Daniel Lipinski

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire how much time I have remaining.

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Alabama (Ms. Sewell).

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 75th Anniversary of the American flag raising at Iwo Jima and to express my gratitude to the courageous service members who fought and won this key battle, many laying down their lives in service to our nation. The Battle of Iwo Jima marked a decisive American victory and signaled the beginning of the end of the war in the Pacific. On February 19, 1945, the United States Marines Corps began the invasion of the heavily fortified island of Iwo Jima. The ensuing battle for the strategic island would be one of the fiercest conflicts of the Second World War. Before the Battle of Iwo Jima ended, almost 7,000 American service members were killed, including three of the Marines that raised the American flag at Iwo Jima. One day into the Battle for Iwo Jima, four Marine squads began their assault on Mount Suribachi, the 550-foot-high peak overlooking the island. After a three-day onslaught, our troops reached the top and defeated the last remaining Japanese defenders. At 10:20 a.m. on February 23, 1945, the 3rd Platoon, E Company, 2nd Battalion, 28th Regiment, 5th Marine Division were the first group of Americans during World War II to raise the American flag on Japanese soil. This was a defining moment of the Second World War. Four hours after the first flag was raised, Corporal Harlon Block, Sergeant Michael Strank, Corporal Harold ``Pie'' Keller, Corporal Ira Hayes, Private First-Class Franklin Runyon Sousley, and Private First- Class Harold Schultz defiantly raised a second, larger American flag atop the mountain. Corporal Block guided the base of the pole into the volcanic ash while the others raised the flag upward. The iconic photograph of the Marines raising our flag at Iwo Jima is a testament to American strength and sacrifice. I encourage my colleagues and all Americans to take a moment today to remember those who have sacrificed to protect our country and our way of life. We are all forever indebted to these brave service members, and on this day, we must reiterate our promise that we will never forget our nation's heroes.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Lemont Polish Club, St. John Paul II Polish School and the Polanie Dance Group from Lemont, Illinois. This year the Lemont Polish Club and Polish School will celebrate their 40th Anniversary, while the Polanie dance group will celebrate its 20th anniversary. Founded in 1980 by Father Edward Witusik, the Lemont Polish Club has upheld the traditions, customs, and language of our Polish heritage, and united the Polish community through our Catholic roots. Shortly after its creation, the Lemont Polish Club founded the St. John Paul II Polish School. The St. John Paul II Polish School serves the people of Polish heritage of Lemont by offering kindergarten through high school students the opportunity to connect with and explore their Polish heritage. For forty years the school has excelled in teaching its students Polish language, history, and culture. Thousands of children have learned about Polish cultural heritage as well as the role Poles play in the United States and the world now and into the future. With its emphasis on civic responsibility, the school produces students dedicated to supporting and improving Chicago's communities, and I am proud to have it in my district. The school has seen tremendous growth since its founding. Starting with just 41 students in 1980, enrollment in the Polish school has increased to over 800 students. As St. John Paul II Polish School has grown, they have been able offer more opportunities for their students to learn about and enjoy Polish culture. In 2000, the Polish School created the Polish Dance Group Polanie. The student dancers dress in traditional Polish costumes and perform traditional Polish dances at competitions and festivals across the United States and Europe. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Lemont Polish Club, St. John Paul II Polish School and the Polanie Dance Group on their anniversaries and congratulating them on their many accomplishments. May the Lemont Polish Club and Polish School continue their great work in the community, and I wish them the best as they continue to preserve their traditions for generations to come.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate House passage of H. R. 4031, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2019, which will support the health of America's Third Coast. The Great Lakes provide drinking water to more than 30 million people, support more than 300,000 jobs, and are home to more than 3,500 plant and animal species. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is a multi-agency program that addresses threats to this ecosystem, such as algal blooms and invasive species. More than 4,700 projects have already been completed under GLRI, leading to healthier fisheries, clean drinking water, and stronger wildlife habitats. I was proud to cosponsor this bill to reauthorize GLRI with increased funding. I thank my colleagues for passing this bill last week and I urge swift passage in the Senate.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, we will soon be voting on H.J. Res. 79, which attempts to remove the deadline for ratification contained in the equal rights amendment, which passed Congress in 1972. Over the decades, we have made great strides in our Nation in promoting and protecting women's rights. This year, we are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which guaranteed women the right to vote across our country. A few months ago, I visited the Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum in Adams, Massachusetts. It is a small but powerful museum that tells the story of Susan B. Anthony and her work, along with other suffragists, for the right to vote and for other rights for women. When talking about how far we have come in equal rights for women, I can't help but think of my own mother, who is now in her eighties. When I graduated from eighth grade, she fulfilled her goal of graduating from college, which she had never had a chance to do. When I went off to college, she fulfilled a lifelong dream and went to law school; and, in 1988, she graduated from Georgetown University Law School with her law degree. It took her a long time to finally have these opportunities, but she persevered and succeeded. So I am thinking about my mother as well as my wife, who is an actuary, and my sister, who is an attorney. I think about them when I work on protecting women from discrimination and harassment in the workplace, when I work for legislation for equal pay for women and for other bills to guarantee equal treatment for women. The equal rights amendment, as we now consider it, was passed by Congress in 1972. There was a 7-year deadline placed by Congress on States for ratification, just as there had been on a number of other constitutional amendments. At the deadline, three-fourths of States had not ratified it. This week, Congress will be considering H.J. Res. 79, which retroactively removes the deadline for ratification. There is much controversy over whether this is constitutional. In addition, H.J. Res. 79 also requires a simple majority to pass. Article V of the Constitution gives Congress the power to propose constitutional amendments but requires a two-thirds vote in both the House and the Senate. The original resolution introduced in the House this year to remove the ERA deadline, H.J. Res. 38, required a two- thirds vote in both the House and the Senate. In addition, we know that the Senate is highly unlikely to take up this resolution. So, if Congress is interested in the equal rights amendment being added to the Constitution, we should be considering H.J. Res. 35, which would restart the process. Just a couple of days ago, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a longtime supporter of the ERA, said Congress should do just this. Justice Ginsburg said: I would like to see a new beginning. I'd like to start over. She added: There is too much controversy about latecomers. Plus, a number of States have withdrawn their ratification. So, if you count a latecomer on the plus side, how can you disregard States that have said ``we've changed our minds''? H.J. Res. 35, which would restart the process, could go through committee, where it could be debated, potentially amended, and then brought to the floor for further debate and possible amendment. In doing so, we can clear up any points of contention about the impact of the ERA and raise a consensus. If we truly want to support the addition of the equal rights amendment to the Constitution, this is what we should do. I support doing this. Otherwise, we are simply casting a message vote. This week when we vote on H.J. Res. 79, my message is yes. I will be voting ``yes'' to demonstrate my support for protecting equal rights for my wife, my mother, my sister, and for all women.