to actually get something done to save lives.

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Mr. President, I rise in support of the Stop Illegal Trafficking in Firearms Act of 2013, which I am proud to join in introducing with Senators Leahy, Gillibrand, Durbin and Collins. There are an estimated 33,000 gangs with 1.4 million active members who live in our neighborhoods, towns and cities across the United States. With more than 100,000 gang members, the city of Chicago has more gang members who terrorize its residents than any other city in the United States. The Chicago Crime Commission also reported the existence of an additional 15,000 gang members operating in our suburbs. Gangs such as the Vice Lords, Gangster Disciples, and the Latin Kings are responsible for nearly 80 percent of the city's homicides, which just last summer amounted to 500 deaths in Chicago. These homicides are most often perpetrated with illegal weapons. Law enforcement officers in Chicago confiscate an average of 13,000 illegal weapons each year. It must end. That is why I have joined this bipartisan group to take serious action to prevent weapons trafficking and straw purchasing, where a third party member legally purchases a firearm then sells or trades it to a criminal who is legally barred from purchasing such a weapon. Our bipartisan, consensus legislation includes the Gun Trafficking Prevention Act, which Senator Gillibrand and I introduced earlier this year, that would for the first time make it a Federal crime to traffic illegal guns. The Stop Illegal Trafficking in Firearms Act also strengthens the tools law enforcement need to crack down on straw purchasers, particularly those who transfer those weapons in furtherance of crimes of violence or drug trafficking. This legislation also calls upon the Sentencing Commission to substantially increase the penalties when these crimes are committed by individuals affiliated with gangs and other criminal enterprises. A portion of this new anti-illegal gun trafficking legislation is named after Hadiya Pendleton, a 15-year-old who was shot and killed by gang gunfire in Chicago. For Hadiya and thousands of other victims, my hope is we can break through the gridlock here in Washington to actually get something done to save lives.

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Mr. President, more than 2 million Americans have served our Nation in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other post-9/11 missions around the world. Now, as these men and women return home, they are confronting yet another challenge--finding a job. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, unemployment among younger veterans has reached staggering proportions. Nearly one-third of all veterans aged 18-24--and more than half of female veterans in that range--are unemployed. Roughly 800,000 veterans call Illinois home. And in 2010, Illinois' veteran unemployment rate was the fourth highest in the country. That is why I joined with my good friend and colleague, Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), in forming the Congressional Veterans Jobs Caucus. And 1 year later, 35 Senators and 46 Representatives from across the political spectrum have joined the effort. We are bringing together government and business leaders, veteran service organizations, and educational institutions to identify solutions to reduce vets' unemployment. And I am proud to report that several Illinois employers, such as State Farm and Caterpillar are stepping up to help. At a time when so many see a divided government, we owe it to our veterans to cast aside our differences and work across the aisle to help solve this problem. Thank you, Mr. President.

Mr. KIRK

Mr. KIRK. Mr. President, today I rise to honor the legacy of former VA Deputy Secretary Gordon Mansfield; a combat veteran, friend, and tireless advocate for our veterans. He passed away last week. Over the course of his distinguished career Gordon served his nation, its veterans, and those persevering through disabilities. He will be missed but his legacy remembered. Like many in his generation, Gordon enlisted and served in Vietnam. During the Tet Offensive, while on his second combat tour, Gordon was wounded and sustained a spinal cord injury. He was awarded the Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, and Presidential Unit Citation. While recovering from his injuries, Gordon earned his law degree, and upon moving back to Florida, began practicing law. He served as a counsel in a legal aid program devoted to assisting his fellow veterans. From 1981 to 1989, Gordon served as the executive director of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, advocating for disabled veterans' interests on a national level. His work at PVA was instrumental in standing up the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims as well as shaping landmark disabilities advocacy legislation. In 1989, Gordon joined the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and served as President George H.W. Bush's Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. There he served as a strong advocate for accessible housing. In 2001, Gordon once again answered the call to help veterans, joining Secretary Anthony Principi as the Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Legislative Affairs at the Department of Veterans Affairs. In 2004, he became the Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer, and served as Acting Secretary in 2007. During his time at the VA, Gordon oversaw the implementation of the post-9/11 GI bill and many other major transformation initiatives. I worked closely with Gordon to establish the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago, the Nation's first fully integrated Department of Defense-VA medical center. Only a few years before, a Washington consulting company recommended the closure of the North Chicago VA. Instead, the idea behind the Lovell FHCC was born. Working with Gordon was a privilege, and through his dedication to this effort, we succeeded. Today, over 100,000 veterans, military servicemembers, and their families have access to state-of-the-art health care at the Lovell FHCC. It is for this, and his many other accomplishments, that we thank and honor Gordon Mansfield for his service to this Nation.