William Lipinski

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, on July 14, 2003, I was unavoidably detained and missed rollcall vote No. 357, the Ackerman-LaTourette amendment to the Agriculture Appropriations bill which would require that the USDA expend no funds to approve meat from downed animals-- animals that are too sick to walk or stand--for food. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea''.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Chairman, I regret that I was unable to be here during debate on the Agriculture Appropriations bill. Had I been available, I would have engaged Congresswoman Kaptur, the ranking member on the House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee, in a colloquy to discuss research on chronic wasting disease transmission. Chronic wasting disease is spreading into Illinois. The emergence of this disease in Cook County is the closest the disease has come to a large urban population. While this disease has yet to be detected in humans, little is known about how chronic wasting disease is transmitted from species to species. Illinois is fortunate to have unique multidisciplinary research collaborations, such as the Conservation Medicine Center of Chicago (CMCC), positioned to conduct important chronic wasting disease transmission research. The CMCC is a unique collaboration between Brookfield Zoo, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, and the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. The CMCC brings together an exceptional team of nearly twenty-five physicians, veterinarians, researchers and clinicians from many disciplines to study conservation medicine. Chronic wasting disease is a growing problem across the country and the Committee has included funds for chronic wasting disease research in the Department of Agriculture's budget. I would like to urge the Department to utilize unique multidisciplinary research collaborations, such as the CMCC, to study this emerging disease and its transmission.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Chandler Hatch, a senior at Lyons Township High School in LaGrange, Illinois. On June 22, 2003, Chandler will receive the Presidential Scholars Medallion from the Department of Education. Chandler was selected by a 32 member commission from a field of over 2,600 candidates. The commission honors students based on their academic achievements, leadership abilities, community service, and continued commitment to excellence. Chandler will be awarded as part of the 39th Class of Presidential Scholars. In addition to winning this award, Chandler was able to invite a teacher who has proven to be most influential and inspiring. Chandler selected Mr. Peter Notier, a distinguished English literature teacher at Lyons Township High School. I would like to recognize Mr. Notier for his continued commitment to education and proven excellence in teaching. I commend Mr. Notier for his dedication and outstanding service in the field of education. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing both Chandler and Peter and wish them success in the future.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, our transportation system is second to none, but let us not sit on our hands. We still have room to improve. Thanks to the leadership of President Eisenhower, and thanks to his experience under the vision of General John Pershing, we have the interstate highway system. Just as this Nation made a choice a half century ago, we need to make a choice again today. We need to make a decision. We must decide if we want to continue the legacy of President Eisenhower, General Pershing and other leaders who came before us. We must decide to make a major commitment to fund our Nation's infrastructure needs. As I have said before, I will say it again tonight, we have study after study. We have pages and pages of numbers. We have the proof. The issue is no different now than it was 50 years ago under President Eisenhower. Our transportation needs continue to grow, and we need to find a way to adequately fund those needs. The needs are many, but the answer is simple. We need to invest more in our transportation system. Here, however, in today's economy, the problems and needs are not only just with our transportation system. In today's economy, where corporate profits inch up, we still have a 6 percent unemployment rate. The other numbers are even grimmer: 9 million unemployed Americans; 5 million underemployed Americans; and 2 million Americans have been out of a job for 6 months; 4.4 million Americans have just completely given up even looking for a job, and they have left the workforce altogether. In today's economy, we simply have to think about more than just TRB studies, government lingo, conditions and performance reports and bureaucratic infighting, things that probably do not matter a great deal to many Americans. What we must do is to start thinking about the sluggish economy. We have to start thinking about and talking about how the loss of jobs and the 6 percent unemployment rate creates real problems and real economic hardships in the lives of millions of Americans, American workers who just are not working because they cannot find good jobs. There are not good jobs out there. Even better yet, let us start doing something about it because we are in a position to do just that. The concept of the expansionary fiscal policy is nothing new. It has worked before and it will work again. It is the basic economics of pump-priming the economy. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, each $1 billion invested in infrastructure creates 47,500 jobs and 6.1 billion in related economic activity. With a 6 percent overall unemployment rate and an 8.3 unemployment rate for construction workers, there is no better economic stimulus package than the $375 billion public works bill, plain and simple. It is a jobs bill that will put jobs back in the American economy and put American workers back to work.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to John McCormick, winner of the Walker Stone Award for editorial writing from the Scripps Howard Foundation. John McCormick is the deputy editorial page editor of the Chicago Tribune. He joined the Chicago Tribune editorial board in 2000 and was promoted to deputy editor the following year. Prior to joining the Tribune, John worked for several years as the Chicago bureau chief for Newsweek magazine. A native of Iowa, a graduate of Northwestern University, John gained recognition for his series of editorials on how and why Chicago must respond to its high murder rate. Once a small-town boy, John tackled big city crime head-on, proving to be a highly regarded and influential asset to Chicago's political leaders, law enforcement officers, and neighborhood groups. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring John McCormick on his achievements and wish John many years of future success.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to Cornelia Grumman of the Chicago Tribune, winner of the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for editorial writing. A native of Evanston, a resident of Chicago, a graduate of Duke, Cornelia Grumman has graced the Chicago Tribune for many years with her thought provoking, influential editorials on the reform of the death penalty. As a veteran reporter whose journalistic prowess earned her much recognition, Cornelia was made a member of the Chicago Tribune editorial board in 2000. Cornelia's Pulitzer citation reads: For distinguished editorial writing, the test of excellence being clearness of style, moral purpose, sound reasoning, and power to influence public opinion in what the writer conceives to be the right direction. Awarded to Cornelia Grumman of the Chicago Tribune for her powerful, freshly challenging editorials on reform of the death penalty. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Cornelia Grumman on her achievements and wish Cornelia many years of future success.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, tonight I rise in support of investing in our Nation's rail infrastructure and making rail transportation part of a strong transportation triad that includes highway, air, and rail. The freight rail industry is one that provides services that are key to the operation of practically every other industry. In an atmosphere of mounting highway congestion and pollution, shippers ought to be changing more and more of their loads to rail. However, due to the fact that trains are not moving fast enough, these switches to rail are not being made. With 19th century signaling systems and antiquated grade-level junctions, railroads are often unable to deliver a truck-competitive service for many shippers. For example, trains that should be able to move through Chicago in 6 to 8 hours are taking over 2 days. While freight rail is a sensible, cost-effective way to absorb the expected increase in freight traffic, it is also becoming a major contributor to a variety of social ills, including air and noise pollution, congestion and a declining quality of life. Rail infrastructure improvements would raise the capacity of our transportation network for both goods and passengers; increase safety along the rail network; improve the environment wherever congestion is relieved; and eliminate waits at grade crossings. Since passenger rail service and rail-based transit systems typically share infrastructure with freight rail, improving freight rail infrastructure would also provide much-needed assistance to passenger and commuter rail. In January, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials released their freight rail bottom line report that states that an additional 2.6 to $4 billion is needed annually for capital investment in our freight rail system. Last fall, the Federal Railroad Administration and the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association commissioned a study that found short line railroads need nearly $7 billion to upgrade tracks and structures to handle the newer 286,000-pound rail cars used by the class I railroads. So, how can we meet these growing rail capital needs? We cannot afford to simply rely on the railroads for these funds. The Association of American Railroads' policy position book for the 108th Congress states, ``Especially over the past couple of years, railroads have become increasingly constrained in how much capital they can devote to infrastructure spending.'' The answer to this rail infrastructure funding gap is the bill I have introduced, the National Rail Infrastructure Program, H.R. 1617. H.R. 1617 would create a new significant and dedicated stream of funds for rail projects. Just as we have the Highway Trust Fund and the Aviation Trust Fund, this legislation that I introduced last month would create a national rail infrastructure program. The total revenue stream in my legislation would amount to $3.3 billion annually. This is a Federal investment that the American public desperately wants. In fact, Strategies One, a Washington, D.C. polling firm, conducted a national public opinion poll that shows 63 percent of Americans strongly favor moving more freight by trains, especially when the alternative is adding to highway capacity larger and longer trucks. We cannot afford to sit back as freight and passenger traffic swells. We must craft a multi-modal solution to this capacity shortfall in which we can all win, or else we will all massively lose. Therefore, I urge Members to join the 40 bipartisan cosponsors and me and cosponsor H.R. 1617, the National Rail Infrastructure Program.