Leonard Lance

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, as we continue to seek answers to the bombings in Boston and pray for the victims and their families, we are working on important issues here in Washington. This past tax season, American taxpayers spent billions of hours and enormous amounts of money to complete their tax filings. Roughly nine out of 10 Americans relied on paid professionals or commercial software to prepare their tax returns, and small business owners found themselves spending more resources complying with the Tax Code rather than creating jobs. That's why I am committed to making our Tax Code simpler, fairer, and less expensive for America's working families and businesses. Mr. Speaker, the time is now to act and to create a Tax Code that is easier to navigate and promotes growth to the benefit of individuals, small and large businesses alike, and the U.S. economy as a whole. This is the year to reform our Tax Code to benefit all Americans in a bipartisan capacity.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the centennial of Miss Ella Haver, a lifelong resident of Franklin Township in Hunterdon County. Ella Haver, whose 100th birthday was on February 21, has been rightfully recognized many times for her contributions to the local community as educator and civic leader. Miss Haver's public service includes a long tenure as a schoolteacher and as a community volunteer. Ella Haver began her teaching career in 1935 in a one-room schoolhouse in Hamden, Clinton Township. She then taught in North Branch, Green Brook and North Plainfield. She was a science teacher at Cranford High School from 1945 to 1965, and finished her career with five years at Warren Hills Regional High School. Ella Haver has also served for many decades as a Sunday school teacher at Clinton United Methodist Church and as a volunteer income- tax preparer. She also volunteered as Franklin Township's senior citizen coordinator and today remains the active president of the Jennie M. Haver Scholarship Fund. The fund, named in memory of Ella's aunt, has given more than $1.4 million in scholarships to nearly 500 Hunterdon students since 1956. To commemorate the 100th birthday of Miss Ella Haver, her family's historical artifacts spanning more than 200 years were recently on display at the North County Branch Library in a rare exhibit of the Haver family's rich and distinguished history in Hunterdon County. A 100th Birthday Gala is planned for Friday evening, March 15, at the Hunterdon Hills Playhouse. I am proud to be among those joining Miss Ella Haver in celebration of her many years of public service and accomplishments. I ask all of my colleagues to join me in wishing Ella Haver a happy birthday.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Anderson House for two decades of public service. Anderson House has been a resource for women in need in Hunterdon County. It has a record of accomplishment for which the organization should be very proud. It has have selflessly played a role in lives of countless women and I thank Anderson House for its public service. Anderson House offers the best in comprehensive care that treats all aspects of the disease of addiction. It offers physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual treatment to provide the top care to those who need it most. The outstanding staff and volunteers help those suffering from addiction obtain the tools necessary to become drug-free, to rejoin their awaiting families and to reenter the community. I thank all members of the Anderson House family for their fine work. They have made a difference in the lives of many women and those who receive their excellent care will forever remember the fine service and dedication of Anderson House. I also wish to praise the following honorees for their fine work: Janet Schrnidling, Marfy Goodspeed, Dr. Boris Ivovich, and the late Kay Applegate. I again thank these public servants.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. I rise in support of Congressman Frelinghuysen's amendment and thank him, Chairman Rogers, and our leadership for all that they have done to move this issue forward. I speak today not as a New Jerseyan, not as a Northeasterner, but as an American. This Nation has in times of natural disasters come together as one in support of those in need. Thousands upon thousands of our countrymen and countrywomen are in need from Sandy's devastation, a horrific occurrence in the history of the State I love. I ask all of my colleagues to join me in support of Mr. Frelinghuysen's amendment, and I thank all of those on the Republican and the Democratic sides of the aisle for their support today.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Elizabeth Cox of Summit, New Jersey. Betty gave her life to public service in New Jersey and her contributions will long be remembered. Betty was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly in 1972 to serve an unexpired term. Betty would continue four decades of public service as a founding member of the Women's Political Caucus, as a master poll worker for the Union County Board of Elections, as a staff member in the Department of Community Affairs and as an officer in the Summit, Union County and New Jersey Republican Committees. Betty will be remembered as a dedicated public servant, a parliamentarian and a champion of women's issues. I was honored to call Betty a friend and colleague.