Daniel Lipinski

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate St. Michael School, an exemplary Catholic elementary school in Orland Park, Illinois, for receiving the prestigious 2013 U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon School Award. In 1982, The Department of Education established the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program to recognize public and private schools boasting high or significantly improved achievement. The program's goal is to identify aspects of thriving American schools in order to replicate their success. I am proud that St. Michael School in Orland Park in my district has been honored as one of those exceptional schools. Since first opening its doors in 1949, St. Michael has been serving the community of Orland Park by providing a diverse, challenging curriculum that emphasizes academics, moral values, and discipline. The mission of St. Michael School has always been to provide students with a learning environment that will reinforce the principles and values of Church, home, and community in an effort to prepare them for lifelong and responsible citizenship. Today, St. Michael School offers programs from preschool through eighth grade and attracts students from Orland Park and surrounding communities, currently enrolling more than 600 students. As a proud graduate of Catholic schools, I understand the rigorous and engaging curriculum that emphasizes Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Technology, Language Arts, and Religion. St. Michael's offers challenging educational experiences that foster success, promote unity, and respect the individuality of each student. Last year I had the pleasure of visiting St. Michael School during Catholic Schools Week. I enjoyed touring the school and visiting with students, and I came away very impressed with the students, teachers, and administrators under the leadership of Principal Bernadette Cuttone. It made perfect sense to me when St. Michael's was chosen as one of only 50 private schools nationwide that received a National Blue Ribbon School Award. Everyone at the school and in the parish should be extremely proud. Please join me in celebrating the accomplishments of St. Michael School and all the National Blue Ribbon award winners. Their pursuit of academic excellence is inspiring, and I hope that their success can serve as an inspiration for schools across the nation.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize FarmedHere, a revolutionary vertical farming facility in Bedford Park, IL for being named a Top 10 ``Up-and-Comer'' for the 12th Annual Chicago Innovation Awards. In March 2013, FarmedHere opened the world's largest indoor vertical farming operation. At a repurposed warehouse, FarmedHere uses cutting- edge technological advances in aquaponics and aeroponics to supply Chicagoland residents and restaurants with chemical-, herbicide- and pesticide-free herbs, vegetables, and fish. As FarmedHere's operation continues to expand and become more efficient, they are proving that sustainable urban farming is a viable option for Chicagoans. In providing locally sourced food throughout Chicago, FarmedHere exemplifies environmentally responsible business practices. Instead of expanding horizontally over hundreds of acres, FarmedHere's fields are stacked on top of each other. This vertical growing technology coupled with local distribution reduces energy use, travel time, and costs. FarmedHere extends its green-thinking to its paper packaging, which uses 90 percent less plastic than traditional supermarket boxes. Recently, FarmedHere, in partnership with The Resource Center, a non- profit environmental education organization, established a program that allows FarmedHere to convert all of its organic waste into compost. This compost is then used at other urban farms throughout the Chicago area, helping these farms continue to grow and thrive. In addition to providing residents with local and environmentally- friendly products, FarmedHere positively affects the Chicago community. FarmedHere provides life changing opportunities for non-violent ex- offenders by hiring and training them to work in their vertical farm. FarmedHere also aims to expand its operations and bring 200 new jobs to the Chicago community by 2014, which will help bolster the local economy. I was pleased to hear that all of this great work has resulted in FarmedHere's recognition by the Chicago Innovation Awards. Each year the Chicago Innovation Awards recognize the most innovative new products and services in the region across all industries and sectors. By honoring Chicagoland's most creative, the Awards strengthen the region's economic future and spread the spirit of innovation. Chosen from a record-breaking pool of 562 applicants, FarmedHere was named one of ten ``Up-and-Comer'' award winners this year. The ``Up-and-Comer'' award recognizes Chicago's premier start-up organizations and provides these organizations with connections to capital, mentors, and business resources. FarmedHere's prizes include an invitation to ring the NASDAQ Bell in New York City, advertising exposure with the Chicago Transit Authority, invitations to attend meetings with Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Governor Pat Quinn, and a profile in Crain's Chicago Business. As the greatest source of new jobs for the U.S. economy, start-ups like FarmedHere deserve this praise and support. FarmedHere and vertical farms alike are beneficial for the economy and the environment, and I am proud that this one-of-a-kind facility is located in the 3rd District of Illinois. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the entire FarmedHere family on their recent honor and to wish them many years of continued success.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Palmer Place Restaurant & Biergarten in La Grange, Illinois on its 30th Anniversary. For the past three decades, Palmer Place has been the keystone of downtown La Grange as it has grown into one of the most vibrant communities in suburban Chicago. Since its founding, Palmer Place has served delicious food and quality beers in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. In 1982, Ruth Palmer returned home from a trip to Germany with the inspiration to open what would be the first Biergarten in Chicago's western suburbs. Despite the risky business circumstances, in 1983, Ruth and Mike Palmer founded Palmer Place Restaurant & Biergarten. In the past 30 years the Palmer family has been monumental in reviving downtown La Grange, and helping to make it the thriving business district it is today. Though the restaurant has grown from 8 employees to 126, Palmer Place remains family owned and operated by Ruth Palmer, and after the passing of Mike Palmer in 1990, their sons Phil and Steve Palmer. Now, the third generation of Palmer's has begun work in the family business: Kyle Palmer, Merle Palmer, and Robert Palmer. The family's commitment to the community has been extraordinary over the past 30 years. In 2012 alone, Palmer Place donated over $50,000 in gift-certificates to local charities in addition to the family conducting and contributing to numerous charitable events. The family's commitment is further illustrated in the active role they have played in the La Grange Business Association, West Suburban Chamber of Commerce, and the Illinois Restaurant Association. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Palmer Place Restaurant & Biergarten on its 30th Anniversary. The Palmer Family's flourishing restaurant is a shining example of the positive influence that local businesses can have on their communities. May it continue to thrive in La Grange and serve as an example to all small business entrepreneurs.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from West Virginia for yielding. I rise today in strong support and as a cosponsor of WRRDA. This bill shows that the T&I Committee is working together, finding areas of agreement, building consensus, and, yes, compromising in order to get things done for the American people. I thank Chairman Shuster and Ranking Member Rahall for demonstrating how Congress should operate in constructing a bill that rebuilds America and creates jobs. Earlier this year, Congressman Whitfield and I issued H.R. 1149 to fix our inland waterways, and WRRDA incorporates a number of WAVE 4 provisions, including project delivery process reforms, project prioritization, development of a 20-year capital investment plan, and Olmsted project reform. In addition, this bill contains important provisions to stop the movement of Asian carp to the Great Lakes, and I urge support of Representative McCollum's amendment that I am cosponsoring which would strengthen these provisions. With that, I urge my colleagues to support this bill. I'd like to begin by commending Chairmen Shuster and Gibbs and Ranking Members Rahall and Bishop for their efforts on H.R. 3080, the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2013 (WRRDA). As a member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and as a co- sponsor, I rise in support of this bi-partisan legislation. It's important to recognize that in the current political climate, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure is working together to find areas of agreement, build consensus, and yes, compromise in order to get things done on behalf of the American people. This is exactly what they sent us here to do; it's what they expect this Congress to do. Today's Big Four agreement exemplifies this commitment to working together. And it is indicative of Chairman Shuster's and Ranking Member Rahall's leadership style on the Committee. I'm hopeful that we will continue to work in a bi-partisan manner as we turn to the rail and highways & transit reauthorizations in the future. I'd like to thank the Big Four for working with me to include several important provisions in this legislation, including language to deauthorize Dime Pier in Chicago, IL and deauthorize Lucas-Berg Pit in Worth, IL. Dime Pier, which is located just south of Navy Pier in Chicago, is almost 100 years old and is no longer used for the purposes of navigation. WRRDA would formally deauthorize the pier, effectively allowing the City to redevelop that area of the lakefront. Lucas-Berg Pit is a former gravel pit, located in my district, acquired by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and designated by the Army Corps in the 1970s as a site for the placement of dredged materials from the Cal-Sag Channel. For a variety of reasons, including its proximity to the community, the site simply isn't suitable for the placement of these materials. WRRDA recognizes this reality and deauthorizes the use of the site. I'm also pleased that WRRDA contains a number of provisions included in H.R. 1149, the Waterways Are Vital for the Economy, Energy, Efficiency, and Environment Act of 2013 (WAVE4), which Mr. Whitfield and I introduced earlier this year. In particular, Title II of WRRDA includes project delivery process reforms, project prioritization, the development of a 20-year Corps capital investment plan with the Inland Waterways Users Board, and a modification to the cost sharing requirement on the Olmsted Lock and Dam project--items all addressed by WAVE4. The Olmsted Lock and Dam cost sharing modification provision, Section 216 of the bill, is especially important. Unfortunately, Olmsted is significantly over budget and behind schedule, currently consuming most of the revenue out of the Inland Waterway Trust Fund. This has prevented virtually any other major project in the system from moving forward. Section 216 of the bill increases the federal share of the project, thus allowing more revenue in the Trust Fund to flow to other projects while Olmsted moves to completion. I would also like to thank Ms. McCollum for offering an amendment-- which I am cosponsoring--to prevent the spread of Asian carp. The Great Lakes provide an estimated 7 billion dollars of fishing activity to the region each year, activity that would be damaged by the spread of Asian carp. We must take immediate action to preserve the Great Lakes environment and all of the economic activity--from fishing and recreation to shipping and transportation--that helps make the Midwest economy strong. Under this amendment, federal agencies would partner with state and local governments to provide expertise and advice on best practices for eliminating Asian carp through activities like contract fishing and pesticide application. While this bill is critically important, like all legislation it is not perfect. For example, one important provision currently not included in the legislation is the increased revenue necessary for the Inland Waterway Trust Fund. Given the legitimate needs and the condition of the network, industry is supportive of a user-fee increase. My legislation, WAVE 4, proposes a 6 cents-per-gallon increase, and I am hopeful Congress can address this issue in the coming months. I would like to close by again thanking Chairmen Shuster and Gibbs and Ranking Members Rahall and Bishop for their hard work on WRRDA this year. This bill is based on compromise and collaboration, and accordingly I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Aviation Department at Lewis University and Department Chair Bill Brogan for receiving the Loening Trophy, an award presented to the top collegiate aviation program in the country. I am happy to see this outstanding program recognized nationally. Lewis University, which is located in my district, has seen significant growth in their aviation department over the past few years, and emerged as one of our nation's preeminent programs. On September 26, in a ceremony held on campus in Romeoville, Illinois, members of Lewis' Flight Team along with students and faculty from the Aviation and Transportation Department were on hand to receive the Loening Trophy. I have visited Lewis University and the Aviation Department a number of times over the past year. I have been very impressed with the various aviation programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Aviation is a growing field and the program at Lewis provides students with an education and skills that will serve them very well. Every year, the National Intercollegiate Flying Association considers aviation programs across the country and selects a recipient for the award based on intense evaluations. Since 1929, the recipient has represented the current benchmark for an overall outstanding aviation program. The hard work and dedication that Lewis University puts into its academics, community involvement, comprehensive safety programs, and a proactive enhancement of the future of aviation earned them the honor this year, setting their program apart as truly top-tier. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Lewis University's Aviation and Transportation Department and congratulating them on this award. The Loening Trophy proves that Lewis continues to be a collegiate aviation leader not only in Illinois, but nationwide. May the students and faculty at Lewis enjoy this prestigious award and continue their work in the field of aviation.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate St. Francis Xavier Parish School, an exemplary Catholic school in La Grange, Illinois, for receiving the prestigious 2013 U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon School Award. Established in 1890, St. Francis Xavier Parish has been serving the entire community of La Grange through religious and academic education as well as community service. In 1982, the Department of Education established the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program to recognize public and private schools boasting high or significantly improved achievement. The program's goal is to identify aspects of thriving American schools in order to replicate their success. I am proud that one of the exceptional schools being honored is not only located in my district, but sits only a couple of miles from my home. I enjoy participating in the annual Falcon 5k run and other events for the school. The mission of St. Francis Xavier Parish School is to provide students with academic excellence centered in the Catholic values of prayer, learning, and service. Each student pledges to uphold these principles and be a citizen of the world and ``represent the mission of my school with dignity and grace.'' Since 1917 when the school opened its doors, the faculty and staff have been providing an excellent education to students based on these founding values. Today, St. Francis Xavier School offers programs from preschool through eighth grade and attracts students from La Grange, La Grange Park, and surrounding communities, currently enrolling more than 600 students. As a proud graduate of Catholic and Jesuit schools, I understand the rigorous and engaging curriculum that emphasizes Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Technology, Language Arts, and Religion. The St. Francis Xavier School offers challenging educational experiences that foster success, promote unity, and respect the individuality of each student. Please join me in celebrating the accomplishments of St. Francis Xavier Parish School and all the National Blue Ribbon award winners. Their pursuit of academic excellence is inspiring, and I hope that their success can serve as an inspiration for schools across the nation.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Marist High School in Chicago, Illinois. This September the high school celebrated its 50th Anniversary. Hundreds of students, alumni, and family members joined Cardinal Francis George in Red and White Stadium to celebrate an anniversary Mass, honoring Marist High School's past and future. In 1963 this Roman Catholic high school opened its doors with the mission of granting students quality schooling, preparing them for higher education, and instilling in them the values of faith, family, and service. Achieving and maintaining a level of performance as high as Marist is not easy. The school has established an educational culture that creates structures, norms, and organizational support to sustain their improving trend toward excellence. For half a century Marist High School has provided an innovative and demanding college preparatory curriculum, serving thousands of Chicago- area and suburban students. Today, the school continues to enhance its surrounding community. The hard work and dedication of all the staff at Marist High School has not gone unnoticed. Praise is due not only to the outstanding teachers, who work tirelessly for the benefit of their students, but to the administrative staff who also work relentlessly to provide the professional atmosphere and the materials necessary to let teachers do what they do best. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the outstanding faculty and students, both past and present, at Marist High School, and congratulating them on this special 50th Anniversary. May Marist High School continue to exhibit excellence and create an outstanding learning environment for our future leaders.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of Amtrak passenger rail service, which carried 31.2 million riders in 2012 and provides a vital transportation alternative for commuters and travelers in our Nation's busiest corridors. More people are taking Amtrak today than ever before, a sign that passenger rail is making a comeback. Ridership has grown substantially during the last decade, with another 3.5 percent gain last year. This year, Amtrak had the highest monthly ridership of its 43-year history with 2.9 million riders in March. Amtrak now covers 88 percent of its operating expenses with ticket sales and other revenue, with government funding needed mostly for capital projects. I represent the southwest side of Chicago and neighboring suburbs where passenger and commuter rail boost our economy. Chicago's Union Station is Amtrak's fourth-busiest station. In Illinois, 56 Amtrak trains run each day carrying 5 million passengers. In addition, the Illinois Department of Transportation has partnered with Amtrak on three corridors between Chicago and downstate Illinois, and has teamed with Wisconsin to support service between Chicago and Milwaukee. Total ridership on these routes has increased 85 percent since the State doubled its investment in Amtrak service in 2006. In the bustling Northeast Corridor from Washington, DC up to Boston, Amtrak carried a record 11.4 million passengers in fiscal year 2012. That helps keep vehicles off our congested highways and relieves some of the pressure at our busy airports. Investment in passenger rail also benefits our economy. In 2012, Amtrak spent more than $1.3 billion on domestically-manufactured goods and services in 48 states and the District of Columbia. The vast majority of Amtrak's spending is right here in the U.S.; less than one percent of Amtrak's procurement money is spent to purchase products from foreign countries. In Illinois, Amtrak employs nearly 1,500 residents. I am encouraged to see Amtrak ridership growing, and I think maintaining our only national intercity passenger rail network will be critical as fuel prices rise and Americans demand more transportation options. I look forward to finding smart ways to improve passenger rail service for my constituents and others. I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting Amtrak and opposing the proposed deep cuts to passenger rail funding in the current transportation appropriations bill that was pulled from the floor Wednesday.