Harry Mitchell

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the achievements of Patty Durant as the recipient of the 2009 Women in Business Palo Verde Award. The Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber recently honored Patty at the Ahwatukee Women in Business Faces of Success event, which recognizes present and future businesswomen. The award is given to female Chamber members who are role models for other women in business. Patty is involved with her local business community in many different ways. She is a long-time Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce member, treasurer of the Board of Directors, and past chairwomen of its women in business committee. For the past two years, she has served on the Tukee Home Tour committee, a group which organizes events to allow participants the opportunity to view re-modeled homes in the community. In addition to her involvement with the chamber, she is a sales representative for Ahwatukee Foothills and Tempe offices of Empire Title Agency. Presently, Patty serves as a co-chair of the Chamber Scholarship sub- committee, evidence of her commitment to the support of future businesswomen. At the same event at which she was honored for her achievements, she presented 2009 Desert Vista High School graduate Dana Wygle with the Ahwatukee Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Scholarship award. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Patty Durant for her contributions to her local business community and her efforts to encourage the endeavors of future businesswomen.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a Vietnam veteran's service to his fellow veterans while battling his own chronic illness. This year, the Phoenix VA Health Care Systems awarded Darrel Jacobs the 2009 Volunteer of the Year award. This honor recognizes the remarkable way in which Darrel has given back to the same hospital that has provided him with excellent care since 1972. Darrell, a former postal clerk for the U.S. Army from 1967-1971, spends 24 hours a week volunteering at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center in Phoenix. Since he has had diabetes for 37 years and even underwent open-heart surgery at the Phoenix VA Medical Center about seven years ago, Jacobs is able to provide encouragement and assistance to his patients on a personal level. Darrell provides support for patients in a multitude of ways, specializing in care for veterans with diabetes and heart disease. On days when the diabetes education class is held at the hospital, Darrell arrives at 6:30 a.m. to set everything up, assists veterans with their glucose tests, and is always the last one to leave once the class is over. He also coordinates lunches from the dietary department, works in the cardiology department, and even trains other volunteers. I commend him for his energetic efforts in giving selflessly to other vets combating disease. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Darrel Jacobs for his service to our country and his continued dedication to America's veterans.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Lorraine Bergman, who was recently named Business Woman of the Year by the Tempe Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Bergman is currently the President and CEO of Caliente Construction, a company originally started by her late husband Thomas Bergman. After his passing in 2005, Lorraine stepped up and rebuilt the company herself. Under her leadership, Caliente Construction has more than doubled in its percentage of growth and in number of employees. The success of this local business was previously recognized by the Tempe Chamber of Commerce when Lorraine received the Business Excellence Award in 2008. In addition to the success of her own company, Lorraine has made many contributions to the surrounding business community. She is a founding member of Advancing Women in Construction, as well as the East Valley Branch of Fresh Start, a program that assists women whose lives have been impacted by traumatic events. Lorraine is a graduate of both the Gilbert and Tempe Leadership programs whose experience, dedication and body of work truly deserve to be honored. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Lorraine Bergman's many contributions to our community.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of firefighter Ralph Blanton of Tempe and to recognize the significant contributions he made to our community. On May 11, 2009 Ralph passed away of natural causes at the age of 79. Ralph will be remembered for his active involvement in the development and growth of Tempe's first professional fire department. He gained valuable experience in the 1950s as a volunteer Tempe fireman, long before the formation of a paid fire department. In 1961, he, along with 10 others, established the Tempe Fire Department. Ralph earned the first ever Fireman of the Year award in 1963 for his dedication and work ethic. Finally, after 20 years of service, he was the last member of the original force to retire. In addition to Ralph's extensive career achievements, he was also known for his role as a mentor. Many young firefighters looked up to him and learned priceless lessons, chief among them to take pride in one's work. Together, he and his wife Shirley helped establish an annual picnic for retired Tempe firefighters, which the union plans to rename the Ralph Blanton Retirees Picnic for Tempe firefighters in his honor. Madam Speaker, please join me in commemorating the life of Ralph Blanton and remembering the strong and positive impact he left on his community and the many people who knew and loved him.