Daniel Lipinski

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the importance of building energy codes. As a member of the High Performance Building Caucus, I recognize the need to pursue cost effective means to promote energy efficiency. American homes and commercial buildings consume 71 percent of our nation's electricity, 54 percent of its natural gas, and 42 percent of all its energy. The model residential and commercial building energy codes developed by the International Code Council and ASHRAE, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers, have the potential to benefit both consumers and the environment. The Department of Energy's Building Energy Codes Program participates in this process by researching, further developing, and implementing these codes. A study of this program by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory found that model energy codes saved consumers roughly $44 billion and cut greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 3.9 billion metric tons over the past 20 years. In addition, the energy efficiency gained by updating building energy codes stands to stabilize the U.S. demand for electricity and decrease the need to construct more power plants. The economic and environmental benefits of model building codes are also appreciated by homebuyers. According to a 2013 survey conducted by the National Association of Home Builders, 9 out of 10 Americans will pay 2 to 3 percent more for a new home with energy efficient features. Homeowners understand that having an energy efficient home reduces monthly utility bills and provides long-lasting savings. Additionally, many homebuyers are aware that energy efficient features make their homes quieter and more comfortable, while also raising their resale values. Mr. Speaker, it is clear from all of the benefits gained from building energy codes that we should continue to support upgrading model codes, adopting the codes in state and local jurisdictions, and improving compliance. This will save Americans money, contribute to our nation's energy security, and help protect our environment.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise in support of an amendment I offered along with Mrs. Comstock. It seeks to expand the SkillBridge job training program by directing unit commanders to encourage participation by departing servicemembers. It also directs the DOD to form a comprehensive study so that they can evaluate and improve the program as needed. The SkillBridge initiative helps returning veterans by providing them with job training and apprenticeship programs in areas that span every sector of the workforce. This program has already trained around 4,500 servicemembers, and the 18 SkillBridge programs claim to have an employment success rate of 100 percent. Encouraging participation will help more of our veterans find employment when they reenter civilian life, which is something we need to do all we can to promote. I thank Chairman Thornberry and Ranking Member Smith for supporting this amendment in this bloc. I urge my colleagues to support the bloc.

Mr. LIPINSKI. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chair, I rise to thank Ranking Member Smith and Chairman Thornberry for an amendment that was included in one of the prior en bloc groups of amendments. The amendment that I joined Mr. Pompeo in offering requires the DOD to report to Congress on the cooperation between Iran and the Russian Federation and the extent to which that cooperation affects our national security interests. Even before the Iran nuclear deal, we watched Tehran and Moscow become closer partners, as Russia announced it would lift its ban on selling advanced missiles to Iran and began military cooperation with Iran in Syria to prop up the Assad government. This year, Russia and Iran have worked together to undermine U.N. Security Council ballistic missile resolutions and announced an $800 million missile defense contract. It is imperative that we fully understand the impact of this alliance on our national security interests because both nations continue to be hostile towards the U.S. and our allies. This amendment will help do just that.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the hardworking men and women at the Nabisco Bakery on the southwest side of Chicago, once touted as the world's largest bakery. These workers have faced daunting challenges in the past year as their plant was downsized and hundreds lost their jobs. Now they are working without a contract and face the prospect of losing their current pension plan. For more than half a century, workers at this bakery have proudly made Oreos, Chips Ahoy, Ritz crackers, and other iconic products. Generations of families have been employed here and contributed to the local economy. What is happening now is even more disappointing because taxpayers have previously provided $90 million to Nabisco in return for a commitment to expand and hire locally. The continued lack of a negotiated agreement reflects the plight of middle class Americans across the country, with workers facing eroding wages and benefits along with job insecurity. Mr. Speaker, I urge Mondelez to do right by its employees, use its profits to reinvest in its American workforce, and grow good-paying jobs in Chicago and across the Nation.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Debbie Farrell who is retiring from her position as principal of Forest Hills Elementary School after more than 35 years dedicated to education. Mrs. Farrell began her teaching career at Coweta County School System in Newnan, Georgia in 1979. She showed her commitment to serving students with special needs by teaching Special Education in Des Moines, Iowa from 1980 to 1982 and serving as a learning disabilities clinician from 1984 to 1989. From 1992 to 1999 she worked as a special education teacher then as an Associate Principal in District 101 in Western Springs, Illinois. In 2001-2002 she served as Principal at South Elementary School in Westmont, Illinois. Since 2002 Mrs. Farrell has been the Principal at Forest Hills Elementary School in Western Springs District 101. Under her leadership, the school has been rated a Top 25 school in the State of Illinois four times, including one year in which Forest Hills was the second-highest performing in the State. Mrs. Farrell received a Bachelor's Degree from Western Illinois University and Master's Degrees from both St. Xavier University and Iowa State University. She resides in Palos Park, with her husband Kevin, her sons Jim and John, and her daughter Katie. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Mrs. Debbie Farrell for all she has done in her 35 plus years as an educator and to congratulate her on her retirement. Thousands of students have greatly benefitted from her dedicated service.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Brother James Gaffney who, after 28 years, will retire from his storied career as president of Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois. Born and raised on the west side of Chicago, Brother Gaffney attended St. Mel High School. While at St. Mel, he became involved in outreach and youth service programs with the De La Salle Christian Brothers. It was at this time that Brother Gaffney heard his calling to become a brother and elected to attend seminary at St. Mary's University in Minnesota. Brother Gaffney went on to receive his BA from St. Mary's University and several master's degrees from both St. Mary's and Manhattan College in New York. He also holds a doctorate in pastoral theology from the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Illinois. Brother Gaffney's teaching career started at the Christian Brothers High School in St. Joseph, Missouri. He also served for 11 years at the provincial for the De La Salle Christian Brothers in the Chicago district. Brother Gaffney was chosen to be president of Lewis University in 1988. Under his leadership, the school's student body nearly tripled in size, dozens of new programs were added, and several new educational sites were built around the Chicago area and the Nation, including one in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He guided the university to nationwide recognition and influenced students around the world. In 2015, Lewis University honored Brother Gaffney by naming him an honorary founder of the university because of the tremendous contributions he made to the school's growth. In addition to his service to the school, Brother Gaffney is active in numerous other organizations. He chairs the Community Foundation of Will County, as well as the Lasallian Association of College and University Presidents. He is a member and former chair of the Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities, and a board member and former chair of the South Metropolitan Regional Higher Education Consortium and the Great Lakes Valley Athletic Conference. Brother Gaffney has also been the recipient of countless awards in connection with Lewis University. Most recently, he was awarded with the Brother John Johnston FSC Award, which honors those dedicated to the Lasallian mission of providing education to all youth, as well as the Distinguished Citizen Award from the Rainbow Council Boy Scouts of America. I have had a number of opportunities to spend time with Brother Gaffney since Lewis University was added to my district in 2013. I have always been impressed by his strong commitment to the university and its Catholic and Lasallian mission. It is obvious in his interactions with students, faculty, staff, trustees, and everyone who is a part of Lewis University. He knows his flock and they know him, and the respect and love between them is mutual. There could not be a higher dedication that anyone has as an educator and as a Catholic Brother. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Brother James Gaffney for all he has done in his 28 years as president of Lewis University, and to congratulate him on his retirement. Lewis University and its students have greatly benefited from his long tenure leading the school, and we all look forward to his continued service.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Percy Conway who is celebrating 50 years as owner of Conway's Hi-Styling Beauty Center in Fairmont, Illinois. Mr. Conway has been barbering since he was ten years old on his father's porch in Canton, Mississippi. Looking for work he moved to Illinois in 1950 and settled in Fairmont, an unincorporated area between Lockport and Joliet. He got a job at Mastic Tile Company in Joliet, but was called to serve his country in the Korean War. After his return from the Army, he saw a need for jobs and services in Fairmont so he decided to become an entrepreneur and opened the Hi- Styling Beauty Center. When he opened his shop, roads in Fairmont barely existed and some areas had no water service. While serving his customers, he frequently listened to their concerns with the state of the community. Rather than confine himself to his barbershop. Mr. Conway saw an opportunity to help his community. He was elected to the Lockport Township Board of Trustees where he served for twenty years. While on the Board of Trustees he worked to secure a $1.3 million loan from the federal government to install sewer and water services. This work opened the door to new improvements to the area including paved roads and small business opportunities. Through his work, Fairmont has changed into the diverse community it is today. Percy Conway can still be found most days at Hi-Styling Beauty Center, imparting his wisdom. He also serves on the boards of several non-profits and remains involved at Shiloh Baptist Church. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Mr. Percy Conway for all he has done for his community and to congratulate him on 50 years of business success.