William Lipinski

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an exceptional leader in the Third Congressional District of Illinois. I would like to honor Cyril ``Barry'' Lambert on his retirement from the Village of Summit's Board of Trustees and salute his many years as a dedicated Village Trustee. He is retiring from service to the Village on May 7, 2001, which also happens to be his 74th birthday. Barry started his career as Village Trustee over 33 years ago, and is the longest serving elected official in the Village of Summit's history. During his political career he has taken an active role in the community and has chaired many committees, including the Police and Fire Committee, the Community Development Committee and the Street and Sanitation Committee. Mr. Lambert is a veteran of World War 11, and served in the United States Navy. He is a member of the V.F.W. Post 6863, and the American Legion Post 735. He is active at St. Joseph's Church in Summit, and participates in the Holy Name Society there. He is also a member of the Summit Senior Citizens. Barry is well regarded in the community for his personable character, honesty and integrity. He and his wife, Mary, are the parents of Evelyn, Donna, Barry, Mary Beth and Nancy, grandparents to Christopher, Nicole, Rose and Sarah, and great-grandparents to Christopher. Mr. Speaker, as Barry leaves behind a long and rich history at the Village of Summit's Board of Trustees, I would ask that my colleagues join me in honoring this great man.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to stand with the Armenian- American community to commemorate the Armenian Genocide, one of the darkest chapters of world history. First of all, I would like to thank the gentleman from Michigan and the gentleman from New Jersey for their leadership as co-chairmen of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues. Today marks the 86th year of the beginning of the Armenian Genocide. The Armenian people were subjected to deportation, expropriation, torture, massacre, starvation, and abduction. April 24, 1915 is recognized the world over as the day the Ottoman Turks rounded and killed hundreds of Armenian leaders in Constantinople. Thousands more were murdered in public. This began an eight year long campaign that claimed the lives of over 1.5 million Armenian men, women and children--half of the world's Armenian population at the time. Moreover, 500,000 Armenians were forcibly driven out of their homeland to seek refuge in other nations. From 1915 to 1923, in a short eight years, the Ottoman Turks systematically and deliberately slaughtered over 1.5 million Armenians in their homeland. In a short eight years, in the blink of any eye, a 2,500 year-old civilization--the first Christian nation in the world-- was almost wiped out. Because of modern-day Turkey's attempt to disavow the Armenian Genocide and dispute the historical records, we must continue to affirm the Armenian Genocide. We must continue to commemorate the victims and the survivors as a matter of conscience and as a matter of faith. I believe we must have faith that efforts to do so will make a difference and will help keep the memories alive despite the Turkish government's attempt to rewrite history. I believe we must have faith to work together in the hopes of preventing any type genocide from ever occurring again. As I said two years ago in this chamber and on this floor, we cannot, should not and will not forget the Armenian Genocide. As a matter of conscience, we should all stand together to speak out to remember the victims. While the Armenians have suffered through such tragic horrors, it would be an even greater tragedy if we forget. We will remember and honor their memories in the hopes for a better tomorrow.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to pay tribute to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, a fine group of men and women who share a profound commitment of patriotism, comradeship and service to our nation's veterans, both in times of war and in times of peace. These outstanding men and women of every race, creed and ethnic background will celebrate Loyalty Day on May 1, 2001. This day is set aside as a special day for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the United States of America and for the recognition of the heritage of American freedom. Yet, this day does not belong to the Veterans of Foreign Wars alone; it belongs to all Americans. We should all pledge ourselves to maintain a free society in which loyalty is always encouraged and respected. We should let the world know that Americans are behind their country and that, because of this, America is still a strong and vibrant nation. I would like to specifically recognize the people in my district who have dedicated their time to support a Loyalty Day celebration. The Third District Commander Walter Liptak and Ladies Auxiliary President Diane M. Pencak, in conjunction with Loyalty Day Chairman James F. Davis, members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Barbara Maruszak-Sparr and Anthony S. Maruszak and the local community are gathering on Sunday, April 29, 2001 to commemorate Loyalty Day. I commend all our Veterans of Foreign Wars on this Loyalty Day, May 1, 2001 and encourage my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an amazing girl, my friend and neighbor Gina Thompson, who has overcome obstacles to become a starting point guard for the Hale School basketball team. What makes Gina's accomplishment so momentous is that she is the only girl in a league of boys. Hale School doesn't have a girl's basketball team, but Gina, who just turned 14, is just too good a player to let that stand in the way. While other girls tried out this year, Gina was the only one to make the cut. As a starting point guard, she averages six points a game and has had no problem gaining her teammates' respect. Most importantly, Gina has accomplished all this despite being diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at age nine. Just as she never let her gender become an obstacle in playing the game she loves, neither has Gina allowed diabetes to get in the way. She does have to give herself three insulin shots a day and continuously monitor herself to see that her sugar count remains normal, but Gina claims it is no big deal. Gina has even extended her basketball activities beyond Hale School. She plays for the girls' team at St. Symphorsa (where she attends CCD) and the eighth-grade Windy City AAU club basketball team. After graduation, she plans on taking her game to Maria High School. Gina is an incredible girl who has faced her challenges head-on to become a success at the game she loves. I whole-heartedly congratulate Gina and wish her all the best in the future.