Harry Mitchell

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I have discovered that on February 13, 2008, my vote on rollcall vote No. 48 did not register in the voting system. On this vote, I voted in favor of ordering the previous question on H. Res. 976, rollcall vote No. 48.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the Annual Patriotic Day Celebration at Kyrene Akimel A-al Middle School, taking place this Friday, April 4, 2009. The Parent Teacher Student Organization has organized this wonderful event for Kyrene Akimel A-al for the past 15 years. Since its inception in 1992, Kyrene Akimel A-al has been committed to educating their students about the responsibilities of citizenship and about the sacrifices and bravery of those who make our freedom possible. In 1994, Kyrene Akimel A-al was named a World War II Commemorative School. It is the only middle school in Arizona to achieve this honor. This was also the first year that Patriotic Day was designated by Kyrene Akimel A-al to honor the contributions and sacrifices of all of America's Veterans. I am hopeful that this event will teach the students of Kyrene Akimel A-al Middle School, and its surrounding community, to honor the actions of our nation's veterans for years to come. I commend the school and its excellent Parent Teacher Student Organization for taking on this amazing project.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, due to family obligations in Arizona that required my attention, I missed the following votes and had I been present, I would have voted against rollcall vote No. 111, the Motion to Adjourn; rollcall vote No. 112, the Motion to Adjourn; rollcall vote No. 113, the Motion to Adjourn; and rollcall vote No. 114, the Motion to Adjourn. I would have voted in favor of rollcall vote No. 115, H. Res. 924; rollcall vote No. 116, the Motion to Table the Appeal of the Ruling of the Chair; rollcall vote No. 117, the Vote to Override the President's Veto of H.R. 2082; rollcall vote No. 118, H. Res. 948; and rollcall vote No. 119, H. Res. 493. I would have voted againat rollcall vote No. 120, the Motion To Adjourn. I would have voted in favor of rollcall vote No. 121, on Ordering the Previous Question; rollcall vote No. 122, H. Res. 1031; and rollcall vote No. 123, the Motion to Adjourn.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I was absent today from three rollcall votes due to family obligations in Arizona that required my attention. Had I been present, I would have voted in favor of H. Res. 537, rollcall vote No. 108; H.R. 3196, rollcall vote No. 109; and H.R. 4166, rollcall vote No. 110.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the Annual Arnie Dworkis Memorial Dialysis Awareness Walk, taking place this Sunday, March 9, 2008. The Sunset Kiwanis Club of Fountain Hills has organized this wonderful and exciting event for the third year running. I would particularly like to honor Edward Stizza and Susan Obst- Dworkis for coordinating this annual event, and for their efforts and activities to educate the community about chronic kidney disease and end stage renal disease. The proceeds from the Arnie Dworkis Memorial Dialysis Awareness Walk will benefit the Dialysis Patient Citizens Group, which was founded by Mr. Stizza and his friend and fellow dialysis patient, Arnie Dworkis. After Arnie passed away in 2005, Mr. Stizza established the walk to honor the life of his friend. I am glad to say that by making this tribute, Mr. Stizza and Ms. Susan Obst Dworkis have educated thousands of people about this disease. Currently, one in nine American adults will be affected by chronic kidney disease. More the 20 million Americans are personally suffering from the disease, which, if left untreated, can lead to end stage renal disease. With the assistance of Mr. Stizza and Ms. Obst-Dworkis, we can raise the public awareness of this debilitating disease, and the plight of the more than 400,000 Americans who are on kidney dialysis today. I am hopeful that this event will educate the public on what can be done to prevent and treat kidney disease. It will undoubtedly contribute to support and funding to those whose lives are intimately touched by the chronic kidney disease.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker I rise today to recognize the achievements of two outstanding people from my hometown, Tempe, Arizona--Don and Bobbie Cassano. My pride in their contributions is magnified because I also count them among my friends. The Tempe Chamber of Commerce recently presented them with the 2008 Spirit of Tempe Award during the annual Breakfast for Chamber Champions on February 29th. This award recognized business people who ``go above and beyond''. The soul of any community is its people, and Don and Bobbie Cassano have epitomized the spirit that makes Tempe such an outstanding community. I am pleased that their outstanding efforts for our community have been formally recognized by the Tempe Chamber. Don and Bobbie wasted no time in getting involved in their community when they moved to Tempe thirty four years ago. It is easy to assume that this was strictly a team effort, but Don and Bobbie have each made significant individual contributions as well. Bobbie has served as president of Tempe Leadership, the Tempe/Kyrene Communities in Schools and the Tempe Governors. She was a founder of the Communities in Schools group. She has also served on the Tempe Community Council Board of Directors, the Tempe Connections Advisory Council and the Tempe Citizens Corps Council. Don has also served as President of a number of organizations, including Friendship Village of Tempe, Arizona Clean and Beautiful and the Tempe Nuevo Kiwanis Club. He has chaired the Valley Business Council and Valley Forward Association. I am also proud to have served with him during the time he was a member of the Tempe City Council, from 1984-1993. Together they joined forces to help pass a transit tax in Tempe which goes toward improving public transportation, including the light rail system which starts running this year. In addition, it funds expanded bicycle paths, and a free neighborhood circulator bus to help increase ridership on public transportation. I can't think of two people who are more deserving of this award, and I say congratulations for a job well done.