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to St. Richard Parish. On June 8, 2003, St. Richard will celebrate its 75th Anniversary. With its location on the southwest side of Chicago, St. Richard Parish has a warm and rich heritage which warrants recognition. On the 8th of June 1928, His eminence George Cardinal Mundelein established St. Richard Parish. The Parish was named after St. Richard de Wyche, bishop of Chichester, England. Reverend Horace Wellman was appointed the first pastor and in late June 1928, he celebrated his first mass. The first mass was given in a storefront on 51st Street that also served as a temporary home for the church. A census was taken over the following months to determine how many families would support a newly established church. Results from the census comprised of many different ethnic backgrounds for a total 110 families. Property for St. Richard Parish was purchased at the intersections of Kostner Avenue, 50th Street, and Kenneth Avenue. Within a month the new church was ready and on September 2, 1928 the first mass was presented. The official blessing of St. Richard Church took place October 21st, with Rt. Rev. Msgr. D.J. Dunner D.D. officiating. Father Wellman served his people well until he unfortunately and surprisingly passed away from a heart attack in 1931. The second pastor appointed to St. Richard Parish was Father Francis J. Quinn who officially took over on October 17, 1931. Under the direction of Father Quinn the Parish grew steadily in number, while also recovering from the Great Depression. In April 1944, Father Quinn left St. Richard to assume the pastorate of St. Ambrose Church and was succeeded by Father Joseph Griffin. Father Griffin had to resign because of poor health, after serving as pastor for six months. On November 10, 1944, Reverend Edward L. Kilroy was appointed pastor of St. Richard Church and helped continue the growth of the Parish. Under his direction and guidance, a new brick building combining both church and school was erected. It was Father Kilroy who asked the Dominican Sisters from Sinsinawa, Wisconsin to teach in the school, which opened in September of 1947. By the late 50's the enrollment in the school had passed 1,000 students. Father Kilroy recognized the need for expansion and so in 1959, a new church was erected on the southwest corner of West 50th Street and South Kostner. In March 1966, Father Kilroy was given the honorary title of Pastor Emeritus and retired from his pastoral duties. Father William Fisher was assigned to succeed Father Kilroy as pastor of St. Richard Parish. Father Fisher and the people of St. Richard combined their efforts and talents to organize what has become known as the ``annual county fair,'' more commonly known as a carnival. Since 1972, the annual county fair has become a staple within the community. Father Fisher retired from St. Richard Parish in 1981 as Pastor Emeritus and was succeeded by Reverend Jerome Siwek. Under Father Siwek the church was remodeled and lay minister programs were developed. Father Siwek became Pastor Emeritus on June 13, 1999. Reverend Thomas Bernas followed Father Siwek and was installed as Pastor of St. Richard Church in June 1999. Upon his arrival he completed many projects that were planned as part of the ``Into the 21st Century'' campaign. Father Bernas sought to expand the vision of St. Richard Parish and has presided over the continued growth in its ministries and programs. Organizations and groups continue to meet the many and diverse needs of the Parishioners. Because of St. Richard's excellent reputation, and because of the hard work of the faculty and staff, the school continues to see an increase in enrollment. Father Bernas also involved the Parish in a variety of community groups and organizations. St. Richard Parish is an active member of the Archer Heights Civic Association and the Chicago Police Caps Program. This year marks the 75th Anniversary of St. Richard Parish. For 75 years God has generously blessed this Parish. Hopefully this will be a year of jubilee and celebration. St. Richard Parish has been and continues to be a proud community where people gather to worship God, socialize, work together, learn together, and celebrate as a family of faith.