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, before I get into my Special Order, since the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer) is still here, I simply want to say that the reason the Duke Blue Devils won the NCAA championship is because the referees managed to foul out almost every Big 10 player that was in the tournament, and the second reason is the fact that the coach of the Blue Devils happens to be of Polish-American heritage from the city of Chicago. American Airlines' acquisition of TWA, which declared bankruptcy in January, is nearly complete. The American-TWA transaction was approved in March by a U.S. bankruptcy court judge. The Department of Justice issued a statement declaring that the agency would not challenge the merger, in essence, approving it. The Department of Transportation is currently working on the transfer of TWA's certificates and international routes to American Airlines. Although American Airlines must still survive some legal challenges during the bankruptcy appeals process, and, more importantly, gain approval from its unions, it will, by the end of this month, acquire 190 TWA planes, 175 TWA gates at airports throughout the Nation, 173 TWA slots at the four slot-controlled airports, TWA's hub in St. Louis, and 20,000 TWA employees. As a result, American Airlines will now enjoy the title of the world's largest airline with a 20 percent share of the U.S. domestic market. Unfortunately, American Airlines' quest to become bigger does not end there. American Airlines has also joined in the fray of the proposed United-USAirways merger. Last summer, United Airlines announced plans to purchase USAirways for a total of $11.6 billion. Now American Airlines plans to pay United Airlines $1.2 billion for 20 percent of the USAirways' assets, which includes 86 jets and 14 gates at six East Coast airports. As part of the deal, American and United would join together to operate the highly lucrative shuttle routes between Washington, D.C., New York, and Boston, which are now operated by US Airways. In addition, American Airlines is willing to pay $82 million for a 49 percent stake in DCAir, the airline created to allay antitrust concerns about the proposed United-US Airways merger. DCAir plans to take over most of US Airways' operation at Reagan Washington National Airport. If approved, United Airlines and its arch rival, American Airlines, will control half of the U.S. air travel market. Delta Airlines, United and America's next biggest competitor, will be left behind with only 18 percent of the domestic U.S. market. In response to this unprecedented consolidation of the airline industry, the CEO of the low-fare airline AirTran called the proposed merger one of the most brazen attempts by any two dominant businesses in any industry to simply accomplish together what they so vigorously resisted in recent years, the reregulation of the airline industry. However, instead of the Federal Government doling out routes and dividing up airport assets, it is the airlines themselves that are gobbling up their weaker rivals and carving up the Nation. With new hubs in Charlotte, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia to complement the existing operation at Washington-Dulles, United will rule the eastern seaboard in a proposed merger era. American will dominate the Midwest with the addition of St. Louis to its hubs at Dallas-Fort Worth and Chicago O'Hare. American will also have a significant presence at Reagan Washington National and New York's Kennedy airports. Faced with this tremendous market power possessed by a combined United-US Airways and a combined American-TWA-US Airways, the remaining network carriers, namely Delta Airlines, Northwest Airlines and Continental, will have to merge in some fashion to survive. This is the only way that they can acquire the size and scale necessary to compete in a rapidly consolidating industry. Therefore, in a postmerger era, it will not be two megacarriers dividing up half of the U.S. market, but, rather, three or four megacarriers controlling 80 percent of the U.S. market. Low-fare carriers will have to compete vigorously for the remaining 20 percent. This is, of course, if the megacarriers allow them to survive. Even today, when competition supposedly is alive and well, major carriers use their power to frustrate new entrant carriers and drive smaller competitors out of their established hubs. The major carriers use everything in their power, including airplane capacity, airport assets, and frequent flier programs, to squash competition from low-fare, new entrant airlines. Yet, the major carriers do not vigorously compete with one another. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) found that major network airlines have raised fares the most in markets where they compete only with one another. When they are forced to compete against a low-fare carrier, prices have not risen nearly as much. In fact, according to the DOT, in a market lacking a discount competitor, 24.7 million passengers per day pay on average 41 percent more than their counterparts in a hub market with a low-fare competitor. Three mega-carriers will have mega-market power and even more tools to drive out and keep out new competition. And, if six major carriers do not compete against each other today, why would three mega-carriers compete against each other in a post-merger tomorrow? Therefore, if the U.S. airline industry is allowed to consolidate, we will be left with essentially a re-regulated airline industry where the airlines call the shots and set the fares. With so few choices, airlines would have a captive consumer. Customer service would decline--if that is even possible given the level it is at today--and fares would increase. It's a lose-lose situation for customers. In that case, the federal government will have no choice but to step in and, in the public interest, assume its role as regulator. That's right. I firmly believe that if there are only three or four mega-carriers serving the U.S. market, the federal government will once again have to regulate the airline industry--overseeing fares, routes, and access to airports--in order to ensure a healthy state of competition.