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I only have a few minutes this afternoon. No matter how busy things get, there has to be time to come here to stand up for basic human rights. I thank Congressman Fortenberry and, also, Congresswoman Eshoo for organizing today's Special Order and for all the work that they have done to speak out on this issue of protecting all of those minority groups who are under threat, so many murdered, driven from their homes. It is very important that we focus the eyes of Congress and the Nation on this humanitarian tragedy that is happening in Syria and Iraq. I think it is very important. It is really past time, as far as I am concerned, but it is never too late. We need to stand up and pass H. Con. Res. 75 for this Congress to declare that there is a genocide that is going on. The genocide is against not just Yazidis, but also Christians, Turkmen, and other groups in Syria and Iraq and in the region. Since 2013, when ISIL began their murderous march through Syria and northern Iraq, the world has witnessed the targeted killing of all of these groups that I have mentioned. As I said, we should have done this a while ago. The United States should have stood up and declared this a genocide. Now, it seems there are reports, at least, that the United States may be declaring that there is a genocide of the Yazidis. While certainly no one is going to downplay that, as my colleague mentioned, we all remember what happened with the Yazidis trapped on Mount Sinjar and the quick intervention that helped to save so many lives and the continued genocide going on against the Yazidis. We don't want to downplay that in any way, but I think it is important that we recognize it is not just the Yazidis who are suffering from genocide. In fact, the State Department's report on International Religious Freedom for 2014 acknowledged that ISIL was systematically targeting religious minorities it considered heretical and that their abuses disproportionately affected religious minorities, with between 100,000 and 200,000 Christians and an estimated 300,000 Yazidis displaced in Iraq. Now, these numbers have only gotten greater since that time. In Syria, that same report states that ISIL has executed Christians, kidnapped priests, and forced tens of thousands to flee across the desert or face ISIL's genocidal campaign. Leaders across the world, including the European Union Parliament and Pope Francis, have recognized that genocide is being committed by ISIL against many ethno-religious groups, and the United States must join them in condemning these crimes as a genocide. Here in Congress, we remain in a critical position to promote religious freedom and ensure that it remains a priority in our foreign policy. That is why I was an original cosponsor of Congressman Fortenberry and Congresswoman Eshoo's H. Con. Res. 75, which expresses that Congress views the attacks on Christians and other ethnic and religious minorities as war crimes, crimes against humanity, and, yes, genocide. We must not wait or be apprehensive about speaking the truth. The administration and Congress must prioritize religious freedom and protect all minorities in the Middle East from the ongoing genocide. It should begin here in Congress by passing H. Con. Res. 75. I certainly want to ask all of my colleagues to join us in cosponsoring this resolution. Again, we continue to see the horrible crimes being committed in Syria and Iraq. We are not here today to say that there are easy solutions, that any of this is easy to solve. We have to not look away, but we need to look at what is going on in Syria and Iraq and call it for what it is, a genocide. It is a genocide against a number of groups, including Christians there in Syria and Iraq. By Congress standing up, it means something. The world takes notice when it happens. We must do more. It is our duty to do more to protect these people, starting out with this declaration of genocide. I want to again thank Congressman Fortenberry for all the work he is doing on this issue and many other human rights issues, standing up for life itself, which is something critically important that we all must do here. I thank Congressman Fortenberry for organizing this Special Order and for all of his work on this issue.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Chairman, I want to start where we all have agreement. I think everyone would acknowledge that they want research funded by the NSF to be in the Nation's interest. We agree the Nation's interest is furthered by promoting scientific progress. That is certainly one of the principal reasons that I have served on the Science, Space, and Technology Committee for 12 years. We also have some disagreements. I have respectfully disagreed with the chairman over his criticisms of some NSF grants. At a hearing in November of 2013, I spoke out strongly against a very different NSF bill, and I believe some people are confusing that bill with this bill that we have here today. If you read this bill's text, I don't believe you can find anything that could undermine the merit review process at the NSF. In fact, I think this bill will help protect the NSF from future attacks and make the Foundation stronger. H.R. 3293 says research funded by the NSF must be worthy of Federal funding and in the national interest. The national interest is defined by a series of broad criteria, one of which is that a grant have the potential to promote ``the progress of science for the United States.'' It is difficult to conceive of research that would be recommended by an NSF peer review panel that would not meet that standard. Thus, it is difficult for me to see how this standard could harm the work that the Foundation does. The bill clearly states that it is the job of the Foundation to determine what is worthy of funding, not politicians, and that nothing in the bill would alter NSF's blunted peer review process, which we agree is the gold standard for funding scientific research. As a scientist myself, I believe this is as it should be. Nevertheless, there have been suggestions that this bill is politicians creating a political filter on what research should be funded, but it is striking how similar this language is to the broader impacts criterion that we advanced in a bipartisan fashion in the 2010 COMPETES Reauthorization Act. There was no concern at the time about that language being a political filter, nor was there any concern that broader impacts be applied to a portfolio of grants, rather than individual awards. Furthermore, at the time, the Foundation already had broader impact criterion as part of their review process, yet this committee still acted to put the criteria in statute. And the ease with which NSF has implemented the broader impacts criteria suggests to me that they could implement this language without changing the nature of the research they fund. There is some concern that this bill would cause the Foundation