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to place in the Congressional Record an article by Steve Neal, a political editor for the Chicago Sun Times. The article, entitled Kup's column turns 60--and still going strong, is about Irv Kupcinet, the greatest and most influential columnist that Chicago has ever had, and one of the most influential columnists in the history of America. Steve Neal wrote the following: He is without peer. Irv Kupcinet, who is celebrating the 60th anniversary of his column, is one of the more durable institutions in the history of American journalism. ``Kup's Column,'' which started in January 1943, is the nation's longest running newspaper column. ``He'll delve into every phase of local enterprise and activity . . . business, politics, nightclubs, the theater, sportsband . . .'' the old Chicago Times announced in a house ad. ``Intimate, sprightly, his column will be brimming over with names that make news.'' In his first item, Kup reported that Irving Berlin berated the cast of his musical revue, ``This is The Army,'' after a published report that they tired of the road tour and wanted to resume their military duties, Kup also disclosed that state Sen. Abraham Lincoln Marovitz (D-Chicago) was about to enlist in the Marines, and that comedian Joe E. Lewis, who was then performing at the Chez Paree, would soon be embarking for North Africa to entertain U.S. troops. In looking back, Kup says that first six months of the column were the most difficult. But then he soon found a voice and went on to become one of the nation's more influential columnists. He has appeared as a character in a Saul Bellow novel and two of Otto Preminger's classic films. Kup is the only living Chicago journalist to have a bridge named after him. The Kupcinet Bridge is on Wabash Avenue over the Chicago River. His success is no accident. Kup is a man of incredible drive and energy. He is fair, honest, accurate, and has more contacts than anyone else in the newspaper game. He met with future President Gerald R. Ford when they were teammates on the 1935 College All-Star football team. Kup, a quarterback who played at North Dakota and later for the Philadelphia Eagles, stood behind Ford, a center for the University of Michigan. ``I have a somewhat different view of the president of the United States,'' Kup later remarked. ``I've always liked Kup,'' Ford told me in a 1996 interview at his home in Vail, Colo. ``He's a good friend and a darned good reporter. One of the best.'' Kup loves Jerry Ford. But his favorite president is Harry Truman, whom he met when Truman was about to be nominated for the vice presidency at the 1944 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. He gave Kup a card on which he wrote: ``Kup, you're entitled to admission, the front door and the back door is always open.'' Truman's portrait still hangs behind Kup's desk at the Chicago Sun-Times. Clifton Truman Daniel, the late president's grandson, said Truman felt a bond with the Chicago newsman because ``they were both straight shooters and were comfortable with each other.'' In the final stretch of the 1948 presidential campaign, when Truman was trailing in the polls, he told Kup: ``I'm out slugging doing the best that I can. No man can do more.'' Kup may have been the only columnist in America who gave Truman a chance to win. Truman later confided to Kup that the reason he fired Gen. Douglas MacArthur during the Korean War was that MacArthur ``wanted to use the atomic bomb against the Chinese.'' It was Kup who got the scoop when Truman decided not to seek re-election in 1952. Kup also accurately predicted that Illinois Gov. Adlai Stevenson would be drafted that year as the Democratic presidential nominee. At the 1956 Democratic National Convention, Kup noted that the young John F. Kennedy was the ``brightest young hope to emerge from the conclave.'' Kup championed civil rights in his column and provided a forum for such voices of freedom as the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, and the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson. When Bill Clinton won the presidency, Kup was among the strongest advocates for lifting the barrier against gays in the military. Kup also supported Truman when he issued his executive order to desegregate the armed services. Kup is probably more identified with Frank Sinatra, than any other show business personality. A half a century ago, Sinatra won the Academy Award for his role in ``From Heaven to Eternity.'' Kup persuaded Harry Cohn of Columbia Pictures to give Sinatra this part. It should be noted that Stella Foster, Kup's associate for 34 years, is a major contributor to the success of the column. Kup's late wife, Essee, also was an integral part of the column. On May 18, a celebration of Kup's 60th anniversary will be held at the Hilton Chicago. The proceeds will go to the Chicago Academy for the Arts. Larry King is scheduled to be the master of ceremonies. Playboy Chief Executive Officer Christie Hefner and her husband, former state Sen. William A. Marovitz, are cochairing this special event with Kup's grandchildren, David Kupcinet and Kari Kupcinet-Kriser. For more information, call (312) 595-1400.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, freight transportation is a vital and growing industry in the United States. Rail is the most prudent way of expanding the capacity to accommodate growth in freight traffic, allowing for congestion relief on our roadways, cost benefits to shippers, and improving our air quality. However, our Nation's aging and congested infrastructure does not adequately support the rail needs of today. Across the country from Los Angeles to Chicago to New York City, the movement of freight is being stalled and delayed by a variety of bottlenecks. For example, every day 37,500 freight cars travel through Chicago at a snail's pace of 7 to 12 miles per hour. Added on top of that, 700 commuter and Amtrak trains. Today it takes 2 days to move rail shipments through Chicago. It is clear that capacity constraints and congestion thrive within our rail system and the situation is quickly worsening. The Chicago Area Transportation Study predicts that freight car traffic through the Chicagoland area will increase nearly 79 percent in less than two decades. But this is not just the Chicago