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of medical savings accounts. As we begin the 107th Congress, I am sad to report that over 43 million Americans are without health insurance. One solution to help alleviate this problem is medical savings accounts (MSAs). Figures recently released by the Internal Revenue Service confirm that MSAs are insuring the uninsured at an astounding rate. According to the IRS, since the program began in January of 1997, 32 percent of MSA purchasers were previously uninsured. This success is in spite of restrictions placed on the pilot program, which was part of the bipartisan Kassebaum-Kennedy health care bill that President Clinton signed into law in 1996. As of now, you can only get an MSA if you work for a company with 50 or fewer employees or if you are self-employed. However, many thousands of uninsured people have been purchasing MSA policies because MSAs are making health insurance affordable for the first time. In addition, MSAs allow for choice of doctor and put healthcare decisions in the hands of the individual, not a managed care administrator. Today, following in the bipartisan spirit under which MSAs were originally created, Chairman Thomas and I have introduced the Medical Savings Account Availability Act, with strong bipartisan support. This bill would repeal the 750,000 cap on taxpayer participation and make MSAs permanent. The legislation also expands the eligibility of MSAs to all individuals with a qualified high deductible plan. Repealing the 750,000 cap and making MSAs permanent are key to continuing the success of MSAs. Last year, Congress extended MSAs for 2 years. Nevertheless, many insurers are reluctant to invest the capital to market MSAs if they will expire soon. The Medical Savings Account Availability Act would make MSAs permanent. Insurers have also been hesitant to offer MSAs because the cap restrictions limit the size of the market in which MSAs could be offered. Therefore, repealing the cap would encourage the mass marketing of MSAs and increase Americans' awareness of the benefits of MSAs. It has been 8 years since the first Medical Savings Account bill was introduced with bipartisan support. MSAs have a proven track record of insuring the uninsured, giving individuals choice and control over their health care, making health care affordable by reducing the cost of premiums, and encouraging Americans to save for long-term health care expenses. With 43 million Americans vulnerable and uninsured, it's time to make MSAs available to everyone. I look forward to working with Chairman Thomas, members of both parties, and others who want all consumers to be able to reap the benefits of MSAs. I urge my colleagues to join us and support the Medical Savings Account Availability Act. The 43 million uninsured Americans will thank you.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, today I personally extend my warmest congratulations to United States Marshal James L. Whigham and the honorable men and women of the Northern District of Illinois' United States Marshals Service. On February 28, 2001, Marshal James L. Whigham accepted the prestigious 2000 Director's Distinguished District Award on behalf of the Northern District of Illinois' United States Marshals Service. The outstanding achievements of Marshal James L. Whigham and the men and women of the Northern District have brought great pride to my district, and I commend their dedication and commitment to their service. It is a great achievement and honor to be distinguished among the other United States Marshals Service districts. This honor has truly shown the strong leadership and exemplary performance of the United States Marshals in the Northern District of Illinois. I am very proud of United States Marshal James L. Whigham and the men and women of the Northern District of Illinois. I wish them the best of luck in their future service to our community.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a bill that I believe is paramount to keeping our highways and byways safe. The Foreign Truck Safety Act would mandate that all foreign trucks at our southern border be inspected if they have not passed inspection in the previous twelve months. This is necessary because last week a North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) dispute panel ruled that our southern border with Mexico should be opened to unfettered cross-border trucking. The new Bush administration also stated they would abide by that ruling and open the border. This ruling means that Mexican trucks, trucks that fail 35 percent of inspections across the border zone, and 50 percent of inspections in Texas, would be free to roam all throughout the United States. Since NAFTA went into effect in 1994, these trucks have been able to cross into a small NAFTA border zone. The border was scheduled to have been fully opened in December 1995, but due to real safety concerns and the high rate of failed inspections of Mexican trucks, the border was kept closed by the Clinton Administration. The highly respected and non-political U.S. DOT Office of Inspector General (IG) concluded in a November 1999 report that ``Adequate mechanisms are not in place to control access of Mexico-domiciled motor carriers into the United States.'' In a December 1998 report the IG stated, ``We concluded that far too few trucks are being inspected at the U.S.-Mexico border, and that too few trucks comply with U.S. standards.'' And it has not gotten better since: in 2000 35 percent of Mexican trucks that were inspected were put out of service for significant safety violations. And what's discouraging is that less than two percent of Mexican trucks were inspected. In addition, since NAFTA was signed in 1993, Mexico has known that it would have to harmonize it's trucking laws and regulations with the U.S. and Canada (whose trucks have as good a safety record as U.S. trucks), and yet it has failed to do so. For example, the Land Transportation Standards Subcommittee (LTSS) was created by NAFTA to harmonize transportation standards and regulations by the year 2000. However, even though we are in 2001, Mexico does not have vehicle maintenance standards, roadside inspections, safety rating systems, a drug and alcohol testing program, or hours of service regulations. And Mexico has just started the process of mandating logbooks for record keeping, while the U.S. DOT is in the process of upgrading logbooks to electronic record keeping. Most importantly, Mexico allows trucks upwards of 100,000 pounds on its highways, while the U.S. limit is 80,000 pounds. Without an adequate inspection system at the border, it is just a matter of time before 100,000 pound, unsafe trucks with drivers who haven't slept in days are driving straight into a tragedy on one of our highways. That's why the Foreign Truck Safety Act is necessary. In addition to mandating the inspection of foreign trucks, the bill would authorize the border states to impose and collect fees on trucks to cover the cost of these inspections. By requiring all trucks to pass inspections before entering the United States, we can help to limit the risks these unsafe trucks pose to our citizens. This country entered into NAFTA in order to better the lives of our citizens. I urge all of my colleagues to cosponsor and help me pass this legislation, because without it, we will simply put our citizens in more jeopardy. Thank you.