Stephen Lynch

Mr. LYNCH

Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the House subcommittee with jurisdiction over the United States Postal Service, I am proud to present H.R. 4543 for consideration. This legislation will designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4285 Payne Avenue in San Jose, California, as the Anthony J. Cortese Post Office Building. Introduced by my friend and colleague Representative Zoe Lofgren of California on January 27, 2010, H.R. 4543 was favorably reported out of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee on April 14, 2010, by unanimous consent. In addition, this legislation enjoys the overwhelming support of the California House delegation. A 55-year resident of San Jose, California, Mr. Anthony Cortese was born in the East Bay city of Richmond, California, and graduated from James Lick High School in San Jose. While in his early twenties, Mr. Cortese began working for the United States Postal Service as a letter carrier in the downtown San Jose post office and continued to serve as a proud Postal Service employee for over 40 years. As a letter carrier, Mr. Cortese became an active member of his union, the National Association of Letter Carriers Local 193. Mr. Cortese climbed the ranks from shop steward to vice president, and in 1981 was elected union president, a position he proudly held for 27 years. As president of Local 193 for nearly 30 years, Mr. Cortese devoted his efforts to advancing the well-being of his fellow letter carriers. Notably, Mr. Cortese successfully procured a union-owned headquarters building for the members of Local 193. He helped expand member health benefits and established an open, meaningful, and continuing dialogue between his union members and Federal, State, and local elected officials. However, Mr. Cortese's service was not just limited to his efforts on behalf of his fellow letter carriers. Rather, Mr. Cortese's commitment to public service could be evidenced by his effort to benefit the entire San Jose community. Specifically, in 1990, Mr. Cortese established a local food drive initiative, sponsored by the National Association of Letter Carriers, that since 1991 has become a national food drive held every year on the first Saturday before Mother's Day. Regrettably, Mr. Cortese passed away on February 11, 2007. However, while Mr. Cortese is no longer with us, his memory and legacy of public service will live on through his family, his friends, his community, and of course his fellow letter carriers. Mr. Speaker, let us further honor the life and legacy of this letter carrier and former union president Anthony Cortese through the passage of H.R. 4543, which will designate the postal facility located at 4285 Payne Avenue in San Jose, California, in his honor. I urge my colleagues to join me and the bill sponsor, Zoe Lofgren from California. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LYNCH. I want to thank the gentleman from Texas for his kind remarks. And I would encourage my colleagues to join the lead sponsor of this measure, Zoe Lofgren from California, in supporting H.R. 4543.

Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and add any extraneous materials.

Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4543) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4285 Payne Avenue in San Jose, California, as the ``Anthony J. Cortese Post Office Building''.

Mr. LYNCH

Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and add any extraneous materials.

Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1103) celebrating the life of Sam Houston on the 217th anniversary of his birth, as amended.

Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, again I encourage my colleagues to join Mr. McCaul and Mr. Olson of Texas in supporting H. Res. 1103, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LYNCH

Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the House subcommittee with jurisdiction over the United States Postal Service, I am proud to present H.R. 4861 for consideration. This legislation will designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1343 West Irving Park Road in Chicago, Illinois, as the ``Steve Goodman Post Office Building.'' Introduced by my good friend and colleague, Representative Mike Quigley of Chicago, on March 16, 2010, H.R. 4861 was favorably reported out of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee on April 14, 2010 by unanimous consent. In addition, this legislation enjoys the support of the entire Illinois House delegation. A beloved native of the City of Chicago, American folk singer and songwriter Steve Goodman was born on July 25, 1948, on Chicago's north side. Mr. Goodman graduated from Maine East High School in Park Ridge, Illinois, in 1965, and subsequently enrolled at the University of Illinois. After 1 year, Mr. Goodman left the University of Illinois in order to pursue a musical career. In 1968, he began performing at the famed Earl of Old Town folk club in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood where he first attracted a large popular following and where he soon became a regular performer throughout the city. Mr. Goodman's subsequent and distinguished musical career evidenced his dual mastery of songwriting and performance as well as his genuine devotion to his hometown, and he left an indelible mark on both American folk music and on the city of Chicago. As noted by the Chicago Tribune earlier this month, Mr. Goodman's collection of songs told ``wondrous, intricate stories,'' and ``if you were a fan and you lived in Chicago when he was alive, you couldn't help but feel like he was a private pleasure.'' Notably, Mr. Goodman released 10 folk music albums during his life, which were followed by five posthumous releases. Included among his most enduring songs was the ``City of New Orleans,'' a song about the Illinois Central's City of New Orleans train that was recorded by Arlo Guthrie and which became a top 20 hit in 1972. The song would also become an American standard, covered by such musicians as Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson, whose recorded versions earned Mr. Goodman a posthumous Grammy Award in the Best Country Song category in 1985. Mr. Goodman later received a second posthumous Grammy Award in the Best Contemporary Folk Album category in 1988 for his critically acclaimed album ``Unfinished Business.'' Additionally, Mr. Goodman is well-known for writing and performing a variety of humorous songs about the City of Chicago, including ``Daley's Gone,'' which is a eulogy of the late mayor Richard J. Daley, and ``A Dying Cubs Fan's Last Request,'' also ``When the Cubs Go Marching In'' and ``Go, Cubs. Go!'' in honor of his beloved Chicago Cubs. The latter song can be heard playing on the loudspeakers at Wrigley Field after every Cubs' home win. In addition to his musical contributions, Mr. Goodman is equally remembered for the courage and positivity that he always evidenced throughout his 15-year battle with leukemia. While Mr. Goodman was diagnosed with the disease at the early age of 20, in the words of the Chicago Tribune, he was always ``a little guy with a huge smile, and he was Chicago.'' Regrettably, Mr. Goodman passed away on September 20, 1984, at the age of 36. Four days after his death, the Cubs clinched the National League's Eastern Division title, and on October 2, 1984, they played their first post-season game since the 1945 World Series. While Mr. Goodman had been asked to sing the national anthem for the occasion, Jimmy Buffet performed the ``Star-Spangled Banner'' in his absence and dedicated the song to Mr. Goodman, whose ashes were subsequently scattered at Wrigley Field. Mr. Speaker, let us honor the life and legacy of Mr. Goodman through the passage of this legislation, H.R. 4861, to designate the West Irving Park Road Post Office in his honor. I urge my colleagues to join Mr. Quigley of Chicago in supporting H.R. 4861. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and add any extraneous materials.

Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4861) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1343 West Irving Park Road in Chicago, Illinois, as the ``Steve Goodman Post Office Building''.

Mr. LYNCH. I thank the gentleman from Texas for his kind remarks, and I urge my colleagues to join with the gentleman from Chicago, Illinois, Congressman Mike Quigley, in supporting H.R. 4861.

Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LYNCH

Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Chief James S. Driscoll for his outstanding dedication to the town of Dedham, Massachusetts, and to recognize his achievements during his 37 years with the Dedham Fire Department. James Driscoll is a lifelong resident of Dedham, Massachusetts. He graduated from Dedham High School in 1965 and then attended Boston College where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education in 1969. After graduating, he taught seventh and ninth grade math at Norwood Junior High School North briefly, before following his childhood dream of becoming a firefighter. On June 28, 1972, he became a member of the Dedham Fire Department. After 6 years he was promoted to fire lieutenant and held this position until he was again promoted to Deputy Fire Chief, a position he held until November 2001. At that time, he was named Acting Fire Chief and served in this capacity until he became the permanent Fire Chief of the Dedham Fire Department in August 2004. During his tenure with the Dedham Fire Department, Chief Driscoll continued his education, receiving a bachelor of science degree in fire science from Boston State College and a master's degree in public affairs from the University of Massachusetts--Boston in 1985, writing his thesis on fire apparatus purchasing options. Chief Driscoll and his wife of 35 years, Carol, continue to live in Dedham, where they raised three sons, Michael G., Thomas W., and Stephen J.; all graduates of Dedham High School. In his retirement, Chief Driscoll enjoys running and reading, although you will most likely find him by the pool or pushing his young grandson, Ryan, in the stroller. Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize Chief James. S. Driscoll for his 37 years of service and dedication to the people of Dedham and the Dedham Fire Department. I applaud his commitment to his community and to his family. I wish him my best in all of his future endeavors.

Mr. LYNCH

Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and add any extraneous materials.

Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I present House Resolution 267 for consideration. This legislation recognizes the cultural and historical significance of the traditional Iranian holiday of Nowruz, expresses our appreciation for the contributions of Iranian Americans to the United States and wishes all Iranian Americans, as well as the people of Iran, a prosperous new year. This resolution has been offered by my friend and colleague, Representative Mike Honda of California. I am going to yield to him such time as he may consume.

Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time. I ask all Members on both sides of the aisle to join with Mr. Honda, the principal sponsor of this resolution, and support House Resolution 267. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 267) recognizing the cultural and historical significance of Nowruz, expressing appreciation to Iranian-Americans for their contributions to society, and wishing Iranian-Americans and the people of Iran a prosperous new year.

Mr. LYNCH

Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I ask all Members on both sides of the aisle to join with Mr. Garrett in honoring this proud young marine and in supporting H.R. 4628. I yield back the balance of our time

Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. LYNCH. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, as chairman of the House subcommittee with jurisdiction over the United States Postal Service, I am proud to present H.R. 4628 for consideration. This legislation, when passed, will designate the United States Postal Service facility located at 216 Westwood Avenue in Westwood, New Jersey, as the Sergeant Christopher R. Hrbek Post Office Building. Introduced by my friend and colleague Representative Scott Garrett of New Jersey on February 22, 2009, H.R. 4628 was favorably reported out of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee on March 4, 2010, by unanimous consent. In addition, this legislation enjoys the support of the entire New Jersey House delegation. A native of Westwood, New Jersey, Sergeant Christopher Hrbek proudly served our Nation as a field artillery cannoneer with the Third Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, Second Marine Division, Second Marine Expeditionary Force out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Regrettably, Sergeant Hrbek was killed in action on January 14, 2010, by an improvised explosive device while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. Sergeant Hrbek was 25 years old at the time of his death and on his fourth tour of duty with the United States Marine Corps. As recalled by his family and friends, Sergeant Hrbek's enlistment in the United States Marine Corps evidenced his lifelong dedication to serving his community and his country. At the age of 16, Sergeant Hrbek, who came from a family of firefighters, joined the Westwood Fire Department as a cadet and continued to serve his local community as a firefighter for the next 9 years. In addition to his dedication to the Westwood Fire Department and the town of Westwood, Sergeant Hrbek also aspired to serve in the United States military, and in particular, the United States Marine Corps. As noted by his loving stepfather Jaymee Hodges, Sergeant Hrbek ``knew in his soul he wanted to be a Marine . . . and Christopher ate, drank, and slept the Marine Corps.'' Accordingly, on his 18th birthday, Sergeant Hrbek asked his stepfather to take him to the Marine recruitment office in Hackensack, New Jersey, in order to enlist in the Marine Corps. Shortly thereafter, Sergeant Hrbek left for basic training at Paris Island, South Carolina. Sergeant Hrbek's subsequent and distinguished career in the United States Marine Corps included four tours of duty, three tours of duty in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and then most recently, his last tour of duty in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In recognition of his service and sacrifice on behalf of our grateful Nation, Sergeant Hrbek has been posthumously awarded the Purple Heart. Additionally, Sergeant Hrbek has also posthumously received the Bronze Star with Valor device. This was awarded for his heroic service during combat operations several weeks before his death. Specifically, in December of 2009, in the midst of hostile gunfire, Sergeant Hrbek rushed to save the life of a fellow marine, Sergeant Major Raymond Mackey, who had lost his legs as a result of an improvised explosive device attack. Sergeant Hrbek and a Navy corpsman carried Sergeant Major Mackey to safety and quickly applied tourniquets in order to stop the bleeding. This past Christmas Eve, Sergeant Hrbek was informed that he had been nominated for the Bronze Star with Valor device in recognition of that heroism. In addition to the distinction and honor with which he served in the United States military, Sergeant Hrbek will be equally remembered for his steadfast devotion to his family and his friends. As noted by Westwood Fire Chief Mark Fedorchak, Sergeant Hrbek would do anything for anybody. He will be sorely missed. It is a huge loss for our community. While Sergeant Hrbek is no longer with us, his memory will continue to live on through his devoted family and friends, his loving community and the dedicated servicemen and women who were fortunate to serve with him. Madam Speaker, the life of Sergeant Christopher R. Hrbek stands as a testament to all the brave servicemen and women who have offered the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our Nation. Let us join with Congressman Garrett from New Jersey and honor this outstanding soldier and American hero through the passage of this legislation to designate the Westwood Post Office in his name. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 4628. I reserve the balance of our time.