Stephen Lynch

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.

Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I now 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 very proud this afternoon to present H.R. 3319 for consideration. This measure, if passed, will designate the postal facility located at 440 South Gulling Street in Portola, California, as the ``Army Specialist Jeremiah Paul McCleery Post Office Building.'' Introduced by my colleague and friend Representative Tom McClintock of California on June 23, 2009, and favorably reported out of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee on September 10, 2009, by unanimous consent, H.R. 3319 enjoys the support of the entire California House delegation. A native of Portola, California, Army Specialist Jeremiah McCleery proudly served in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with the United States Army's 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Calvary Division out of Fort Hood, Texas. Regrettably, Specialist McCleery and his friend and fellow Californian, Army Specialist Jake Velloza, died on May 2 from wounds sustained after those two soldiers were shot by enemy forces in Mosul, Iraq. Specialist McCleery was just 24 years old at the time of his death. Specialist McCleery's heroic commitment to the United States military began at the age of 4 after his father, Joe McCleery, took his young son to Twentynine Palms, California, to watch the homecoming of a unit of United States Marines returning from the 1991 Persian Gulf War. The opportunity to witness the triumphant return of those brave American soldiers prompted Specialist McCleery's lifelong desire to serve his country. Even as a young boy, Specialist McCleery was passionate about becoming a member of America's military. As a child, he spent hours in his backyard playing the role of soldier, and soon enough he joined the Boy Scouts of America and subsequently the Civil Air Patrol. While he intended to enlist in the United States Army following his graduation from Portola High School in 2004, Specialist McCleery delayed his enlistment after his beloved mother, Mrs. Collette McCleery, was diagnosed with cancer during his senior year. Specialist McCleery decided to stay with his family during his mother's battle with cancer, and only went on with his life's desire of enlisting in the military after his mother passed away in 2005. So, in addition to his dedication to the United States Army, Specialist McCleery will be equally remembered for his steadfast devotion to his family, especially his father, Joe, and his sister, Chastity. Specialist McCleery enjoyed the outdoors, and specifically loved hunting, riding four-wheelers, and sport shooting with his friends, but without a doubt his favorite outdoor pastime was always fishing with his dad. Although he is no longer with us, Specialist McCleery's memory will live on with his friends and family and all those who were fortunate enough to know this great young American. Mr. Speaker, Army Specialist Jeremiah McCleery's life stands as a shining example of the bravery and dedication of the heroic men and women who serve our great Nation at home and abroad. I urge all my colleagues to join me in honoring this fine American soldier by designating the postal facility at 440 South Gulling Street in Portola, California, in his memory. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, again, I encourage our friends on both sides of the aisle to join with Mr. McClintock in honoring Army Specialist Jeremiah McCleery through the passage of H.R. 3319.

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

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

Mr. LYNCH

Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I am privileged today to honor a pioneer who has helped create a strong bridge of understanding and development between the people of his country and the people of the United States of America. For over a decade Captain Wei Jiafu has been the President of COSCO, the largest ocean shipping company in the People's Republic of China. During this time Captain Wei has worked hard to increase the level of understanding between U.S. and Chinese business leaders. Captain Wei's relationship with the U.S. has been a long and honored one. In his early years as a sea captain, Captain Wei was given special recognition by the U.S. Coast Guard for his knowledge and skill in navigating U.S. waters. In addition to Captain Wei's technical knowledge of U.S. waters, he commands a mastery of the navigational practices that make both national and international waters safe. Under Captain Wei's leadership, COSCO was the first foreign shipping company to comply with newly-enacted Homeland Security regulations governing shipping containers. As astounding as all of these accomplishments may be, Captain Wei's dedication to the U.S. goes further. Throughout his career, Captain Wei's commitment to the American workforce has been unwavering. As President of COSCO, Captain Wei oversees the largest Chinese employer of American citizens. Under Captain Wei's guidance, COSCO has been honored by the ports of Long Beach, Seattle, New York, and Boston, for his commitment to their employees. Must notably, has been his commitment to the workers of Massachusetts, where COSCO has contributed to the creation of thousands of maritime-related jobs by establishing shipping services between the Port of Boston and ports in China. Captain Wei has even dedicated a chair to Boston's prestigious Harvard University. In addition, Captain Wei has been instrumental in protecting our oceans. He has generously donated to the cause of cleaner oceans and the protection of sea life in Alaska. With that in mind, I would like to commend Captain Wei for his commitment to professionalism which has facilitated both a productive and personal relationship between the people of the United States of America and the People's Republic of China. Furthermore, I would like to recognize Captain Wei for his charitable contributions in support of higher learning in the United States and around the world. Captain Wei is truly a ``Peoples' Ambassador'' to the United States of America.