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Catholic schools across America and back home in Illinois. All Catholic schools, their teachers, administrators, parents and students should be congratulated for their vital role in promoting and ensuring a bright future for this country. It is amazing that Catholic Schools graduate 95 percent of their students and that 83 percent of Catholic high school graduates go on to college. I know that the education and, more importantly, the values, that were imbedded in me at St. Patrick's high school in Chicago proved themselves invaluable in college and in my professional career. In my hometown of Chicago, the Catholic Archdiocese has an unparalleled record of educating students of all racial and economic backgrounds. Chicago has one of the largest Catholic school systems in the nation, and the best and the brightest in Chicago are often alumni of their Catholic schools. So, Mr. Speaker, I thank you for scheduling this vote honoring the contributions of Catholic Schools. It is my hope that they will continue to flourish and prosper for the benefit of millions of school children around the country.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I simply want to congratulate the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Borski), the gentleman from New York (Mr. Boehlert), the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Shuster) for this outstanding piece of legislation. It helps Illinois and Chicago tremendously. I want to salute the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Shuster) for the fantastic leadership that he has displayed with this committee over the course of the past 6 years. No matter what happens on November 7, I sincerely look forward to working with him as closely as I have in the past 6 years, in fact, in the past 18 years that I have been on this committee. I thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Shaw) for yielding to me.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to pay tribute to my friend and colleague, Congressman Tom Ewing. Tom Ewing is retiring from the U.S. House of Representatives after almost a decade of service to the people of the Fifteenth Congressional District of Illinois. Tom will be missed by the Members of this House and by the Members of the Illinois delegation in particular. Tom and I both serve on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. We worked together to help make sure that the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, the massive highway and transit funding bill that passed in 1998, provided increased funding for transportation infrastructure in the State of Illinois. Due in part to Tom's efforts, Illinois received a $200 million increase in federal highway funds under TEA 21. In addition, during this year's debate on the Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century, Tom was a tireless advocate for improved air service to small and rural communities, such as those that he represents. In particular, Tom has been particularly effective in advocating the Central Illinois Regional Airport, which recently gained increased jet service by both United Airlines and American Airlines. Tom also serves on the House Agriculture Committee and is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Risk Management, Specialty Corps and Research. Because of his position on the Agriculture Committee, Tom is able to look out for the interests of the soybean and corn growers in his district. For example, Tom is a vocal supporter of the use of ethanol, which is produced from Illinois prairie grain. In fact, in 1998, because of Tom's strong support and tireless efforts, the federal subsidy for ethanol was extended to the year 2007. In addition to protecting the interests of Illinois farmers, Tom has been an advocate for farmers across our nation. Tom, a farm owner, knows firsthand the needs and concerns of America's farmers and has successfully encouraged Congress to help farmers in rural America. Tom has served the constituents of the Fifteen Congressional District of Illinois well. Tom has also served the nation well. Tom has been an active leader on a number of national issues, ranging from crime prevention, welfare reform, preserving Social Security, balancing the budget, promoting economic growth, recognizing our nation's veterans, improving education and improving health care. Personally, I want to thank Tom for his work on changing the Health Care Financing Administration's policy regarding Medicare coverage of insulin infusion pumps. Because of Tom's efforts, many diabetics and senior citizens on limited incomes will now be able to afford this needed device. The American Association of Diabetes Educators reports that the use of the insulin pump will result in a substantial reducing of many long-term complications of diabetes. This is great news in the fight against diabetes in this country. Tom has an impressive record of service to this nation. Not only did Tom serve in the U.S. House of Representatives for five terms, but he also served for 17 years in the Illinois House of Representative. In addition, he is a veteran, having served in the U.S. Army. I want to thank Tom for all of his service to the State of Illinois and the United States. His leadership and valuable contributions on a number of issues will be sorely missed. I wish him the best of luck in all of his future endeavors.