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Chairman, I thank Chairman Scott. I am a proud supporter of the hardworking men and women of our Nation, and no one does more for American workers than organized labor. Workers standing together and bargaining collectively have been instrumental in building our country and our middle class for more than a century. Unions helped bring tens of millions of good-paying jobs to Americans by working for fair and safe workplaces and better wages and benefits. In Chicagoland, we are fortunate to have many labor unions fighting every day to improve the lives of workers and their families. Across my district, thousands display a lawn sign created by Chicago Federation of Labor that reads, ``Proud Union Home.'' But, sadly, some are now trying to hinder collective bargaining and undermine the National Labor Relations Act just at a time when workers need greater protection. Mr. Chair, today, I urge my colleagues to support American workers, support American prosperity, and vote to pass the PRO Act.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, this is National Catholic Schools Week. Every year, I introduce a resolution to recognize the outstanding contributions that Catholic schools make to our Nation. My own education at Saint Symphorosa and Saint Ignatius provided the foundation that enabled me to earn 2 degrees in engineering, and a Ph.D. in political science before I began my career as a teacher. My experience, my wife's experience, and the experience of so many others across our Nation have made me a lifelong supporter of Catholic schools. This year's Catholic Schools Week theme is ``Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.'' And that is exactly what Catholic schools teach students to do. Earlier this week, I visited Saint Christina in Chicago and Saint Albert the Great in Burbank, and later this week I will be at Saints Cyril & Methodius in Lemont, as well as Saint Richard and Saint Daniel in Chicago. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to take time this week to recognize the great work of the Catholic schools in their districts.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Chair, I thank the gentleman from Hawaii for yielding and for his work on this bill. Madam Chair, I rise in support of my amendment to ensure that Great Lakes States have access to the resources in this bill, so they can address climate change threats specific to our region. Increased rain has already led to more agricultural runoff into the Great Lakes, resulting in higher bacterial counts and larger algal blooms. This has put our drinking water supplies at risk. Lake Michigan alone provides drinking water for 10 million people. Climate change increasingly threatens Great Lakes wildlife, including fisheries important to our economy, by changing temperatures, precipitation patterns, and ice cover. These are some of the reasons that America's ``third coast,'' our Great Lakes States, need access to the resources in this bill. Madam Chair, I thank Chairman Grijalva for his support, including my amendment in this en bloc, and I ask my colleagues to join me and support this amendment and the underlying bill.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, today, the House passed a bipartisan bill that Mr. Moolenaar joined me in introducing, H.R. 2051, the Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act. Chemical products are part of our everyday lives, from toothpaste, to shampoo, cosmetics, dish soap, clothing, and even Legos. Because these products are all around us, we need to prioritize the development of chemicals that are affordable, meet our needs, and are green, meaning that they protect our health and the environment. By supporting research and educational efforts in green chemistry, my bill will ensure that American companies have the workforce and tools they need to create safer and more environmentally friendly products, while creating new American jobs. H.R. 2051 is commonsense legislation that is a win for American workers and our health and environment. Madam Speaker, I urge the Senate to act quickly and pass this bill.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, robocalls, just mentioning them is enough to make anyone's blood boil. Robocalls interrupt our time with family and friends, scam people out of their hard-earned money while spoofing numbers to make calls look local, and even clog up the phone lines of hospital emergency rooms. In 2018, Americans, collectively, received 48 billion robocalls. I cosponsored legislation earlier this year to stop robocalls, and the House voted yesterday to pass the final version, which we expect to be signed into law. The TRACED Act strengthens penalties and extends the statute of limitations on violations; it requires phone companies to authenticate where calls are coming from and help customers easily block them at no extra charge; and it requires continued work by the Federal Government to combat emerging robocall methods. This is a clear win for the American people and shows what we can do here when we work together.