William Keating

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. I yield to the gentleman.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a dedicated and courageous citizen from my district in Massachusetts. Diane Lilly, a resident of Duxbury, will be retiring as a Trooper First Class from the Massachusetts State Police after 26 years of exemplary service. Diane was born on December 13, 1956 in Dorchester, Massachusetts. She graduated from Cardinal Cushing High School in South Boston in 1974 and the University of Massachusetts, Boston, in 1980. Six years later, she graduated from the State Police Academy and began her long career of service to the state. Her work did not slow her passion for education or justice, however, as she graduated from Westfield State College with a Masters in Criminal Justice in 1990. Diane comes from an extraordinary family of civil servants and community leaders, so it is no wonder she has chosen such an admirable career path. Her father, Leonard, was a Boston Police Officer and retired as Chief Court Officer in Boston Municipal Court. Her sister, Janet, also went to work at that court for many years and her brother, Michael, has been a corrections officer at Suffolk County House of Correction. Two of her other brothers, Lenny and Brian, have both worked as police officers in Massachusetts, while her brother, Kevin, runs the heart and lung machines during open heart surgery at Cape Cod Hospital. Between 1987 and 2001, Diane worked out of the Norfolk County State Police Office. During this time she was instrumental in the Salvi and Sampson case that put a dangerous and prolific criminal behind bars for more than 30 years. She then began working with the Plymouth County Homicide Unit, where she was able to play an important role in the Matthew Cody cold case and the Magnarelli murder case. Since 2005, she has been a member of the Diversion Investigative Unit working on prescription drug abuse cases. Bay Staters are safer because Diane--and her colleagues--have had the courage to take on the most dangerous issues facing our community. As Diane retires after such a commendable life of public service, she will be able to spend some much deserved down time with her three dogs, Dermott, Maggie and Josephine. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Diane Lilly on this remarkable occasion. I ask that my colleagues join me in wishing her a great retirement and many years of happiness with her family and dogs and thank her for making Massachusetts a safer place.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. I thank the gentleman for yielding. There's been a lot of talk about kick the can down the road and kick the can down the road. I want to know what road that is? The road I know, the road that gave me the American Dream, was the road to an education that's being undercut by this budget. It's a road to medical security that my grandparents worked hard and struggled for to give me. So that's the road we're talking about. The other question I have is, What can are we talking about? The budget offered by the Republicans kicks the can down the road all right, but that can is the middle class American.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Julie Caruso, who was honored as the 2011 Citizen of the Year by the Pembroke Express, in recognition of her tireless support of our troops serving overseas. Julie started the Pembroke Military Support Group following the attacks of September 11th, and for the past ten years, she has been the moving force behind it. The group's goal is both simple and noble: support our service men and women and military families in tangible ways. Meeting every month, a core group of approximately fifteen volunteers assemble care packages for more than 120 Pembroke residents--or those connected to Pembroke--who are currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Members of the Military Support Group also provide support to the service members' families living in Pembroke, Massachusetts. In 2009, the group received the Community Caring Award presented by the Norwell Visiting Nurse Association for outstanding service to the community. Many people would have become fatigued or worn out after a couple years supporting a military community, but not Julie. Julie is that rare individual with the imagination to dream up this successful group, the dedication to get it off the ground and the perseverance to remain its backbone for over ten years. She not only organizes fundraising, but collects and packages the items and then works with multiple agencies to get the care packages to the troops overseas. Julie has said that she lives by the belief that her door is always open for family members of servicemen and servicewomen in need of a shoulder to lean on, and I doubt there is any resident in Pembroke, MA who would disagree with her. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Julie Caruso as she is honored for her generosity, drive and initiative. She is a model of leadership and selflessness for us all.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mrs. Ellen Stillman, a resident of Hanson, Massachusetts, who celebrates her 100th birthday on February 20th. Ellen was born in 1912, and began her first job at a Hanson cranberry cooperative, Cranberry Canners, when she was 15 years old. She fell in love with the work and after graduating from the Chandler School for Women and Boston University with a degree in journalism and advertising, she convinced her father to cultivate a bog of their own. In 1937, she borrowed $15,000 and built a six-acre bog on the Stillman property in Hanson. Her bog paid for itself after only the second harvest. Ellen continued to pursue her passion, and by the time she retired as vice president in charge of advertising at the Ocean Spray Cranberry Association in 1956, she had built a national reputation for the cranberry industry. Some of her more notable accomplishments include spearheading an advertising campaign to join cranberries and chicken, appearing on radio and TV and making a presentation of cranberries to President Eisenhower and Vice President Nixon at the White House. One year later, she was named the only female member of the 24-person Ocean Spray board of directors. When not busy with her bogs, Ellen took time out for philanthropy, serving on the women's committee of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and donating generously to the Boston Symphony Orchestra. She also used her expertise to write a number of cookbooks. More than 70 years later, Ellen's cranberry bogs continue to be an important part of the Hanson community and economy, and Ellen, herself, remains a pioneer in the industry. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Ellen Stillman on this joyful occasion and I hope my colleagues will join me in wishing her many more years of happiness and health.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Margaret Bonner of Quincy, Massachusetts who celebrates her 103rd birthday on February 22nd. Margaret was born on February 22, 1909 in Great Britain, where she spent her childhood. A concert pianist by training, she graduated from the London College of Music and shortly thereafter immigrated to the United States, arriving just before the crash of the stock market. Margaret first moved to Dorchester, Massachusetts before settling in Quincy in 1975. Always a creative person and an arts enthusiast, she worked as an illustrative artist on greeting cards during the Great Depression. Throughout her life, Margaret has had a rich and remarkable career. At the end of World War I, she returned to Great Britain to volunteer with the Red Cross as a nurse's aide. Following that, she embarked on a long and accomplished career in the fashion and bridal industry, working as a buyer and manager for Worth of Boston on Boylston Street, among other high-end stores. In this position, Margaret traveled the world, purchasing couture clothes and meeting directly with famous designers from Versace to Halston. It was her love of fashion and the arts that kept her going over the years, and she did not retire until she was 86 years old. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Margaret Bonner on this joyous occasion. I ask that my colleagues join me in wishing her many more years of health and happiness.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the dedicated service of Franklin Fryer. In his 57 years of service to the Town of Weymouth, Massachusetts, Franklin helped advance many important initiatives and tirelessly served his community. Now at age 90, as he celebrates his retirement from public life at the end of this month, I am proud to join family, friends, colleagues, and community leaders in thanking him for his many years of commitment to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Franklin is that rare individual who dedicates his entire life's work to public service. After bravely serving as a Marine in World War II, he returned to his native Weymouth to continue his civic service. In 1955, he was elected to the Board of Selectmen, where he served until 1973. Three years later, Franklin was elected Town Clerk, a position he has held ever since. But those are just the positions he held; they don't speak to the countless hours and services he has dedicated to his community in excess of his job. Franklin is a reflection of all that we hope and expect community leaders to be. The Town of Weymouth would not be the same without him, so it was a fitting tribute that the office where he had been working for the past 12 years was renamed in his honor. Franklin's retirement marks the end of an era for the Weymouth community. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Franklin Fryer for his dedication to the people of Weymouth, Massachusetts. He is an excellent role model for young adults, a leader for his fellow community members and a shining example of what it means to be a public servant. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing him many more years of health and happiness.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Mashpee Falcons in my district who represented their communities in the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association's (MIAA) annual Super Bowls. The teams from Bourne High School, Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School, Duxbury High School, Mashpee High School, and Nantucket High School won five of the nine Super Bowls across the state, demonstrating a true commitment to excellence in Massachusetts' 10th District. Since 1978 when the MIAA first regulated athletic events in the Commonwealth, these tournaments have highlighted the dedication and discipline of our state's high school football teams, and the five teams from the 10th Congressional District, who won their division Super Bowls, are wonderful examples of the best of high school sports. I am certain that the student-athletes on Mashpee's high school football team will take the valuable lesson of teamwork they have learned and translate it into many successes in the future. This is a tremendous achievement for the school, coaches and players, and I congratulate them on making everyone in their communities, including myself, proud. I would like to take a moment to now recognize each of the hardworking athletes, their coach, athletic director, team doctor, assistants, as well as the school administration for their achievements both on and off the field: From Mashpee High School (by number): 2--John Williams, 3--Cody Bingham-Hendricks, 4--Xavier Penveluar, 5--Devin VanGelder, 6--Jake Martini, 6--James Murphy, 7--Zack Orcutt, 9--Tyler Gaudreau, 12--Chris Pearson, 14--Tyler Lawlee, 18--Jordan Keliinui, 20--Robbie Hendricks, 22--Larry Green, 23--Zack Buckley, 24--Kevin Frye, 28--Robert Andrade, 30--Kameron Clark, 31--Jared Taylor, 36--Kyle Murrary, 40--Xavier Rose, 44--John Benard, 47--Sam Elichalt, 50--Aaron Roderick, 52--Hayden Kilpatrick, 53--Ethan West, 56--Kris Carpenter, 59--Travis Parslow, 62--Dan Miklos, 70--Anthony Sylvia, 76--Matt Miller, 76--Kevin Wilson, 77--Graham Kilpartick, 79--Nathan Chrzanowski, 80--Tea Moulton-Childs, 81--Alexander Clark, 90--Jorgen Danielson, Devin McDaniel. Head Coach: Matthew Triveri. Assistants: Mark Balestracci, Patrick Ball, Mark Doucette, Chris Rendigs. Volunteers: Mike Mullen, John Moreno, Pat Merrick. Athletic Director: Mike Horne. Trainer: Courtney Briggs. Team Doctor: Rich Mosychuk. Principal: Jane Day. Superintendent of schools: Ann Bradshaw.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Duxbury Dragons in my district who represented their communities in the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association's (MIAA) annual Super Bowls. The teams from Bourne High School, Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School, Duxbury High School, Mashpee High School, and Nantucket High School won five of the nine Super Bowls across the state, demonstrating a true commitment to excellence in Massachusetts' 10th District. Since 1978 when the MIAA first regulated athletic events in the Commonwealth, these tournaments have highlighted the dedication and discipline of our state's high school football teams, and the five teams from the 10th Congressional District, who won their division Super Bowls, are wonderful examples of the best of high school sports. I am certain that the student-athletes on Duxbury's high school football team will take the valuable lesson of teamwork they have learned and translate it into many successes in the future. This is a tremendous achievement for the school, coaches and players, and I congratulate them on making everyone in their communities, including myself, proud. I would like to take a moment to now recognize each of the hardworking athletes and their coach for their achievements both on and off the field. From Duxbury High School (by number): 1--Tucker Hannon, 2--Reilly Naton (C), 3--Andrew Buron, 4--Khai Perry, 5--Jay McDermott, 6--Greg Williams, 7--Matt Okeefe, 8--James Burke (C), 9--Don Webber (C), 10--Sean McCarthy, 11--Kevin Winchester, 12--James Higgins, 13--Patrick Buell, 14--Ryan Scanlon, 15--Mike Tougas, 16--Keenan Siciliano, 17--Drew Hadley, 19--Luke DiVasta, 20-- Max Randall (C), 21--Colin Johnson, 22--Seamus Connelly, 23--Andrew Padula, 24--Jon Hurvitz, 25--Andrew Baker, 26--Joe Guilfoile, 27--Ben Clark, 28--Wes Quinzani, 32--Jim Chappuis, 33--Henry Narlee, 34--Henry Buonagurio (C), 35--Kyle Macleod, 36--Mike Kozmiski, 38--JP O'Neil, 40--Marshall McCarthy. 