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate National Identity Theft Prevention Week in Arizona and in several other states, as well as Consumer Protection Week around the Nation, and to bring attention to this growing and troubling trend in crime. Identity theft is a serious offense that occurs when someone uses your personal information without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes. Unfortunately, Arizona is one of the states hardest hit by identity theft, which continues to impact millions of victims and remains the fastest-growing white-collar crime in the United States. Identity theft costs businesses and consumers billions of dollars each year. Additionally, victims must take valuable time and often endure tremendous stress as they work to repair the damage to their credit and accounts. However, Arizona is also the site of some of the Nation's most innovative efforts to combat this crime. The Arizona Attorney General's Office regularly hosts ``shred-a-thons'' where residents can safely destroy documents containing personal information. And private companies like Lifelock, which is headquartered in my hometown of Tempe, has become a nationwide industry leader in helping consumers to proactively protect their personal information and render it useless to criminals. Madam Speaker, I wish to applaud these efforts and encourage my colleagues to join me in doing all that I can to turn the tide against identity thieves across the Nation.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the State Bar of Arizona on its 75th anniversary. The Arizona Bar Association was first incorporated in Arizona in 1906 and in 1912 first began official admission procedures for the practice of law. On March 17, 1933, the State Bar of Arizona was established as a mandatory membership organization through an act of the Arizona State Legislature. Since its statutory establishment, it has functioned as a self-policing organization that has worked to ensure that the legal profession in Arizona maintains the highest possible ethical standards and technical skill. The State Bar of Arizona is guided in its service of the public by the core values of integrity, service, diversity, professionalism, promotion of justice, and leadership. The State Bar utilizes these core values to further the legal profession and the administration of justice. The State Bar serves not only the legal profession, but also the public, ensuring equal access to high quality legal services for all Arizona residents. The State Bar also serves the public through its participation in programs like ``Wills for Heroes'' where members of the State Bar donate their time and talent to provide free legal services in the area of wills and probate to emergency personnel in Arizona. The State Bar of Arizona and its nearly 20,000 members should be proud of the work they continue to do to ensure that all Arizonans have access to equal justice.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Sharon Doyle on receiving Tempe Leadership's Outstanding Community Leadership Award. I am especially pleased to recognize Sharon because she is not only a worthy recipient, but a long-time family friend from my home town, Tempe, Arizona. This award recognizes outstanding leadership achievements and service that contribute to improving the quality of life in Tempe. Sharon is also a fellow educator, retiring after thirty years as a speech and language pathologist in the Tempe Union High School District. This award represents years of community service which at the present time involves service to sixteen different committees and organizations. Although Sharon is retired, she continues to use her time to serve education-related organizations, proving that her advocacy for young people did not end with her retirement. She is a graduate of Tempe Leadership Class XVI and is the president of the Tempe High School District Education Foundation, vice-president of the Tempe Impact Education Foundation and is active on the Tempe City Council's Education, Technology and Economic Development Committee. A community's quality of life is determined by many factors, such as the policies set by city government and the programs available to its citizens. However, I believe that a community rises and falls on the shoulders of its citizens, and the contributions they make to that community. Sharon exemplifies this commitment and raises the bar for everyone around her. I am proud to call Sharon Doyle a friend, and I commend her on her continued service to the young people of our community. Sharon, congratulations on a job well done. Keep up the good work!

