Daniel Lipinski

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a selfless public servant, former Lockport Township Fire Chief Jim Miller. On September 13, Chief Miller passed away at the age of 74. As a firefighter, he dedicated his life to protecting his neighbors. As Fire Chief, he helped steer the Lockport Township Fire Department through turbulent economic times. Mr. Miller began his remarkable career as a firefighter in 1959. He became Fire Chief in 1979 and served in that capacity until 1987. As Fire Chief, he kept his station afloat despite scarceness of equipment and firefighters. When he became Fire Chief, instead of purchasing the traditional new white helmet, Mr. Miller simply spray painted his old helmet white because of the Department's tight budget. After the economy rebounded, he kept his old white helmet and elected to purchase better equipment for his firefighters instead. This small example of his willingness to do the best for his firefighters and share the hardship of a tight budget made him a model for what a Fire Chief and a great leader should be. Firefighting was in Jim Miller's blood. Both his uncle and father were firefighters and he passed on much of his wisdom to his son-in- law. He also considered all those at his station to be part of his extended family and treated them as such. He made it a point to visit his station when returning to Lockport Township from his retirement home in Florida to see his old colleagues. During these trips he would marvel at the new technology and increased number of firefighters. Firefighters then and now know that without his courage to keep the station afloat in the 1980s, these improvements might not have been possible. Mr. Miller was preceded in death by daughter Jodi Miller and survived by his loving and devoted wife of 54 years, Jyme, and his children Jami, Kelly, and Jim. Please join me in honoring the life of Jim Miller. He was a brave and selfless public servant. His contributions to Lockport Township and his life of service will not be forgotten.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the opening of the Women's Care Center of La Grange in my home district. The Women's Care Center is a life-affirming crisis pregnancy center, providing non- judgmental guidance and support to women who unexpectedly find themselves with a child. The Women's Care Center of La Grange is affiliated with International Life Services, a non-profit organization that safeguards the dignity of human life while supporting women in their moment of need. Chicagoland women now have the option to seek refuge at the Women's Care Center and receive accurate information and confidential counseling in a comforting environment. Besides offering emotional support, the Women's Care Center provides free and affordable health care for new and expecting mothers. Pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and pre-natal care are offered, as well as medical referrals. After the child is born, the center continues to aid the family. Support is available in the form of baby clothes, diapers, baby furniture, and food assistance. Every mother deserves access to quality medical care, and I am pleased that this facility prioritizes the health of the mother and the child. I am proud to have this charitable organization in my district and I look forward to its positive impact. I am certain that this new facility will be a gift to the community. Please join me in celebrating the Women's Care Center of La Grange as they pursue their life- affirming mission of improving the health and wellbeing of local women and children.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his leadership on this issue. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Protect Life Act, a bill which will apply the decades-old Hyde amendment policy prohibiting taxpayer funding of elective abortion to the Affordable Care Act. While the discussion in our Nation continues concerning laws governing abortions, there has been a general consensus to prohibit the use of taxpayer money to pay for elective abortion or insurance coverage of abortion. This has long been embodied in the Hyde amendment that annually has been included in an appropriations bill which most of us on both sides of the aisle have voted for. The Protect Life Act simply applies the Hyde amendment to the Affordable Care Act, just as the House did in 2009 with the Stupak- Pitts amendment during our initial consideration of the Affordable Care Act. At that time, 63 of my Democratic colleagues joined me in voting for that amendment. However, the final bill that became law did not include that language, and the President's Executive order does not implement the Hyde amendment. The order does not include Hyde prohibitions on taxpayer funding for insurance coverage of abortion, and it can be struck down by courts or overturned by any administration at any time. In addition, what happened last year with State high-risk health plans covering abortion demonstrates the vulnerability that the Executive order has and the need for clarity. Madam Speaker, today we have the opportunity to provide that clarity and do what a large majority of Americans want and what Congress has done for more than three decades; that is, prohibit the use of taxpayer dollars for abortion. So today I urge my colleagues to support the Protect Life Act.