problem. A recent report from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials states that growth in domestic and international freight tonnage is expected to grow 67 percent by the year 2020. The result will mean a shift of 900 million tons of freight onto our interstate system, adding a $21 billion need to highway costs in the next 17 years. In an economy where just-in-time delivery demands are the norm, slow cross-country freight movement results in economic losses that are felt throughout the United States of America. Our communities also suffer. Traffic tie-ups and idling trains affect the quality of life of many of our constituents. The status quo must not continue. As Daniel Burnham, the famous Chicago-based architect and city planner, encouraged us to ``make no small plans,'' we need to make big plans to address these tremendous capital needs. In order to sufficiently fund our country's freight rail infrastructure needs, the Federal Government should create a new significant and dedicated stream of funds for rail projects. Just as we have a Highway Trust Fund and an Aviation Trust Fund, the legislation I introduced last week, H.R. 1617, would create a National Rail Infrastructure Program. As in all things here in Washington, the big question on everyone's mind is where can we get the funds to support these needs? H.R. 1617 would fund these improvements through various funding streams including a reallocation of the 4.3 cents per gallon diesel-fuel tax that railroads currently pay into the general revenue fund. I believe that putting these funds into a rail infrastructure program that would benefit the public is the only logical thing to do. The total revenue stream in my legislation would amount to about $3 billion per year. There are some who may disagree with such a proposal; however, it would be a serious mistake to ignore our country's growing rail infrastructure needs and the gridlock that will result if we fail to expand our freight rail capacity. So let us heed Daniel Burnham's remarks. Let us think big and make some big plans to address the growing national problem facing our rail system. I hope my colleagues will join the 25 bipartisan co-sponsors and me and support H.R. 1617, the National Rail Infrastructure Program. Remember, this Nation is great because we dare to dream great dreams. Please support this bill because this bill can do what we need to be done for freight movement in this Nation.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Jim and Kathleen, ``Bonnie'', Hurckes, outstanding former residents of the City of Chicago and the greater Southwest side. They will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on Good Friday, April 18, 2003. Their celebration is scheduled for April 13, 2003 at St. Andrew the Apostle in Romeoville, Illinois. Jim and Bonnie have spent five decades of married life together and have produced a loving and nurturing family consisting of eight children: James (Carol), John, Jeff, Judith (Ron), Joyce, Jerry (Mary Ann), Joseph, and June (Dominic). They are also proud grandparents of their 17 grandchildren: Jay, Jackie, Christine, Rick, Joe, Peggy, Mike, Robert, John, Jeff, Stephanie, Kathleen, Dominic, Nick, Jenna, Mark, and Megan, as well as their first greatgrandchild, Jayton. Jim and Bonnie have passed fifty years of marriage in loving and consistent devotion to one another, truly exemplifying the spirit of the sacrament of holy matrimony and serving as a model and inspiration to their children and grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, as Jim and Bonnie continue their wedded journey, I would ask that my colleagues join me in honoring this remarkable couple.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my warmest wishes to several Board Members upon their retirement from service to the Village of Western Springs, Illinois. The following members will be recognized on Saturday, April 5, 2003 for their commitment to public service. Village Board Members: Howard Blackman, Harry Kannry, and Jane McMurray Park Board Members: Ken Sitkowski and Greg Jonas Library Board Members: Leslie Karas and Mark Schilling. All of you have proven to be a true asset to your family, friends and community. Your dedication to the community in which you live has truly been instrumental to the success of the Village of Western Springs. As you retire, I wish to extend my heartiest congratulations to Village of Western Springs Board Members and your families as you celebrate your accomplishments in public service. May your futures be filled with much success.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Congressman Danny Davis for helping to bring H.R. 825 to the floor this morning. Today, I am very pleased to pay tribute to a fallen federal law enforcement officer and the service he represented with the highest honor. On June 21st, 1981, Officer Michael J. Healy, of the United States Postal Inspection Service, was slain by two armed assailants in a foiled robbery attempt outside of Chicago's Main Post Office. That day, Mr. Healy sadly became the first Postal Police Officer to be killed in the line of duty. Fortunately, Michael J. Healy has not been forgotten. In fact, Healy has come to symbolize the personal risk that police officers from a relatively unrecognized federal force undertake everyday. Healy's badge #3972 was retired, and all official depictions of Postal Police Officer badges bear #3972 in honor of Healy. In 2001, The Fraternal Order of Police, National Labor Council #2 and The Postal Inspection Service gathered