John Larson

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res 1022, to honor the life and sacrifices of Medgar Evers as well as his contributions to the African American Civil Rights Movement. Evers was born in segregated Decatur, Mississippi, on July 2, 1925, and had to deal with daily threats, insults and institutionalized discrimination and racism. Like many of his fellow African Americans, Evers returned to the United States after serving in France during World War II only to learn that nothing had changed for African Americans. Despite this, Evers went to Acorn College in Lorman, Mississippi, and received his BA in Business Administration, an amazing accomplishment for any African American at the time. He went on to marry his classmate and sweetheart, Mrylie Beasley. The young couple moved to Mound Bayou, Mississippi, where Evers worked at the Magnolia Mutual Life Insurance Company. The president of the company, Dr. T.R.M. Howard, also served as president of the Regional Council of Negro Leadership, and helped to introduce Mr. Evers to civil rights activism. Evers became heavily involved in successful boycotts of service stations that denied Blacks to use their restrooms throughout the state. Evers went on to work as a member of the Mississippi NAACP as its field secretary and had an instrumental role in the desegregation of the University of Mississippi, which led to constant threats against his life and his family. On June 12, 1963, at the age of 37, Medgar Evers was shot outside his home. He died 50 minutes later in the hospital. His murderer, Bryan De La Beckwith, went to trial twice before finally being found guilty of murder and being sent to prison on February 5, 1994, three decades after Evers' death. Medgar Evers, in life and in death, left an impact on America. His death helped prompt President John F. Kennedy to ask Congress for a comprehensive civil rights bill, one that would be passed during the Johnson administration and finally ended legal segregation in the United States. I commend Representative Henry Johnson of Georgia's Fourth Congressional District for introducing this important piece of legislation to the House and I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for this measure.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I rise to honor African American History Month. African American History Month was created to celebrate and remember the great achievements, advancements, sacrifices and contributions that the African American community has done for the United States of America. This month has been, and continues to be, a beautiful and powerful reminder as to why the United States of America continues to be a beacon of freedom and success in the world. If you work hard, and stand true to what is right, to what you believe in, and heed the messages of our forefathers, you can overcome all obstacles in the face of hardship. To this, African American History Month is a testament. The message of this month should not be unappreciated and it should not be forgotten. This month remains relevant in today's changing political and social landscape. The fruit of the African American Civil Rights Movement can still be seen today. Just forty years after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., African Americans are now forces to be reckoned with in almost every field, whether business or academia, politics or the non-profit community. Once considered an impossible dream, an African American is now our own Commander and Chief in the White House. It should be said, Madam Speaker, that learning about African American history is learning about the true history of America as a nation. As such, I would like to ask my distinguished colleagues to join me in honoring and celebrating African American History Month this year.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Fire Chief Charles A. Teale, Sr., of the Hartford Fire Department who is retiring after serving 27 years--9 of those as its chief. In his years of service, Chief Teale has gained a reputation as a fair, no-nonsense administrator who helped to restore order and stability to the Hartford Fire Department. Under his watch, the Hartford Fire Department maintained its Class 1 status, a designation shared by only 41 of 38,000 departments across the country. Among Teale's many accomplishments is his emphasis on attaining high educational and professional standards. Due to the department's educational outreach, the number of structure fires in Hartford decreased from 366 in 2001 to just 80 in 2008. In one of his proudest accomplishments, Teale showed a dedication to the community he served that extended far beyond his duties as fire chief. He worked as co-chairman of a committee that raised $125,000 to create a memorial to the 168 people who died in the Hartford circus fire of July 6, 1944. Motivated by the conviction that a memorial had to be created before the generation that remembered one of Connecticut's worst disasters passed on, Teale dedicated the beautiful memorial in 2005, on the 61st anniversary of the fire. Chief Teale's own story is truly remarkable. He dropped out of school at age 14, but returned and excelled, thanks to the mentoring of legendary Hartford educator Walter ``Doc'' Hurley. He went on