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Elizabeth Asperger for her accomplishments as the first woman elected President of the Village of La Grange, and her years of dedicated service to local residents. In order to recognize Ms. Asperger's positive impact on our community, the Village of La Grange is dedicating a garden at the historic Stone Avenue train station in her name on November 27th. I am pleased to be attending this celebration so that I can personally thank Ms. Asperger for her contributions and her tireless work to improve the lives of so many people. Liz Asperger was elected President of the Village of La Grange after serving nine years as a trustee on the Village Board from 1996 to 2005. Prior to that she served on the village's Economic Development Commission beginning in 1993. Her two terms as President, from 2005 to 2013, were marked by tremendous accomplishments, and she was especially active on transportation and infrastructure issues. I was fortunate enough to work with Ms. Asperger and help La Grange accomplish vital projects including the parking deck behind Village Hall, modernization of La Grange's 9-1-1 call center, and the restoration of the Stone Avenue train station. Prior to her time serving the Village of La Grange, Liz Asperger practiced law for sixteen years. As partner in her law firm, she specialized in real estate development. However, Ms. Asperger had a strong desire to serve our community, and in 1996 she resigned from her law firm in order to pursue opportunities in public service. After her retirement as President of the Village of La Grange, Ms. Asperger has remained committed to serving local residents and seniors. Liz and her husband, Jonathan, have resided in La Grange since 1983 and have one son, Kyle. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and thanking Elizabeth Asperger for her long history of public and community service. I am proud to have worked with such a dedicated public servant and leader, and I know that Ms. Asperger's example continues to inspire others to follow in her footsteps to work on behalf of La Grange and the region.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Polish Highlanders Alliance of North America as the organization prepares to celebrate its 90th anniversary. I am proud of the relationship I've developed over many years with the Polish Highlanders Alliance and President Jozef Cikowski. It is a privilege to represent so many Polish Highlanders and I look forward to gathering with them on Saturday, November 23rd for this historic celebration. The Polish Highlanders Alliance traces its roots back to 1929 when its first chapter, known as a circle, was founded in Chicago. Since its inception, the Alliance has sought to organize Polish Highlanders throughout North America into a unified Highlander family. For the last 90 years, members of the Alliance have worked hard to preserve the unique cultural heritage of the Polish Highlands region, including music, dance, folk costumes, and other traditions. Through the years, the organization has grown to over 80 circles throughout the U.S. and Canada. Today, the Polish Highlanders Alliance is headquartered on the Southwest Side of Chicago in the Highlander Home on Archer Avenue. The Alliance organizes many cultural events for the Highlander and the Polish-American community including the Highlander Picnic which attracts nearly 3,000 people every year. For its numerous cultural activities, the Alliance has received awards including the Gloria Artis Cultural Achievement Medal. The medal was awarded by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage of the Republic of Poland for the Alliance's distinguished contributions to Polish culture. In addition to cultural activities, the Polish Highlanders Alliance raises money to provide assistance to churches, schools, and other establishments within Poland and the Highlands region. This year marks 100 years of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Poland. I am overjoyed that as we celebrate this anniversary, the U.S. is finally including Poland in the Visa Waiver Program. As a result, as of November 11 citizens of Poland no longer need a visa to visit the United States. For years I helped constituents obtain visas for their Polish relatives to visit the U.S. for baptisms, weddings, and other family events, and I advocated alongside the Polish Highlanders Alliance for Poland's inclusion in the VWP. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing all that the Polish Highlanders Alliance of North America does to promote unique Polish cultural traditions and to support strong ties between Poland and the United States. The members' devotion to their community and their mission is commendable and I wish them the best as they continue to impart their traditions for generations to come. Good wishes (Sto lat).