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Evergreen Academy Middle School in Chicago, Illinois, for being named to the list of top performing middle grades schools in the country by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform. Evergreen Academy represents one of only 103 middle grades schools from around the United States that were recognized as a ``School to Watch'' by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform. To achieve this honor, Evergreen Academy had to prove that they are academically excellent, developmentally responsive, and socially equitable. They are among the best schools in the country in those regards, and I am glad to see these schools recognized for their excellence. Achieving such a high level of performance is not easy. Schools must establish an educational culture that creates structures, norms, and organizational support to sustain their improving trend toward excellence. Principal Marian L. Strok has demonstrated a sense of purpose that drives her decision making. Further, this performance could not be possible without teachers who work tirelessly for their students and communities, and administrators who work to provide a professional atmosphere to let teachers do what they do best. This hard work and dedication has created an exemplary learning atmosphere. This achievement is made possible through the hard work and dedication by the students, and the loving guidance by their parents and guardians. The students' work ethic and the values that their parents have instilled within them made this award attainable. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the outstanding faculty and students at Evergreen Academy Middle School, and congratulating them for being recognized as one of the outstanding middle grades schools in the country. May they continue to exhibit excellence and create one of the best learning environments in the country for our future leaders.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize George Washington Middle School in Lyons, Illinois, for being named to the list of top performing middle grades schools in the country by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform. George Washington represents one of only 103 middle grades schools from around the United States that were recognized as a ``School to Watch'' by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform. To achieve this honor, George Washington had to prove that they are academically excellent, developmentally responsive, and socially equitable. They are among the best schools in the country in those regards, and I am glad to see these schools recognized for their excellence. Achieving such a high level of performance is not easy. Schools must establish an educational culture that creates structures, norms, and organizational support to sustain their improving trend toward excellence. Principal Johnny Billingsley has demonstrated a sense of purpose that drives his decision making. Further this performance could not be possible without teachers who work tirelessly for their students and communities, and administrators, who work to provide a professional atmosphere to let teachers do what they do best. This hard work and dedication has created an exemplary learning atmosphere. This achievement is made possible through the hard work and dedication of the students, and the loving guidance by their parents and guardians. The students' work ethic and the values that their parents have instilled within them made this award attainable. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the outstanding faculties and students at George Washington Middle School, and congratulating them for being recognized as one of the outstanding middle grades schools in the country. May they continue to exhibit excellence and create one of the best learning environments in the country for our future leaders.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the 2013 Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks. Last night, sorrow quickly turned to joy when the Hawks netted two goals in 17 seconds late in the game to avoid a game seven. The crowd at Palmer Place in LaGrange erupted as Chelsea Dagger played, and we celebrated a second Cup in 4 years. Congratulations especially to Captain Jonathan Toews, Conn Smyth Trophy winner Patrick Kane, and goalie Corey Crawford. But this was truly a team victory--from all of the players on the ice, to Coach Q, to GM Stan Bowman, to owner Rocky Wirtz. The entire organization deserves to be commended, and I thank all of them for once again making us proud. I also want to congratulate the Boston Bruins for their great season and a hard-fought final befitting an Original Six matchup. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Chicago Blackhawks, and I look forward to seeing the Cup back in Chicago.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Eugene ``Gene'' Siegel on his retirement as mayor of the Village of Chicago Ridge. Gene is a dedicated public servant who served as mayor for over 38 years with great honor and dignity. He also served the public in numerous capacities within Cook County government, including deputy coroner for the Cook County Coroner's Office, assistant chief to the Cook County Sheriff's Office, and member of the Cook County Criminal Justice Commission. He has been Vice Chairman of the Southwest Conference of Mayors and Legislative Chairman for the Southwest Conference of Local Governments. Mayor Siegel originally was elected in 1975 to fill an unexpired mayoral term in Chicago Ridge. He was re-elected nine times, most recently in 2009. In each election, he never lost a precinct, which speaks to his character and the respect from the community where he lives and serves. Mayor Siegel is a genuine man who approached public service not only with dignity and honor, but with humility. He believes everyone should have a voice, so he maintained an open door, willing to listen and respond to the views of his colleagues and constituents. Over the last four decades, Mayor Siegel focused on improving and revitalizing the Village of Chicago Ridge by fixing roads and creating a solid tax base with the development of the Chicago Ridge Mall in 1981 and the Commons of Chicago Ridge in 1988, which brought in businesses to ignite the economy and create jobs for the entire region. During his 38 years leading Chicago Ridge, Mayor Siegel witnessed the population of his town expand from 2,000 to 15,000. He was a visionary, realizing and addressing the needs of his growing community. Mayor Siegel was integral in the establishment of a full-time fire department and the development of a 130-acre industrial park, a public works facility, and a very impressive municipal complex, the last of which bears his name. As the congressman for the Village of Chicago Ridge, I am proud to represent such a committed and dedicated man. Mayor Siegel's leadership has been a major asset to his community. I am honored to call him my friend. Today I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mayor Eugene ``Gene'' Siegel. Mayor Siegel, you truly are a dedicated public servant who is greatly respected by your family, friends, and colleagues. You have made Chicago Ridge a great place to call home. As you embark on a new chapter in life, may you enjoy a long and well-deserved retirement and continue to experience many great memories with your lovely wife, Linda, as well as your family and friends.