to earn multiple advanced degrees, including a master's in public administration from the University of Hartford. Chief Teale's passion for learning is everlasting, and after retirement he plans to pursue a doctorate in psychology, which will help him empower Hartford's young men to make smart choices as they enter adulthood, just as Doc Hurley influenced him. The residents of Hartford and Connecticut's First Congressional District are indebted to Chief Teale for his extensive efforts to serve the Greater Hartford community. His dedication to Hartford and its history, as well as his ability to lead, have made him not just an outstanding fire chief but an exceptional ambassador for the city. His fire boots will be hard to fill, but we wish him well on his admirable goals of returning to school and serving as a mentor to the young men in Hartford.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 984, I was unavoidably detained and most unfortunately, missed the vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 983, I was unavoidably detained and unfortunately missed the vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 982, I was unavoidably detained and missed the vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4213, the Tax Extenders Act of 2009, and applaud the leadership of Chairman Rangel and the Ways and Means Committee in crafting this bill. I commend the Chairman for the inclusion of the alternative fuel tax credit, which incentivizes individuals and businesses to purchase energy for vehicles that run on clean energy sources. This continues Congress' commitment to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. As long as we are exporting our dollars overseas in exchange for oil, our economic and national security are at risk. Natural gas is an abundant transition energy that is twice as clean as coal. While 69% of the oil consumed in America is for transportation (two-thirds of which we import from foreign nations), 98% of the natural gas we consume is produced in North America. The more than 100 years of natural gas reserves in the U.S. will provide thousands of domestic jobs that cannot be outsourced and will help keep taxpayer dollars in the U.S. Approximately 1.3 million Americans are directly employed by natural gas companies, and the entire U.S. natural gas industry supports nearly three million U.S. jobs, with the potential to add many more. Natural gas will play an increasing role in reducing U.S. carbon emissions, creating jobs, and enhancing U.S. security. I thank Chairman Rangel for extending the alternative fuel tax credit and for recognizing the importance of natural gas.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, on December 9, 2009 I missed rollcall votes 939, 940 and 941. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on all.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 932, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Democratic Caucus, I offer a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Waxman and Mr. Rangel and Mr. Miller for their help. The growth of this great Nation cannot be achieved without caring for the health of all of its citizens. Thirty-six million Americans await our action on the House floor today. Thirty-six million Americans watched as the fearmongers stood on the steps of the Capitol this week telling them to be afraid. The same fear was spread during the debate on Social Security and Medicare. Today, we will put a stop to the fear and address the real threat, the real danger the American people face. The woman next to you on the train spreading the flu because she couldn't afford to see a doctor. The little boy in the sandbox with your child whose parents couldn't afford the vaccinations. And if we have learned anything from the H1N1 epidemic, the billions of dollars these public health emergencies cost all of us, and that disease has no boundaries or borders; it affects all of us. On this historic day, this Congress will pass what will improve both the fiscal and physical health of the entire Nation by improving health care for all of our citizens. It is a statement of our values. It is testimony to how we care for our fellow citizens. It is at the very core of all that America stands for and why we came here to serve. Thirty-six million Americans deserve nothing less.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Margarita ``Maggie'' Gardner of Hartford, Connecticut, to whom I was honored to present the Nancy Pilver Breast Cancer Heroine Award. Each year, I present the Nancy Pilver Breast Cancer Heroine Award to a resident of Connecticut's First Congressional District who has displayed extraordinary dedication to the issue of breast cancer through education, prevention, treatment, and awareness. The award is named in honor of Nancy Pilver, formerly of Manchester, Connecticut, and the first recipient of the award. In 2006, Maggie contacted my office to request assistance with her Social Security Disability Claim. Her dire needs required that her claim be expedited. Thankfully, Social Security was receptive to our request and as a result, Maggie was able to win her fight against breast cancer and carry on her life without difficult financial ramifications. Maggie's successful fight against breast cancer