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a call to action to bring down prescription drug prices. Some say a drug company should be able to charge any price because that is just how the market works. But the market for many prescription drugs is broken. As a diabetic, I know how the price of insulin has skyrocketed for no good reason. Medicare spent 3\1/2\ times more on insulin per patient in 2016 than in 2007. Many Americans depend on other drugs to survive: EpiPens for life- threatening allergies, emergency inhalers for asthma, chemotherapy drugs for cancer. Patients relying on life-sustaining drugs can't simply vote with their wallet to fight back against price gougers. That is why I introduced H.R. 5039, to give Medicare the tools it needs to bring down the price of life-sustaining drugs, similar to other developed countries. American families deserve better than the Big Pharma status quo. Let's pass H.R. 5039 and give that to them.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Glen Oaks Elementary School in Hickory Hills, Illinois, for being honored with the prestigious 2019 U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon School Award. The award was conferred under the Exemplary High Performing Schools category. In 1982, the U.S. Department of Education established the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program to recognize public and private schools boasting high or significantly improved achievement. I am proud that Glen Oaks Elementary School of Hickory Hills, Illinois, has been honored as one of those exceptional schools. This is not the first time Glen Oaks Elementary School has been honored for excellence in education. In 2012, Glen Oaks was designated for the first time as a National Blue Ribbon School. This year, Glen Oaks Elementary School has been recognized for performance in the top ten percent of all Illinois schools, and has also received a designation of exemplary from the Illinois State Board of Education. Under the direction of District Superintendent Dr. Jeannie Stachowiak, School Principal Kristin Reingruber, and Assistant Principal Carla Braun, teachers implement a collaborative approach to classroom learning that facilitates individual growth. The teachers are committed to Glen Oak Elementary School's mission for every student to realize their full potential as a socially responsible lifelong learner. The Glen Oaks Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program and the Academic Student Success Enrichment Teams (ASSETS) developed by teachers and administrators have also had a positive impact on student achievement. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Glen Oaks Elementary School for this remarkable achievement and recognizing the teachers, administrators, students, parents, and community for the hard work that they have put in to earn this award.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Saints Cyril and Methodius School in Lemont, Illinois, for receiving the prestigious 2019 U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon School Award. The school was recognized under the Exemplary High Performing Schools category. In 1982, the U.S. Department of Education established the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program to recognize public and private schools boasting high or significantly improved achievement. I am proud that Saints Cyril and Methodius School has been honored as one of those exceptional schools. Saints Cyril and Methodius School has long been a fixture of the Village of Lemont having been founded at the same time as the parish in 1884. The mission of Saints Cyril and Methodius School is to provide an excellent Catholic education in a compassionate environment that strives to develop each student spiritually, academically, physically, and emotionally. The school offers an integrated set of courses to motivate students to understand the connection between the classroom and living one's faith. Students are challenged with a rigorous and engaging curriculum which includes technology, art, Spanish, physical education, and music classes. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Saints Cyril and Methodius School for being honored with this National Blue Ribbon School Award. This impressive achievement is a well-deserved recognition of all the work done by Principal Shirley Tkachuk, Reverend Waldemar ``Valdi'' Stawiarski, teachers, school staff, students, parents, and parishioners.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 135th anniversary of Saints Cyril and Methodius Parish in Lemont, Illinois. On Sunday, November 3rd, the church held a celebration to commemorate their long history of faith and service to the community, and I am pleased to join them. Founded in 1884, Saints Cyril and Methodius Parish has remained an unwavering example to our local community. Father Leopold Bonaventura Maria Moczygemba established this parish at the direction of the Archbishop of Chicago, the Most Reverend Patrick Augustine Feehanas. Saints Cyril and Methodius became a place of worship to serve the spiritual and cultural needs of Lemont's growing Polish-American community. Father Witusik, who was assigned as an associate pastor in 1979, founded the Polish Club of Lemont and helped introduce a Polish Mass at Saints Cyril and Methodius to better serve the Polish-speaking parishioners. To this clay, the parish continues to support the Polish community and its heritage. In the 135 years