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a dear friend of mine, retired Marine Colonel Brian Quirk, on his endless desire to preserve the lives of our fallen war heroes. At the annual convention of the Marine Corps League in New Orleans, Louisiana, Colonel Quirk proposed a resolution that the United States Congress demands an apology from the Japanese government. This proposal arose because of unanswered questions regarding incidents on the small Pacific island called Makin Island between August and October of 1942. In August of 1942, Colonel Quirk was on the submarine with Donnie Roberton of Franklin, Louisiana, a Marine who is thought to have been beheaded by the Japanese on Makin Island. Colonel Quirk and Private Roberton were comrades during WWII en route to Makin Island. They were both privates and members of the Carlson's Raiders, a group of 220 Marines headed by a celebrated fighter who had done a tour with the Chinese Army against the Japanese in the 1930s. They were under the command of James Roosevelt, the son of President Franklin Roosevelt. The mission of the Carlson's Raiders in August of 1942 was to attack the Japanese on Makin Island. It was believed that there were only 100 Japanese on the island. The battled lasted one morning and all the Japanese were believed to be dead. About 140 wounded American Marines left the island by boat, which left behind about 60 Marines on Makin Island. Private Roberton and four other Marines volunteered to leave the submarine to rescue the remaining men on the island. The five men journeyed in a rubber boat back to the island, but were spotted by Japanese aircraft and bombed in the water. The five men were presumed dead. From this point on in the story little more is known. However, there is record that nine or ten Marines had surrendered to the Japanese on Makin Island at the end of September. There is also record that nine Marines were beheaded in October of 1942. This leaves many unanswered questions for the family and friends of our fallen war heroes who may have been involved in this attack. Colonel Quirk is now actively seeking answers, more importantly, an apology from the Japanese government for their inhumane treatment of our Marines. This is a 58-year-old mystery that Colonel Quirk is determined to discover the truth. I commend Colonel Quirk on his quest for the truth.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to pay tribute to my friend and colleague, Chairman John Porter. John Porter is retiring from the U.S. House of Representatives after eleven impressive terms. Although I am sure that John will continue to be active on issues such as health care, the environment, and human rights, his presence will be missed by the House of Representatives as a whole and by the Illinois delegation in particular. As Chairman of the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, John has been a tireless advocate of the Centers for Disease Control and the National Institutes of Health. In fact, John has worked to increase funding for the National Institutes of Health, with a goal of doubling spending from fiscal year 1997 to 2002. Because of John's efforts, Congress is on track to meet this important goal. By increasing funding for biomedical research into effective treatments and possible cures for diabetes, cancer, AIDS, and other life-threatening diseases, John is helping to save lives. He is also helping to save our nation billions of dollars in health care costs. This is a proud legacy to leave behind. In addition, John can be proud of his active involvement in protecting and promoting human rights around the world. John is the founder and co-chairman of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus, a voluntary bipartisan association of Members of Congress working to identify, monitor and end human rights violations worldwide. I am proud to be one of the 250 Members of Congress who participate in this important caucus. John cares deeply about the plight of the persecuted around the world and has regularly engaged in fasts and prayer vigils to bring needed national attention to the issue of human rights. Although John's leadership and active participation will be sorely missed, the Congressional Human Rights Caucus will continue John's crusade to protect and promote human rights around the globe. Again, this a proud legacy to leave behind. Finally, although John and I do not always agree on all issues, I have always admired his conservative stance on fiscal issues. I also consider myself a fiscal conservative and admire John's unwavering commitment to eliminating deficits and balancing the federal budget. He should be proud that he is leaving Congress in an era of balanced budgets and record budget surpluses. Again, although I am sure that John will remain active on issues like health care, the environment, and human rights, he will be missed here in the House of Representatives. He has served his constituents and the nation well. I wish John the best of luck in all of his future endeavors.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, today I offer my congratulations to St. Bruno Church located at 4751 South Harding in Chicago, Illinois. This past September, St. Bruno's Church celebrated their 75th Anniversary serving the Catholic community on the south side of Chicago. In September 1925, Father Alexis Gorski was appointed as the founding Pastor of St. Bruno Church. This place of worship has been the center for its Catholic patron's hopes and direction through many years of economic disparities and wealth throughout the 20th century. A young church helped bring support to the community during times of depression, war, peace, and advancement. As time progressed there was a need for structural improvements with the church, too, as its congregation was increasing in size. In August 1955, under the direction of Father Francis Modrzenski, St. Bruno dedicated a new church and four years later added a rectory. As the need for improvements in the school arose, Father Szlanga proudly inaugurated the School Hall and gym expansion in 1978. To further improve the quality of education for its students, the current Pastor Father Joseph Grembala oversaw a multi-million dollar noise- abatement project for the school in 1995. And the church was once again renovated in 1998. I wish to extend my heartiest wishes to the pastor, personnel, and patrons of St. Bruno Church as they continue to celebrate the past, present and future of their church community. My best wishes to St. Bruno Church on this wonderful milestone.