Mr. LYNCH

Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the kind words of the gentleman from Kentucky, and we continue to reserve.

Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 209) commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Daughters of Penelope, a preeminent international women's association and affiliate organization of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), as amended.

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

Mr. LYNCH. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to present House Resolution 209 for consideration. This resolution recognizes the significant contribution of American citizens of Greek ancestry and the Daughters of Penelope. At the outset, I would like to take a moment to express my deepest condolences to the sponsor of this resolution, my friend and colleague, Mrs. Maloney of New York, on the recent loss of her beloved husband, Clifton. Please know that our thoughts and our prayers are with the Congresswoman and her entire family. Mr. Speaker, the measure before us was introduced on March 4 by Mrs. Maloney and favorably reported out of the Oversight Committee on July 10, 2009, by unanimous consent. Notably, this measure enjoys the support of over 50 Members of Congress. Mr. Speaker, let us take a moment to recognize the significant contributions Greek Americans have made to the United States. Greek Americans such as Senator Paul Sarbanes and Congressman John Sarbanes of Maryland have served their communities, and Greek Americans have served in our Armed Forces in every war since World War I. Greek Americans have enhanced the art world with works by directors such as Elia Kazan and performers such as Olympia Dukakis. Further, the resolution makes mention of the Daughters of Penelope. Founded in 1929, the Daughters of Penelope was formed by Alexandra Apostolides Sonenfeld with the help and support of her husband, Dr. Emmanuel Apostolides. With local chapters in the United States, Canada and Greece, the Daughters of Penelope is a nonpartisan and nondenominational organization that promotes Hellenic heritage and its ideals. Notably, the organization's dedicated members are encouraged to participate in meaningful community service projects, making the Daughters of Penelope a leader in charitable and educational activities. In its 80 years, the Daughters of Penelope has made great gains in helping women all over the world realize their dreams and leadership potential. Moreover, the Daughters of Penelope has made significant contributions here at home through the organization's commitment to philanthropy and volunteerism, by supporting various charities, sponsoring affordable housing for senior citizens, and by helping spread awareness and providing financial support for medical research. The Daughters of Penelope also sponsors the Penelope Shelter Home for Battered Women, which helps women of all races and faiths during times of need. Mr. Speaker, let's take a moment to recognize the considerable contributions of Greek Americans to the United States and celebrate the achievements of the Daughters of Penelope through the passage of House Resolution 209. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LYNCH. Again, Mr. Speaker, I ask that Members on both sides support Mrs. Maloney, the lead sponsor of this resolution, H. Res. 209, honoring Greek Americans and their contribution to the United States.

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

Mr. LYNCH

Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2877) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 76 Brookside Avenue in Chester, New York, as the ``1st Lieutenant Louis Allen Post Office''.

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

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. 2877 for consideration. This bill, if adopted, will designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 76 Brookside Avenue in Chester, New York, as the ``1st Lieutenant Louis Allen Post Office.'' H.R. 2877 was introduced by my friend and colleague, Representative John Hall of New York, on June 15, 2009, and favorably reported out of the Oversight Committee by unanimous consent on July 10, 2009. Notably, this legislation enjoys the strong support of the entire New York sitting House delegation. Since this is principally sponsored by my friend, Mr. Hall of New York, I'm going to yield 5 minutes to my colleague so that he may make those remarks.

Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, a resident of Milford, Pennsylvania, First Lieutenant Louis E. Allen bravely served in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as a member of the Army National Guard's Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Infantry Division, out of Troy, New York. Regrettably, as has been noted here by my friend, Mr. Hall, First Lieutenant Allen and fellow unit member Captain Phillip T. Esposito were killed in Tikrit, Iraq, on June 8, 2005, of injuries sustained when a mine explosion occurred near their location. First Lieutenant Allen was 34 years old at the time of his death. As noted by his fellow Rainbow Division soldiers, who held a ceremony in honor of their two fallen comrades at Forward Operating Base Danger in Tikrit on June 15, 2005, First Lieutenant Allen was highly regarded as a skilled platoon leader who always took care of his troops. ``He was always running around, getting stuff for his guys--food, safety equipment, and billeting--and never forgot where he came from,'' recalled Colonel Mario Costagliola, the division's assistant chief of staff for operations. In addition to his distinguished service to his unit and his country, First Lieutenant Allen is equally remembered as a dedicated husband to his beloved wife, Barbara, whom he made sure to call every day throughout his deployment, and as a loving father to their four boys, Trevor, Colin, Sean and Jeremy, whose pictures he always carried in his wallet and would display to anyone who would bother to take a look, according to Captain Steven Raiser, a division legal assistance officer who trained with First Lieutenant Allen. Moreover, as a high school science teacher at George Baker High School in Tuxedo, New York, First Lieutenant Allen evidenced the same commitment, dedication and generosity to his students as he did to his fellow soldiers and his family. ``He loved kids. He had a real passion for our students,'' recalled Valley Central School District Superintendent Joseph P. Zanetti. And as noted by all of those who were fortunate enough to know him, First Lieutenant Allen had a unique gift for making everyone around him feel more positive and happier. A family statement issued following his death perhaps best characterizes First Lieutenant Allen's effect on his loved ones: ``Everybody loved Lou for his Lou-ness.'' Mr. Speaker, the life and legacy of First Lieutenant Louis E. Allen stands as a testament to the brave servicemen and -women who have also dedicated their lives to serving our Nation in the United States military. It is my hope that we can honor this young soldier through the passage of H.R. 2877 and by designating the Chester Post Office in his honor. With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I again urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join with Mr. Hall, the principal sponsor of this resolution, in honoring First Lieutenant Louis Allen through the passage of H.R. 2877. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LYNCH

Mr. LYNCH. I thank the gentlelady for her courtesy and the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the rule for H.R. 2647, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010. In addition to the bill's robust support of our national defense and national security programs, H.R. 2647 includes several key Federal employee initiatives which will come under my jurisdiction as the chairman of the Federal Workforce, Postal Service, and District of Columbia Subcommittee. I am pleased to report that the bill significantly enhances the Federal Government's recruitment and retention capabilities, as well as further bolstering agency management and worker productivity. The underlying bill will now allow the Federal Employees Retirement System to provide employees with retirement credit for unused sick time. Under the current system, we have half of our employees that are allowed to get credit for unused sick time, and the others are encouraged to use their sick time whether they need it or not. Under this new bill, Federal workers, managers, and agencies will have the flexibility they have long called for. This is a great change in our personnel management system. Additionally, this legislation fixes a civil service retirement annuity calculation problem for those employees who wish to phase down to part-time at the end of their working careers. Under the existing system, senior employees--many times our most valuable senior employees--are forced to simply retire and not work part-time at the end of their career in order to train their successors, because the calculation would hurt their pension if they work part-time at the end of their career. This change will obviously correct that inequity. The Office of Personnel Management supports that as a way to retain the skill-set and knowledge of employees who are nearing the end of their careers and who want to work part time to help train future agency leaders.

Mr. LYNCH. Also included is a provision that allows D.C. court employees to be compensated for lost retirement credits when those workers were involuntarily transferred to Federal service. H.R. 2647 will also terminate DOD's disastrous so-called pay-for- performance personnel system. I would like to extend my gratitude to Ike Skelton, chairman of the Armed Services Committee, and Buck McKeon, the ranking member, as well as Members Jim Moran from Virginia, Mr. Connolly from Virginia, Mr. Van Hollen from Maryland, and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton from the District of Columbia, and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer for their efforts on behalf of the Federal workforce. Mr. Speaker, I conclude my remarks by thanking Chairwoman Slaughter for the time and restating my support for the rule.

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.

Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3547) to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 936 South 250 East in Provo, Utah, as the ``Rex E. Lee Post Office Building''.