since Father Moczygemba presided over the first mass, Saints Cyril and Methodius Parish has undergone many renovations and improvements to accommodate its ever-growing congregation. In 1898 and 1928, tragic fires struck Saints Cyril and Methodius. Each time the parishioners banded together to ensure that the church was rebuilt. This endeavor required hard work, commitment, and sincerity, all unifying characteristics of the church's parishioners. What has remained constant through all the changes is the commitment of Saints Cyril and Methodius's parishioners to come together and work towards the fulfillment of their faith and the betterment of their community. This hard work has not gone unnoticed by the local community who benefit from the services that the church provides. The parish has a Ministry of Care which provides prayer, comfort, and healing to those who are unable to physically attend Mass. Father Stawiarski and his congregation also organize the Helping Hands program to distribute food items and other products to those in need. In addition to the Parish, Saints Cyril and Methodius School serves our community and provides the children of Lemont an opportunity for an outstanding Catholic education. The school has been honored with the prestigious 2019 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 a select group of public and private schools with high or significantly improved achievement. I am proud that Saints Cyril and Methodius School has been honored as one of these exceptional schools. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Saints Cyril and Methodius Parish on its 135th anniversary and congratulating the Parish on its many accomplishments. May Saints Cyril and Methodius continue their great work in the community, while inspiring others through their dedicated service and faith.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 10 individuals who are being recognized as the 2019 Polish American Congress, Illinois Division, Honorees. These Polish-Americans will be honored on Sunday, October 20th, at the 50th Annual Polish American Heritage Award Banquets. Each year, the Illinois Division of the Polish American Congress presents awards to recognize notable work in public service, philanthropy, heritage, community service, the arts, and other notable accomplishments. This year's honorees are The Most Reverend Thomas John Paprocki, Bishop of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, Richard Owsiany, Lucie Bucki, Dominic A. Pacyga, Ph.D., Jacek Niemczyk, Tom Startek, Martin Obrecki, Maria Roszek-Kucharski, Ewa Milde, and Bogdan Lanko. The Polish American Congress, and its mission to unite the Polish-American community and to aid its members to become better informed American citizens, have benefitted from the contributions of these individuals. The Illinois Division is one of 25 state divisions under the national Polish American Congress, and it represents 39 Polish-American organizations and over one million Americans of Polish heritage from across the state. In Chicagoland, and Illinois as a whole, we are blessed to have the most robust Polish-American community in our nation. The Illinois Division works to bring community members together, and it is a privilege to represent and work closely with so many members of this organization. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the award recipients on this tremendous honor. They deserve praise for the energy and time they have dedicated to strengthening Polonia and our nation. I wish them the best in their future endeavors where they will surely continue their success.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Stanley Balzekas who has been awarded the title and badge of an Honorable Nobleman by the Lithuanian Royal Society of Nobility. Mr. Balzekas has dedicated his life to preserving and spreading Lithuanian history and culture. In 1966, Mr. Balzekas founded the Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture in Chicago. Through his dedicated leadership, the museum has grown to become the largest repository of Lithuanian cultural artifacts outside of Lithuania. Mr. Balzekas's tireless work has enhanced America's understanding of Lithuanian history and enriched the culture of the Chicagoland community. Mr. Balzekas is also an American patriot, having proudly served in the United States Army during World War II. He bravely fought in the Battle of the Hurtgen Forest, one of the longest and fiercest battles in Europe. For heroically risking his life to rescue twelve wounded soldiers, Mr. Balzekas was awarded the Bronze Star as well as the Purple Heart. To recognize Mr. Balzekas's noble lineage and his contributions to Lithuanian culture, the Lithuanian Royal Society of Nobility conferred to him a title of nobility in his absence. The title was conferred in Vilnius, Lithuania, on July 7, 2019, the anniversary of the crowning of King Mindaugas. The Lithuanian Royal Society of Nobility strives to safeguard the traditions of the Lithuanian nation and revive the spirit of the ancient Lithuanians. The nobility award will be personally presented to Mr. Balzekas at an event in his honor in Chicago on October 11. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Stanley Balzekas on this tremendous honor. He deserves praise for the energy and time he has dedicated to preserving Lithuanian culture, as well as serving his community and country. I thank him for his service and wish him and his family the best.