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a gentleman who has quietly spent the last twenty-five years making a difference in our community. Prior to 1983, Thomas Carney would never have described himself as, in his own words, a ``bunny hugger''. However, while out on a walk that year in our desert community, he came across two desert tortoises that had been badly damaged by heavy equipment on a construction site. One did not survive, but the other one did, due to the care and compassion of Mr. Carney. This one day occurrence put Mr. Carney on a course in life he could never have imagined--tortoise advocate. He is now a member of the Arizona Chapter of the National Turtle and Tortoise Society. This group is dedicated to the study and conservation of these endangered animals. I feel that it is important to recognize people like Thomas Carney. He saw a problem and educated himself about how to help these gentle creatures. He is now an advocate for desert tortoises and donates his time to educating others. Too often, we overlook the little things in life that really make a difference. Mr. Carney, I want to recognize your efforts. I say congratulations and thank you very much for a job well done.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Marwan Sabbagh, a nationally renowned neurologist who has dedicated his career to finding a cure for Alzheimer's disease. As the founder and director of clinical research at Sun Health Research Institute's Cleo Roberts Center for Clinical Research, Dr. Sabbagh is working to develop new tools and treatment options for those who have been diagnosed with this tragic disease. Dr. Sabbagh and the Sun Health Research Institute are partners in the Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium. This Consortium is a leading model for statewide research centers that build upon the strengths of participating institutions. As a member of the Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer's disease, I am proud of the groundbreaking research and education that is being done in my home state of Arizona. Later this week, I will join Dr. Sabbagh as he celebrates the release of his latest book, ``The Alzheimer's Answer''. This book provides readers with the latest facts about the disease, real tips for prevention, and information on current diagnosis and treatment options. As we continue to learn more about the crisis this disease presents, reducing our risk and promoting wellness is more important than ever. Madam Speaker, in addition to Dr. Sabbagh's work with the Sun Health Research Institute, he is also a scientist in the Department of Neurology at Mayo Clinic Scottsdale and serves as an adjunct professor at Midwestern University and Arizona State University. Through his work at these leading research institutions, Dr. Sabbagh is a leading investigator for several national Alzheimer's treatment trials, including Alzheimer vaccine studies. Dr. Sabbagh currently resides in Scottsdale with his wife Ida and their two sons, Habib and Elias. The work that Dr. Sabbagh has done, and continues to do, will greatly benefit our nation. I am proud of his accomplishments and congratulate him on his book release.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate David Nagel, who has successfully completed the requirements for the rank of Eagle Scout. The Boy Scouts of America program recognizes the Eagle Scout as the highest attainable rank; less than four percent of Scouts achieve the rank of Eagle. The process of becoming an Eagle Scout involves earning numerous merit badges and demonstrating spirit, service, and leadership. Scouts must plan, organize, lead, and manage an extensive service project. David took the initiative to develop a plan for landscaping improvements at the Kiwanis Building in his hometown of Fountain Hills, Arizona. David led the project to remove a large amount of sand from a volleyball court in order to turn the area into a park. He enthusiastically installed a sprinkler system and laid sod in order to beautify the Kiwanis Building. Through his work, David has showed his strong commitment to his community and to the Boy Scouts of America, and has developed strong leadership and management skills that will serve him well in the future. David should be proud of his accomplishments. Again, I congratulate him on his achievement of Eagle Scout and say thank you for a job well done.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ms. Grace Do, who has been selected as a Distinguished Finalist for the Prudential Spirit of Community Award, which honors young people for outstanding acts of volunteerism. The Prudential program was created in 1995 to emphasize the importance our nation places on service to others, and to encourage all young Americans to contribute to their communities. A junior at Corona del Sol High School, Grace leads two tutoring programs in her community that help immigrants learn English. Grace, who used to struggle with English because she spoke Mandarin Chinese at home, is now co-director of the Chinese Immigrant Tutoring Center at her church, where she has volunteered for five years. In addition, she co-founded a similar tutoring program at a local library three years ago. Grace should be proud of her accomplishments. Again, I congratulate Grace on her award and thank her for a job well done.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ms. Kaitlyn Mulhollan, who has been selected to receive the Prudential Spirit of Community Award as Arizona's Top Youth Volunteer. The Prudential Spirit of Community Award, which honors young people for outstanding acts of volunteerism, was created in 1995 to emphasize the importance our nation places on service to others, and to encourage all young Americans to contribute to their communities. A senior at Corona del Sol High School, Kaitlyn has helped build 10 houses for needy families over the past five years as a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, and now serves as a team leader for the local Habitat chapter. After working on her first house when she was only 13 years old, Kaitlyn has shown up early every Saturday morning when projects are under way. As a team leader, Kaitlyn has the responsibility of guiding and assisting many small groups of volunteers on the construction site. In addition, Kaitlyn has worked tirelessly to educate others about Habitat for Humanity's mission, even recruiting friends and classmates to join the effort. She has also persuaded her employer, California Pizza Kitchen, to provide meals for construction volunteers. As a state honoree, Kaitlyn will join youth from across the country here in Washington DC in May. Kaitlyn should be proud of her accomplishments. Again, I congratulate Kaitlyn on her award and thank her for a job well done.