41--Steven Bouchie, 42--Sean Casey, 43--Chris Haney, 47--Brody Zisko, 49--Martin Moxter, 50--Drew Lawrence, 51--Kevin DiBona, 52--Rick Lippard, 53--Kasey Stefanski, 54--Chris Bertoni, 55--Marcus Urann, 56-- Owen Grey, 57--Cam Schofield, 58--Luke Glathorn, 59--Chris Cote, 60-- Bill Weld, 61--Cj Loconte, 62--Dave Creed, 63--Mark Trudeau, 64--Bobby Boyle, 65--Sean Gleason, 66--Mike Klein, 67--Theodore Holland, 69-- Gordon Acha, 70--Grant Kramer, 71--Brendan Connolly, 72--Rob Kosharek, 73--Carter Bulman, 74--Pat Blair, 75--Winston Schromm, 76--Kevin Lema, 77--Johnny Congdon, 78--Jack Herlihy, 79--Dylan Buckley, 80--Tommy Sarles, 86--Alden Fontana, Coach: Dave Maimaron.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Dennis-Yarmouth Dolphins in my district who represented their communities in the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association's (MIAA's) annual Super Bowls. The teams from Bourne High School, Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School, Duxbury High School, Mashpee High School, and Nantucket High School won five of the nine Super Bowls across the state, demonstrating a true commitment to excellence in Massachusetts' 10th District. Since 1978 when the MIAA first regulated athletic events in the Commonwealth, these tournaments have highlighted the dedication and discipline of our state's high school football teams, and the five teams from the 10th Congressional District, who won their division Super Bowls, are wonderful examples of the best of high school sports. I am certain that the student-athletes on Dennis-Yarmouth's high school football team will take the valuable lesson of teamwork they have learned and translate it into many successes in the future. This is a tremendous achievement for the school, coaches and players, and I congratulate them on making everyone in their communities, including myself, proud. I would like to take a moment to now recognize each of the hardworking athletes, their coach, assistants and managers for their achievements both on and off the field: From Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School (by number): 1--Damion Johnson, 2--Quan Lovett, 3--Kent Metz, 4--Rufus Hamilton, 5--Spencer Tyler, 6--Mike Dunn, 7--Mathew Montalto, 10--A.J. Breault, 11--Jeremy Lucyk, 12--Steven Azor, 13--Kyle Stephens, 14--Spencer McCaffrey, 15--Mike Anderson, 16--Ryan Barabe, 17--Liam Matheson, 18-- Jacob Pawlina, 20--Ben Chapakso, 21--Sean Iliffe, 22--Dylan Hodsdon, 23--Cory Desimone, 24--Kenneth Couture, 25--Gandin McCaffrey, 30--Joe Furness, 33--Cooper Greenspon-Sullivan, 35--Tom Dasilva, 44--Chase Orava, 45--Mathew Peterson. 50--Liam Breen, 51--Quinn Campbell, 52--Eduardo Seabra-Amancio, 53-- Dan Robles, 54--John Downs, 55--John Terrio, 56--Casey Allen, 57--Barry Dempsey, 58--Mathew Quattrucci, 59--Hunter Oppedisano, 60--Anthony Burke, 61--Tristen O'Leary, 63--Anthony Daly, 65--Spike Elizondo, 66-- Chip Evangelista, 67--Arthur Hairston, 68--Zach Mancini, 69--Nick Coelho, 70--Andrew Robles, 71--Morgan Rosetta, 72--Kyle Pina, 73-- Justin Haley, 74--Mike Alker, 75--Shane Lappen, 76--Ryan Donahue, 77-- Tommy Kennedy, 78--Joe Tyo, 79--Dillon Collins, 84--Will Campbell, 87-- Jason Lavallee, 88--Thomas Cooper, 90--Raheem McFarlane, Jake Campbell, Nick Warme, Devan Smith, Matt Perrino, Jeff Romulus, Ziad Kamel. Coach: Paul Funk; Assistants: Tom Campbell, Chris Capobianco, Ross Jatkola, Matt Crossetti, Joe Jamiel, Nick Montalto, Dave Hamshire, Derick Rodrigues, John Terrio, Bob Montalto, Chris Corna; Managers: Joe Elliot and Zack Hardigan.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Bourne High School Canalmen in my district who represented their communities in the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association's (MIAA) annual Super Bowls. The teams from Bourne High School, Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School, Duxbury High School, Mashpee High School, and Nantucket High School won five of the nine Super Bowls across the state, demonstrating a true commitment to excellence in Massachusetts' 10th District. Since 1978 when the MIAA first regulated athletic events in the Commonwealth, these tournaments have highlighted the dedication and discipline of our state's high school football teams, and the five teams from the 10th Congressional District, who won their division Super Bowls, are wonderful examples of the best of high school sports. I am certain that the student-athletes on Bourne's high school football team will take the valuable lesson of teamwork they have learned and translate it into many successes in the future. This is a tremendous achievement for the school, coaches and players, and I congratulate them on making everyone in their communities, including