to become more risk averse or applied, not funding breakthrough grants like the one that started Google. So let's take a look at that grant. The NSF funded the Stanford Integrated Digital Library Project in 1994, and the research conducted through that grant, as well as other private and public support, including a graduate research fellowship for Sergey Brin, led to the algorithms that were the intellectual basis of Google. The purpose of that grant, as stated in the abstract, was ``to develop the enabling technologies for a single, integrated and `universal' library, proving uniform access to the large number of emerging networked information sources and collections.'' Even putting aside the emerging collections on the Web that could be impacted, that grant clearly seemed to have the potential to promote the progress of computer science and be worthy of Federal funding and, thus, would have been funded under the provisions of this bill. Indeed, the debate around this bill has focused less on the language in the bill and more on the concern of intentions behind the bill. As I have said, I have disagreed with recent criticisms of the NSF. Time has shown us that some of William Proxmire's Golden Fleece Awardees have proven to be golden geese, as Ranking Member Johnson mentioned in her opening statement. I think much of the criticism of grants comes from misunderstandings. This bill can help prevent misunderstandings or at least give NSF a better ability to defend its work. This will come from the requirement that abstracts be rewritten to more plainly explain the purpose of a grant. I applaud the NSF for steps they have already taken to better explain why scientific research is valuable and to better explain why promoting the progress of science is in the Nation's interest and worthy of Federal funds. This policy and this bill will further help the NSF defend worthwhile grants. All of us may never see eye to eye on what types of research should be supported by the Federal Government. For example, I see more value in social science and geoscience than many of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, and I never miss an opportunity to point that out. But far from acting as a political filter, I believe this bill will help the NSF continue to be the world's preeminent foundation in funding scientific research, and that is why I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, this is National Catholic Schools Week. I want to recognize the outstanding contributions that Catholic schools make to our Nation. As a proud graduate of St. Symphorosa Grammar School and St. Ignatius College Prep, and as a strong supporter of Catholic education, I have introduced H. Res. 592 to honor Catholic Schools Week. Since 1974, this week has celebrated the important role that Catholic education plays in America, especially the dedication of Catholic schools to academic excellence and service. This year's theme-- Communities of Faith, Knowledge, and Service--highlights the values that are central to a Catholic education. Earlier this week I visited St. Joseph's School in Lockport, which has the distinction of receiving three national awards in the past 6 years, including awards for Pastor Father Greg and Principal Lynne Scheffler. Later this week I look forward to visiting Bridgeport Catholic Academy and St. Barnabas School, both in Chicago. I applaud the work of these and other Catholic schools across the country and all they contribute to our great Nation.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. I thank Representative Smith for all of his work and leadership on the issues of life and protecting people at all stages of life. As the Democratic co-chair of the Pro-Life Caucus, I stand here as a Democrat who believes that we need to have laws in our Nation to protect the vulnerable, those who can't protect themselves. No one is more vulnerable in America today than a child in the mother's womb. No one is in more need of protection. We must continue to fight to provide that protection. We do have our young men and women who are our new pro-life generation. They understand the dangers that they faced to their own lives when they were in their mother's womb. I look forward to continuing to work with all of them and with my colleagues here in the House to bring us to the day where all life in our Nation is protected by our laws, from conception to death. Only then will our Nation truly stand up for life and all that our Nation was founded upon. I thank all my colleagues for their work on this issue.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chicago Firefighter Daniel Capuano, who tragically lost his life while battling a blaze on Chicago's South Side on December 14. Daniel Capuano began his career as a firefighter and paramedic in Lemont, Illinois, in 1997. During his time in Lemont he helped save the life of a caddy who had a heart attack while working at the Cog Hill Golf Course. In 2001, Capuano joined the Chicago Fire Department where he served for 15 years. Throughout his career, he was known for going above and beyond the call of duty. He was always working on making himself a better firefighter, including constantly taking outside classes to learn the latest and most effective firefighting techniques. Capuano was known for his commitment to safety and skill as a firefighter as he served as a training supervisor, ensuring that trainees navigated controlled burns safely. A member of Tower Ladder 34, Daniel Capuano leaves behind his wife Julie--a Chicago Public Schools teacher--and three children, Amanda, Andrew, and Nick. Capuano was known for being a loving father who enjoyed watching his children play hockey. He was a constant presence at their games, only missing when he was at work. Capuano also assisted his children's team by helping out as the club manager and maintained a training building. Today I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Chicago Firefighter Daniel Capuano. A dedicated father, husband and firefighter, he was an example of the finest that Chicago has to offer. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering and honoring the life of Daniel Capuano and extending condolences to his family.