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to this job-killing trade bill, and I would like to insert into the Record a letter from the International Federation for Professional and Technical Engineers in opposition to the Korea FTA. International Federation of Professional & Technical Engineers, Washington, DC, February 7, 2011. Hon. Hilda L. Solis, U.S. Department of Labor, Washington, DC. Hon. Ron Kirk, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, Washington, DC. Dear Secretary Solis and Ambassador Kirk: The International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) applauds the Obama Administration, most notably the Department of Labor (DOL) and the office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) for your willingness to include labor in last year's discussions preceding the Administration's announced agreement on the US-South Korea (KORUS) Free Trade Agreement. That said, and after a long review and analysis of this FTA, I am writing to express IFPTE's concerns with the final proposal. While some improvements compared to the Bush Administration negotiated KORUS FTA were achieved, IFPTE continues to believe that the proposed agreement falls short in several key areas and fails to put US workers and businesses in a better position to compete. First and foremost, KORUS does not include enforceable labor protections. Granted, the language urges the United States and South Korea to adhere to the International Labor Organization (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. However, like the 2007 Bush Administration negotiated Korea deal, as well as the Panama, Peru and Colombia FTAs, the practical implication of this provision is the exclusion of any enforceable ILO labor protections. The fact is that the ILO Declaration itself has no teeth and is not enforceable. Instead, it is the eight ILO Conventions themselves that are enforceable. Yet, and despite the urging of labor to include the ILO Conventions, they are not included in KORUS. The resulting compromise allows potential FTA panels the flexibility to ignore, or even weaken through misguided interpretations, the true labor protections called for by the ILO. It is IFPTE's long-standing position that any trade framework should be reflective of a broader US industrial policy whose foundation is enhancing the rights of workers not only here in the US, but worldwide. Consequently, the mere fact that the ILO Conventions are absent from this agreement is reason enough for IFPTE to oppose the KORUS FTA. We have many other concerns as well, including our skepticism with claims of a limited negative impact on American workers. The basis for these claims stems from an analysis of KORUS by the United States International Trade Commission (USITC), which attempts to predict the impact that specific trade agreements will have on the US economy. The USITC suggests that KORUS will have no negative impact on US jobs, and will have a limited impact on the US trade deficit with South Korea over the first seven years. However, USITC estimates have historically underestimated the damage that past trade agreements have had on US workers and the economy. For example, when China sought membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO), the USITC predicted that our trade deficit with China would increase by $1 billion, and it would have a negligible impact on jobs. Instead, from the time China entered the WTO in 2001, through 2008, our trade deficit with China ballooned to $185 billion annually and resulted in the loss of 2.4 million American jobs. In other words, IFPTE warns against relying on the USITC metric. We at IFPTE believe that a more reliable, and realistic, estimate of the impact of KORUS is outlined by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI). Contrary to the USITC findings, EPI found that over the first seven years of implementation, KORUS will result in 159,000 lost American jobs and increase the US trade deficit with Korea by $16.7 billion. To put this into practical terms, an analysis by the United Steelworkers of America (USW), for example, suggests that KORUS will only enflame our trade deficit with Korea. In expressing their opposition to KORUS, the USW issued a statement saying, ``auto parts, petroleum products, tires and iron and steel, for example--have contended with fast growing imports from Korea this year, and the FTA will only ensure a continuation of the negative impact of this import flood on domestic production and employment.'' Equally troubling is that KORUS mirrors NAFTA when it comes to foreign investor privileges and Buy America policies. Among the foreign investor problems with this bill are the following: Gives foreign investors the right to enforce FTA privileges by suing the U.S. government in foreign tribunals for violations of FTA rights; Opens up U.S. environmental, health, zoning and other policies to challenge by foreign investors in foreign tribunals; Requires that foreign based companies in South Korea, like those in all FTA nations, have the same access to state and federal government contracts as that of U.S. based companies; and, Forbids the reinvestment of U.S. taxpayer dollars back into the domestic economy by governments at the state and federal levels through, ``Buy America'' policies. It is worth noting that the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), South Korean Farmers organization, and civil and human rights groups have also lined up in opposition to KORUS. Indeed, our national experiment with free trade agreements has been negative for workers in America, as well as those around the world. There has been enough suffering from one sided trade deals that are great for business, but are disastrous for American and foreign workers alike. Therefor IFPTE opposes the KORUS FTA and will encourage Congress to reject it. I thank you for your consideration. Should you have any questions please feel free to contact me, or IFPTE Legislative Director Matt Biggs. Sincerely, Gregory J. Junemann, President.