myself, proud. I would like to take a moment to now recognize each of the hardworking athletes, their coach, assistants and athletic director for their achievements both on and off the field: From Bourne High School (by number): 3--Nigel Jackson, 5--Nick Pereira, 7--Tyler Ruggiero, 9--Geoffrey Hite, 10--Jason Moriarty, 11--Terrell Rogers, 12--Jovier Nivar, 14-- Zach Songer, 21--Chad Marsh, 24--Marquesse Rhodes, 30--Tyler Benotti, 32--Christopher Mayer, 34--Jake Achstetter, 35--Michael Stephens, 60-- Connor Collett, 48--Team Captain Joe Epps, 50--Kyle Voss, 51--Dan DiMonda, 55--Brandon Boisvert, 56--Team Captain Jack Schmitt, 57--Manny Pereira, 58--Colin Lanoie, 61--Cody Black, 62--Justin Breton, 63-- Tripper Johnson, 64--Tommy Davis, 66--Robert Hodkinson, 70--Andrew Veliotis, 72--Zachary Keif, 74--Pat Sullivan, 75--Corey Travers, 76-- Mike Raftery, 77--Connor Schmitt, 81--Dillon Woodside, 85--Team Captain Drew Girouard, 88--Kent Murtaugh. Coach: John McIntyre; Assistants: Dave DeFelice, James Lanoie, Terry Donovan, Brent Lyden, Craig Davidson; Athletic Director: Scott Ashworth.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Nantucket Whalers in my district who represented their communities in the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association's (MIAA) annual Super Bowls. The teams from Bourne High School, Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School, Duxbury High School, Mashpee High School, and Nantucket High School won five of the nine Super Bowls across the State, demonstrating a true commitment to excellence in Massachusetts' 10th District. Since 1978 when the MIAA first regulated athletic events in the Commonwealth, these tournaments have highlighted the dedication and discipline of our State's high school football teams, and the five teams from the 10th Congressional District, who won their division Super Bowls, are wonderful examples of the best of high school sports. I am certain that the student-athletes on Nantucket's high school football team will take the valuable lesson of teamwork they have learned and translate it into many successes in the future. This is a tremendous achievement for the school, coaches and players, and I congratulate them on making everyone in their communities, including myself, proud. I would like to take a moment to now recognize each of the hardworking athletes, their coach, and assistant coaches for their achievements both on and off the field: From Nantucket High School (by alphabetical order): Jake Adams, Oscar Andersen, Keegan Bartlett, Andrew Benson, Victor Boucher, Valentino Coleman, Matt Correia, Terrel Correia, Bryan Depass, Sam Earle, Hunter Gray, Shane Hanlon, Stephen Harris, Jon Holdgate, Thomas Holdgate, Taylor Hughes, Jacob Martinson, Zach Moran, Dylan O'Connor, Tanner O'Keefe, Jake Pearl, Codie Perry, Dylan Perry, Jack Pitts, Alex Rezendes, Colton Robinson, Will Sarnie, Marshall Slade, Ian Smith, Joe Tallman, Trent Valero, Cooper Voigt, Jon Vollans, Zach VonKampen. Bill Manchester, Head Coach; Beau Almodobar, Assistant Coach; Vaughan Machado, Assistant Coach; Steve Murphy, Assistant Coach; Tim Psaradelis, Assistant Coach; Travis Lombardi, Assistant Coach; Bob Kessler, Assistant Coach; Matt Erisman, Assistant Coach.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mrs. Eleanor Norris, a resident of my district in Norwell, Massachusetts, who today celebrates her 100th birthday. Eleanor was born on December 5, 1911, in Chicago with her family later moving to Boston. A product of dedicated homeschooling, she went on to attend Vassar College and became a first-grade teacher, working in Hanson, among other towns. Shortly after that she met, Albert Norris, a World War II naval aviator, with whom she had a 17-year courtship before they married. Starting in the 1920s, Albert and Eleanor began purchasing land along the North River, a National Natural Landmark and a Commonwealth of Massachusetts Scenic River. They eventually built a cottage, cut a trail system, opened up the shady forest to attract wildflowers and ferns, and created a haven for woodland and riverside wildlife. Sadly, in 1962, six years after they married, Albert passed away. Upon his death, she inherited 100 acres along the North River. Many people would have caved to the numerous developers who made her offers, but not Eleanor. She decided, rather, that the land should not be sold but left to the public to enjoy forever. So starting in 1970, she donated those 100 acres to The Trustees of Reservations, a non-profit land management organization. The plot was named the Norris Reservation. This was an extraordinary gift to all of us from a woman who to this day lives very simply next door to the land she donated. In addition to this timeless gift, Eleanor helped launch the South Shore Natural Science Center in 1962 and was named