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ms. Megan Yee, who has been selected as a Distinguished Finalist for the Prudential Spirit of Community Award, which honors young people for outstanding acts of volunteerism. The Prudential program was created in 1995 to emphasize the importance our nation places on service to others, and to encourage all young Americans to contribute to their communities. A senior at Desert Mountain High School in Scottsdale, Arizona, Megan organized a series of computer classes to teach members of the Phoenix area's Chinese-American community how to use word-processing programs, spreadsheets, e-mail, and the Internet. Megan worked hard to design the curriculum, recruit volunteers to teach the classes, prepare all of the lesson plans, and teach classes herself. Megan should be proud of her accomplishments. Again, I congratulate Megan on her award and thank her for a job well done.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, earlier today I introduced the Student Veteran Financial Aid Fairness Act, a bill to exempt service-connected education benefits from being figured into a veteran's financial aid needs. This Congress has made education one of its top priorities. Last session, I proudly supported the College Cost Reduction and Access Act, which lowers student loan interest rates and increases Pell grants. This is an important step toward making a higher education affordable for all students. I was happy to see the President sign it into law. Just last week, we continued our commitment to make a higher education more affordable by passing the College Opportunity and Affordability Act. Again, I proudly supported this legislation and was particularly pleased to support the important resources it provides for student veterans. As a Member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, I have spoken to many veterans from my home State of Arizona and all around the country. These veterans have told me about the difficulties they face in readjusting to civilian life and they have consistently told me that the college environment is a good way to ease that transition. Many student veterans are under different pressures than their non- veteran peers in college. Some have families of their own, some have full-time jobs, and most are a good deal older than the other students on campus. Additionally, many veterans, especially from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, are coping with injuries like post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. And making matters worse, the rising cost of higher education is making it more difficult for veterans to go to college. We promised a higher education to our servicemembers when they joined and it is our responsibility to see that they get it when they become veterans. This is not the case, right now. When a veteran applies for financial aid using the FAFSA, their G.I. Bill benefits are considered resources, which are then counted against the amount of aid they can receive. My bill would fix that problem and ensure that the G.I. Bill is used as intended, a benefit for military service, as opposed to a means to reduce the amount of student aid our veterans can receive. The current law prevents student veterans from taking full advantage of Stafford and Perkins Loans, Pell Grants, and Federal Work-study. I believe it is critical that we continue to fight for college affordability, especially when it comes to providing for our veterans. I think it is wrong to judge the needs of our veterans with the same standard as other students without military service. I know Mr. Filner, the Chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, has made it a priority to reform the G.I. Bill this session, but in the mean time, it is important that we work together as a Congress to fix this financial aid problem.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Rob Cogorno on his 25 years of service to this body. Rob, I am one of the new folks around here, but in my relatively brief tenure, I have come to appreciate and have great respect for all the floor staff who keep this place running as smoothly as possible . . . especially in a room filled with wall-to-wall politicians. You've been a great quarterback for the floor staff, and I wish you all the best. Thank you for your service.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge Paradise Valley Police Chief John Wintersteen for the many years he has given to his community and to our country. Chief Wintersteen is retiring after thirteen years at the helm of his department, a span that has encompassed tremendous growth and innovation in the town's public safety programs. His tenure in Paradise Valley has earned him the respect and love of that community. Chief Wintersteen's distinguished service began long before he joined the Paradise Valley Police Department. He served honorably for nearly 29 years in the United States Marine Corps, overseeing police and security operations at Marine Corps headquarters in Washington, DC, and at the military prison at Fort Leavenworth, KS. During his tenure with the department, Chief Wintersteen was instrumental in overseeing the town's fire and emergency medical service transition from the private Rural/Metro Fire Department to Phoenix Fire Department. He was also involved in the expansion of the Police Department's photo-enforcement program--which was the first in the Nation--and the introduction of public-awareness programs. Chief Wintersteen is just as dedicated to the community in his private life as he was while wearing a badge. He volunteers with the Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America, Sierra Club, American Red Cross and Special Olympics, among others. I would like to wish Chief Wintersteen all the best as he embarks on a new chapter in his life. I am confident that Paradise Valley will continue to benefit from his knowledge, leadership and dedication to the community he calls home. I say congratulations on a job well done.