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. It is wonderful to see you in the chair, and I congratulate you on your magnificent service to the people of Missouri and the Nation. I rise in strong support of S. 1440, to reauthorize the 2006 PREEMIE Act and to provide important continued research, education, and intervention in the national effort to reduce preterm births. Madam Speaker, our Nation's premature birth rate is one of the highest in the world, and it is the leading cause of newborn death in the United States. Infants born just a few weeks too soon can face serious health challenges and are at risk for lifelong health and learning disabilities. In addition to its human toll, premature birth costs our economy billions of dollars per year; and while the medical community has made great strides in identifying the risk factors associated with premature births, far too many premature births today have no known causes. That is why the Members of the House and Senate have worked in a bipartisan and bicameral fashion to reauthorize the 2006 PREEMIE Act so that we may continue to spur innovative solutions that will ultimately lead not just to healthier babies but to lower annual health care costs. I thank Chairman Upton and Chairman Pitts and Ranking Member Waxman and Ranking Member Pallone for their steadfast leadership on this issue as well as to thank Senators Lamar Alexander and Michael Bennet. Once again, I commend Congresswoman Anna Eshoo of California for working on an important issue to the health and well-being of the American people. While many complain about the partisan nature of Congress, we have worked in a cooperative fashion on this and other issues, as has the entire Energy and Commerce Committee. It is in that bipartisan spirit that I ask all of my colleagues to join with us in the support of the PREEMIE Reauthorization Act so that we as a Nation will be able to continue our focus on premature birth research and prevention.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Wade Martin of Montgomery Township, New Jersey, for being awarded the 2012 Land Trust Alliance's prestigious National Conservation Service Award for his significant contributions to the advancement of land conservation. Using his position as a financial adviser, Mr. Martin is educating his clients to the benefits of land preservation. He's provided land trusts and landowners across New Jersey with financial advice and estate planning for the benefit of land conservation. Wade Martin has taken his model nationwide to help other financial advisers and their clients explore various options in preserving their land and their families' legacies, increasing the pace of land conservation. I ask all of my colleagues to join me in honoring Wade Martin as one of the Nation's land conservation leaders and this year's National Conservation Service Award winner.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Union County Vocational-Technical High School of Union County, New Jersey for being named a Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education. The Department of Education acknowledges schools where students attain and maintain high academic goals. Union County Vocational- Technical High School is proud example of academic excellence where students have high levels of performance, stellar student achievement, and where educators facilitate a strong learning environment. This is a prestigious award to receive and Union County Vocational- Technical High School is proud example of academic excellence and worthy of this national distinction.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the life of James E. Jacobs of Hillsborough, New Jersey. James was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, soldier and friend. Born and raised in Verona, New Jersey, he graduated from Montclair State University and later served in the United States Army. He bravely served his country in Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star for his commendable service. Jim was honorably discharged as a Specialist. Jim lived by the Latin phrase: ``amor vincit omnia'' or ``love conquers all.'' This could not be truer for Jim and the love of his life, Kathleen Geiger, whom he married in 1990. Throughout their twenty two year marriage, nothing brought Jim more happiness than talking about their two greatest accomplishments, their children, Daniel and Katherine. This family will remember him for his everlasting love, support and encouragement. Jim was a devout New York Giants fan, an expert solver of crossword puzzles, a self-taught guitarist and an aspiring poet. Among his fellow soldiers, friends and family, he was known for standing up for those less fortunate than he. I join the Jacobs family and friends in remembering Jim for his public service to our Nation and his service to others.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize September as National Hydrocephalus Awareness Month. For too long, little attention has been paid to hydrocephalus. This condition can occur at any age and affects an estimated one million Americans. In fact, one out of every 500 babies in the United States is born with hydrocephalus, making the condition the leading cause of brain surgery in children. Additionally, an increasing number of our veterans are developing post-traumatic hydrocephalus as a result of brain injuries suffered on the battlefield. Currently, there is no single known cause of hydrocephalus or ways to prevent or cure the condition. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke is currently conducting research related to hydrocephalus prevention and treatment. However, more must be done at the community level to educate the American people about this surprisingly prevalent disorder. Recognizing the month of September as National Hydrocephalus Awareness Month will bring this disease to the public's attention and, I believe, will encourage the discussions necessary to address more effectively the devastating effects of this disease and provide support to families who live with it every day. Today I commend the hard work of the Michael and Kim Illions of Woodbridge, New Jersey for their advocacy on behalf of their son, Cole. I am certain that with federal support for additional research we can develop a better treatment, and eventually a cure, for those suffering from hydrocephalus and help them live healthier, fuller lives.