Norwell Citizen of the Year for 1994. Adding to her numerous achievements, she became an accomplished ballroom dancer in her 60s. Eleanor's greatest pleasure in life now comes from ``seeing people enjoying themselves with the right thing,'' such as nature and music. And on occasion, she still gets out into the woods of the reservation. Her legacy of service and commitment to our community will live forever in the Norris Reservation. It seems to me that there is no more fitting a memorial for a woman who contributed so much to Norwell than a living, breathing, growing part of the town she and her husband loved. The Norris Reservation, like the people it is named for, has made its mark on the lives of countless members of our community and will continue to for generations to come. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Eleanor Norris on this joyous occasion. I ask that my colleagues join me in wishing her many more years of health and happiness.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 10th anniversary of WE CAN, Women's empowerment through Cape Area Networking in Harwich Port, Massachusetts. Recognizing that every community member's well-being contributes to that of the whole community, WE CAN's mission has been to empower Cape Cod women of all ages undergoing challenging life transitions. It includes services that bring increased opportunity, self-sufficiency, stability, and lasting positive change for themselves, their families and, ultimately, the entire community. After ten years, WE CAN remains committed to that mission. WE CAN had its beginnings at Cape Cod Community College in a program called Women in Transition, WIT, which was designed to help women of all ages and demographics improve their lives through education. A year later, WIT became WE CAN. In its first year, they helped 15 women. Early services included emergency financial aid; programs that provided guidance on reenrolling in school and mentorship; help filling out forms for emergency fuel assistance, financial aid for education, job applications; and information and referrals to other organizations on the Cape. Now, ten years later, at the half mark of this year, WE CAN, had already handled more than 2100 contacts and served close to 1000 women. WE CAN has a true tradition of excellence thanks to its outstanding leadership, superior volunteers, board, staff, generous community partners and motivated program participants. Based on evolving needs of the Cape population, they continued to grow in terms of the number of women and their families served; the development of their programs and services; and in terms of their ability to attract volunteers, secure grants and donations from area businesses and individuals. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating WE CAN, its staff, board, volunteers, community partners, and program participants on the celebration of 10 years of service to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Cape Cod Community College's 50th anniversary. Our Nation's community colleges provide the dream of achieving a higher education to millions of students each year. They are the Nation's key supplier of workforce development and retraining needs, and--just as importantly--they build lasting partnerships and contribute significantly to the communities they serve. Cape Cod Community College is a leading institution of education, not only for the Cape, but for the entirety of Massachusetts. Since 1961, Cape Cod Community College has served as a beacon of higher education in West Barnstable County, the second institution to open as part of what is now a 15 community college system in Massachusetts. When Cape Cod Community College's doors opened, there were 166 students enrolled. Two years later, the first evening program found 130 students enrolled in ten different degree-credit courses. By that spring, the first summer session had enrolled 145 students from 50 colleges and universities taking degree-credit courses. Now, 50 years later, that number has increased to nearly 7,000 students with over 80 degrees and certificates being offered. Cape Cod Community College has a true tradition of excellence thanks to its outstanding leadership, superior faculty and staff and motivated students. They have received national prominence both for their programs as well as their inclusion of Cape Cod residents. Cape Cod Community College has been recognized as much for its sustainability education as its service to the adult Plus 50 learner and military personnel at Otis, the Massachusetts Military Reservation. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Cape Cod Community College, its President Kathleen Schatzberg and the entire college community on the celebration of 50 years of service to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Elaine Schuster, as she is honored with the Believe in Girls Award from the Big Sister Association of Greater Boston on November 12, 2011. Elaine was--and is--never afraid to speak her mind, and that trait has proven invaluable to the various causes and constituencies for which she has fought. Through her important work with Big Sisters--one of the oldest and most established youth mentoring programs in the country--Elaine has advised, coached, and helped numerous girls and young women make healthy choices in their lives. Elaine has been a role model to many, exhibiting these qualities on a daily basis through her good deeds, passion for helping others, and generous nature. Never one for holding back, she has dedicated herself to helping young girls, including her grandchildren, believe there is nothing they cannot do, become or achieve. To reflect on her work for our community is to reflect on a life of selflessness, devotion, drive and, above all, care for her fellow neighbor. I ask my colleagues to please join me in congratulating Elaine Schuster as she is honored for her generosity, drive and initiative, and I urge others to learn from her leadership and guidance.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Big Sister Association of Greater Boston on their 60th anniversary. Big Sister is the largest mentoring program in the region that specifically serves women and girls. Volunteers enthusiastically dedicate their time and service to the communities in the Greater Boston area. Their actions are deserving of this body's recognition. The Big Sister Association was founded in 1951 by three Cambridge residents: The Reverend Harold Taylor, Assistant Rector at Christ Church in Cambridge; Edith Taylor, a Cambridge police officer; and Frances Marley, an administrative assistant and legal consultant for the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Believing that girls in their community could benefit from the guidance and support of an older female friend, they created a one-to-one mentoring program where girls, Little Sisters, were individually matched with caring and committed volunteers, Big Sisters. They continue to welcome new women and girls to the Big Sister program. In their first year, they matched six girls--in 2009, Big Sister served more than 2,700 girls throughout 69 Massachusetts cities and towns. What keeps them growing is the steadfast belief that by focusing on the healthy development of girls, they are preparing the next generation of mothers, teachers, doctors and business leaders. By continuing to implement new mentoring programs this has led to the creation of a vibrant community where girls know that there is no limit to what they can achieve. Their humble actions and service to the community are commendable. Mr. Speaker, please join me in leading this body in acknowledging the Big Sister Association of Greater Boston, as they celebrate their 60th anniversary. The Big Sister Association of Greater Boston community is tremendously valued in my district and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I hope the previous question is defeated so I can offer an amendment, along with my colleagues Mr. Levin and Mr. Bishop, to really correct something that, frankly, is outrageous. It's not only outrageous, but it is exhibit A of what's wrong with this Congress. The underlying bill to do away with the 3 percent withholding, I've met with my local business people, had discussions, and this is a great opportunity for bipartisan efforts to help create some jobs and help small businesses go forward. We're actually in agreement with something that's going to do all those things; and I'm proud to support that, and I'm proud to reach across the aisle and support that. But I have got to tell you, you just can't mess things up more than you're messing things up here, because the offset that was taken by the majority party is a tax on people that have Social Security and Medicaid. Why are you doing that when you're trying to get people some economic benefits through businesses, and really an effort that we both should be applauded for working together on. The amendment that I'm going to offer is going to correct that. It's going to correct it in a way that makes perfect sense and is exhibit A about what can be right about this Congress. We're going to take away that oil subsidy that in the next several years is going to amount to $43.6 billion in a windfall to our richest, most profitable companies that don't need it. Incidentally, 93 percent of that windfall goes to preferred stock buy-backs and CEO remuneration that is not necessary. So we have something we agree on. We have something that's going to be a benefit and that's going to create jobs and help small businesses. Now, we can go one of two ways in terms of paying for that.