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Patricia Heck, an exemplary public servant who is retiring as a teacher at Red Mountain High School in Mesa. In 1988, Pat launched a program at Red Mountain through Reading Is Fundamental that promotes a love of reading for all ability groups through fun and entertaining activities. Pat's commitment and deep passion for literacy encourages students of all reading levels to unlock the mystery that each book holds. Fueled by Pat's drive and determination, the program flourished. The club currently consists of 1,800 teen members; representing more than half the student body. Members organize an annual carnival, and produce year-round reading displays, assemblies, and read-a-thons. Every year, they collect over 2,500 books to distribute to their own high school and in other areas of need. Since the school opened in 1988, the club has given away $3 million in donated books. At the core of Club RIF are the one-on-one reading buddies that work directly with 150 second graders at the Salk Elementary School and the tutors who read to 1,375 children each week. Pat's dedication has been recognized numerous times over the years including national recognition in 1991 as President Bush Sr.'s 432nd Point of Light and in 2000 as the recipients of President Clinton's Student Service Award. After more than 20 years of service to Club RIF and 30 years in education, Pat is retiring. Through her leadership, vision and passion, she excelled as a charismatic advocate for literacy and provided a shining example of how students can positively influence children in their communities through education and reading. Her energy and enthusiasm for Club RIF and its mission will continue to inspire students to get excited about reading. I take particular pride in Pat's contributions and accomplishments because she was one of my first students when I began my own 28-year teaching career. Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Patricia Heck on her energetic contributions to Club RIF, her upcoming retirement, and the lasting legacy she will leave with the community.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1089, the Veterans Employment Rights Realignment Act of 2009. I thank Representative Herseth Sandlin of South Dakota for her leadership on the issues of veteran employment and education, and I commend her for bringing this bill to the Floor today. Members of the Armed Forces--including the National Guard and Reserves--serve our nation with selflessness and courage. They deserve our gratitude, and in these difficult economic times, I believe that means we must redouble our efforts to ensure they have full and fair access to employment after their service. H.R. 1089 will remove bureaucratic hurdles for veterans in search of redress for discriminatory employment practices, and it will allocate new resources to the Office of Special Counsel--the federal investigative and prosecutorial agency tasked with protecting federal employees from prohibited personnel practices. In 1994, Congress put in place a strong set of employment protections for service members and veterans in the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. We need to enforce this law quickly and efficiently, and the Veterans Employment Rights Realignment Act of 2009 will help the Office of Special Counsel to do just that. I was proud to support H.R. 1089 when it was considered by the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and I am pleased to support this bill on the House floor today. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for this important legislation to protect service members and veterans from inappropriate employment practices.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 627, the Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights. The Senate approved this yesterday by an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote. I urge my colleagues to give final approval to this bill today and send it to the President for signature. Consumers shouldn't have to subject themselves to hidden costs and ``gotcha'' games in order to have access to credit cards. Today's legislation will put an end to some of the most offensive practices. The bill will stop retroactive rate hikes on existing balances. It will also require lenders to credit payments made on the day that they were due as on time. You wouldn't think that you would have to pass a law to say that payments made on the day that they are due should be credited as on time. But, sadly, that is how bad things have gotten. The fine print in today's credit card agreements has gotten so complicated and so full of traps, you almost need a lawyer to find all the fees. This bill won't stop everything, but it is an important step forward. I therefore urge final passage today of the Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Zuni Elementary School in Scottsdale, Arizona. Zuni, first opened its doors to students in the fall of 1989. This fall, Zuni will merge with another nearby school to become Redbird Elementary. In its two decade existence, Zuni earned many awards of distinction, most notably the Honor Council Excellence Award from the American Student Council Association and the National Association of Elementary School Principals. Zuni earned this award every year since 1993, a remarkable accomplishment. Since 2005, Zuni has received the Arizona Department of Education's highest ranking of ``Excelling School.'' In addition to its educational successes, Zuni's philanthropic efforts have been an inspiration to our community. Over the past 12 years, Zuni Elementary raised over $106,000 as part of the Jump Rope for Heart campaign that supports heart disease and stroke research by the American Heart Association. As a former teacher, I personally understand the importance of building a strong educational foundation during elementary school. I would like to congratulate the Zuni Coyotes--teachers, students, and parents--on this exceptional milestone. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Zuni Elementary on its 20 outstanding years of educational excellence and dedication to scholastic achievement.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Honorable Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who recently received the 2008 Paul H. Douglas Award for Ethics in Government from the Institute of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois. She was selected as the recipient for her lifelong commitment to good government and her devotion to promoting respect for the highest standards of public service, a record that is a tremendous source of pride among her fellow Arizonans. This annual award recognizes elected or career government officials, or former government officials, whose ideas, writings, or public actions have made a lasting contribution to the practice and understanding of ethical behavior in government. Sandra Day O'Connor was the first female Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, serving from 1981 after her appointment by President Ronald Reagan until her retirement in 2006. Prior to her appointment to the Supreme Court, she was appointed and re-elected twice to the Arizona Senate, ascending to majority leader in 1973. She was later elected to the Maricopa County Supreme Court and appointed to the Arizona Court of Appeals. Currently, Justice O'Connor is the Chancellor of the College of William and Mary and serves on the board of trustees of the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. Since her retirement, she has frequently spoken on the need to insulate the Court from political pressures. To support an independent judiciary, she has tirelessly advocated for the selection of judges based on merit. I commend the Douglas Award national selection committee for recognizing such a deserving candidate. Justice O'Connor continues to be an excellent example of what others should strive for in public service. She has lead with courage while maintaining a very high standard of integrity in her public and private life. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Sandra Day O'Connor for bringing the very best to government and for her unfaltering service to her community, state, and country.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Terri Kimble, who was recently selected to be the new President and Chief Executive Officer of the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce. Terri was chosen for this important community leadership position out of many qualified applicants based of her extensive experience and commitment to success. The business community and residents of Ahwatukee will benefit from Terri's experience, which includes longtime membership in the Elk Rapids Chamber of Commerce in Michigan, nine years as the group's president. In addition, Terri was an Athena Award finalist, Rotarian of the Year and Michigan Chamber of Commerce Executives, as well as Board of Directors and Communications Chair. With such noteworthy experience and skills, I am positive that Terri will successfully promote the Chamber's goals of advancing community and business development. I commend the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce for selecting such a deserving candidate to serve as their president. I am sure that Terri will provide valuable service and leadership during her time there. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Terri Kimble's contributions to our country and community.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate three Arizona journalists, Paul Giblin, Patti Epler, and Ryan Gabrielson, for earning the most prestigious honor in their profession, the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for Local Reporting. Their hard work and dedicated effort on behalf of The East Valley Tribune are deserving of recognition and should be a source of pride for the people of Arizona. The Pulitzer Prize for Local Reporting was first awarded in 1948 to honor journalists who display innovation and knowledge of their communities while reporting on important local issues. The Pulitzer Prize Committee offers each winner a $10,000 award and a commemorative certificate, but more important is these journalists have earned the respect and admiration of their peers and the public. Paul, Patti, and Ryan have set a new standard for all Arizona journalists with their commitment to excellence through their exhaustive in-depth reporting on the impact of immigration enforcement in Arizona. Despite facing tough conditions with the downsizing of the newspaper industry--both Paul Giblin and Patti Epler have since been laid off by The Tribune--these individuals have reminded us all that investigative journalism is still vital to shedding light on and informing the public about significant issues that face the nation today. It is only the fourth time in Arizona's history that a local media organization has won a Pulitzer Prize. More significantly, it represents only the second occasion that a Pulitzer Prize has been awarded in Arizona for reporting. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Paul, Patti, and Ryan's achievement and their continued service to journalism in the public interest.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Nicholas Everetts of Fountain Hills, Arizona, who was chosen to represent his area in the recent Constitutional Speech Contest held by the American Legion Oratorical Scholarship Program. This competition is sponsored by the American Legion to promote a broader appreciation and understanding of the Constitution. Nicholas won his local contest in the Phoenix area, and then moved on to compete in the state competition with students from all over Arizona. As a sophomore at Fountain Hills High School and the youngest participant in the state contest, Nicholas proved his ability and validated his hard work by placing second. As a member of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I commend Nicholas for his participation in this competition, and his active role in the veterans' community. In his speech, Nicholas insightfully noted that ``the treason that our forefathers committed when signing the Declaration of Independence has led us to live in such a great country.'' I am confident that we will see great things from Nicholas in the future, and I gratefully wish him well in his future endeavors. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Nicholas Everetts for his success in the Constitutional Speech Contest, and his dedication to America's veterans.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the military service of one of Arizona's finest sons, Robert Bartlett. Sergeant Bartlett enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2003 and was severely wounded by a roadside bomb in May 2005 while on patrol in Iraq. In the aftermath of the explosion, Sergeant Bartlett twice suffered cardiac and respiratory failure and underwent dozens of surgeries. He has become a vocal supporter of mental health care for veterans returning from combat, and he serves as an example of courage and patriotism to his comrades in arms and civilians alike. The following poem was penned by U.S. Capitol guide Albert Carey Caswell in honor of Sergeant Bartlett and his heroic service in combat and afterward. One Shot One One shot . . . Is all we have! All in our lives to give . . . All in how we've got! All in our choices . . . All through our inner voices . . . Taking sight . . . our scope . . . As from our souls, comes hope . . . One shot . . . Taking aim with our hearts . . . All in what we've invoked . . . As our sights becoming clear . . . As our targets in life appear . . . As from these ashes, rose . . . This is a Real American Hero . . . As oneself forsaken . . . But, for The Greater Good . . . To stand tall in all you would . . . In that battle of evil versus good . . . To wear the uniform, with hearts of courage warm . . . With all you could . . . As into that valley of death . . . As Robert, you marched on so until none was left! While, there on a battlefield of honor dying . . . As your face is almost gone, as you lay lying . . . As a mother awakes crying . . . As somehow she knows her son is dying . . . But, beauty is but skin deep . . . And our Lord, shall hold in his arms all of those whose faith so keeps! Now, digging . . . digging in deep . . . As your will to live keeps, is found in each and every heart beat! Dying, three times . . . fighting to stay alive . . . All in your beliefs . . . As Robert cheats death, America's Best . . . As with his story, and courage and faith . . . An American tale our world will bless . . . A messenger from God, exploding . . . As he looks into a mirror, his darkest fears are realized . . . Reloading, his new battle begins! He cries . . . As half his face is gone, has died . . . In this face of courage we see . . . The true definition of beauty . . . Countless operations, courage's full measure . . . All in faith's affirmation . . . Both Beauty and The Beast . . . As his shot is heard around the world . . . As his courage is unfurled . . . beyond belief . . . A Beautiful Man . . . With every step, reloading . . . With the Height of Courage exploding . . . He takes command! This Army Man . . . a real Hero, a fine American! Who against all odds, now stands . . . Out on point, as a lone centurion . . . Of faith and courage . . . To teach us all, and all our souls to nourish . . . With his even greater weapon, he now fights . . . As from his heart of courage, comes the light . . . All in God's glory, his being . . . his soul . . . his very story . . . For he will not miss, that One Shot! Madam Speaker, Sergeant Bartlett remains on active duty, stationed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. I ask my colleagues to join me in commending him for his continued service, even after great personal tragedy, and in wishing him success throughout the rest of his military career.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life that will occur on Saturday, April 25th at Marcos de Niza High School in Tempe. The Relay for Life fundraiser is taking place all over the country, bringing over three million Americans together in the battle against cancer. This event not only raises money for cancer research, but it connects cancer survivors with those who have lost a loved one to the disease with those who want to show their support for the cause. This extensive network is an extremely valuable resource to those whose lives have been affected by cancer. One in every three people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. The American Cancer Society is the largest source of nonprofit cancer research funding in the United States, and thanks to their efforts, cancer survival rates have consistently increased over the last 15 years. Fundraisers like Relay for Life allow the ACS to continue to contribute to this significant and often life-changing research. I want to congratulate the Relay for Life on its 25th year as the American Cancer Society's signature fundraiser, and express my continued support for cancer research initiatives. I am proud that my home town of Tempe has the opportunity to host this event. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, and those participating in the fight against cancer.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Sarah Baird on being honored as the 2009 Arizona Teacher of the Year. Sarah is a math teacher at Kyrene de las Lomas and Kyrene del Milenio elementary schools in Phoenix, Arizona where she teaches in nearly 60 classrooms at the two schools, with kids ranging from kindergarten through fifth grade. Sarah started down her chosen path when she drove to Northern Arizona University and became the first person in her family to attend college. She graduated in 2\1/2\ years with a bachelor's degree in elementary education and later went on to receive a master's degree in early child education, also from NAU. For Sarah, teaching is all about helping students find the same potential that a teacher once helped her find in herself, and she works tirelessly to ensure that her students have the opportunity to fulfill their full potential. Besides instructing math, Sarah also educates her fellow teachers in ways to make their lessons more easily understood by students. The Arizona Teacher of the Year program is a statewide program that spotlights the many contributions of Arizona's teachers. The program annually recognizes exceptionally skilled and dedicated teachers in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade public schools. Those who are honored, like Sarah, play an active and useful role in their communities as well as their schools. They also show an exceptional ability to help their students achieve. I know she will represent our state well in the National Teacher of the Year Program. Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Sarah Baird on being honored as the 2009 Arizona Teacher of the Year. Her incredible dedication to her students and her community should be an inspiration to us all.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the exemplary and inspirational life of Coach Bruce Snyder. Diagnosed with cancer just last year, Coach Snyder passed away early in the morning on Monday, April 13, 2009. He was 69 years old. Coach Snyder will always be remembered for his many successes as the head football coach at Arizona State University from 1992-2000, and before that at the University of California. Under his leadership, the Sun Devils won 58 games and made four bowl appearances. More than 40 of Coach Snyder's players were drafted into the NFL, and he produced over 100 All-Pac-10 honorees. ASU alumni the world over remember the magical 1996 season. Bruce Snyder coached the Sun Devils to one of their best seasons in history, going 11-1, upsetting many highly ranked championship teams, and coming heartbreakingly close to a NCAA national championship. He was named Coach of the Year, an honor that could not have been more appropriate. Coach Snyder's time at ASU is incredibly impressive, and has certainly left a lasting impression on me. But the ultimate record of his work lies in the positive and lasting impact he has made upon the hearts and minds of the people he touched. Players, family and friends recall Coach Snyder as a man of tremendous personal integrity, culture and caring for those around him. He imparted life lessons on his players that went far beyond the field. As one former player so aptly put it upon learning of Coach Snyder's passing, ``He was a good coach, but a better man.'' Madam Speaker, please join me and Bruce's wife and children in mourning the loss and honoring the legacy of Bruce Snyder.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ciara Petronzio, recipient of the 2009 Prudential Spirit of Community Award. This award recognizes Ciara's outstanding leadership achievements and her contributions to improving the conditions of sick and abused animals in Arizona. Ciara has volunteered for Rescue A Golden, an organization devoted to rescuing and providing care to golden retrievers left homeless in Arizona. She has helped ensure that a countless number of golden retrievers have been given the love and attention that they have lacked throughout their short lives. By taking the dogs on walks and giving them their needed medication, Ciara has truly made a difference in their lives. Her passion for helping animals began at an early age as her family lost a valued member of their family when they had to put their dog to sleep. Her enthusiasm and excitement has made it possible for sheltered dogs to receive the necessary care and help that they require. 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. Ciara exemplifies this commitment and raises the bar for everyone around her. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Ciara Petronzio's continued work and advocacy for sick and abused golden retrievers in Arizona.