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his leadership on this issue. Mr. Speaker, I cannot imagine a worse time for this job-killing trade agreement with South Korea. Expanding a NAFTA-style trade agenda that has already destroyed 5 million manufacturing jobs would make no sense in the best of times, but to do it when 25 million Americans are unemployed or underemployed, it is totally absurd now. Economists estimate that 159,000 American workers will lose their jobs over 7 years if we pass this agreement, most of these good-paying manufacturing jobs. In exchange, we likely get not only more Chinese imports, but we open up our country to imports from the nuclear dictatorship in North Korea. Manufacturers in my district know this. Workers in my district know this. It only seems that Washington is blind to this. It is well past time that Washington puts American workers and American manufacturers first. We can start by rejecting this trade agreement. We cannot hang our middle class out to dry any longer. We need to support American workers now.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Euginia Milionis, an exemplary citizen of Illinois' Third Congressional District, for her dedicated service to the students of the Villages of Bridgeview and Justice. Ms. Milionis is retiring after forty-nine years as a crossing guard, exercising diligence and commitment to ensuring the safety of the youngest members of our community. Ms. Milionis served the past twenty-one years stationed at the busy intersection of 79th Street and Roberts Road. In rain, shine, sleet, and snow, Ms. Milionis has always been present with a warm smile and welcoming wave. Her commitment to local children has inspired others to become involved in their community as well. Ms. Milionis' daughter, Dina, has also worked as a crossing guard for several years. In commemoration and gratitude for Ms. Milionis' many years of service, both Lyons Township and the Village of Bridgeview have awarded her plaques of recognition. I am happy to recognize Ms. Euginia Milionis' efforts and contributions to her community. Her dedication to ensuring a safe commute for students truly serves as an inspiration to others. I am distinctly proud to count her among the fine citizens of the Third District of Illinois, and I wish her a long and happy retirement.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise to mourn the passing, and to celebrate the life of Harry ``Bus'' Yourell. Mr. Yourell was a man who loved his family, his community, and his country, and had a general love of life. Mr. Yourell's public service began on December 7, 1941, the day Pearl Harbor was attacked and the day he signed up for the Marine Corps. A proud Marine, he was awarded a Bronze Star for saving an injured friend and he earned three Purple Hearts for his own injuries. Having fought bravely at Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima, Mr. Yourell exemplifies the ``Greatest Generation.'' Mr. Yourell continued his service in 1959 when he was elected Trustee in the Village of Oak Lawn. In 1966, he became a Representative in the Illinois House and went on to serve nine terms. He also served as Worth Township Democratic committeeman, Cook County Recorder of Deeds, and Commissioner for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. He retired in 2006 having won 40 elections without ever losing one. An Oak Lawn street and a Water Reclamation District aeration station bear his name, and he is remembered fondly by tens of thousands of residents of Oak Lawn, Worth Township, and Cook County. Even as a senior citizen, Mr. Yourell still exhibited a youthful love for life. He bungee jumped in New Zealand at age 85 and was known for his love of dancing, even at his 90th birthday party. Mr. Yourell is survived by his wife, Millie, three children, five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Please join me in mourning the loss of a model citizen and a loving family man, Harry ``Bus'' Yourell. His passion and commitment to his community and his country will continue to inspire us all for years to come.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. We must take action to provide a competitive and focused foundation for those who will continue to make it in America, and we can do so now by defeating the previous question and then passing the National Manufacturing Strategy Act. The American public is waiting. They need jobs. They want us to act. So let's move forward together on something we can agree to and get Americans back to work.

Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to oppose the previous question so we can bring to the floor a bipartisan bill that I reintroduced earlier this year, H.R. 1366, the National Manufacturing Strategy Act. I know that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle recognize our near-term and long-term economic challenges and understand that the American people want us to help them get back to work. So rather than considering a bill to tie up pending environmental regulations in red tape, we should be bringing to the floor a bill we can agree will improve our competitiveness and help the private sector create good jobs. The National Manufacturing Strategy Act requires the President to establish a bipartisan public/private manufacturing strategy board. This board would analyze the various factors that affect manufacturing, including trade, taxes, regulations, among others. It would also consider the government's programs, policies, and role in promoting manufacturing and identify goals and recommendations for Federal, State, and private sector entities to pursue in order to achieve the greatest economic opportunity for manufacturers in America. The strategy will be reexamined every 4 years so it would reflect the implementation of prior recommendations, reassess global markets and technological development, and plot a revised strategy. The Federal Government already has significant and broad influence on the domestic environment for manufacturing; and certain areas of the government rely greatly on a strong manufacturing base, particularly our national defense. Yet there's little to unify the multitude of programs and policies that exist throughout the government toward the common goals and agenda for promoting our domestic manufacturing base and securing our place in the world's markets. Unfortunately, the government's promotion of manufacturing has been ad hoc. Instead, we need to be proactive and organized and efficient across our government. Most of our competitors understand the need for a strategy. Not just China and India but also Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom, among others, have developed and implemented strategies. This idea enjoys widespread support in America from a wide range of industrial sectors, labor, and the public. A poll conducted last year by Alliance for American Manufacturing found that 86 percent of Americans favor a national manufacturing strategy aimed at getting economic, tax, labor, and trade policies working together. This public support already has been echoed in this Chamber where last year we passed this bill by a bipartisan vote of 379-38. I urge my colleagues in the House to join me in calling for action on jobs and the economy. We cannot continue to sit idly as our manufacturing base and quality, well-paying jobs depart for China, India, or elsewhere.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Selfreliance Ukrainian American Federal Credit Union (SUAFCU) which will celebrate 60 years of service on September 21, 2011. This organization has helped countless Ukrainian families and businesses in my district and across Illinois live the American dream. SUAFCU was founded in 1951 as a financial cooperative whose mission was to benefit local members of the Ukrainian American community. Open to anyone of Ukrainian descent or members of other Ukrainian organizations, SUAFCU stays very focused on its original mission. The democratic tenets to which the Union strictly adheres make it a unique institution that provides an example of what hard working communities can achieve. During its first 15 years, SUAFCU was incredibly active, providing its members with over $4,156,000 in loans. Thanks to the responsible lending practices of this community, many Ukrainian doctors, dentists, and veterinarians were able to found successful practices. Dozens of other businesses opened thanks to SUAFCU, but just as important, 1200 families were able to purchase homes in the Chicago area. This community came together to exemplify the American dream through smart practices and a closely-knit community. Around these businesses, the ``Ukrainian Village'' prospered into a network of interconnected community organizations including cultural and social clubs, and churches. SUAFCU works closely with churches and others to ensure the assimilation process is less difficult for Ukrainian immigrants--a population that brings diversity and new ideas to the area. SUAFCU continues to prosper and help families and businesses under current President and CEO Bohdan Watral and Chairman of the Board of Directors Michael Kos, two strong advocates for Ukrainian Americans. Please join me in honoring the Selfreliance Ukrainian American Federal Credit Union, a group that has brought immeasurable benefit to Illinois by helping Ukrainians thrive and contribute to the community. I know SUAFCU will continue to help individuals realize their dreams and I wish them prosperity over their next 60 years.