Mr. LYNCH

Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I simply ask all Members on both sides of the aisle to support this measure sponsored by Ms. Norton, the delegate from the District of Columbia, and also supported by Mr. Rahall, the chairman of Natural Resources. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton), who is the sponsor, the lead sponsor and the driving force behind H.R. 2092.

Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I present the amended version of H.R. 2092, the Kingman and Heritage Islands Act of 2009, for consideration. This legislation would permit the District of Columbia to use Kingman and Heritage Islands for educational, environmental, and recreational purposes, thereby benefiting District residents and visitors. I would like to thank the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton) for introducing this bill and for her hard work and advocacy in support of this legislation. I would also like to thank our committee chairman, Ed Towns of Brooklyn, New York, for his leadership and support on this particular measure. Kingman and Heritage Islands were created in the Anacostia River from sediment gathered by the Army Corps of Engineers back in 1916. The islands were managed by the National Park Service of the Department of the Interior from 1916 to 1996. In 1996, Congress passed the National Children's Island Act which required the Federal Government, specifically the Secretary of the Interior, to transfer title of these islands to the District of Columbia for use as a children's recreational park. The law included a reversionary provision allowing the Department of the Interior to reclaim the islands if the theme park was not built, which is the reason H.R. 2092 is now needed. In the years following passage of the Children's Island Act, a variety of problems, including lengthy litigation, prevented full implementation of the original goal. The National Park Service did not take any steps towards reclaiming the land for another use. As times have changed, the District no longer believes that a theme park is the best use of the space. In 2003, the District of Columbia developed the Anacostia Waterfront Framework Plan to redevelop and revitalize the Anacostia waterfront pursuant to a memorandum of understanding between the District and several Federal agencies, including the National Park Service. The waterfront plan envisions the use of the islands for nature-focused exhibitions and educational uses. The plan calls for a nature reserve park to restore the ecosystem and provide usable open space for visitors. The renovated islands will also include a memorial tree grove dedicated to District of Columbia schoolchildren who were victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The District has taken steps towards implementing the plan by using the islands for environmental education programs. Currently, a renovated pedestrian bridge provides access to these islands for environmental programs and viewing by the general public. H.R. 2092 would clarify that these activities are permissible under the law. The bill would amend the Children's Island Act to expand the allowable uses for the islands to include recreational, environmental, and educational uses consistent with the Anacostia Waterfront Plan. The bill would retain a reversionary interest for the Federal Government for 30 years from the date of enactment of H.R. 2092. The Federal Government would be able to reclaim the islands in that period if the Secretary of the Interior determines that they are not being used for recreational, environmental, or educational purposes. The provision retains a role for the Federal Government in ensuring that the islands are used for the purposes stated in the Children's Island Act, as amended by H.R. 2092. At the same time, the provision encourages the District of Columbia to use the islands for productive purposes. As Chair of the subcommittee with jurisdiction and oversight over the District of Columbia, I am pleased to see that the District of Columbia government is moving forward with its plans to develop and provide appropriate environmental and educational experiences, particularly for its children and young people. I wholeheartedly support the city's efforts in this regard and urge my colleagues to do the same by voting in favor of H.R. 2092, the Kingman and Heritage Islands Act of 2009. Lastly, Mr. Speaker, I would like to enter into the Record an exchange of letters between our committee, the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and the House's Natural Resources Committee, which expresses Chairman Rahall's and the Natural Resources Committee's support of H.R. 2092 and waives their jurisdictional interest in this bill. House of Representatives, Committee on Natural Resources, Washington, DC, October 7, 2009. Hon. Edolphus Towns, Chairman, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Rayburn H.O.B., Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: Thank you for the opportunity to work with you on H.R. 2092, the Kingman and Heritage Islands Act of 2009, which contains matters within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Natural Resources. Knowing of your interest in expediting this legislation, I will not seek a sequential referral of H.R. 2092. Of course, this waiver is not intended to prejudice any future jurisdictional claims over the provisions of this legislation or similar language. I also reserve the right to seek to have conferees named from the Committee on Natural Resources on these provisions, and request your support if such a request is made. Please place this letter into the Congressional Record during consideration of H.R. 2092 on the House floor. With warm regards, I am Sincerely, Nick J. Rahall, II, Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources.

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