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mark Phillips, recipient of the 2009 Prudential Spirit of Community Award. This award recognizes Mark's outstanding leadership achievements and his contributions to improving the quality of life for special-needs children in Arizona. Mark founded the Red Nose Club, a community service organization devoted to raising awareness and opportunities for children with serious illnesses. Through his efforts, Mark has helped raise over $21,000 for local food banks and hospitals to provide care for sick children. His passion for helping others began at an early age. His brother was born with a serious heart ailment and Mark has been a champion for children with similar illnesses. His enthusiasm and excitement has spread throughout the state with creative projects that have made it possible for sick children to receive the necessary care and help that they require. 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. Mark exemplifies this commitment and raises the bar for everyone around him. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Mark Phillips' continued work and advocacy for children with serious illnesses in Arizona.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Richard E. Strange, who is completing his 34th year with the Tempe Symphony Orchestra. Before beginning his professional career, he earned his Doctorate of Musical Arts in Performance from Boston University, and also holds degrees from Wichita University, and the University of Colorado. He then went on to teach music classes to elementary and high school students before being drafted to serve in the Korean War. As a former teacher myself, I commend Dr. Strange's commitment to emphasizing music education as an essential component of the learning process. And as a member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I honor Dr. Strange's service to our country and his continued commitment to our nation's service members both past and present. Richard is also well known in the band and orchestra community. For many years, he served as the guest conductor for multiple popular symphonies, such as the Texas Wind Symphony and the Carnegie Civic Symphony. Dr. Strange also devoted much time to directing prominent bands for the U.S. Marine Corps., U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and U.S. Coast Guard. In addition to holding music clinics all over the world, Dr. Strange has received a myriad of awards honoring his significant contributions to the musical community. His efforts have certainly had a profound impact on me as well as musicians and audiences around the world. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Dr. Richard Strange for not only his 34 years with the Tempe Symphony Orchestra, but also for his commitment to our veterans and for the tremendous success of his entire musical career.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, today I introduced, with my colleagues Jeff Flake and Dean Heller, the Reagan National Airport Fairness Act of 2009. This legislation would allow more nonstop access to Reagan National Airport for passengers from Phoenix, Las Vegas and cities throughout the west. Currently, that access is limited by a so-called Perimeter Rule that unfairly limits nonstop flights from cities located more than 1,250 miles away. Flights from cities within 1,250 miles of Washington, D.C., by contrast, are not subject to this limitation. Originally designed to encourage passengers to use Dulles Airport when it was first built, the Perimeter Rule has long since outlived its intended purpose. Dulles Airport is now one of our nation's busiest. Congress has already recognized the need to relax these flight restrictions, and now a small number of nonstop flights from western cities are allowed limited access to Reagan National Airport. In addition, H.R. 915, the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act, would increase the number of nonstop flights allowed. This would be another important step forward. However, in the interest of fairness and free market competition, I believe we must go further. The legislation we introduced today would allow more flights from more western airports into Reagan National Airport. It's the right thing to do, and I encourage my colleagues to support it.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Ellie Ricker for the many significant contributions she has made to the Scottsdale Sister Cities Association. She has spent the last 30 years of her life working with Scottsdale's sister cities of Alamos, Mexico; Cairns, Australia; Kingston, Canada; and Interlaken, Switzerland. Ellie, who is now retiring, was recently honored by Scottsdale Sister Cities for her three decades of loyal, dedicated work for the association and the people who benefit from their labor. She has served as secretary and representative to Cairns and chair of the Alamos and Kingston home-stay committees. Her passionate activism has ranged from organizing trips to welcoming exchange students into her home. Last fall, Ellie, along with volunteers from Scottsdale, helped mobilize relief efforts when Alamos, Mexico was struck by a devastating hurricane. She helped provide clothing, food, and relief funds to the residents of Alamos in their mission to rebuild their town. Ellie and her husband John have had the privilege of traveling all over the world in support of Sister Cities' programs, forming longstanding relationships along their way. Her incredible commitment has raised the bar for all of our citizens and has already inspired many to follow in her path. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Ellie Ricker's 30 years of work and dedication to Scottsdale Sister Cities and the peoples' lives she has touched.