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Nazareth Academy and the Roadrunners football team. On November 26, the Nazareth Academy Roadrunners won their second consecutive Illinois High School Association football championship with an impressive 42-21 victory over Lincoln-Way West. I want to congratulate Coach Tim Racki, the faculty and staff of Nazareth Academy, and the young men on this team whose dedication led to this achievement. The Nazareth Academy varsity football team finished the season with a distinguished 12-2 record. In the championship game, Nazareth held an extraordinary 35-0 lead at halftime. Football is a demanding sport that requires teamwork, enthusiasm and perseverance. The Roadrunners demonstrated these qualities with true distinction. But Nazareth is about more than football for the players. As Nazareth's principal Deborah Tracy said following the championship game, ``More important than any one victory, Nazareth strives to develop more respectful, kind, faith-filled and service-oriented student-athletes.'' That was clear to me when I visited Nazareth after last year's championship. This impressive victory was the sixth state championship win for Coach Tim Racki. Coach Racki's strong leadership and dedication propelled the Nazareth football team to success. The talents of Coach Racki have been evident throughout his career, and his commitment to sportsmanship is recognized throughout the state of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this truly impressive achievement made by the Nazareth Academy Roadrunners football team and to congratulate them on their state championship. Additionally, I wish each player continued success as he moves forward.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the FAST Act, which will create jobs, boost the economy, ease congestion on our roads and rails, and improve our quality of life. I want to thank Chairman Shuster and Ranking Member DeFazio for producing this bill and thank them for working with me in committee, on the House floor, and on the conference committee to make this bill better. Recommendations made by our Freight Panel, led by Chairman Duncan and Ranking Member Nadler last Congress, led to new provisions that will improve the efficiency of freight movement and ease congestion on our roads and rails. This is critical for our Nation's freight hub in northeastern Illinois as we continue the CREATE rail program and other large freight projects. The bill includes revisions I authored to create Buy America content, deploy zero-emission buses, and improve tank car safety standards, which will produce more American jobs, protect the environment, and improve community safety. The FAST Act will also improve public transit and active transportation infrastructure and safety. Commuter rail safety will be increased through PTC grants, and this bill prepares us for the future by including research provisions from my FUTURE TRIP Act. I would like to thank Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Smith for working with me on this. Thanks, finally, to my staff--Andrew Davis, Jason Day, Eric Lausten, and Shawn Kimmel--and all the committee staff for their work on this bill. We have more work to do. This bill will not solve all of our transportation problems, but this bill is a big step forward for jobs and for surface transportation in our Nation. I urge my colleagues to approve this conference report.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Johnson-Phelps Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5220 of Oak Lawn, Illinois, on its 80th anniversary. Through the work of its members, the Johnson-Phelps VFW has made a difference in the lives of countless people and has had a tremendous positive impact on the community. The post is an exemplary organization in the Third District and its members exemplify the unyielding bravery, courage, and perseverance of America's Armed Forces. In 1945 a group of veterans returning from the Second World War formed the post and named it for Mr. Raymond Johnson and Mr. Leslie Phelps, both killed in action during WWII. Mr. Johnson's and Mr. Phelps' names were chosen from a hat that included the names of all 23 men from the Oak Lawn area that were killed in the war. The current post building was completed in 1951, built in large part by the post's own members. Johnson-Phelps later merged with six other posts in Southwest Chicagoland, the oldest of which was chartered in 1935. Johnson-Phelps VFW Post 5220 is led today by Commander Richard Bukowski, Sr. Vice Commander Thomas Krone, and Jr. Vice Commander Bryant Reed. Their dedication to serving the community is shown through programs such as the well-known Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen Scholarship Competitions. They also provide for the public by hosting and sponsoring important events in the community such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day services. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the members of the Johnson-Phelps VFW Post of Oak Lawn, Illinois, for all they have done for our nation and the community over the past 80 years.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Johnson-Phelps Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #5220 of Oak Lawn, Illinois for celebrating 80 years of existing as a community organization. I appreciate all the hard work the Johnson-Phelps VFW has done to assist our nation's brave foreign war veterans. The VFW's mission is, ``To foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts; to serve our veterans, the military and our communities; [and] to advocate on behalf of all veterans.'' The Johnson-Phelps VFW Post has excelled at fulfilling this mission by honoring the sacrifices of our veterans and admirably serving our community. The Johnson-Phelps Post was formed in 1945 by a group of veterans returning from the Second World War. The Post was named for Mr. Raymond Johnson and Mr. Leslie Phelps, both killed in action during WWII. The newly formed Post chose Mr. Johnson's and Mr. Phelps' names from a hat that included the names of all 23 men from the Oak Lawn area that were killed in the war. The current Post building was completed in 1951, built in large part by the Post's own members. The Johnson-Phelps Post later merged with six other posts in the Southwest Chicagoland area, the oldest of which was chartered in 1935. The Post's achievement and dedication to service is made possible today by Commander Richard Bukowski, Sr. Vice Commander Thomas Krone, and Jr. Vice Commander Bryant Reed. Their dedication to serving the community is shown through programs such as the well-known Voice of Democracy & Patriots Pen Scholarship Competitions. They also provide for the public by hosting and sponsoring important local events in our community. Throughout the United States, and in the Third District of Illinois, the VFW has worked tirelessly to improve our communities and support the needs of our war veterans. The VFW has repeatedly advocated for better medical care and benefits for veterans, and has been instrumental in the funding efforts for our nation's war memorials. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Johnson-Phelps VFW Post #5220 of Oak Lawn, Illinois for this significant achievement. The members of the VFW have done a tremendous job serving and representing the third district of Illinois and I wish them all the best.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Chair, I would like to thank the Chairman and Ranking Member for accepting two of my amendments in the en bloc amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 22, including an amendment exempting a narrow class of welders from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. The amendment at hand is a bipartisan, compromise effort that clarifies that transit agencies starting New Starts projects can utilize Federal funds, like CMAQ and TIFIA, to match the 50% funding provided by their New Start grant. I appreciate the Chairman's willingness to work with me on this issue and restore the Core Capacity and Small Starts projects Federal match limit back to 80% and allowing local agencies to flex other Federal funds to these projects. Without these funds, local flexibility would be greatly diminished and agencies would be forced to scrounge for funds locally, delaying many, many projects, including Chicago's Red & Purple Line Modernization. Still, this is a compromise amendment and this bill still restricts the use of STP funds for the remainder of the match and codifies the New Starts grant amount at 50%, both at the request of the majority, and I strongly disagree with this and hope we can work on this in conference. In support of my amendment, I submit letters of support for this amendment from the Chicago Transit Authority, the Regional Transportation Authority, and the American Public Transportation Association. Chicago Transit Authority, Chicago, Illinois, November 3, 2015. Hon. Daniel Lipinski, House of Representatives, Washington, DC . Dear Congressman Lipinski: I am writing to you in support of the Lipinski-Nadler-Dold Amendment (#110) to Section 3005 of H.R. 3763, the Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2015. This amendment would strike provisions in the bill that prohibit certain U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) funding and financing from being paired with Federal Transit Administration (FTA) 5309 Capital Investment Grants to construct New Starts, Small Starts, and Core Capacity Projects. Specifically, provisions in Section 3005 would limit the use of DOT funding from programs such as Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ), Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER), and the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) from being utilized on projects such as the CTA's Red-Purple Modernization project or the Red Line Extension to 130th Street. For decades many transit agencies nationwide have been pairing various DOT funding with FTA Capital Investment Grant funding. This includes flexible funding from the CMAQ program that is allocated at the regional level by the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). Here in Chicago the MPO--known as the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP)--has a yearly competitive process for CMAQ funding that is based on cost-benefit analysis with regard to a decrease in traffic congestion and an improvement in air quality. In 2015 the CTA's Red-Purple Modernization Core Capacity project was allocated $125 million in multi-year CMAQ funding, but H.R. 3763's provisions would jeopardize that funding from being paired with future FTA funding. So in essence, the provision as currently written takes away local control over federal funding that was already allocated to the region. The CTA also has a history of successfully tapping low-cost TIFIA loan financing for large projects such as the Your New Blue Program on the CTA's Blue Line from downtown to O'Hare and the 95th Street Red Line Terminal Improvement project. To prohibit CTA from considering TIFIA financing for the aforementioned Red-Purple Modernization Project and Red Line Extension would take away an important and cost-effective tool in the financing toolbox and would lead to higher financing costs for these projects through traditional methods. Thank you for offering this very important amendment during Committee markup and for floor consideration. The CTA was heartened to hear Chairman Shuster offer to work with you and your colleagues during the Committee consideration of the bill, and the CTA and likely many transit agencies around the region and country will benefit from your efforts should your amendment be adopted into the bill. Sincerely, Dorval R. Carter, Jr., President.