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight in strong support of this legislation that I have had the honor of cosponsoring with my friend and colleague, Congresswoman Anna Eshoo of California. The legislation improves the prevention, the diagnosis, and the treatment of cancers with high mortality rates, including pancreatic cancer. Since President Nixon declared the war on cancer 40 years ago, the overall 5-year survival rate for all a cancers has climbed from approximately 50 percent to 67 percent. There are, however, cancers such as pancreatic cancer that still have high mortality rates and have not seen substantial progress in diagnoses or treatment of the disease. These so-called ``recalcitrant cancers'' are among the deadliest diseases and are the very types of cancers that this bill seeks to address. This legislation will direct the National Cancer Institute to establish a scientific framework that will guide research efforts on recalcitrant cancers by identifying unanswered medical and scientific questions. This framework seeks to bring together the brightest minds from Federal health agencies, from academia, and from private research fields with the hope of yielding new treatments and cures for recalcitrant cancers. I thank Chairman Pitts and Ranking Member Pallone of the Health Subcommittee for their steadfast support of the bill; and I thank the chairman of the full committee, Mr. Upton, and the ranking member, Mr. Waxman, for their essential help. At a time when so many Americans are concerned about the lack of bipartisanship in Congress, this legislation is an example where members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee work together, as we so often do, on critical health care issues. This legislation will reach the President's desk. This is the way Congress should work. I give special recognition to Congresswoman Eshoo for her tireless efforts, not only in support of this legislation, her legislation, but for her advocacy throughout her public life in support of cancer research and education. I also thank Senator Whitehouse for his work on this issue. And I thank Jeff Last, of my staff, for all that he has done on this important legislation. Also, Mr. Speaker, I thank Lisa Swayze for her advocacy in support of the pancreatic cancer issue, advocacy in memory of her husband, the great actor and dancer, Patrick Swayze. On a personal note, when my twin brother, Jim, and I were 12 years old, we lost our mother to cancer after a valiant 3-year battle. I dedicate whatever modest work I have done on this issue in her memory. I urge my colleagues to support the Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the life of William F. Faherty. Bill dedicated his life to his family and often answered the call of public service. Born in Trenton, Bill was raised in New Jersey, graduated from Rutgers University and has more recently lived in Allamuchy. Bill became a leader in the government of his home city of Trenton and was a banking executive with First National Bank. He was later called to serve in many positions in state government. He was appointed deputy commissioner of the Department of Banking and Insurance by Governor Richard Hughes. He was named executive director of the New Jersey European Trade Mission to England, France and West Germany by Governor Brendan Byrne. Governor Tom Kean selected him to be executive director of finance for the Governor's Management Improvement Firm. He was involved in planning that continues to bring enjoyment to millions of people being instrumental in the development of the Meadowlands, home of his beloved Giants, and the birth of gaming in Atlantic City. He selflessly served governors of both parties putting service ahead of partisanship. Bill also was a man of charity. He raised many funds for the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Foundation and the State Council on the Arts and was a trustee of the New Jersey State Police Memorial Association. He was a member of various boards of directors, including those of the Waterloo Foundation, Hackettstown Community Hospital and the Battleship New Jersey Commission and was a member of the board of trustees for Rutgers Business School, the Partnership for a Drug Free New Jersey and the Drumthwacket Foundation. Bill was devoted to his loving wife, Saralan, his predeceased son William F. Faherty III, daughters, Faith Faherty Cust and Hope Faherty, son-in-law, Jack Cust, brother, Patrick, and four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. I join William Faherty's family and friends in remembering him for his public service to the State of New Jersey, his love of his family and the lives touched by his philanthropic work.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend New Providence High School on being named the top public high school in New Jersey by New Jersey Monthly Magazine. This is an accomplishment of which the school and the community should be very proud. New Providence High School has been a model of success. It has been continually ranked among the top public schools in the state for its high test scores and curriculum. New Providence High School has excelled in nearly every major aspect of students' education with fine teachers and a supportive staff. New Providence High School was named a 2011 National Blue Ribbon School by the Department of Education. This is the highest honor a school can receive in the Nation. New Providence High School has truly executed the school district's motto ``Dedicated to Excellence.'' I congratulate the students, faculty members, parents and members of the community for these outstanding distinctions.