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, today I offer my congratulations to Mr. Eugene L. Siegel, a friend and colleague from the Third Congressional District of Illinois, whom recently celebrated 25 years in public service as the Mayor of Chicago Ridge, Illinois. Mayor Siegel is a hardworking, devoted man. He is a long-time resident of Chicago. Gene and his late wife, Virginia, have four children, Gary, Janet, Andrew and Matthew, and four grandchildren, Steven, Bradley, Victoria and Alexandria. Gene became involved in politics in 1963, and since then, has been involved in public service on both the local and state levels. Mayor Siegel has always maintained an open door for all of his family, friends, constituents, and employees. He began working in public service as the Deputy Coroner for Cook County Coroner's Office; a post he held for eight years. Throughout the 70's and 80's he served as the mayor of the Village of Chicago Ridge on a part-time basis. Then, in 1993, Gene was elected as the full-time mayor and has served in this capacity for the last seven years. Mayor Siegel is a man for the people. As mayor, he has been actively involved with people of all ages throughout the community that he serves. For example, he was instrumental in the development of a Senior Citizen Center and the establishment of the Youth Service Bureau with a Youth Director to counsel families and their children. As mayor, Gene has made remarkable economic, environmental and infrastructure improvements to the Village of Chicago Ridge. For example, he created a solvent tax base by implementing the development of both the Chicago Ridge Mall and the Commons of Chicago Ridge. He also was involved with the improvement of Ridgeland Avenue to establish commercial land use, the installation of an adequate water system with a two million gallon reservoir, and a plumbing station. Mayor Siegel has been instrumental in bringing economic prosperity to the community. He has proven to be a true asset to his family, friends and community. I am proud to have Mayor Siegel as a colleague of mine in the district. I wish to extend my heartiest congratulations to Mayor Siegel and his family as he celebrates 25 years in public service. This is a remarkable accomplishment and Mayor Siegel deserves great credit for the vast improvements and economic development that he has brought to the Village of Chicago Ridge. My best wishes to the Mayor and his family on this wonderful milestone.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the participants of my 2000 Spirit of Achievement Award program. In 1982, when the current citizens of the 3rd District of Illinois elected me to represent them in the United States Congress, I introduced this very successful program. Since then, every middle school in the 23rd Ward of Chicago annually selects a graduating 8th grade boy and girl who they feel represents overall outstanding academic achievement, community service and extracurricular activities. Today, it gives me great pleasure to recognize the hard work of 28 young achievers and future leaders from the 23rd Ward of Chicago. St. Jane De Chantal School: Nora Krause and Christopher Paluch Our Lady of Snows School: Amanda Hartman and Jeffrey Mikula St. Camillus School: Amanda Kurmpel and Kevin Jasionowski St. Bruno School: David Szwajnos St. Rene Elementary School: Anthony Garcia and Catherine O'Connell St. Daniel the Prophet School: Deanna Maida and Paul Bruton St. Richards School: Monika Dlugopolski and Christopher Dyrdak Gloria Dei School: Faith Krasowski and Jeremiah Jurevis Hale Elementary School: Emily Fisher and Xavier Hernandez Peck Elementary School: Maribel Pantoja and Anthony Naranjo Dore Elementary School: Robert Bradel and Jennifer Collins Kinzie Elementary School: Victoria Okrzesik and Patrick Forbes Byrne Elementary School: Jennifer Turner and Ryan Nabor Twain Elementary School: Sebastian Gawenda Edwards Elementary School: Mustafaa Saleh and Lisa Matteson These students are all credit to their families and the Chicago community. I wish them tremendous success in their continuing education and future aspirations. Furthermore, I charge all of them to use their strength and leadership in service to this great nation. Mr. Speaker, I am again pleased to offer my sincere congratulations the winners of my 2000 Spirit of Achievement Award program.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the brave Americans of the 44th Infantry Division. From September 21 to September 24, 2000, the 44th Infantry Division Association will be celebrating the 55th anniversary of the end of World War II at the Midway Hotel near Chicago, Illinois. This venue is very appropriate, as the State of Illinois contributed over eleven hundred soldiers to the 44th Division. Today, it certainly gives me great honor to remind my colleagues and the American public of the sacrifice these great men gave for the freedom and prosperity that is enjoyed by so many. Maj. General William F. Dean commanded the 44th Infantry Division of roughly fifteen thousand men, comprising about one-fifth of the 7th Army. On September 15, 1944, the 44th Infantry landed at Cherbourg, France, to relieve the 79th Division that invaded Normandy on D-Day. Forty days later, the 44th received their first attack from axis forces east of Luneville, France. In midwinter 1944, the 44th Division fought through the Maginot line, as well as the Vosges Mountains in northern France. In fact, the first United States soldiers to reach the Rhine River between France and Germany were members of the 44th Infantry Division. Along the way, the 44th held off several savage assaults from German Panzer divisions. In addition, the 44th was called to relieve two divisions of allied forces that were to be employed in the Ardennes Forest counteroffensive. In the beginning of 1945, the 44th Infantry Division was forced into a defensive posture, as three German divisions, including the elite 17 SS Panzer Grenadier Division, conducted an all-out attack on United States forces. Amazingly, the brave Americans held off the brutal attack that would have cut off the allied forces in Alsace, as well as the Vosges and Hardt Mountains. In mid-March 1945, the division earned a well-deserved 2-day rest after other allied divisions passed through their fortification for the final assault on Germany. I should note that the 44th had undergone 144 days of continuous commitment. On March 27, 1945, the 44th finally crossed the Rhine and provided for the capture of Mannheim and Heidelberg. Soon later, the 44th reached the Danube River and joined with the 10th Armored Division. On April 25, 1945, these joint forces captured the ancient German city of Ulm. Finally, the 44th swept into the Austrian Alps, after which Victory in Europe was gratefully won. Mr. Speaker, the 44th Infantry Division fought for 203 incredible days. They captured over 44,000 enemy prisoners, and destroyed thousands more. During the European campaign, the 44th lost roughly 2,000 men in combat. Since the end of World War II, another 6,000 have passed on. Today, our country is graced with over 5,000 survivors of the 44th Infantry Division. With roughly 1,000 World War II veterans leaving us each day, I am very pleased to see these veterans enjoying the years that they earned so courageously. Mr. Speaker, I hope these brave Americans will continue to relate their incredible experiences gained during the greatest, most noble war ever fought by man.