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my congratulations to the Zarzycki Manor Chapels as they commemorate 100 years of dedicated service to the people of Chicagoland. For a century, Zarzycki Manor Chapels has stood as a pillar of support for Chicagoland families in their times of hardship and grief. The Zarzycki Manor Chapels' motto is ``Modern Service with Traditional Dignity.'' By treating every family with care and respect, the Zarzycki family has earned the admiration and gratitude of the community. Zarzycki Funeral Home was founded in 1915 by Ms. Agnes S. Zarzycki; a Polish immigrant and the first woman funeral director of Polish descent in Chicago. Ms. Zarzycki and her husband Stanislaw ran the funeral parlor out of their home throughout the early years of the business. Early on they withstood hard times and remained dedicated to helping grieving families throughout the influenza epidemic. After Stanislaw's death in 1927, Agnes continued to run the Zarzycki Funeral Home through the Great Depression. Agnes and Stanislaw had five children. Their son Casimir took over the business and expanded it, creating the Zarzycki Manor Chapels. After many successful years, Casimir turned the business over to his son, Richard. Richard and his wife Charmaine worked together at the Zarzycki Manor Chapels for over 35 years. In 2006, Richard passed away leaving the business to Charmaine and their two daughters, Claudette and Andrea. As third and fourth generation female funeral directors, they admirably uphold the founder's legacy of strength, independence, and hard work. Today I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Zarzycki Manor Chapels and honoring the Zarzycki family for the care and comfort they provide to so many in the community.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. I thank the ranking member for yielding. I want to thank Mr. Ribble for his work on this amendment and other important transportation issues. I think Mr. Ribble and Ranking Member DeFazio have explained this very well. In recognition of the unique nature of the construction industry, Congress did provide this exemption to certain hours of service rules for commercial motor vehicle drivers in the industry. Increasing this from 50 to 75 miles is a small change, but I think it will be very helpful because the current exemption we have seen has come up short. It needs to be modernized for most efficient goods movement and keep perishable materials from spoiling, as well as account for the fact that many materials suppliers operate in areas outside of the current air-mile radius. This amendment helps improve the exemption by increasing it by 25 miles. It is also important to note that this amendment provides an opt-out provision for those States that do not wish to participate in this increase. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank both the ranking member for yielding and for his support, and the chairman for his support, for two amendments that I have in this bloc. One is a commonsense amendment exempting a narrow class of welders from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations that I offered with Mr. Davis of Illinois and a number of other Members. The other amendment is a bipartisan compromise that I offered with Mr. Dold and Mr. Nadler. It is an effort to clarify that transit agencies can utilize CMAQ and TIFIA funds to match the 50 percent funding in a New Start grant. I appreciate the chairman's willingness to work with me on this issue and restore the Core Capacity and Small Starts projects Federal match limit back to 80 percent and allow local agencies to flex other Federal funds to these projects. Without these funds, without these changes, local flexibility would be greatly diminished and many projects would be delayed or canceled, including Chicago's red and purple line modernization. This bill still restricts the use of the STP funds for the remainder of the match and codifies the New Starts grant amount at 50 percent. I strongly disagree with these new restrictions and hope we can also work on this in conference.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Chair, I thank the ranking member for his support of this amendment. I thank Chairwoman Comstock and Chairman Smith for working with me and working together on this amendment. The piece of the amendment that I want to address is the language based on a small piece of the Future TRIP Act, which I introduced, cosponsored by Chairwoman Comstock, and that we passed in the Subcommittee on Research and Technology of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. The gentlewoman is chair of that committee. I am ranking member on that subcommittee. The language in this amendment from my bill calls for a regional transportation center on connected vehicles and connected infrastructure. Connected and autonomous vehicles hold enormous promise for safe, efficient transportation. This research center could play a big part in developing new technologies in this area, so I am very pleased to have it included in this amendment. The amendment also contains language from my bill in regard to University Transportation Centers. It allows universities to lead one proposal for each type of center. It also permits universities to collaborate on as many awards as they like, as long as they are not leading the proposal. This gives increased flexibility to those universities that have special expertise in this area. I want to thank Chairman Shuster and Ranking Member DeFazio for their support in working with us. I urge my colleagues to support this.

Mr. LIPINSKI. I thank the ranking member for yielding, and I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Barletta) for all his work on this amendment. I rise in support of this amendment and ask my colleagues to support it. Madam Chair, this amendment is common sense and will strengthen the Department of Transportation's tank car rule by providing all legacy tank cars retrofitted for class III flammable liquid service to include enhanced top fittings protections for pressure relief valves. The pressure relief valve on a new tank car standard allows tank cars to vent gases to reduce the chance of a tank car rupturing from vapor pressure, which can happen if it is heated after a derailment or an accident. However, this pressure relief valve is susceptible to damage in the event of an accident, as it can easily be torn off, thus eliminating any safety benefit. To mitigate this issue, this amendment would require the installation of a small, protective device that will help keep this valve in place after an accident and save lives in the process. This amendment is supported by the American Petroleum Institute, Association of American Railroads, the American Chemistry Council, and Renewable Fuels Association, and is something that has been called for by first responders who have a lot of these trains going through these districts. I know it is very important to me in my district in the Chicagoland area. We are the rail hub of the Nation, with nearly 40 percent of America's rail traffic flowing through, and my district is host to track owned by six out of the seven class I railroads. More crude oil passes through Chicago than anywhere else in the Nation, with upwards of 40-mile-long unit trains snaking through neighborhoods in the region each week, making them a common sight at the 195 at-grade crossings in my district, a few of which are as close to within a mile of my own home. While the energy renaissance has brought relief to many in the form of lower gas prices, it requires the use of rail to ensure that this commodity is transported in the safest possible manner. This amendment makes it even safer. I ask my colleagues to support this amendment.