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Harold Miller, who has been selected to receive the Defense Logistics Agency's (DLA) Business Alliance Award for the Commander's Choice Category. This award program recognizes businesses and individuals who have made outstanding efforts in partnering with DLA to provide supplies and services to America's war-fighters. The Commander's Choice Award is given to a person whose dedication and commitment to the DLA mission affects the quality of life for U.S. women and men in uniform. Mr. Miller is the Aerospace Global Pricing Compliance Leader for Honeywell Aerospace, located in my hometown of Tempe, Arizona. He has consistently led Honeywell from the inside to integrate DLA's mission requirements into corporate culture and daily work processes. Through his tireless work, Mr. Miller has allowed DLA to provide superior customer support on Honeywell parts. He has an unsurpassed willingness to take risks and a strong commitment to making things work. Both of these characteristics have enabled DLA to navigate around potential crisis situations. Mr. Miller should be proud of his accomplishments. Again, I say congratulations on the award and thank you for a job well done.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the father and son team of Bill and Bradley Garr. I use the word, ``team'' because on the afternoon of June 29, 2007, their actions helped save the life of an automobile accident victim. On that day, as they were traveling along a Phoenix freeway, they witnessed a car go out of control and flip over. They were the first ones to stop to render aid to the seriously injured young woman who was driving. Due to the smoking engine and leaking gasoline, they needed to remove the woman from her car. They then used a fire extinguisher to make sure that a fire did not ensue. By the time fire and paramedics responded, the fire danger was over and the young woman was in a safe place. While many others kept driving, Bill made the decision to stop and help, and in so doing demonstrated to Bradley important values that will last a lifetime. I commend Bill and Bradley for their actions, and congratulate them on their selfless actions.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the City of Tempe, my hometown, which was recently honored by America's Promise Alliance, with the designation as one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People for 2008. This organization, founded by General Colin Powell, is the largest alliance dedicated to children and youth. Recognition just once is a proud achievement, but this is the third year in a row that the city has been so recognized, and so is deserving of special praise. One of the entities cited in the award, is the Mayor's Youth Advisory Commission, which is believed to be the oldest such commission in the country. When I instituted this commission during my tenure as Mayor of Tempe, I was confident that it had great potential. I am especially pleased that subsequent Mayors have realized the value of this commission which was so deservedly recognized by America's Promise Alliance. The award noted that Tempe was a ``pioneer'' in this area. Tempe's three multigenerational facilities were also recognized for the city's commitment to facilitate nonprofit organizations' youth services. America's Promise Alliance evaluates applicants based on Five Promises which have been shown to ensure that children receive the fundamental resources they need to successfully lead healthy and productive lives. These are: caring adults, a safe place, a healthy start, an effective education, and opportunities to help others. Tempe has made a commitment to keeping these promises, and has been justifiably recognized for the effort. I extend my congratulations and thanks for a job well done.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the City of Scottsdale, which was recently honored by America's Promise Alliance, with the designation as one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People for 2008. This organization, founded by General Colin Powell, is the largest alliance dedicated to children and youth. Recognition just once is a proud achievement, but this is the third year in a row that the city has been so recognized, and so is deserving of special praise. This award was not earned by a single entity, but rather from the combined efforts of organizations throughout the city. This recognition would not have been possible without the collaboration of all city departments, the Scottsdale Unified School District, the excellent health care network and outstanding nonprofit organizations which serve the youth of the community and contribute to the quality of life in Scottsdale. America's Promise Alliance evaluates applicants based on Five Promises which have been shown to ensure that children receive the fundamental resources they need to successfully lead healthy and productive lives. These are: caring adults, a safe place, a healthy start, an effective education, and opportunities to help others. The City of Scottsdale has made a commitment to keeping these promises, and has been justifiably recognized for the effort. I extend my congratulations and thanks for a job well done.