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Aimee Sordelli, who will receive the 26th Annual Charles E. Piper Award in November. The Charles E. Piper Award is presented by the Berwyn Development Corporation to honor achievement in business and service to the community. Since moving to Berwyn in 1995, Ms. Sordelli has dedicated herself to making the community safer, cleaner, and healthier. During the past 16 years, Aimee Sordelli has amassed an impressive record of service, including sitting on several boards that strive to improve life for Berwyn citizens. Currently, Ms. Sordelli is Chairwoman of the Cook County Senior Advisory Board. She is also a member of the 708 Mental Health Board and the Main Street Board, as well as a Berwyn Township Trustee. There is scarcely a charitable organization in Berwyn to which she does not lend her time. When she is not volunteering for Earth Day clean ups or the Depot Beautification Campaign, Ms. Sordelli is at meetings for Senior Advocate Health Care, the Berwyn Development Corporation, or the Depot District Special Events Committee. In addition to her charitable endeavors, Aimee Sordelli works as an Operations Manager at the Loyola Marymount Hospital in Maywood, Illinois. Perhaps even more impressive than the many leadership positions Ms. Sordelli holds in her community is the constant generosity and support she offers her neighbors. Ms. Sordelli once saved the life of her next door neighbor by using a baseball bat to fend off an attacking pit bull. On September 11, 2001, she brought a pot of chili to her local Berwyn fire department. As her own act of remembrance, Ms. Sordelli has made feeding her local first responders an annual event. Today, it is a community wide operation with catered meals for Berwyn firefighters, police, and paramedics. It is not only her illustrious achievements, but also her kind and genuine demeanor that make Aimee Sordelli a citizen worthy of distinction and recognition. I ask you to join me in honoring Ms. Aimee Sordelli on her selection as the 2011 recipient of the Charles E. Piper Award, and may she continue to make a difference in the lives of her fellow citizens for years to come.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an exemplary citizen and Illinois' 3rd District constituent, Lt. Col. Terrence J. McCollum. On June 30th, 2011, then Major McCollum was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force. It is a privilege to recognize his many accomplishments and dedicated service to our country today. Lt. Col. McCollum began his decorated military career upon graduation from the United States Naval Academy in 1994 with a degree in Oceanography. His academic ambitions led him to George Washington University Law School, where he graduated with a Juris Doctor in 2002. Finally, he earned a Masters degree in Business Administration at Colorado State University in 2011. Upon graduating from the United States Naval Academy, Lt. Col. McCollum was stationed on the USS Peterson in Norfolk, Virginia as a Naval Officer. He has served on several tours abroad, including a recent tour at Kunsan Air Force Base in Korea. Lt. Col. McCollum has pursued a career geared toward assisting his fellow officers with legal matters. A devoted husband and father to three daughters, Lt. Col. McCollum currently serves as Deputy Staff Judge Advocate for Headquarters at the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii. Lt. Col. McCollum's numerous accomplishments include earning a Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, a Joint Service Commendation Medal, a Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and a Navy/ Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Additionally, Lt. Col. McCollum was consecutively named Deputy Staff Judge Advocate of the Year for the 9th Air Force from 2007-2009. These accomplishments and many others speak to Lt. Col. McCollum's commitment to defending the best interests of his colleagues and preserving the security and well-being of our nation. Lt. Col. Terrence J. McCollum's notable accomplishments, academic achievements, and dedicated service to his country embody what it means to be an exemplary United States citizen. I am proud to count him among the fine citizens of Illinois' 3rd District, and I wish him the best as he continues to proudly serve our country.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the veterans who received the Silver Star Banner on August 12th at a ceremony in McCook, Illinois in recognition of illness or injury sustained while on active duty in the United States Armed Forces. It is a privilege to acknowledge the sacrifices made by these brave citizens in the defense of our country, and I applaud their courage and fortitude. At the ceremony hosted by Cook County Commissioner Jeffrey R. Tobolski of the 16th District, the following servicemen were recognized: William Cochran, Kenneth Marinelle, Thomas Bezouska, Anthony Bezouska, Donald Beach, Robert Tinson Sr., James Piotrowski, Thomas Higgins, Ralph Simpson, John Charles Judge, Louis Anderson, Joe Romano, Russell Meredith, and James Tobolski. The Silver Star Banner was created by the Silver Star Families of America, founded in 2005. The mission of this nonprofit organization is to provide care packages and show support to ill and wounded veterans and their families. The Silver Star Families of America also works to serve the men and women of the Armed Forces through education and advocacy campaigns that focus on the plight of servicemen and servicewomen wounded while on active duty. This organization is unique because candidates need not receive additional military decoration to be eligible for the Silver Star Banner. Silver Star Families of America seeks to ensure that all those wounded and ill members who have served in the Armed Forces receive the recognition and honor they deserve. This ceremony exemplifies the 16th District's support for local veterans. Those who risk their lives to protect our country deserve our utmost respect, and Commissioner Tobolski and the residents of the 16th District are helping to make sure they receive their due. Please join me in recognizing the recipients of the Silver Star Banner from Cook County's 16th District and surrounding areas. Their sacrifice and dedication to our country are an inspiration to us all and will not be forgotten.