has inspired her to help others battling various types of cancer. Maggie started the Gardner House, a non-profit organization with the goal of providing a one-stop center for cancer patients to receive guidance and assistance in their fight against the disease. Its mission statement is ``to assist the cancer patient and their family to return to a normal, healthy and productive life in their community.'' Included among the Gardner House's many objectives are referrals to state and local agencies, medication expenses and general financial assistance, housing assistance, transportation to medical appointments, and counseling and emotional support groups. Perhaps one of the Gardner House's most successful stories involved Elizabeth Hurd, Maggie's first referral. Elizabeth underwent a severe struggle with uterine cancer, and eventually overcame the disease. During her fight she was unable to schedule a disability hearing, resulting in the loss of her apartment and rental assistance, and most of her belongings. After being placed in contact with Maggie, and through the assistance of the Gardner House and my office, she was able to schedule a disability hearing. Elizabeth, grateful for the help she received, aptly calls Maggie ``her angel.'' We in Connecticut's First Congressional District are extremely grateful for Maggie's extensive efforts, and she is very deserving of this year's Nancy Pilver Breast Cancer Heroine Award.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 729, a resolution honoring and celebrating this nation's firefighters with a ``National Firefighters' Memorial Day.'' In today's economic climate, we cannot forget the irreplaceable services that firefighters and first responders perform in our communities, often receiving as compensation only the personal fulfillment of making a difference. Take, for example, the volunteer fire department of Portland, Connecticut, a small town in the southern part of my district. The fire department in Portland was established in 1884 when a group of twenty- five members of the community recognized that a bucket brigade was insufficient to fight the blazes that were devastating their downtown. They decided they could not stand by idly while friends and neighbors lost their homes and businesses. Today, the Portland volunteer fire department boasts sixty members, and the original firehouse still stands on Portland's Main Street, a symbol of the central role that our first responders play in our communities. The technology of firefighting has evolved significantly since the early days of the Portland volunteer fire department. I am proud to say that the fire department in Hartford is one of less than fifty departments, out of over 33,000 across the country, to earn the highest possible ranking for fire protection. This honor is no doubt a result of Hartford's position on the cutting edge of first responder technology. Hartford's fire department has been a trailblazer in using GIS mapping and GPS technology to make every first responder aware of hydrant locations, water main diameters, engine locations, and building footprints across the city, all to better serve Connecticut's capital city. Firefighters in Connecticut's First District also serve the thousands of people who use Bradley Airport each day. The Connecticut Commission on Fire Prevention and Control, established in 1975, is located in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, near the airport. Its facilities, with classrooms, a dive rescue training pool, burn structures, a training yard, and airplane and tanker props for passenger extrication drills, provide a state-of-the-art campus to train and coordinate first responder efforts across the state. It is because of Connecticut's dedication to providing resources and support to its firefighters that we boast some of the best in the nation. Connecticut's first district hosts thirty-seven fire houses, including Hartford's. Twenty-seven of these, including Portland's, are completely volunteer operations. Even when the men and women who make up these fire houses aren't selflessly protecting the lives of their friends and neighbors, you can see them out in their communities. They are working day jobs, teaching young people and engendering their passion for fire safety through school visits and Explorer programs, and participating in carnivals, spaghetti suppers, and fundraisers to pay for the equipment and training they need to stay at the top of their profession. The services that firefighters and first responders provide are priceless. The very least we can do is honor our first responders with a ``National Firefighters' Memorial Day,'' and recognize the crucial role they play in promoting our safety, security, and well-being.