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Peter Palmer of Bernardsville, New Jersey, for his lifetime of public service. Peter was born and raised in Bernardsville, where he lives to this day. Peter has been in public service since a young age and has remained an active servant throughout his life. Peter joined the U.S. Signal Corps as a young man and was honorably discharged as First Lieutenant. Peter began his time in public office in 1962 when he was elected to the school board. He served two full terms and was elected to the Bernardsville Borough Council where he served for sixteen years. He quickly formed a reputation of honesty and integrity. He became Mayor and served a distinguished decade of accomplishment. He joined the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders where he has served a county-wide constituency. In 2011, Peter received the high honor of being named ``Freeholder of the Year'' by the New Jersey Association of Counties. The group noted his leadership and ability. I know Peter personally and I have seen his fine work firsthand. I join Peter's spouse, Kathleen, and his friends and colleagues in congratulating him on his of tenure selfless public service to Bernardsville, Somerset County and the State of New Jersey.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. I rise on this somber anniversary to honor the memory of those lives lost in the attacks on September 11, 2001. For 11 years, I have stood at firehouses and schools, churches and veterans halls, and heard the stories of bravery and heroism from that terrible morning that changed America. New Jersey lost more than 700 residents in the attacks, innocent people who were targeted in an act of war upon the Nation. Brave first responders courageously initiated rescues with their lives in danger. These stories are not new but need to be retold as a new generation comes of age and is taught of the determination of our country. The lives lost in the ensuing battles abroad have continued to try the foundation of our will. We have proven steadfast in the commitment to our values. Our freedom and liberty have been protected by brave men and women who selflessly answer the call of service. No matter the challenges we face, we must remember that our Nation is truly blessed. I ask all Americans today to pause and reflect on the tragedy of 9/11, and please pray for the victims and honor their memory, and please pay tribute to the men and women who serve and defend us today against the dangers we still face. May God bless them all, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the first graduating class of North Hunterdon Regional High School in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. The class of 1952 celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. As a graduate of North Hunterdon Regional High School and as the Representative for New Jersey's Seventh Congressional District, I have had the honor to observe the growth and expansion of the school's educational excellence. North Hunterdon continues to excel as one of our Nation's top high schools. In 2002, the Department of Education awarded North Hunterdon the Blue Ribbon of Academic Excellence Award and it was recently highly ranked by the Washington Post. The class of 1952 began an outstanding tradition of academic achievement at North Hunterdon Regional High School that has continued for sixty years. I am proud to honor my alma mater and I thank the first graduating class for commencing these celebrations.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, today marks the anniversary of a defining moment in the history of modern communications. It was 50 years ago that Bell Labs, based in Murray Hill, New Jersey, in partnership with NASA, launched the world's first active communications satellite. The Telstar I was launched on July 10, 1962, ushering in the era of real- time global telephony, data communications and TV broadcasting. With Telstar and its successors the world was made a smaller place. Billions of people around the world had instant access to news, sports and entertainment. Telstar I, a sphere roughly a yard in diameter and weighing about 170 pounds, incorporated dozens of innovations from Bell Labs. The satellite could carry 600 voice calls and one black-and-white TV channel. Telstar achieved many firsts. It was the first active, direct-relay communications satellite, it successfully transmitting through space the first television pictures, telephone calls, high-speed data communications and fax images, and the first live transatlantic television feed. Telstar truly changed the world in which we live. Telstar came out of Bell Labs 50 years ago and paved the way for innovations in communication that are still taking place at a campus located in my district in Murray Hill, New Jersey--where Alcatel-Lucent headquarters their global R&D arm. Over 3,000 employees are hard at work there, creating technological innovations for future generations. Researchers at Bell Labs have won seven Nobel Prizes in Physics-- shared by 13 people. The most recent prize was awarded in 2009 to George E. Smith and Willard S. Boyle for their invention and development of the charge-coupled device (CCD)--a technology used for digital imaging in cameras and high-powered telescopes. Other innovations to come out of Bell Labs throughout the years include the transistor, the cell phone, solar cells and the laser. As the innovation engine behind Alcatel-Lucent, Bell Labs helps to weave the technological fabric of modern society. The Labs' scientists and engineers make seminal scientific discoveries, launch technological revolutions that reshape the way people live, work and play, and continue to build the most advanced and reliable communication networks in the world. I congratulate Bell Labs on its historic accomplishments.