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a man who has given so much to his country and his community, Mr. Barry Cicero. This Sunday, July 31, Mr. Cicero will be installed as Junior Vice Commander of the American Legion First Division of Illinois, while Derrick David Stinson will be installed as Commander and Lawrence Nohr as Senior Vice Commander. The First Division is one of three divisions of the American Legion in Illinois and includes all of Cook County with a population of more than 5 million people. Mr. Cicero, and the other officers being installed, have demonstrated impressive dedication to their country and the American Legion, and are certainly deserving of this honor. Barry Cicero served in the United States Army and has been an active member of the American Legion for 19 years. His home post is the Robert E. Coulter, Jr. Post 1941 in La Grange where he has been active on many projects including chairing Fall Fest, the Legion's popular fundraiser for local veterans. He has held many leadership positions during his time as a member of the American Legion, including Commander of Post 1941 and Commander of the 5th District. He held that position for two terms, a rarity in the American Legion. In addition, Mr. Cicero has been very active in giving to his church and community. Being installed as Junior Vice Commander of a Division within the American Legion is such a special occasion because it means he will be installed as the Commander of that Division within two years. Mr. Cicero's installation is also special because he will be the first Legionnaire from Post 1941 to become a Division Commander. I am happy to see all of his hard work and dedication bear fruit as he was chosen by his colleagues to be Junior Vice Commander. I am certain Barry Cicero will provide exemplary service as Junior Vice Commander, and his leadership will bring a prosperous year for the American Legion's First Division and all of the posts within it. Please join me in honoring Mr. Barry Cicero and may he continue to be an asset to Illinois veterans and his community.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Lou Viverito, President of Stickney Public Health District, and to recognize his efforts in constructing a new wing to a medical center in Stickney, Illinois. The wing, which opened on July 23, 2011, will provide quality healthcare for the residents of Stickney, a township in my district, for generations to come. Mr. Viverito's career in public service spans five decades, starting in 1965. Since that time, he has held many positions, but public health has always been his passion. He has served as a State Senator, reaching positions of leadership in that capacity. Mr. Viverito was elected President of Stickney Public Health District in 1973, and has worked tirelessly for his constituents in Stickney since then. Mr. Viverito's decades of work will culminate in a brand new section of Stickney's health center that will preserve the wellbeing of thousands over the next several decades. Stickney's new medical center stands as a testament to dedicated public service and intelligent public policy. The six million dollar health center will open after years of work from public servants who put the needs of their citizenry first: the Officials of Stickney Township, the Stickney Public Health District, and especially Lou Viverito. The project was completed without any increases in taxes and without a bond issue, showing how responsible planners can bring substantial public good to a community without the need for public debt. The medical center is a continuation of a long history of quality health care for the residents of Stickney. Since the founding of Stickney's Public Health District in 1946, residents have enjoyed excellent care for little or no cost. Medical professionals will continue to offer ambulatory health care, podiatry, immunizations, maternal health, WIC nutrition programs, school health services, communicable disease control, chronic disease management, elderly community care, behavioral health, and dental services in this state- of-the-art facility. Please join me in honoring Mr. Viverito, the Officials of Stickney Township, and the Stickney Public Health District on their accomplishment. I know this project will have wide-ranging positive effects for Stickney residents for years, and I thank Mr. Viverito for his pivotal role in bringing this idea to fruition.