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Councilmember Keith McMahan of Fountain Hills and to recognize the many significant contributions he made to our community. On March 17 Keith passed away of natural causes at the age of 70. During the time he lived in Fountain Hills, Keith was a strong force behind the growth and prosperity of the town. Keith served as the advertising and tourism chairman while also serving on their Board of Directors for the Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce for many years. In addition to serving as a member of the Town Council, Keith was a local small business owner and formed his own advertising agency in 1991 to cater to area clients. Keith was even named ``Business Person of the Year'' by the Chamber of Commerce in 1997. Keith is well-known for his leadership abilities not only within the Town Council, but in the Fountain Hills community as well. Most notably, he was an active member of the Fountain Hills Civic Association, Fountain Hills Historical Society Board of Directors, and the Fountain Hills School Board. In addition, Keith participated extensively in the Fountain Festival held by the Chamber of Commerce, helping out on 30 different occasions. Madam Speaker, please join me in commemorating the life of Keith McMahan's life and remembering the strong and positive impact he left on his community and the many people who knew and loved him.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise in recognition of the Citizenship Counts organization, whose inaugural naturalization ceremony is being held today to welcome new American citizens. The event's keynote speaker, Gerda Weissmann Klein, is one of very few living survivors of the Holocaust and the founder of Citizenship Counts. She has used her experiences to educate and inspire others in our community and all over the world. Gerda's story is one of true bravery and heroism. She survived the perils of six concentration camps during the Holocaust and a 350-mile march through Eastern Europe before being liberated by Allied forces. In the many years since, Gerda has dedicated her life to being an advocate for the teaching of tolerance, empowerment, and respect through her extensive work with the Gerda and Kurt Klein Foundation and Citizenship Counts. The Citizenship Counts organization motivates students through civics education and community service while bolstering pride in their citizenship. Through these programs, Citizenship Counts effectively promotes the ideal of American citizenship as a responsibility, and instills the strong moral values that Gerda has worked so tirelessly to uphold. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Citizenship Counts, an organization whose efforts have truly strengthened our community.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of charitable giving. Americans give generously. In the weeks following the deadly 2004 tsunami in Asia, donations from American charities outpaced official government aid by more than $100 million. When Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast of our nation, Americans responded with faster and more forceful giving than ever before. In the first 10 days, charitable giving topped $700 million. Ultimately, more than $4 billion was donated to the recovery effort. Since the mid-1990s, charitable giving has accounted for roughly 2 percent of our annual GDP, which is more than double the rate of giving in any other country. And Madam Speaker, most donations don't come from big business. They come from hardworking Americans. Individuals account for 75 percent of charitable giving. Recently, some have proposed limitations on the tax deduction for charitable giving. We face a staggering deficit, and I believe we must balance the budget--but not by raising taxes on these donations. It has long been a hallmark of the U.S. tax code that giving gets a tax break. Today, I joined Rep. Ros-Lehtinen of Florida to introduce a resolution that would state this Chamber's support for charitable giving and its opposition to raising taxes on donations. At this time of great need at home and abroad, we must not make it harder for Americans to give. I urge my colleagues to join me in opposing a tax increase on charitable donations.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of H.R. 1262, the Water Quality Investment Act of 2009. This is an important bill that will help close the approximately $3.2 to $11.1 billion gap between our nation's wastewater infrastructure needs and our current levels of federal assistance. This bill is especially important for Arizona, because it will finally begin to address a grossly inequitable funding formula that long plagued our state. Inexplicably, and unfairly, the formula used to distribute federal assistance to State Clean Water Revolving Funds (SRFs) remains linked to Census data from 1970. While, obviously, this is not a problem for states that have lost population, or whose population has remained stable, it's a huge problem for states like Arizona, whose population has grown dramatically. Since 1970, Arizona's population has more than tripled. As a result, we've been getting massively short-changed. Arizona ranks 9th in the nation in terms of need, but we rank 37th in receipt of federal funding for SRFs. On a per capita basis, Arizona ranks 53rd. Even the territories do better than we do. This is a disparity that belies any pretence of fairness, and it needs to change. If enacted, the Water Quality Investment Act of 2009 will begin that process. I want to thank Chairman Oberstar for his leadership on this issue, and for his continued commitment to fairness. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1262, and I look forward to its final passage.