to remember the 20th anniversary of Healy's passing. At their gathering, the Fraternal Order of Police pledged to continue the memory of their fallen comrade, and contacted my office to discuss an appropriate memorial. Together, we felt it would be fitting to name a federal building in Healy's honor. We felt it further appropriate that the post office nearest to Hometown, Illinois--the Healy family's ``home town''--would best enshrine Officer Healy's ultimate sacrifice. Simultaneously, we felt this renaming would pay belated tribute to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. In October 2001, when letters filled with Anthrax spores were sent to several offices on Capitol Hill, the United States, and especially its Congress, became suddenly reminded of the necessity of a Postal Inspection Service. In fact, our nation's 1,400 Postal Police Officers are first responders in this unprecedented Front Line on the War on Terror--the U.S. mail system. In 2002 alone, Postal Police Officers and Inspectors responded to 17,000 suspicious mailings, anthrax hoaxes and threats--a 100 fold increase from the previous year. Besides protecting America's post offices and 200,000 postal carriers, the service responds to more than 1,000 postal-related assaults and credit threats, 75,000 complaints of consumer mail fraud, and it arrests 12,000 criminal suspects for mail-related crimes each year. Today, my colleagues have a special opportunity to honor the entire United States Postal Service, by naming a postal facility after one of their own heroes. With the passage of H.R. 825, The House of Representatives will rename the Moraine Valley, Illinois Post Office the Michael J. Healy Post Office. Finally, I would like to recognize Joan Healy, Michael's mother, his brother David, sister Mary, and widow Barbara, as well as Lieutenant Michael Ruth and the Fraternal Order of Police, Labor Council #2, who have ably continued Officer Healy's memory.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my good friend and colleague Bob Clement, who is leaving Congress this month after 15 years of serving the people of the Fifth Congressional District of Tennessee in the House of Representatives. Mr. Clement served with me on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where he has consistently supported improvements in mass and public transit, fought for funding for Amtrak, and helped establish federal highway funding for bike paths and greenways as alternative forms of transportation. He initiated funding for the first ever mass transit hub in Tennessee, and worked to change an antiquated gasoline tax formula to provide increased transportation dollars for the state of Tennessee. Mr. Clement is a veteran of the U.S. Army and a retired colonel in the Tennessee Army National Guard. Throughout his career he has consistently fought for veterans' health care, military, and national defense issues. Additionally, he has served as the co-chair of the House Education Caucus, indicative of his commitment to education policy issues such as early childhood education, K-12 education, literacy programs, and financial aid for higher education. Mr. Clement's dedication and energy are well known to the people of Tennessee whom he has served for the past three decades. It was an honor and a privilege to have served with Bob for his fifteen years in the U.S. House of Representatives and I extend my best wishes and sincerest gratitude for our years of friendship and cooperation.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my friend and very first coach, Edwin ``Max'' Kurland, on being awarded the Saint Patrick Academy Crystal Shamrock Award for his dedication as a coach and teacher, his loyalty to his many friends, and his devotion to the Christian Brothers ministry. Max is truly the heart of the St. Patrick Academy Community. Edwin ``Max'' Kurland was born and raised the youngest of three children on the west side of Chicago. He attended Blessed Sacrament Elementary School and the Quigley Seminary before receiving a sociology degree from Loyola University in 1954. After a tour in the United States Army, he began his career at Blessed Sacrament. I first met Max in 1951 when I was in seventh grade at Blessed Sacrament School. That was the year I was selected by Max to play on the ``Blessed Sacrament 16'' Softball team. He was a great coach and teacher, not only for sports, but also for everyday living. Affectionately nicknamed ``Max'', he joined the St. Patrick faculty in 1954 as an assistant to Coach Dick Triptow. When Triptow left in 1959, Max began his career as head basketball coach that would span over thirty-five years. With 653 wins, he ranks as one of the top ten coaches in Illinois history. Max was named East Suburban Catholic Conference Coach of the Year three times while winning ten conference championships, eleven State Regional titles, and one Sectional championship. His teams also won fourteen Thanksgiving Tourneys, two Chicagoland Prep Tourneys and six Christmas Tournament titles. Max was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Hall of Faine in 1980 as well as the Chicago Catholic League Coaches Hall of Fame in 1994. To top off his prestigious career, Coach Kurland became a charter member of the Shamrock Hall of Faine in 1995. Outside of basketball, Max has been recognized by the Christian Brothers, receiving the LaSallian Award in 1982 and the Signum Fiedei Award in 1994. Mr. Speaker, Max Kurland has been a devoted coach and teacher and he continues to serve the community through his leadership. I would ask that my colleagues join me in honoring this truly dedicated and courageous man.