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the public service commitment and dedication of Speaker John Boehner. The Speaker has much to be proud of, and we all should be thankful for his service to his constituents, to the House, and to our Nation. While we all can find issues on which we didn't agree with him, I appreciate that Speaker Boehner did his utmost best to keep the House functioning in a vital branch of government--yes, in some very, very difficult times--but I think history will really show that John Boehner did a fantastic job in getting us through these times. Speaker Boehner, we all know, has a big heart. I guess it is not demonstrated in his profane way that he likes to address his friends, but it is demonstrated well by all of the time and effort he has put into a scholarship program for disadvantaged children in Washington, D.C., to go to Catholic schools. He knew the advantages that he had in going to Catholic school, and he wanted to give those advantages to others. I think that really says much more about John Boehner than anything else, probably, that he has done. So thank you, Speaker Boehner, for your service and the sacrifices you, your wife Debbie, and your entire family have made. I would also like to acknowledge the Speaker's staff, who are a great reflection of the Speaker. I especially want to acknowledge his Chief of Staff, Mike Sommers; his floor leader, Jo-Marie St. Martin; his former Chief of Staff, Barry Jackson; Katherine Haley; Maria Lohmeyer; Tommy Andrews; and so many others who really helped this place to run. Thank you for all of your service, and I wish all of you the very best.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight an often- overlooked field of research, but one that affects all of us in our daily lives--human factors. For over 50 years, the U.S. federal government has funded scientists and engineers to explore and better understand the relationship between people, technology, and the environment. Originally stemming from urgent needs to improve the performance of people using complex systems such as aircraft during World War II, the field of human factors works to develop safe, effective, and practical human use of technology, and the design of technology for effective human use, particularly in challenging settings. Prior to this, considerations of how people effectively and safely interacted with machines were not a priority, resulting in wasted economic output and efficiency, and more importantly, the avoidable loss of human life. Today, organizations like the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, or HFES, which counts over 4,500 psychologists, scientists, engineers among its members, are devoted to creating safe and effective human interaction with technology in diverse fields such as transportation, military equipment, consumer products, energy systems, medical devices, manufacturing, farming, health, sports and recreation, and education. The group defines ``human factors'' as the scientific body of knowledge of how people use technology. It is applied at critical points of evaluation and assessment to the design and use of equipment, systems, facilities, procedures, jobs, environments, and training, leading to safe and efficient operation and implementation. For example, based on human factors expertise and research, the Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, found that implementing high-intensity activated crosswalks reduced total crashes by 29% and pedestrian-vehicle crashes by 69%. Also showing positive effects for pedestrian and bicycle safety were the implementation of shared-lane markings for bicycles and transverse markings for crosswalks as well as cars designed to reduce distracted driving. Organizations like HFES and its individual members help ensure that whether it's the latest model of an American-made car or the tools that equip our men and women in uniform, how we interact with technology is a critical component of its development. I support the increased use of human factors research in new technologies and hope our federal agencies like the Department of Transportation will continue to make use of these important results.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Barry Cicero of Western Springs who passed away on October 2, 2015. Barry was known for his remarkable dedication to his family, church, community, and fellow veterans. Mr. Cicero was a veteran of the United States Army and served as a nuclear weapons storage specialist in Alaska during the Vietnam War era. He was a graduate and active alum of both St. Mel's High School and DePaul University. For many years he worked as Director of Auditing at UFCW Union and Pension Funds. Barry honorably served the American Legion in Illinois for many years. He held multiple leadership roles including Post Commander at the Robert E. Coulter, Jr. Post, Fifth District Commander, and First Division Commander. Mr. Cicero continued to work as a community relations contact with American Legion even after his term as commander ended. He was consistently engaged in programs to help his fellow veterans and everyone in the community. Mr. Cicero will best be remembered for his compassion, integrity, and warm spirit. He was active at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church and was a loving family man. Those of us who knew him will miss his thoughtfulness and enthusiastic kindness. Today I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Barry Cicero, a truly admirable man. His leadership and dedication to his community were extraordinary and will not be forgotten.