Mr. KEATING. We can have an additional tax on the Medicaid and Social Security recipients, or we can continue to reward the CEOs and Big Oil. That's not a tough choice. So I hope that the previous question is defeated so we can offer something that makes sense. It's time for this Congress to get it right. We have a chance to do it, and I hope we will.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deepest condolences for the victims of the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that shook the eastern region of Turkey on Sunday and claimed the lives of nearly 300 people. As I join my colleagues in Washington this week, my thoughts and prayers are with the families of Van who have lost loved ones, the children of Ercis who have lost the security of their homes, and the courageous rescue workers who have risked their lives searching for survivors in unsteady rubble. While it is regrettable that moments of chaos and tragedy bring nations closer together, I see the outpouring of support by Turkey's neighbors and allies to be testament to the loyalty demonstrated by the Turkish people year after year. May the destruction of this earthquake serve not as a representation of tragedies past, but as a reminder of the assistance Turkey has provided her neighbors when they have faced similar calamity. In my privileged capacity as a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, I am proud to witness the deluge of disaster aid offered by countries near and far. It would bring me a great sense of relief to see that the victims of this natural disaster receive access to the aid offered by Turkey's neighbors. In honor of Turkey's resilience and strength, I once again offer my most sincere sympathy and appreciation for the pain felt by the Turkish people.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the three hundred and seventy-fifth anniversary of the Town of Scituate in Plymouth County, Massachusetts. In 1627, courageous settlers from Plymouth Colony moved up the shoreline of Cape Cod Bay, establishing a village whose main thoroughfare, Kent Street, still survives today. Increases in population allowed for the village to incorporate in 1636, and the founders chose a name derived from the indigenous Wampanoag tribe's word for cold brook, satuit, to reflect the brook that ran to the inner harber of the village. That brook and the town of Scituate continue to thrive 375 years later. Like most towns along Massachusetts' cultural South Shore, Scituate's rich history is intimately tied to the sea. Fishing and sea mossing have long provided an economic backbone for the town, which is also home to the famed Old Scituate Light. It is there that the American Army of Two, the young sisters Abigail and Rebecca Bates, deterred an approaching British ship during the War of 1812, thus saving the town from being ransacked by the enemy soldiers. The Bates sisters are not Scituate's only famous residents. It is also home to William Cushing, one of the original six justices on the United States Supreme Court and Jim Lonborg, a Boston Red Sox pitcher distinguished with the Cy Young Award, among others. From its founding days, the residents of Scituate have always distinguished themselves as determined and inventive. Today, the town is known as much for its maritime industry as it is for its majestic beaches and beautiful seascapes. It also remains a birthplace of innovation with new clean energy projects such as Solarize Scituate and the Oceans Campus Center. Over the past 375 years, Scituate has celebrated its unique history while continuing to evolve and progress. I am certain that the town will continue to do this for centuries to come. Happy 375th Birthday, Scituate.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Chairman, this bill gives the impression that we're going to deal with this issue in 5 years. If you look at the bill carefully, you will find out, Mr. Chair, that indeed what it could postpone is the effect of this amendment forever. In fact, in terms of pollution, in terms of toxins, this is the equivalent of the ``pollution road to nowhere'' where there's no ending in sight, none that will ever be reached, and it's just nothing but a guise for the people to think they're doing something within the 5-year timeframe. Now, my amendment would allow the 5 years, but it would be a maximum of 5 years before the source has to be implemented and the appropriate changes are met in terms of emissions. Now, what else would this amendment do? This amendment would save 10,000 related deaths, avert 6,000 heart attacks, avoid nearly 70,000 asthma attacks, and the pollution reductions required in this rule would cut mercury emissions from cement kilns by over 90 percent. As all of us know, Mr. Chairman, mercury is a poisonous substance that affects the ability of infants and children to learn and to think. It also results in birth defects and cognitive disabilities. Cement kilns emit lead and arsenic which cause cancer and damage the nervous system. Now let's line up the costs and benefits. The costs--birth defects, cognitive disabilities, cancer, heart attacks, asthma, and attacks on the nervous system--are on one side of the ledger. On the other side of the ledger are marginal savings by the companies for not doing what they really should be doing in terms of keeping people safe. Now let's add up the cost of that versus the cost of all those ailments, all those things that affect young people and that will affect taxpayers funding this for decades to come, a multiple of whatever savings is there for the industries that are in question. So I hope this amendment passes. I think what this attempts to do is say let's cut through the guile. If you mean 5 years, you mean 5 years. And so we should be in agreement on this if that is indeed the case. And I hope this amendment gets the support from my colleagues that believe 5 years is a reasonable time. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KEATING. I thank the gentleman for yielding. I would just say this: When you talk about certainty, the only thing that is certain about this bill is there's no end to it. So if you call certainty meaning there's no timeframe that can ever be reached for certain, then I don't understand the paradox. And when you're talking about the cost to the EPA and the marginal cost that might be there to the industry in terms of savings, that pales in comparison--by multiples--to the cost that taxpayers are going to have to pay for the cognitive disabilities, the birth defects of infants and young children that will be borne, in most cases, by the taxpayer because we're not making these industries do what they're supposed to do.

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

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