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 783, Recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrating the vast contributions of Latino Americans to the strength and culture of the United States. The rich history of the United States is strengthened by the important contributions of Latinos, who have played major roles in building this country and making it a better place. From the Revolutionary War to the conflicts we are fighting overseas today, Latinos have proudly served this country and willingly sacrificed their lives for the preservation of our great nation. In addition to serving in the armed forces, Latinos have helped our country take great steps forward in the fields of medicine and science and have contributed greatly to the advancement of business, education, civil rights, and politics. I am proud to represent the First District of Connecticut, whose cultural fabric has been greatly enriched by the Latino community. I am especially proud of the accomplishments of SAMA, the Spanish American Merchants Association, a Connecticut nonprofit with more than 300 members that provides technical assistance, educational programs and loan programs for small businesses in the community. SAMA's Empresario Latino Development Center is the small business premier provider of educational resources, material, and training in English/Spanish for entrepreneurs in the State of Connecticut. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month and ask that we continue to celebrate the many contributions of Latinos to our nation in the months to come.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of my father-in-law, Normand Best. Tribute to an Everyday American: Normand A. Best Normand Audrey Best was born in Omaha, Nebraska on November 3, 1928, to his proud parents, Catherine and Paul Best. He was born and raised in the country's heartland where his mother's family, the Kelleys, had farmed since the late 1880s. The nation was on the verge of the Depression and ultimately Paul's work would take them to California, and then on to Washington State, but it was his midwestern values and work ethic that would serve him all of his life. He would often talk at Christmastime with great fondness of the farm in Nebraska, the small schools, and his family. The Kelley girls--as Norm's mother, Catherine, and her sisters were called--made their mark in the community and the parish. The five daughters of John Kelley would remain close throughout their lives as pillars of both the parish and the community. They were a source of comfort and solace to one another. Norm has two sisters, Joan and Mildred, and a brother, Gordon. A nine-year difference in age didn't allow the brothers to get close until they were older; however, Gordon looked up to his older brother and more than Best Brothers they were Best Friends and great fishing buddies. Norm had a quiet reserve about him, a humility that comes from being raised in hard times and the decency and demeanor of a gentleman and a soldier. Like most who served in his generation, he said little about his war experience. It's not a subject that one dwells on, but over a few Bellows, his drink of preference, he would reflect on his service in the Marine Corps and how the training and discipline had served him well. Norm enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during World War II and served with distinction. He spoke rarely but poignantly of having to escort home the bodies of fallen heroes. He recalled how painful it was to go to the door of the Marines' parents and give them the news. He was proud of the Marines and the way they conducted themselves and the honor and respect they paid to those who had given the full measure of devotion to their country. He had a mind that was perhaps predisposed to math and engineering. He had a clearheaded way of making decisions and an acute ability to analyze data and information. These skills would serve him well in his profession as a flight engineer for Pan American, as a trouble shooter for Pratt and Whitney Aircraft, and even in a game of pinochle. How a boy from Nebraska develops an aptitude for flight and engineering is a story in itself. It was in pursuit of this career that his life would be transformed when he met Carolyn Tasse. Carolyn, as his brother Gordon aptly described her, had a smile you could see a block away and lighted up any room she entered with its warmth. They were the quintessential American couple--he looking like Glen Ford and she a short-haired Donna Reed. They met at Pan Am, so even before they married they got to travel and see the world together. This Midwestern man and New England woman fell in love and were married. His job carried them to Minnesota and then on to San Antonio, where they started their family of four: Leslie, Louise, Warren and Allen. Ultimately his job would lead them to East Hartford, Connecticut, where he would live, work, and raise his family for the rest of his life. It's hard to comprehend how at 39 years of age he dealt with Carolyn's passing. She died of Cancer in 1967, leaving him with four little children--the oldest, Leslie, who was nine and the youngest, Allen, who was just four. Nothing in his life experience could have prepared him for this, yet he met the circumstance with the resolve to keep his family together. To those ends he gave the full measure of his devotion both to his deceased wife and his children. He and Carolyn were a love story before Ryan O'Neil and Ali McGraw had portrayed a similar saga in the movie ``A Love Story.'' He never remarried and dedicated himself to his children and his work. He made sure that he took the family on interesting vacations that they all still recall fondly whenever they gather together. He cooked, cleaned, and showed up at all of their events. He