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Alia Abiad, who recently participated in the Scripp's National Spelling Bee. Alia Abiad is a 7th Grader from McClure Junior High School, and a resident of my hometown of Western Springs, IL. In addition to being a skilled tennis player and violinist for the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra, her recent performances in local and national Spelling Bees have demonstrated that she is a driven, exemplary student. Alia diligently practices her spelling independently and with her parents every day. She also gains her edge by reading books intended for an audience well beyond her age. Alia initially won the title of best speller at McClure Junior High, and then went on to win the Cook County Spelling Bee. In these competitions, she maintained a perfect record, spelling every word correctly. Most recently, she competed alongside 280 of America's top spellers in the Scripp's National Spelling Bee in Washington, DC. She advanced to the semi-finals, correctly spelling `peccadillo,' `quiddity,' and `hypnopompic,' before her run ended. Alia's achievements are a reminder of how preparation, practice, and perseverance produce solid results, even when facing difficult challenges. I call on all my colleagues to join me in congratulating Alia Abiad, and her parents, for her tremendous accomplishments, and her commendable performance in the Scripp's National Spelling Bee.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Joliet Catholic Academy's baseball team for winning the third Illinois Class 3A state championship title. Although they started this season slowly, losing their first three games, the team rallied late in the season to finish the season with a nine game winning streak to capture the Illinois state title. The JCA Hilltoppers' solid pitching and defense produced shutouts against five of Illinois' finest teams during the state tournament. Throughout the championship tournament, JCA outscored their opponents by an average of six runs per game, including a 5-0 win in the championship game over St. Francis High School. This outstanding finale came as a result of years of hard work by these young men and Coach Jared Voss and his staff, who have led the JCA Hilltoppers to two state championships in the past four seasons. This victory is a reminder of how preparation, practice, and perseverance produce solid results, even when facing difficult challenges. Today, I am pleased to call on all my colleagues to join me in congratulating the young men of Joliet Catholic Academy on winning the state championship.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Thank you, Mr. Fortenberry. Thank you for yielding and leading us here tonight. I'm glad to join you here from this side of the aisle. Mr. Speaker, religious freedom is our first freedom, as stated right there in the First Amendment. This is not just freedom to worship as we hear it defined now in many ways. It is not just freedom to worship in our own homes, in our churches, synagogues, mosques, temples. It is freedom to practice and live out religious faith here in America. On June 21 through July 4, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is having a Fortnight for Freedom to pray, educate, and act for religious freedom. But this is not just a Catholic issue. This is an issue for all Americans. It's an American issue. Just as you said this is not just a Republican issue. Freedom is what our country was founded on. We just recently commemorated Memorial Day for all of those who have died for our country and for freedom. Friday is Flag Day. Again, we'll be remembering what America is all about in our freedom. And on the Fourth of July, we celebrate the freedom that our country was born to serve and to live out and be a beacon for the rest of the world. We need to uphold that freedom, and the HHS mandate, amongst other efforts, other things that have been done by the Federal Government, unfortunately, in recent years has really run counter to freedom. Mr. Speaker, I want Americans to understand what this is about. It's not about birth control or abortion, although we were told in the health care law, ObamaCare was not going to cover abortion, though we know the HHS mandate requires the abortion-inducing drugs. But that's not what the core of this is about. It's about freedom. It's about taking away Americans' freedom, requiring them to participate in activities that violate their conscience. Unfortunately, I think there's been a lot of misdirection on this, and I think it's important for all of us to focus back on what this is about. It's about freedom for all Americans to live their lives according to their conscience, whether or not they are practicing faith or not. It's to live according to their conscience. So, Mr. Speaker, I just am very happy to join with my colleagues in helping to support, protect and call upon Americans to speak up, rise up and bring that message to Congress, to their Representatives, that freedom must be protected. We must do it now. We cannot continue to let freedom slip away. And I'm very happy to join my colleagues tonight.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Captain Dan Johnson on his installation as Post Commander of the Johnson-Phelps VFW Post 5220 in Oak Lawn, Illinois. As a decorated veteran, a dedicated citizen, and a loyal patriot, Captain Johnson continues to serve his community and his tireless dedication deserves our recognition. An active member of the United States Army since 1992, Captain Johnson has served in Iraq and Afghanistan, as a Platoon Leader and on Security Forces Assistance Advisor Teams. He has earned 17 awards, including the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Bronze Star. Captain Johnson is a resident of Oak Lawn, Illinois, so I am especially proud to have such a committed serviceman from the 3rd Congressional District. I am confident that his leadership will be an asset to the Johnson-Phelps VFW Post 5220, and thank him for his service and commitment to his fellow countrymen. Today I stand and ask you to join me in honoring Captain Dan Johnson on his new position as Commander of Johnson-Phelps VFW Post 5220.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. I thank Ms. Esty for yielding and for offering this amendment. I have always been a supporter of the Keystone XL pipeline. I have voted for it every time it has come to this floor in any form in which it has come here. This bill, however, goes beyond simply completing the environmental review and Presidential approval of the pipeline. This bill mandates that the Army Corps and other agencies approve permits not just for construction but for all future maintenance activities on the pipeline. The Army Corps review of permits is important to limiting environmental damage and other impacts like flooding. The southern portion of this pipeline, which I'm very happy is underway, is currently being constructed without having to waive laws and automatically approve permits like this. I urge Members to support this amendment so we can really come together in a strong bipartisan fashion to approve the Keystone XL pipeline and get this done and get these jobs created in America.