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Spratt alternative resolution. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Congressman Spratt's alternative to this resolution authorizing military force against Iraq. First of all, I would like to say that there is no question that Saddam Hussein is evil personified. He is Adolph Hitler and Joseph Stalin rolled into one reprehensible dictator. This world would no doubt be a better place without him. But this record of cruelty does not give a lawful reason to attack Iraq without proof that their activities pose an imminent threat to the security of the United States. So I must ask: Why must we pass this resolution now? I still have not received a clear, convincing answer to that question. I have asked it, and many other questions of those who support this resolution, including the Secretary of State. They have failed to make an effective case as to why Congress should authorize a historic shift in policy from containment and deterrence to that of pre-emptive attacks. As far as I know Saddam Hussein has committed no new evil acts, since President Bush was sworn into office almost two years ago. Why didn't the President ask for this resolution at that time? During his campaign, President Bush himself said that the United States should not be the ``world's policeman.'' Why the shift in policy? When the President first started talking about using military force against Iraq, it was said that Saddam Hussein was linked with September 11th, but then British and U.S. intelligence revealed that wasn't true. Also, when the President first started talking about removing Saddam Hussein, he claimed that he had the authority to do so under a 1998 resolution. However, now we are here considering the authorization of military forces at the President's request. Furthermore, the President was prepared to go it alone, and then he decided to ask for the support of as many allies as possible, including the United Nations. These are just some examples of the mixed messages from the Administration. The President's approach to the Iraq situation has had numerous changes in a short span of time. Due to the President's disjointed approach, the lack of answers to many questions that various colleagues and I have, and the fact that containment of Saddam Hussein has worked for the past decade, I cannot support this resolution. I have tried very hard to support the President and this resolution because I believe the President is sincere and truly thinks that military force is the only way to deal with Saddam Hussein. Perhaps he is right, but I cannot in good conscience support military force until we first seek U.N. weapons inspections and the support of the international community. Therefore, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting Congressman Spratt's substitute resolution.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay my respects to a former colleague and dear friend, Mr. Roman Pucinski. Mr. Pucinski, who passed away in Park Ridge, Illinois, on September 25, 2002, represented the northwest side of the City of Chicago in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1959 to 1973. Pucinski grew up in a heavily Polish neighborhood now called Wicker Park. His youth was shaped by his father's abandonment of his mother and siblings when he was a child and by the Depression in his pre-teen years when he wore govemment-issued shoes, said his daughter Aurelia, who followed her father into politics and served as Cook County Circuit Court clerk from 1988 to 2000. Pucinski, articulate and never at a loss for words, had an early interest in public affairs. After graduating from Northwestern University, he worked as a reporter, as a bombardier during World War II and as a bilingual chief investigator for a special House subcommittee investigating the Katyn Forest massacre of thousands of Polish military officers by the Soviets during the war. Urged by Mayor Richard J. Daley to run for Congress, Pucinski entered the 11th District race on the Northwest Side in 1958 and won. From the start of his tenure in Congress, Representative Pucinski (``Pooch'' to colleagues and friends) mounted a one-man effort to require airlines to install crash-proof cockpit voice recorders in airplanes. Despite organized opposition from the major airlines, Pucinski kept the pressure on and in 1964 the Federal Aviation Administration issued an order requiring air carriers to install crash- proof cockpit voice recorders in their aircraft. Commonly referred to as the ``black box'', cockpit voice recorders are now a critical component of aviation safety. Black boxes provide vital information about the final minutes of airline disasters to accident investigators and have helped determine the cause of several plane crashes. As a decorated Air Force pilot, Pucinski knew that a recording of last minute cockpit conversations would provide vital clues to the cause of airline tragedies. During World War II, Pucinski led his bomber group in the first B-29 bombing raid over Tokyo. He flew 48 other combat missions over Japan and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with Clusters. From his own personal experience as a pilot, Pucinski understood that, in the last few minutes preceding an air tragedy, the cockpit crew is far too busy trying to save their passengers and aircraft to radio formal reports to a ground station. However, a crash-proof tape recorder operating automatically