was their compass and their rock. There was no doubt of his love and selfless devotion. I was fortunate to meet him through his daughter, Leslie, and eventually became his son-in-law. I treasured my conversations, dinners, birthdays, holidays and especially the times when his brother Gordon or his mother were in town. The card games and the stories had all of the sentimentality that makes the bond of family so strong. If I close my eyes, I can still hear the laughter of their voices lingering in the night. He was proud of his children and their accomplishments and especially proud of his grandchildren, whom he also showered with the full measure of his love and devotion. He was the family support system, the go-to person in a crisis, and the unfailing steady rock on which everyone depended and whom he never let down. He reminded me very much of my own Father, different but alike in many, many ways. Their values, work ethic, sense of responsibility and character are examples that I only wish I could emulate. He was an everyday man who minded his own business and tended to his individual needs and family responsibilities. He asked little for all he had sacrificed. I often wondered when I'd see him drift off or reflect while he was listening to his music if he wasn't thinking of he and Carolyn traveling the world, creating a family and how short their time was together. Having given the full measure of his devotion, it's heartrending to know he was reunited with Carolyn on August 6, 2009. Norm completed his circle of life, and while he is dearly missed, we are comforted knowing his journey has brought him to a place his heart never left-- back home to her.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 787 designating October 13th as National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. At a health care public forum I held in my district on October 25th, I had the great pleasure of meeting a woman of true inspiration. Kristen Martinez of Colebrook, at the age of 31, was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. She had no idea the severe back pains and chronic fatigue were clear symptoms of cancer, but they were signs the cancer spread to her bones. As she stated, she was forced to face her own mortality as diagnosis touched her life during a time when she ``was on top of the world.'' Kristen, like many women living with metastatic breast cancer, has faced a constant cycle of switching from different treatment methods. In her own words, Kristen said ``living with metastatic breast cancer has been a journey filled with every emotion one could imagine.'' But as a testament to her own personal strength, she has faced the illness head-on. She has become an advocate on behalf of young woman across our nation living with breast cancer. As an active member of the Metastatic Breast Cancer Network, Young Survival Coalition, a graduate of the National Breast Cancer Coalition's Project Lead and a volunteer patient advocate for breast cancer survivors, Kristen has provided motivation and encouragement for fellow women facing this debilitating disease. In her own right, she has emerged from this battle as a stronger woman, devoted to giving back to her community and the young women of our nation. I am proud to co-sponsor this resolution with my good friend Representative Rosa DeLauro, on behalf of Kristen Martinez and over 155,000 women and men who are presently living with metastatic breast cancer.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of S. 1793, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009. This program is a last resort in providing life-saving care to the more than 500,000 Americans currently living with HIV/AIDS. Named after Ryan White, who courageously fought this illness and helped bring to the forefront a national dialogue about HIV/AIDS, this program helps the most vulnerable receive the treatment and support they need to maintain a high quality of life. While we race to find a cure, the Ryan White Act provides access to doctors, drugs, counseling and the care many people living with HIV/AIDS would otherwise not receive. In my home State of Connecticut, there are over 10,000 reported cases of people living with HIV/AIDS. A disproportionate amount of these cases occur in low-income areas of the State where people are less likely to have the ability to access HIV/AIDS treatment. In Hartford alone, the largest city in my district, there are over 2,000 reported cases. For many of my constituents, the Ryan White Act is vitally important. Because of the Ryan White Act, the most vulnerable of those living with HIV/AIDS have access to important services like housing, food, substance abuse treatment, and medical care that are shown to help people make safe choices and live constructive lives. Of those that are served by the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program, 33 percent do not have health insurance and 56 percent are underinsured. In a country with as much wealth and advances in medical technology as ours, it would be unconsionable to allow the most vulnerable to go without essential care. This legislation is a clear example of action we can take that will truly make a positive difference. I am proud to support the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009, which will bring hope to so many lives.