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great American and constituent of Illinois' 3rd Congressional District, Lieutenant Colonel William R. Tracy. On July 29th, 2011, he will be promoted to the rank of Colonel in the United States Air Force. William Tracy's talent and commitment were obvious 25 years ago when he received his appointment to the United States Air Force Academy from my father, Representative William O. Lipinski. I am privileged today to recognize Lt. Col. Tracy for his exemplary service to our country. Upon his graduation from the United States Air Force Academy in 1990 as a Second Lieutenant, Lt. Col. Tracy served for three years as a maintenance officer at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. After his completion of flight training to become an F-15C Eagle Pilot, Lt. Col. Tracy served at Tyndall Air Force Base. Over the past 17 years he has accumulated more than 2,000 flying hours, including participation in no-fly missions over both northern and southern Iraq. While taking part in these no-fly missions, Lt. Col. Tracy was awarded a Purple Heart for injuries sustained when an insurgent's bomb exploded near him in Saudi Arabia. Lt. Col. Tracy graduated in the top ten percent of his class at the Air Force Staff and Command Academy, demonstrating his intellect and work ethic, and received his promotion to Lieutenant Colonel upon graduation from the Air Force War College. Due to his excellent leadership qualities, the Air Force placed Lt. Col. Tracy as commanding officer of a Test and Evaluation Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base, where he currently serves today. I would like to recognize the dedication, skill, and valor Lt. Col. Tracy has displayed throughout his career in the United States Air Force. We are all thankful for his service and the sacrifices he has made during his lifetime of service to the United States. I congratulate Lt. Col. William R. Tracy on his promotion and I will continue to follow his career closely as he continues to be an asset to our armed services.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. I would like to ask Subcommittee Chairman Young if he would enter into a colloquy regarding the Department of Defense's future plans for data storage.

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. LIPINSKI. I want to thank Chairman Young and Ranking Member Dicks for their commitment to the troops and national security, and I know Mr. Dicks is especially concerned about cybersecurity. With that, I yield back the balance of my time. Amendment Offered by Mr. Flake

Mr. LIPINSKI. I yield to the ranking member.

Mr. LIPINSKI. Thank you. As the chairman is aware and as you are aware, the Department of Defense has many cybersecurity goals and challenges. With the daily reports on cyberattacks and intrusions, I feel that Congress needs to express its concerns before there is a cyberevent that will impact and damage national security. The Department of Defense is the world's largest target for cyberattacks. There are many aspects of cyberdefense infrastructure, but I would like to focus on one critical piece, the physical location of classified data. I'm very concerned that the Department of Defense will not weigh the physical storage of classified data sufficiently in their efforts to save money through the consolidation and modernization of the information technology infrastructure. In addition, I worry that unnecessarily storing classified data abroad could increase the risk that this information could be stolen, damaging national security and potentially harming our troops. I would ask the chairman if he would be willing to work with me to ensure that the Department of Defense's future plans for data storage address these concerns and maintain the highest standards for protection for classified data. Keeping critical defense data under positive control and physically securing that data is just common sense for national security. Building and operating data centers here will create American jobs as well as make it easier to control access and make it harder for foreign operatives to steal things such as nuclear secrets, weapons systems designs, and battle plans. I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a public servant and a good friend, Lou Viverito. After 16 years of service in the Illinois State Senate, Mayor Brady and the citizens of Bedford Park will name 73rd Street at Central Avenue after Mr. Viverito. Such an honor is an appropriate recognition for a champion for his constituents, as Mr. Viverito has been for the last 42 years. After serving bravely in the Korean War and receiving multiple decorations, Mr. Viverito began his political career in 1965. He was elected as Stickney Township Democratic Committeeman in 1970 and quickly stood out as a force in local politics. Since 1973, Mr. Viverito has served as President of Stickney's Public Health District where he has made some of his greatest contributions. Thousands of people receive health care through Stickney's high quality facilities every year. As a landmark of his life's work, a brand new clinic, completely paid for, will open later this month in large part due to the efforts of Mr. Viverito. In 1994, he was elected as an Illinois State Senator and served until his retirement this year. Mr. Viverito's distinguished career in the Illinois State Senate was characterized by dedicated service and several honorable distinctions. He served as Minority Whip for the Senate Democratic Caucus and as Assistant Majority Leader and was a leader on healthcare issues in Illinois for years. Beyond his service in Illinois' legislative body, Mr. Viverito has held several other public positions, including Stickney Township Supervisor, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Sanitary District of Greater Chicago, and Member of the Cook County Zoning Board of Appeals. Mr. Viverito is well-known in Chicago due to his civic participation, and his work ethic and infectious smile have made him a beloved member of the Chicago community. He resides with his wife, Carolyn, in the City of Burbank. He also has three grown children and five grandsons. At tomorrow's ceremony, Mayor Brady of Bedford Park will properly honor Mr. Viverito by renaming a street and holding a reception for him. Please join me in honoring Mr. Viverito as a public servant whose deeds will be remembered for years to come throughout Chicago and Illinois. May he enjoy tomorrow's ceremony in his honor and may he enjoy a long and fulfilling retirement.