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Patrick Cermak, President and Chief Operating Officer of Wight and Company, for receiving the Lewis University Signum Fidei Award. The Signum Fidei Award, meaning ``sign of faith,'' honors a distinguished member of the community that embodies the Lasallian mission of faith and service to the community. Throughout his career, Pat has taken on many roles to help others succeed. Since joining Wight and Company in 2001, he has led the company's daily operations and overseen its financial management. Under his leadership, Wight and Company has experienced steady growth and instituted numerous initiatives including the Wight Sustainability Forum. The broad base of support for Pat's leadership demonstrates his credentials as an effective leader and his ability to work collaboratively to build long-term partnerships. Pat Cermak has always strived to serve others unconditionally. He has been deeply involved with the Metropolitan Planning Council and Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. His tireless work has helped ensure that Chicagoland remains vibrant and sustainable. In another role, Pat serves as an Executive Board Member of the Design Futures Council. His work through this organization continues to shape the future of the architecture, engineering, and construction industry to benefit the people that it serves. But in talking about all that Pat Cermak has done and achieved, it is essential to mention that what is most important to him is his faith and his family, and all who know him know what a kind and caring man he is. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Patrick Cermak on this tremendous honor. He is a man who lives out the values of faith and service to the community in all that he does. I thank him for his service and wish him and his family the best.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Thomas J. Collins, founder of Collins Engineers, Inc., on his company's 40th anniversary. Tom has been a longtime constituent and resident of La Grange, Illinois. Born and raised in Chicago, Mr. Collins is a Vietnam War veteran, a professional engineer, and a certified diver. He pioneered the use of engineers as diving inspectors for underwater bridge infrastructure that eventually became the basis of the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT's) program mandate for underwater bridge inspections. Additionally, Mr. Collins developed and carried out several DOT training programs for infrastructure assessment and management, including teaching best practices to ensure public safety. Mr. Collins played a significant role in Vietnam as part of the 39th Detachment, setting up operations at Cam Ranh Bay in the then-largest military quarry in the world, operated by the 864th Battalion. During this time, he joined the local Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Post and continued to advance his noteworthy military career. In February 1967, he became the quarry officer and supervised drilling, blasting, and crushing to produce aggregate. In July 1967, he was assigned as the Battalion Civil Engineer before leaving active duty to return home with an honorable discharge. Mr. Collins' expertise led him to found Collins Engineers, Inc. in 1979, a civil and structural engineering firm with a concentration on infrastructure that supports a safe and efficient transportation system. Under Mr. Collins's leadership and with innovation as a guiding principle, Collins Engineers, Inc. pioneered the use of underwater inspections. Today, the company is using underwater imaging, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and partnerships with technology firms like Google for mobile work platforms and asset management. Mr. Collins is a fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers, a diplomate of the Academy of Coasts, Ocean, Port & Navigation Engineers, a member of the Standing Committee on Structure Maintenance of the Transportation Research Board (TRB), Chair of the Underwater Inspection and Maintenance Subcommittee of the TRB, and was elected a permanent member of the Ports & Harbors Committee of the Coasts, Oceans, Ports and Rivers Institute, among many other notable distinctions. He is a mentor to generations of engineers, including his five children, three of whom are currently in the business, and a devoted husband to Roxanne Horswell since 1966. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the accomplishments of Mr. Collins and Collins Engineers, Inc. as they celebrate 40 years of hard work and innovation. I look forward to their continued success for many years in the future.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Aviation Machinist Mate First Class Bernard Bartusiak of Chicago, Illinois, who is being honored with two Distinguished Flying Cross medals and seven additional service medals. Mr. Bartusiak is a veteran who bravely served our nation in the United States Navy during World War II. Even as a young boy, Mr. Bartusiak felt a sense of duty to his community and his country. Since he was ten years old his dream was to join the United States Navy Air Force and at seventeen, he realized his dream and enlisted. Mr. Bartusiak served as a Navy Flight Engineer and bravely flew in over forty combat missions during World War II. Following the war, Mr Bartusiak worked as a corporate accountant before opening his own accounting and tax service. He was married to Dolores for 65 years and they raised two daughters together, Candy and Jill. He now has two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Mr. Bartusiak is a loving father, grandfather, and friend to many. For Mr. Bartusiak's heroism and extraordinary achievement as aircrew of a PB4Y Liberator Aircraft in the European Theater of World War II, he has been awarded two Distinguished Flying Cross medals as well as seven additional service medals. These decorations exemplify Mr. Bartusiak's dedication to the Navy's core values of honor, courage, and commitment, as well as his country. Mr. Bartusiak's sacrifice and dedication to our country are an inspiration to us all. He is a man who defended our country at a time of tremendous need. I ask my colleagues to Join me in honoring his service, bravery, and dedication to his family and community.