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 266, celebrating 90 years of United States-Polish diplomatic relations. It was April of 1919 when the United States first established a diplomatic relationship with the Polish Republic, and for nearly a century our two counties have worked together to maintain this important bond. Throughout the course of this lasting friendship, we have seen Poland overcome a period of communist rule and a legacy of foreign occupation to emerge as the free and democratic nation it is today, showing the great strength and resolve of the Polish people. The mark of a great nation, however, is not measured solely by the distance of its own advancement, but by its ability and willingness to help advance and protect other nations in the world community. Poland has collaborated closely with the United States in efforts to promote democratization and human rights in regions beyond the nation's borders. Additionally, the great nation of Poland has assisted the United States in fundamental efforts to limit nuclear proliferation, facilitate regional cooperation in Eastern Europe, and reform the United Nations. As a proud member of the Polish Caucus, it is my honor to recognize Poland for its indispensable support and committed partnership with the United States in advancing worldwide liberty. Poland has continually supported the United States, both militarily and diplomatically, in efforts aimed at combating global terrorism. I am proud to say that my home state of Connecticut has one of the largest Polish-American populations in the country. Polish-Americans play an active role in the community through the many cultural and civic organizations established in my district. This includes the Greater Hartford Polish Cultural Club, which was proud to host the 61st Annual National Convention of the American Council for Polish Culture in August of this year. The continued celebration of the vibrant heritage of Polish-Americans is a testament to the strength of the enduring partnership between our two great nations. It is with great appreciation for Poland's efforts in upholding the ideals of freedom that I rise in support of House Resolution 266, celebrating 90 years of United States-Polish diplomatic relations.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, by direction of the Democratic Caucus, I offer a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the nationwide effort to fight one of the most prevalent cancers in the United States. For 25 years, we have used the month of October to highlight the admirable work in the campaign against breast cancer while also recognizing that we still have a great fight ahead of us. While there are over 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States, at least 40,000 more women are dying every year. One out of every eight women is afflicted, and my home state of Connecticut has the third highest rate of new breast cancer cases in the country. Recently the fight turned personal for me and my hometown of East Hartford. Judy Geier, a local 14-year veteran firefighter, wife of a police officer, and mother of five, was diagnosed with breast cancer in July and is currently undergoing chemotherapy. She expects surgery and radiation treatment in the near future. I am proud of how Judy has shown strength and courage in this battle, and how the East Hartford Fire Department, led by Fire Chief John Oates, and the entire town have rallied around Geier and her family during this trying time. This was exemplified with the work of the Department did to bring the Pink Heals Tour to East Hartford. Founded by Arizona firefighter, Mr. Dave Graybill, the Pink Heals Tour is engaged in a nationwide mission, armed with a caravan of pink fire trucks, to raise funds and involvement in communities to prevent and treat breast cancer. When the East Hartford firefighters learned of the Pink Heals Tour and its mission, they worked hard to bring the Tour to East Hartford on behalf of Judy. Pink Heals obliged, adding a last-minute stop to their nationwide journey. On October 1st, surrounded by the East Hartford Fire Department, community leaders, and the Geier Family, the Pink Heals Tour awarded Judy with a pink fire helmet in support of her admirable fight. As a nation we have made significant strides to increase the survival rate and improve the lives of millions of women who have battled breast cancer. However, there is still a great amount of work to be done to raise awareness and improve access to preventive and treatment services for every woman. I am confident that with greater funding, increased awareness nationwide, and community support as displayed in East Hartford, we can come together and win this fight.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, on October 7, 2009 I missed rollcall votes 756, 757, 758, 759 and 760. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' or ``aye'' on all.

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 758, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 759, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, in rollcall No. 757, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 756, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''