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Speaker, such legislation will ensure that patients get improved access to innovative, lifesaving therapies and medical devices while protecting and creating U.S. jobs. The bill is critically important to New Jersey, where we have a high concentration of medical device, pharmaceutical, and life science employees. I'm pleased that the conference report contains provisions important to streamline and modernize FDA regulations while promoting patient safety. Just as important, today's measure is fiscally responsible, reducing the deficit by $311 billion over the next 10 years according to the CBO. I thank Chairman Upton, Chairman Pitts, Ranking Member Waxman, Ranking Member Pallone, and members of the Energy and Commerce Committee for working together in a bipartisan capacity on a final bill that protects patients and brings much needed certainty to the medical and biopharmaceutical industries. This is the way Congress should work.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join the Lebanon Township Board of Education in Hunterdon County, New Jersey in honoring Judith Burd. After thirty-nine years of distinguished public service as an educator in Hunterdon County, Mrs. Burd retired in May 2012 as the Superintendent of the Lebanon Township School District. On June 21, 2012, Mrs. Burd will be honored by the Lebanon Township Board of Education in Hunterdon County, New Jersey during a special retirement dinner to be held in Glen Gardner, New Jersey with her family, friends and respected colleagues in attendance. I fully expect the event will celebrate and honor her many professional accomplishments and educational advancements on behalf of parents, teachers and students in Hunterdon County. As a lifelong resident of Hunterdon County, I have known Mrs. Burd since we were students together at North Hunterdon Regional High School in the late 1960s. Her uncle, the Honorable James Howard, was a distinguished Member of Congress from January 3, 1965 until his untimely passing on March 25, 1988. I can attest to her dedication and tireless efforts educating young people. Mrs. Burd began her career in education in 1974 as a teacher at Valley View Elementary School, where she taught the third grade from September 1975 to June 1979. From 1979 to 1994, Mrs. Burd served as a special education teacher and taught a resource room class for the perceptually impaired. From 1994 to 1996, Mrs. Burd taught seventh grade language arts and in 1996, Mrs. Burd became Principal of Woodglen Middle School, a position she held until August of 2003. In 2003, Mrs. Burd became the Superintendent of the Lebanon Township School District. For nearly four decades, Mrs. Burd has served the community with great professionalism and dedication. I am proud to join members of the Lebanon Township Board of Education and many Hunterdon County residents in thanking Judith Burd for her hard work and devotion to the Hunterdon County community. Her lifetime accomplishments and achievements in education will stand as a testament to her dedication to young people. I am pleased to praise Judith Burd of Hunterdon County, New Jersey and to share her story with my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives and with the American people.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the work of Lisa Reed for her accomplished career in public service to the State of New Jersey. Lisa began her career in law enforcement with the Plainfield Police Department. She later joined the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office where she specialized in sexual assault and child abuse investigations. Her distinguished work prompted her promotion to Detective Sergeant and supervisor of the Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Unit. She was a tremendous asset and valued member of the Prosecutor's Office and her portfolio expanded to homicides and narcotics. Lisa was later assigned to the Somerset County Police Academy as the Continuing Education Coordinator. There she shared her expertise with young officers until her retirement in 2005. Lisa developed a small business with her talents, Lisa S. Reed Investigations of Flemington, New Jersey. Lisa's most noted accomplishment is her vital role in the arrest of Roger Day, a fugitive who led an international conspiracy to defraud the military. This criminal was named a member of ``America's Most Wanted'' and Lisa's work was part of a three-year effort that brought Roger Day to justice. Lisa Reed is an outstanding public servant who has continually demonstrated bravery in the critical area of public safety. I congratulate her on this long and distinguished career.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise with great sadness to honor long-time president of the New Jersey Restaurant Association Deborah Dowdell. Deborah Dowdell died March 2nd following a long and courageous battle with cancer. Deborah's passing is a tremendous loss for New Jersey's small business community and most especially, her family, who loved her dearly. For those who knew Deborah, she was a strong and influential leader and mentor in Trenton. Deborah Dowdell was an influential policy-maker, an expert on issues important to New Jersey's restaurant and hospitality community. But most important Deborah Dowdell was a great friend and loving daughter and wife. My wife Heidi and I send our thoughts and prayers to Deborah's entire family during these very trying and difficult times.