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, as we return this week, we must confront our Nation's sickening gun violence. My commitment to act is even stronger after my own terrifying experience. My wife Judy and I were at the Gilroy Garlic Festival when a shooter opened fire. We heard the pops, then screams, and we turned and ran for our lives. Three people were killed, but it could have been much worse if not for law enforcement's quick action. It almost seems like a bad dream, but it was real. Just as the threat of gun violence in our Nation is all too real. This violence has social and spiritual roots, but there are commonsense laws we can enact to stem gun violence. I have had many people beg me for Congress to act, including proud gun owners who understand that we can pass gun safety laws while also upholding the Second Amendment. This week the Senate should start by passing the comprehensive background check bill that we passed in the House earlier this year. Doing nothing is not an option. Congress must act.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the residents of La Grange, Illinois as the village celebrates its 140th anniversary. La Grange enjoys a long and vibrant history beginning in the early 19th century. The area, originally consisting of prairie land, was first settled as a result of land grants offered by President Martin Van Buren. One of the early residents was Franklin D. Cossitt. After leaving Tennessee, Mr. Cossitt moved to Chicago and started the largest wholesale grocery business in the area. The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 destroyed Mr. Cossitt's business and drove people westward to the suburbs. Mr. Cossitt's dream for constructing a community began when he bought and developed 600 acres of land that was later incorporated as the village of La Grange in 1879. In 1873, Mr. Cossitt quickly began laying out streets and building homes. By 1890, La Grange had already seen tremendous growth and now included twenty-eight retail businesses, a new high school, churches, a newspaper, paved roads, and a railroad station. The Village of La Grange quickly became known as the largest town between Chicago and Aurora. The Village of La Grange has continued to develop and today is home to more than 130 businesses and 15,550 residents. Although La Grange has come a long way, it is still a safe and quiet place to live. The La Grange historic district is home to many of the original buildings built by Mr. Cossitt in the 1870's. Because of the quality of the architecture and the historic significance, the Village of La Grange historic district was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. I am proud to represent the residents of La Grange and I will gather with them on the Village Hall lawn on August 8th to celebrate the village's anniversary. I ask you to join me in honoring the residents of La Grange, Illinois, on their 140th anniversary as a village. May they enjoy this celebration and may the Village continue to thrive as a close-knit community.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Aviation Machinist's Mate 1st Class Gordon Kinney of Chicago, Illinois, who is celebrating his 105th birthday today. Mr. Kinney is a veteran who bravely served our nation in the United States Navy during World War II. Mr. Kinney was deployed to Japan during his three-year tour of duty in World War II, where he served as a Navy Aircraft Crew Chief aboard a PBM Mariner aircraft nicknamed ABLE. PBM Mariner flight crews played a vital role throughout the war, acting as patrol bombers as well as performing high priority search and rescue missions for downed pilots and aircrews. The crew complement consisted of three pilots, two navigators, and four crew. Mr. Kinney was drawn to aviation at a young age and knew he wanted to fly from the time he was only five years old. Mr. Kinney and each of his three brothers answered the call of duty and fought to defend our country during World War II. He and his brothers were inspired by their family's long tradition of service to our country, dating back to their father and grandfather. For Mr. Kinney's heroism and extraordinary achievement during his military service, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross as well as the Air Medal. These decorations exemplify Mr. Kinney's dedication to the Navy's core values of honor, courage, and commitment, as well as his country. Mr. Kinney's sacrifice and dedication to our country are an inspiration to us all. He is a man who defended our country at a time of tremendous need. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring his service, bravery, and dedication to his family and community.