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. I want to thank Mr. Reid Ribble for yielding, and I want to stand here on the Republican side of the well to just express how important it is that we stand here together. As Mr. Ribble just mentioned in talking about our veterans, yesterday I was at an early Memorial Day commemoration. The people there weren't talking about Democrats and Republicans. We were talking about those men and women who had given their lives for our country--standing together, fighting together to maintain our freedom. Today, we see too much division here in Washington. Now, my background is in engineering. Engineers are problem solvers, so I came to Congress 8-plus years ago determined to solve problems. As our Nation's problems have gotten bigger, Congress has gotten smaller, not smaller in size and certainly not smaller in ego, but smaller in the capacity to get things done. My constituents certainly see this. What they want to see is Washington working together to help with job creation, to work on reducing our debt and to work on solving the many other problems that we face. Instead, they see fighting in Washington. Now, where I come from on the southwest side of Chicago, in the bungalow belt, we know that when we are sent to do a job there is a bottom line--get the job done. Businesses, families, organizations know, if they're going to survive, they must solve problems. It's time for Washington to get this because we must come together to face these big issues, and that's what Problem Solvers and No Labels are all about--coming together. Not to lose the fact that we are Democrats and Republicans, liberals or conservatives, but to work to solve problems. We must do this. If we do not, we will be failing the American people--failing our constituents, those who have sent us here. If we do come together, we can work to solve some of these problems and make sure that America's brightest and best days are still ahead of us. The American people are counting on us. So I am glad to stand here with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and I thank Mr. Ribble for leading us here tonight to say we are united to solve problems. We are no labels. We're not going to solve the problems overnight, but this is where we need to start to let the American people know that there are Members of Congress, there are people in Washington who want to work together and solve these problems. I pledge my support to my colleagues here, and we are going to work together as America's brightest days are yet to come.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Reverend Monsignor Francis Maniola on his 100th birthday and the 75th anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood. I am happy to have joined him in celebrating these milestones at St. Symphorosa, the Catholic parish on the Southwest Side of Chicago that he has served for 45 years. Monsignor Maniola was originally appointed Pastor of St. Symphorosa Parish in 1968. Responding to changes in Catholic parishes that were mandated by the bishops of the Second Vatican Council, Father Maniola sought to increase Parish involvement both spiritually and socially. He led the establishment of new groups and liturgical ministries at St. Symphorosa such as the popular Super Club, a senior citizens group with weekly events and activities, as well as support groups like the Widow and Widowers Club. I fondly remember Monsignor Maniola as the Pastor of the parish throughout my eight years at St. Symphorosa School. Although he retired in 1981 with the title ``Pastor Emeritus,'' his leadership and commitment to the Parish have continued to be felt in the community. At 100 years of age, Monsignor Maniola is in good health and high spirits. As an avid baseball fan, he enjoys watching Cubs and White Sox games. He also enjoys solving crossword and Sudoku puzzles. He remains deeply spiritual, and maintains an active role in the Parish. Today I express my admiration of Monsignor Maniola's devotion to St. Symphorosa, and honor his lifetime of achievements. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Monsignor Maniola well as he celebrates his 100th birthday and the 75th anniversary of his Ordination, and to thank him for his service.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 98th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. In the wake of World War I, the Ottoman Empire launched a campaign of terror against their own Armenian citizens. From 1915 to 1923, forced deportations displaced 2 million Armenians. Unarmed men were separated from their families and were either forced into concentration camps or taken away to be executed. Innocent women and children were systematically stripped of their possessions and driven into what is now the Syrian Desert. During these ``Death Marches'' they were subjected to starvation, sickness, and abuse amid brutal conditions. In the end, nearly 1.5 million Armenians had lost their lives in what became the first genocide of the 20th century. Although these atrocities occurred almost a century ago, it is imperative to remember the suffering that was endured as a result of unrestrained human malice. To acknowledge this truth is necessary, not just out of respect for our fellow citizens of Armenian descent, but also in hope that we can prevent such heinous crimes from occurring in the future. Today, I call on my colleagues to join me in somber remembrance of the 1.5 million Armenians who perished during this dark period of history, and to honor the strength and resolve of the Armenian community still working to overcome this tragedy.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlelady for yielding and for her work on this legislation. I'd also like to thank Chairman Smith and Chairwoman Lummis for all their work on this bill. It's been nearly 4 years since we last reauthorized and updated the NITRD program, and it's time we get this job done. The House, again, on this bill has passed legislation since that time, but we need to get this done today here and get this through the Senate and to the President's desk. The NITRD program evolved from the High Performance Computing Act of 1991, which funded the development of Mosaic--the first commercial Web browser which made the Internet user friendly and led to its explosion in the 1990s. This innovation was created by a team of programmers at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications at the University of Illinois. As a brief aside, I was just at the NCSA in Urbana-Champaign at the University of Illinois for the launch of the Blue Waters supercomputer, one of the most powerful supercomputers in the world, which is also there at the University of Illinois. But Marc Andreessen, one of the lead programmers on the original project that created Mosaic and the founder of Netscape, summed up the importance of Federal investment in this research by saying: If it had been left to private industry, it wouldn't have happened, at least, not until years later. Innovative breakthroughs like the Mosaic Web browser changed our everyday lives and established the United States as the world leader in networking and information technologies, and the Federal Government played an important role in that. But today we find ourselves in a world in which we can no longer take U.S. supremacy for granted. As we heard during committee consideration of the bill, China, Japan, Germany, and several other countries are increasing their investments in NIT R&D as well as their