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, today I honor Mr. Raymond C. Burton, who will retire at the end of this year, bringing closure to a distinguished career in railroading that has spanned three decades. When Ray Burton went to work for the old Sante Fe Railway in 1963, he could not have foreseen the profound changes coming to the railroad industry. Particularly since 1982, when he was elected president and Chief Executive Officer of TTX Company, Ray Burton has been on the cutting edge of those changes. Under Ray Burton's leadership, TTX has led the way in innovation, design and deployment of the equipment needed to construct today's modem, intermodal transport network. It was this leadership that twice earned him the Railway Age ``Railroader of the Year'' award--making him one of just three individuals to be so honored. This past July, Ray Burton was elevated to the post of Chairman and CEO of TTX, a fitting reward for a man who led his company--and his industry--into the 21st Century well equipped to meet the challenges ahead. Ray will be missed when he retires at the end of this year, but the seeds he planted will continue to bear fruit for many more years to come.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. Jan Karski, who sadly passed away on July 13, 2000, at the age of 86 in Washington, DC. I have little doubt that my colleagues will agree that Dr. Jan Karski is perhaps an unknown, yet irrefutable hero for his courageous and selfless actions during World War Il. Under the height of Nazi Germany's occupation, Karski flirted with torture and execution to give the disbelieving free-world knowledge of the unspeakable crimes committed in Eastern Europe. It now gives me great honor to tell Jan Karski's courageous story to the U.S. House of Representatives. After completing his education in several social sciences, Jan Kozielewski entered the Polish diplomatic service in 1938. Given the covert nature of his service, Kozielewski changed his name to Jan Karski--a surname he retained for the remainder of his life. Karski could not have entered diplomatic service at a more perilous time, as Poland was being devastated via Hitler and Stalin's secret agreement to overthrow the democratic nation. In August 1939, Karski was captured by the Red Army and sent to a Russian prison camp. Three months later, he luckily escaped Russia and returned to Poland to join the anti-Nazi Underground organization. In Poland, Jan Karski would use his eidetic memory, knowledge of foreign countries and fluency in four languages to serve the Polish resistance, humankind and history. For roughly 3 years, he served as a courier between the Polish government-in-exile and the Underground authorities in Poland. During arduous journeys through the Tatra Mountains bordering Czechoslovakia, Karski often traveled in disguise as a German officer, or merely eluded border patrols. In 1940, the courier was actually arrested and tortured by the Gestapo in Slovakia, but was later rescued by underground forces. Karski's most heroic actions undoubtedly occurred around September 1942. In a July 1988 Washingtonian interview, Karski recounted that representatives from two Jewish underground organizations informed himself of Hitler's ``Final Solution.'' Knowing that direct evidence would be far more convincing, Karski was smuggled into the Warsaw ghetto twice, which had suffered a virtual eradication of the Jewish population from 450,000 to 50,000. With the help of the resistance, Karski, dressed as a military fighter, witnessed actual mass murders at the lzbica death camp in Eastern Poland. In late 1942 and 1943, Jan Karski reported to western governments regarding the genocide. In August 1943, he personally spoke with a disbelieving President Roosevelt, Henry Stimson, Cordell Hull, and other high government and civic leaders in the United States. Unfortunately, Jan Karski was soon proven to be tragically correct, as nearly one-half of the 6 million European Jews were murdered in Nazi-occupied Poland. In his 1944 bestselling book, Story of a Secret State, Karski recounted his witness of ``horrible things--horrible, horrible things.'' After the war, Karski refused to return to his homeland, as the Polish Underground continued to be murdered under Communist rule. After attaining a doctorate at Georgetown in 1952, Dr. Karski taught at the local university for 40 remarkable years, and guest lectured on behalf of the U.S. Government on several occasions. In 1954, Dr. Karski honored Americans by becoming a fellow citizen. Not surprisingly, the freedom fighter was awarded numerous citations by several governments. He received Poland's highest civic decoration, and twice its highest military award for bravery in combat. In addition, Dr. Karski is an Honorary Citizen of the State of Israel. Furthermore, five universities around the world have given him honorary degrees. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Jan Karski and his story should never be forgotten. I hope that my words today will help refresh Americans' memory of a holocaust that occurred not too long ago. Most importantly, I urge all young Americans to learn the story of the holocaust and World War II. In 1816, Thomas Jefferson wrote: ``Enlighten the people generally, and tyranny and oppressions of body and mind will vanish like evil spirits at the dawn of day.'' Colleagues, let us continue toward that endearing goal.