during flight preserves a record of everything said in the cockpit for accident investigators. As a result of Roman Pucinski's dedicated and courageous leadership in the establishment of crash-proof tape recorders in commercial airliners, accident investigation and aviation safety have been significantly advanced in the public interest, and outstanding results for the national aviation system have been achieved. In addition, Pucinski spent much of his career serving Chicago's Polish community. After serving in Congress, Pucinski became the longtime president of the Illinois Division of the Polish American Congress, and he led a number of rallies in Chicago protesting communism in Poland. He supported Poland's Solidarity labor movement, and over the years he helped to raise $1.5 million as the movement gained international prominence. Roman Pucinski's legacy will surely include his lasting contribution to aviation safety and involvement with the Polish American community, but it will also show him as a caring and dedicated leader. His daughter, Aurelia, has said of him ``He understood that in order to get things done for ordinary people, you had to be in the position where people would listen to you. He loved the problem solving part of it. That energized him. He loved meeting people, loved wading into a room of strangers to find out what they were thinking, identify with them, and have the chance to represent them.'' Mr. Speaker, Roman Pucinski was a committed public servant and was revered and respected by nearly all who knew him. I ask our colleagues to join me in honoring the memory of such a dedicated and courageous man. He will be greatly missed.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a remarkable man, the longtime director of Brookfield Zoo, Dr. George B. Rabb. Dr. Rabb joined Brookfield Zoo in 1956 as curator of research, and in 1976 he became the Director of the Zoo and President of the Chicago Zoological Society. Soon Dr. Rabb will pass the title he has held with distinction for 26 years on to a successor. If proof is ever needed to verify the fact that one individual can make a difference, it can be found in the work of George Rabb. He has dedicated his life to conservation research and education, and his legacy reflects his love of nurturing harmony between people and nature. Dr. Rabb created Brookfield's Education Department and was instrumental in expanding the use of naturalistic exhibits to provide visitors with environmental immersion experiences throughout the zoo. Under his leadership, nine exhibits--including Tropic World, Seven Seas Panorama, and the Living Coast--have been built in this manner. The Zoo's most recent undertaking, the Hamill Family Play Zoo is an expression of Dr. Rabb's vision of the zoo as a conservation center and encourages children to develop a caring relationship with the natural world. Dr. Rabb is also responsible for the creation of the Department of Conservation Biology that supports many of the Zoo's world-renowned conservation-related research and field projects. One measure of this remarkable conservationist can be found in the boards and commissions on which he serves and the awards he has received. He has served as the Chairman of the Species Survival Commission (SSC), the largest species conservation network in the world and is one of six commissions of IUCN, the World Conservation Union. In recognition of his continuing role as mentor for young scientists and other colleagues, IUCN established a graduate student internship program named in his honor. Dr. Rabb also serves as Vice-Chair of the Chicago Council on Biodiversity, President of Chicago Wilderness Magazine Board, and Board Chair of the Illinois State Museum. Among the many awards given to Dr. Rabb are the Peter Scott Award from the Species Survival Commission, the R. Marlin Perkins Award from the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, the Silver Medal of the Royal Zoological Society of London, the Conservation Medal from the Zoological Society of San Diego, and the Distinguished Achievement Award from the Society for Conservation Biology. My wife and I have spent many a weekend at the Zoo with our grandchildren, and I can tell you that I am proud to have Brookfield Zoo located in my district and to have had the honor of working with George Rabb over the years. I invite my colleagues to join me in sending best wishes to the good doctor as he ventures forward on his exciting new journey.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), the ranking member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, a long-time chairman of the Subcommittee on Aviation.

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire how much extra time the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Jackson) used there?

Mr. LIPINSKI. You were very generous to him. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Gutierrez).

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, since our side has time to close, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, in the additional time request, it would be 10 minutes for the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Jackson), 10 minutes for the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica), which he automatically yields to me 5 minutes. So I should have 15 minutes at the present time.

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Visclosky). (Mr. VISCLOSKY asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, just so we are perfectly clear, I have 10 minutes remaining?