capacity to convert R&D into new commercial technologies. We must prioritize cutting-edge, large-scale R&D and effective technology transfer policies, focused on the most advanced areas of network and information technology, in order to preserve our lead in these sectors. H.R. 967, the Advancing America's Network and Information Technology Research and Development Act, achieves these ends through the development of a coordinated Federal R&D investment strategy. This bill requires Federal agencies involved in the R&D program to develop 5-year plans specifying near- and long-term objectives and to assess and evaluate progress periodically to ensure we maintain U.S. leadership in these fields. Mr. Speaker, this legislation will focus our scientific community towards the innovative, large-scale, and collaborative R&D we need to remain a leader in networking and information technologies. This is a good, bipartisan bill, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I want to start by thanking the gentlelady for yielding and for her support on this bill, and thank Chairman Smith for his support and for moving the bill early in this Congress. I also want to thank Mr. McCaul for working with me on this bill for the third straight Congress and for his broader leadership in Congress on cybersecurity issues. Two Congresses ago when Democrats were in the majority, I was the lead sponsor of this bill. Last Congress, Mr. McCaul became the lead sponsor. Both times the bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, which is a testament to the importance of this bill and to the quality of the work that has gone into it. Hopefully in this Congress, as Mr. McCaul said, the House and the Senate will finally pass this vital piece of the puzzle in protecting America's cybersecurity. When I began working on this bill in 2010, it was clear that our use of the Internet and other communication networks would continue to grow and evolve, and that threats from individual hackers, criminal syndicates, and even other governments would grow and evolve, too. This has turned out to be all too true. Just last month, the Director of National Intelligence testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee that the danger of cyber attacks and cyber espionage on crucial infrastructure tops the list of global threats to our Nation. I believe that we face the possibility of a cyber ``Pearl Harbor'' that could destroy America's military or economic security. We have already seen the loss of countless jobs through cyber espionage, and we face--and thankfully, so far, we have repelled--much worse attacks every day. It is now more important than ever that we get this legislation onto the President's desk. H.R. 756 will increase the security of our networks and information systems by building strong public-private partnerships, improving the transfer of cybersecurity technologies to the marketplace, training a cybersecurity workforce for both the public and private sectors, and coordinating and prioritizing Federal cybersecurity R&D efforts. In addition to requiring a strategic plan for Federal cybersecurity R&D among all of the relevant Federal agencies, this bill explicitly authorizes programs and activities at the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Both of these agencies play an important and unique role in the Federal Government's efforts to secure cyberspace. This bill also builds on recommendations of the administration's cyberspace policy review. The first step is education, including educating individuals, companies, and especially the next generation of IT professionals. This legislation works towards these goals by building on existing partnerships, such as the NSF-sponsored Center for System Security and Information Assurance at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills, Illinois. This college has trained hundreds of teachers and college faculty in cybersecurity-related areas since 2003, individuals who are now teaching at colleges and technical training programs nationwide. H.R. 756 utilizes these existing programs across the country by providing scholarships to students pursuing cybersecurity degrees in exchange for their service in the Federal IT workforce. This approach not only provides for the immediate workforce needs of the Federal Government but also builds a pipeline for private industry. Of course, research, standards, and education are only part of the cybersecurity solution, but they are critical pieces of the puzzle that Congress must complete to secure our Nation. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank again Mr. McCaul for his work on this legislation. I urge Members to support it.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise to share my concern about language adopted in a Senate amendment to H.R. 933 regarding political science research funded by the National Science Foundation. The U.S. scientific enterprise is the envy of the world, and rightly so. The U.S. has been a world leader in science, technology, and innovation for decades and a large reason for that leadership has been the freedom and independence afforded our scientists to follow a line of inquiry wherever it may lead them. In fact, some of the most beneficial discoveries have been made researching topics that some might consider frivolous. Consider that a $250,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1955 to study the ``Sex Life of the Screwworm'' was criticized by members of Congress at the time. The research resulting from that grant allowed scientists to understand how to stop screwworms from breeding and thus from infecting cattle, which was a serious problem. It is estimated that this research saved the U.S. cattle industry $20 billion, an enviable return on investment to say the least. Historically, when individual grants have been highlighted and held up for ridicule by politicians in this way, many of the grants turned out to have a good deal of value when viewed in retrospect. Unfortunately, history has repeated itself in the past few years. Most recently, a Senate amendment attached to H.R. 933, the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act of 2013, would prevent the National Science Foundation (NSF) from conducting political science research unless the NSF director certified that the research promoted the national security or economic interests of the country. When introducing the language, the amendment's sponsor highlighted several individual grants as unnecessary. I, myself, have a Ph.D. in political science, and was a professor of political science for several years before running for Congress. Opposition to NSF funding of political science research has typically been based on the assumption that the research findings have little or no beneficial impact for our nation. But this assumption is simply not true. Political science research helps us understand many important topics that affect the everyday lives of millions of Americans at home and overseas, including why countries go to war and what can be done to promote civic engagement and voting among the general public. Recent political science research funded by NSF studied FDA approvals of products and produced recommendations for avoiding faulty approvals in the future. FDA officials were briefed on the