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to a longtime educator who is retiring from the Chicago Public School system (CPS) this year. After 36 years of tremendous service for the Chicago Board of Education (CBE), Anne Willis will be leaving Byrne Elementary School in Southwest Chicago. This teacher is a perfect example of the continuously hardworking, but often-unrecognized efforts of educators in the Third Congressional District of Illinois. It gives me great pride to share with you her story and accomplishments. Anne Willis brought to the Chicago public schools an extensive advanced education. In 1957, Anne earned a bachelors of arts from St. Xavier University in Chicago. Ten years later, she earned a masters of education from Chicago State. In 1978, Mrs. Willis completed another masters degree from Rush University's College of Nursing. Besides years of tremendous medical care for Chicago students, Anne was active in important community organizations. For example, she served as a school nurses delegate to the Chicago Teacher's Union (CTU), and participated in the Courtesy Classroom of the Region 4 Nurses Club. With her duly earned free time, Anne plans to join the ``Walkers of the USA'' and walk across the Earth's most beautiful locations. When commenting on her retirement, Anne stated admirably: ``The most important people for me are the children I serve, my family and friends.'' Again, I was pleased to learn of the retirement and wonderfully productive life of Anne Willis. In a time when she is receiving numerous recognition and praise, I gladly echo my own thanks from the Halls of the U.S. Congress. This educator represents the day-to-day hard work and compassion that steer Chicago's youth toward successful and healthy futures. Mr. Speaker, I wish Anne Willis a well-deserved long and happy retirement.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, today I honor Kevin Bracken, a native of Chicago, IL. Kevin, through many amazing feats of athletic prowess, has earned himself a place on the U.S. Olympic Greco-Roman wrestling team. He is the only member of the Greco-Roman team from Illinois, which consists entirely of first-year Olympians. This is truly a remarkable accomplishment, and I know he will represent his country with great pride, strength, and skill. Kevin grew up on the south side of Chicago, placing third in the 1990 State Championships for St. Laurence High School. He then attended Illinois State University, where he was a three-time qualifier for the NCAA and received the 1994 Male Athlete of the Year award. Since those early achievements in his life, he has only gone forward, constantly surpassing expectations of all those around him, no matter how high set. His friends, family, and former teammates must be, and should be proud to witness what he has accomplished, and what he will certainly continue to accomplish in the future. Kevin is a credit to all those who have held faith in him, and through perseverance and extraordinary effort, he has earned his place among the elite of his profession. Mr. Speaker, I offer my congratulations to Kevin Bracken, and wish him the best of luck in his continuing career. I am sure he will continue to make them proud.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, these students are all credit to their families and the Chicago community. I wish them tremendous success in their continuing education and future aspirations. Furthermore, I charge all of them to use their strength and leadership in service to this great nation. Mr. Speaker, I am again pleased to offer my sincere congratulations the winners of my 2000 Spirit of Achievement Award program.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the participants of my 2000 Spirit of Achievement Award program. In 1982, when the current citizens of the 3rd District of Illinois elected me to represent them in the United States Congress, I introduced this very successful program. Since then, every middle school in the 23rd Ward of Chicago annually selects a graduating 8th grade boy and girl who they feel represents overall outstanding academic achievement, community service and extracurricular activities. Today, it gives me great pleasure to recognize the hard work of 28 young achievers and future leaders from the 23rd Ward of Chicago. St. Jane De Chantal School: Nora Krause and Christopher Paluch; Our Lady of Snows School: Amanda Hartman and Jeffrey Mikula; St. Camillus School: Amanda Kurmpel and Kevin Jasionowski; St. Bruno School: David Szwajnos; St. Rene Elementary School: Anthony Garcia and Catherine O'Connell; St. Daniel the Prophet School: Deanna Maida and Paul Bruton; and St. Richards School: Monika Dlugopolski and Christopher Dyrdak Gloria Dei School: Faith Krasowski and Jeremiah Jurevis; Hale Elementary School: Emily Fisher and Xavier Hernandez; Peck Elementary School: Maribel Pantoja and Anthony Naranjo; Dore Elementary School: Robert Bradel and Jennifer Collins; Kinzie Elementary School: Victoria Okrzesik and Patrick Forbes; Byrne Elementary School: Jennifer Turner and Ryan Nabor; and Twain Elementary School: Sebastian Gawenda.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and salute Lt. Col. Peter J. Rowan. Since July 1998, Lt. Col. Rowan has served as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' District Engineer for the Chicago District. His term in Chicago is nearly at its end, and he is scheduled to leave for his next posting in late July. Over the course of the last two years, I have had the distinct pleasure of working with him as we partnered up on a number of projects. The Chicago Shoreline, TARP, Stoney Creek, and the Illinois and Michigan Canal. The list goes on and on and on. In every case and in every instance, he has done a wonderful job in working with my staff and me. Lt. Col. Rowan began his career at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he graduated in 1979. He continued his education and received a master's degree in civil engineering from the University of Illinois. He also undertook additional studies in the Engineer Officers Advanced Course and the Command and General Staff College. He then used his advanced training to further Corps missions across the United States, from Colorado to Nebraska to Kansas and Texas. He also served combat-related assignments in Germany. For the 249th Engineer Battalion in Karlsruhe, he was a platoon leader, company executive officer, and assistant operations officer. He then went on to serve as assistant corps engineer with V Corps, part of the 130th Engineer Brigade in Heidelberg. His hard work and professional accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. Lt. Col. Rowan is the recipient of a number of awards and decorations for his service, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Parachutist Badge, and the Ranger Tab. But his most heartwarming accomplishment may very well be that of his family. Lt. Col. Rowan is a devoted husband to his wife and a wonderful father to four children. I know that I speak for my colleagues from Chicagoland when I say that Lt. Col. Rowan's professionalism, responsiveness, and leadership is an asset to the Corps and our nation. He has done so much for the Chicago District, and I know he will continue to do even more in his career. I salute Lt. Col. Rowan and wish him and his family all the best.