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor St. Cletus Parish on its 60th anniversary as a community of faith in La Grange, Illinois. I express my admiration and appreciation of St. Cletus' commitment to upholding the values and practices of the Roman Catholic Church and its congregation's devotion to charity and spiritual development. On July 3rd, St. Cletus Church will celebrate 60 years of spiritual guidance and compassionate service to the 3rd District and the Chicago-area community. A part of the Archdiocese of Chicago, St. Cletus offers ten masses weekly in addition to formal education through its school, religious education, and youth and Hispanic ministries. Each Christmas season, St. Cletus reaches out to the less fortunate in its inter-city sharing parish, St. Agatha's, and to other needy families. Through the parish's Advent Giving Tree, St. Cletus parishioners generously donate food and gift baskets to brighten the Christmas season for hundreds of needy families. St. Cletus' commitment to service extends beyond the holiday season as well. The St. Cletus Food Pantry distributes bags of groceries provided by parishioners to hundreds of less fortunate families in local communities. Through these services, the St. Cletus community upholds the Catholic ideals of love, sacrifice, and charity. Because many of the original members of St. Cletus were returning World War II veterans, the parish has always been strongly patriotic. The Parish honors veterans from all over the area every year on July 4th with a special Mass which I am proud to participate in. From its campus in La Grange, St. Cletus fosters a community of compassionate believers and followers of Jesus Christ, welcoming all to join its family of faith. I am proud to honor St. Cletus' commitment to providing spiritual nourishment through worship, the celebration of the sacraments, education, and service to the 3rd District of Illinois. I congratulate St. Cletus' pastor, Father Clark, and the entire parish community, and I know St. Cletus will continue to be a valuable spiritual asset to La Grange and the Chicago region for years to come.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. I thank the ranking member very much for yielding. I thank the chairman for his comments, but I think there has been a little bit of confusion, and I just want to clear this up. This speaks specifically to a contract that the USDA has already entered into, and essentially it is just looking at that one piece of that contract that says all data must be stored in the United States and codifying that to say that that part cannot be changed. This is one contract that has already been signed. It is not speaking to anything else in the future. But I think that it is important for security that I think this is a good move that the USDA made. So I just want to speak to that in this amendment specifically, and it is not in any way tying the hands of the USDA or any other agency in the future. I would hope that the other agencies, USDA and other agencies, follow this lead in the future because I think it is good for the United States. But it doesn't any further tie the hands of the USDA. I just wanted to clear that up.

Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Chair, I applaud the administration's leadership in looking for ways to save money and simplify our Federal IT infrastructure by moving data to storage in cloud computing, but the critical question is where will this data actually be stored? There is no reason for essential government data to be stored in offshore facilities, and the USDA has recognized that fact. In cloud computing contracts signed by the USDA, Secretary Vilsack and CIO Chris Smith have insisted that all data must be stored in the United States. This amendment seeks to reinforce and codify USDA contracts' terms specifically regarding where the data is stored. That is all that this speaks to. It says that this contract, in regards to where the data is stored, will be codified with this amendment. Now, why is this important? It's critical for security reasons. We shouldn't have to worry about another nation seizing the infrastructure where our data is stored. It's critical for reliability reasons. We don't want another country, either intentionally or accidentally, disconnecting us from the servers we need to run our government. And it is critical because building, operating, and safeguarding this infrastructure here in the United States also means more American jobs. So what this amendment seeks to do, as I said, is just look at this one part of the contract and say this data must be stored here in the United States, that this cannot be changed. I ask my colleagues to support this amendment. It is budget neutral. It supports the efforts of the USDA and keeps our data secure and accessible and supports American jobs. I yield back the balance of my time.