results and the recommendations had implications ranging from the White House Office of Science and Technology policy to financial regulations made by the Federal Reserve System. Political science research also impacts research done in all other areas of social science. NSF funding of political science research has averaged roughly $11 million a year over the last 10 years. This represents less than 0.2% of the NSF's research funding, but it is the predominant source of research funding for political scientists in the United States. For just a small investment this funding can help bring about research discoveries that change how we view our world. In 2009, Professor Elinor Ostrom, a political scientist, was awarded the Nobel Prize for her research about how people can successfully manage common property such as forests, fisheries, and oil fields. Federal funding for research like this can have substantially positive impacts on our daily lives. Furthermore, the danger with an amendment like this is that the economic and national security value of research isn't always known at the outset. The director of the Department of Homeland Security's Domestic Nuclear Detection Office testified before the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee last year that social science research was vital to predicting the actions of terrorist cells. Much of the basic research this work relies on would have limited direct national security implications. Basic research in political science at the NSF on social movement theory and agency theory may have no direct connection at all to our national security interests, and yet unless we understand these basic underpinnings regarding how people behave, we can never effectively study the applications that do have direct security connections, such as predicting the actions of terrorist cells. This amendment is also misguided in the way it adds red tape and bureaucracy to one of our nation's premier institutions for funding scientific research. Just as much money would be spent by the National Science Foundation, but by placing additional administrative burdens on research approval, fewer grants might be awarded due to the increased cost of review. At best, this amendment would be an unnecessary regulatory burden, at worst, it could negatively impact both our economic and national security interests despite its intentions. I continue to believe that science works best when scientists, and not politicians, are deciding what scientific questions are worth pursuing. Legislative limitations on scientific inquiry should be made sparingly, if at all. I would urge all members to reject such restrictions on political science funding in the future.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize FarmedHere, a revolutionary vertical farming facility in Bedford Park, IL, that celebrates its Grand Opening this week. Envisioned as an sustainable solution to growing fresh produce in an urban environment, Steve Dennenberg, Paul Hardej, Paul Suder, Jolanta Hardej, and Mark Weglarz came together to found and operate FarmedHere. Designed to bring food closer to the consumer, FarmedHere is located in a formerly unoccupied warehouse in Bedford Park. The facility uses cutting-edge technological advances in aquaponics, aeroponics, and vertical farming to make urban agricultural production a possibility. While many types of produce travel thousands of miles to reach the plates of Chicagoland residents, FarmedHere products save money and energy by keeping the growing and distribution processes local in the Chicagoland area. Beyond being economically efficient and ecologically-minded, FarmedHere also gives back to the local community. FarmedHere has partnered with the Chicago Botanic Garden to teach students about aquaponics and the future of urban farming. This partnership teaches students how to be leaders in this exciting new industry that will create jobs now and in the future. Residents of the Greater Chicago Area now have access to fresh local basil, arugula, and salad dressing produced sustainably by their own neighbors thanks to FarmedHere. Eventually, this business will grow and begin selling fresh fish and more energy-intensive fruits and vegetables. The founders of FarmedHere also hope to someday move entirely ``off the grid'' by using cutting edge technologies to produce their own energy, fertilizer, and output--all under one roof. FarmedHere and vertical farms like it are good for the economy and the environment, and I am proud that this one-of-a-kind facility is located in the 3rd District of Illinois. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the entire FarmedHere family on their successful launch and to wish many years of continued success.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Polish and American freedom fighter Casimir Pulaski. In my home state of Illinois, we celebrate Casimir Pulaski Day, which is observed on the first Monday of March. Born in Warsaw, Poland, on March 6, 1745, Casimir Pulaski was a skilled commander who fought against Russian forces in Poland. Based upon his work fighting for freedom in Poland, Pulaski was recruited by Benjamin Franklin to join in the American Revolution. In his first correspondence to George Washington, Pulaski famously wrote, ``I came here, where freedom is being defended, to serve it, and to live or die for it.'' In his first battle of the Revolution, the Battle of Brandywine on September 11, 1777, Pulaski helped alter the course of history by rallying a counterattack against advancing British forces that afforded Washington and countless American troops the time needed to successfully retreat. As a result, Washington promoted Pulaski to brigadier general of the American cavalry. His influence on American independence did not end there. Pulaski introduced some modern military tactics to the American revolutionaries and led troops in numerous battles and sieges up and down the eastern seaboard. He organized the Continental Army's first successful cavalry unit, often using his own money to finance equipment for his men. On October 9, 1779, during the Battle of Savannah, Pulaski was struck by grapeshot while attempting to lead a secondary charge against the entrenched British. He was taken aboard the USS Wasp and died from his wounds two days later. On October 15, he was buried at sea. Today Pulaski is remembered as the father of the American cavalry and one of the heroes of the American Revolution. He has been memorialized across America, through the naming of towns, counties, roads, and other landmarks. In 2009, on the 230th anniversary of his death, Congress honored Pulaski posthumously as an honorary citizen of the United States, marking only the seventh time in American history that an individual has been granted such an honor. This past Saturday, I joined the Polish Highlanders Alliance at their headquarters in Chicago's Archer Heights community to celebrate Pulaski Day. In my address to the group gathered to remember Casimir Pulaski, I praised the long friendship between the United States and Poland, and pledged my continued support for bringing Poland into the Visa Waiver Program. Today, I ask all Americans to remember a true Polish and American hero who devoted and ultimately sacrificed his life to the pursuit of freedom.