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 5 that combines the repeal of the Independent Payment Advisory Board with significant medical malpractice reforms that will help reduce health care costs and preserve patients' access to medical care. Today marks the 2-year anniversary of the House passage of the President's health care law. During that debate 2 years ago, I joined Members from both sides of the aisle in calling on the President to address one of the drivers of the high cost of health care by reforming the current medical liability system. Unfortunately, the President's health care bill passed the House on March 21, 2010, absent any real or meaningful medical liability reform. The new law did include the Independent Payment Advisory Board, or IPAB, and this cost-control board, made up of 15 unelected and, might I add, unconfirmed officials, has the power to make major cost-cutting decisions about Medicare, with little oversight or accountability. The IPAB has been criticized by both Republicans and Democrats, and its repeal is supported by nearly 400 groups representing patients, doctors, and employers. Today, on the 2-year anniversary of the House passage of the health care law, we have an opportunity to move to the future and enact real health care reform that will help bring down health care costs that are escalating at unsustainable rates while, at the same time, protecting needed care for our senior citizens. As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, I am pleased to have the opportunity to work on this important legislation, and I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 5.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the honorees of the 2012 Suburban Chamber of Commerce Service Awards. The Chamber is an accomplished partnership of business and professional people working together to build a healthy economy and improve the quality of life in our communities. The Chamber, which represents the communities of Summit, New Providence and Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, brings people together who live or work in the area and who want to better their community. I congratulate the 2012 honorees for ``Tying the Communities Together.'' President's Award--The Honorable Jordan Glatt, Former Mayor of Summit, New Jersey. Beautification Award--McGrath's Hardware, New Providence, NJ. Business of the Year--Investors Bank. Public Service Award--The Honorable Jon Bramnick, Minority Leader in the New Jersey State Assembly. Public Service Organization--The Summit Area YMCA. Silver Service Award--Karen Olson, Family Promise. I thank these public servants and organizations for their tremendous public service.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Thomas Gilmore for nearly three decades of leadership and dedication to the New Jersey Audubon Society. Tom Gilmore is a known conservation visionary and respected voice for wildlife and I congratulate him on this well deserved retirement. Under Tom's dedicated watch, thousands of acres of threatened and endangered species habitats have been protected and open space, farmland and historic preservation became a priority in our great Garden State. Throughout Tom's tenure, wildlife research and environmental education blossomed across the state. Tom's leadership paved the way for the Audubon Society's Citizen Science program to flourish. This important program empowers volunteers of all skill levels and backgrounds to engage in wildlife conservation and leverages the strengths and talents of hundreds of individuals while training our state's future conservation leaders. Tom's passion, skill and perseverance have transformed New Jersey, marshalling in the preservation of our most significant and beloved natural treasures. I honor this remarkable leader and welcome the new era of conservation talent that will guide the Garden State's environmental future.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Meme Omogbai, Chief Operating Officer of The Newark Museum, on being named Chair of the American Association of Museums. This is an unprecedented honor for The Newark Museum in Newark, New Jersey. Prior to her election, Omogbai served the AAM in many capacities including as co-author of its ground- breaking strategic plan. Ms. Omogbai was born in Nigeria and moved to the United States as a child. She obtained both a Bachelor of Science degree in accountancy and an M.B.A. in finance and management consultancy from Rutgers University. She has a keen interest in public service and pursued opportunities in New Jersey state government. During her 10-year tenure with the state she became the youngest deputy assistant chancellor of the NJ Department of Higher Education. Ms. Omogbai was part of the team that developed the widely acclaimed NJ College Loan to Assist State Students Program while overseeing $6.5 billion in assets and crafting legislation as a policy adviser in the state treasurer's office. She also worked with the Casino Control Commission. Ms. Omogbai is a community leader with important, active roles on the boards of such organizations as the New Jersey Historic Trust, the American Association of Museums, the Advisory Board of Montclair State University, St. Vincent Academy and the Newark Regional Business Partnership. I congratulate Meme Omogbai on being named Chair of the American Association of Museums.