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the City of Chandler, which was recently honored by America's Promise Alliance, with the designation as one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People for 2008. This organization, founded by General Colin Powell, is the largest alliance dedicated to children and youth. Recognition just once is a proud achievement, but this is the third year in a row that the city has been recognized, and so is deserving of special praise. Chandler was recognized for this honor because of its intense commitment to youth. One of the key items noted by the Alliance was the Coalition for Chandler Youth, which was organized in September 2006 to address youth issues on a communitywide basis. This award was not earned due to the efforts of a single entity, but rather from the combined efforts of members of government, local businesses, youth representatives, and numerous other organizations throughout the city. America's Promise Alliance evaluates applicants based on Five Promises which have been shown to ensure that children receive the fundamental resources they need to successfully lead healthy and productive lives. These are: caring adults, a safe place, a healthy start, an effective education, and opportunities to help others. The City of Chandler has made a commitment to keeping these promises, and has been justifiably recognized for the effort. I extend my congratulations and thanks for a job well done.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, earlier today my colleague Dr. Ron Paul and I introduced H.R. 5087, the Stop the Congressional Pay Raise Act of 2008, to block the automatic pay raise Members of Congress are scheduled to receive next year. As you may recall, I introduced a similar bill last year seeking to prevent an automatic pay raise for Members of Congress from taking effect this year. Unfortunately, despite the support of 29 cosponsors, last year's bill failed to reach the floor, As a result, every Member is now receiving $169,300 this year, a $4,100 increase from last year. Madam Speaker, the American people didn't get a $4,100 pay raise this year. I do not know how in good conscience we, as their Representatives in Congress, can accept one. Our Nation is at war, we have a national debt of more than $9 trillion, and fears of a recession have sent the stock market into a tailspin. Unemployment is up, home sales are down, and markets around the world are on shaky ground. In December, the unemployment rate rose in 46 States as well as the District of Columbia. In my home State of Arizona, unemployment rose 42 percent between September and December alone, leaving 143,800 unemployed. Compounding the situation, nationwide inflation shot up 6 percent in 2007, the largest jump in 26 years. The same gallon of gas that cost $2.20 a year ago now costs more than $3--and new home construction dropped 25 percent, the largest decrease in 27 years. When Members of Congress accept this pay raise, we send the wrong message. Americans are suffering and instead of feeling that pain, Congress is approving pay raises to further insulate us from it. If you want to know why people hate Washington and feel that it is out of touch, it is precisely because of moves like this. I will be donating my 2008 pay raise to charity and I encourage my colleagues to do the same. I also encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 5087 to stop next year's pay raise for Members of Congress.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize long-time Tempe resident, chemistry professor, professional tympanist and friend: Jack Fuchs. Jack Fuchs is a remarkable person with a lifetime of achievements. He recently retired after 55 years of teaching at my alma mater, Arizona State University. Those of us in the ASU community believe that he is the longest-serving faculty member in the history of the university. After serving in Europe during World War II, he arrived back in the States 62 years ago today. Jack wasted no time in pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of Illinois, which he earned in 1950. Two short years later, he packed up his car and set out for a teaching job in Tempe, which was located in foreign territory for an Illinois native--the deserts of Arizona. Rather than returning home, the Fuchs thrived and put down roots. In addition to his teaching duties, Jack played professionally as the principal tympanist with the Phoenix Symphony for 25 years. He shared the stage with the likes of Jack Benny, Pablo Casals and Andres Segovia, just to name a few. He extended his musical career by performing with the Sun Cities Symphony Orchestra for almost 20 years more, until just 5 years ago. Jack also managed to keep his friends and fellow faculty members on their toes with a mean game of tennis. Playing with legendary coaches like Frank Kush, Bobby Winkles and Ned Wulk did not dim his competitive drive to win. These other accomplishments might give the impression that his professional life took a back seat. Nothing could be further from the truth. Among other posts, Jack served as executive officer of the chemistry department for 14 years, as well as national president of the Society for Applied Spectroscopy. But as a fellow teacher, I know Jack's true love was being in the classroom. Every year for almost 40 years he offered summer programs to young students to share with them the love and excitement of chemistry he discovered himself as a young boy. Who wouldn't love to spend their summers exploring the wonders of infrared and ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy or modern industrial spectroscopy? Even today, after 55 years in the classroom, Jack maintains an office at the university and can be found, as always, involved with students 2 to 3 days a week. I offer my sincere thanks and congratulations on a job well done.