Harry Mitchell

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Neal Sundeen, Mr. John Aldecoa and Mr. Paul Griffen, three individuals from my district whose leadership roles in The American Legion was instrumental in building broad bi-partisan support for the new 21st Century G.I. Bill of Rights. These three men deserve the admiration of their state and nation for their efforts to improve the lives of Veterans. I commend them for their tireless service and sacrifice to this country. This year, with the passage of the G.I. Bill, 1.5 million post-9/11 military veterans will have access to a college education. This legislation will help fulfill the obligation America has to those with honorable wartime service. As a member of the Veterans Affairs Committee and the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations I regard this as the most important piece of veteran's legislation in a generation. I commend Mr. Sundeen, Mr. Aldecoa and Mr. Griffen for their selfless dedication to the advancement of this legislation. These gentlemen have worked in the State of Arizona, as well in Washington, to make their elected officials fully aware of the importance of this bill. The grassroots efforts of these three men will help this new generation of returning servicemembers make a more successful transition back to civilian life. This will not only benefit those veterans, it will also provide a tremendous boost to our nation's economy and productivity. The new G.I. Bill keeps our promise to provide better educational opportunities to the men and women who have valiantly protected this country and its liberties. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing these gentlemen for their efforts and their continued dedication to America's veterans.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Adam Sherman of Scottsdale, Arizona, for his honored participation in this year's National History Day program. Adam, a student at Desert Mountain High School in Scottsdale, received the Ken Coskey Naval History Special Prize for the best naval history project in the Nation. In addition, Adam was chosen as one of only 12 students from over 2,300 to present his exhibit at the White House Visitor Center in June of this year. The National History Day program is a contest that engages teachers and students from across the Nation to explore unconventional methods in learning about history. Its focus is to move beyond the traditional textbook and expand into resources such as libraries, museums, and archives. This year's theme was ``Conflict and Compromise in History.'' Adam's project--``Prelude to Pearl Harbor: The Panay Conflict and President Roosevelt's Compromise''--examined the scope of a little- known Japanese attack on an American gunboat years prior to Pearl Harbor and our nation's entry into World War II. In December of 1937, Japanese warplanes attacked the USS Panay as it evacuated American refugees ahead of the Japanese takeover of Nanking, China. The attack wounded several civilians and sailors on board, including Mr. Fon Huffman, USN Retired. Adam included a taped interview with Mr. Huffman, the only living survivor of the attack. Huffman tells of the chaotic attack and moments of heroism when, in the midst of the chaos, he gave his life preserver to a civilian who could not swim and helped others to safety. Adam has shown his passion for history by participating in the program for the past three years, over the course of which his work has been awarded a number of honors including 1st place at the Arizona State Finals for Best Individual Exhibit in 2006. A true student of history, Adam has donated his 2008 exhibit to the Naval Historical Foundation. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Adam Sherman's accomplishments.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Grayhawk Elementary School for being named by Project Tomorrow as a Speak Up Top 200 school. This honor is in recognition of the school's incorporation of the views of students, parents, and educators in their educational decision making, with an emphasis on the implementation of new technologies. Grayhawk Elementary School has done an exemplary job of putting communication channels in place in order for the needs of the students to be recognized and for the concerns of the parents to be taken into account. With this information available, teachers are better able to engage and inspire their students. As a former teacher and a member of the Science and Technology Committee, I am especially proud of the achievements of this school. It takes a great deal of time and effort from both parents and educators to spark students' creativity; a feat I believe can only be achieved through open communication. Also with the great strides that have been made recently in the technology industry, it is paramount that our students, teachers, and parents are up to date with our constantly changing technological landscape. Grayhawk Elementary was chosen by as a Top 200 school out of a pool of over 10,000 schools nationwide. The school signifies the progressive approach necessary in order for our children to receive the best education possible. It is for these reasons and many more that I congratulate Grayhawk Elementary School for its achievement and urge its educators, parents, and students to continue to strive for excellence in the future.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Michael Crow, recipient of the 2008 Jerry J. Wisotsky Torch of Liberty Award from the Anti-Defamation League. As President of Arizona State University, Dr. Crow has actively shown his commitment to the social, cultural, and environmental welfare of our community. Dr. Crow recognizes the important role that these factors play in strengthening and enhancing our quality of life. Throughout his time as President, Dr. Crow has led Arizona State University to set a new ``Gold Standard'' in education and research through the objectives of excellence, inclusion, and impact. Under the direction of Dr. Crow, ASU has helped address major concerns in Arizona, including environmental, health, social service, and immigration issues. Dr. Crow has served as President of ASU since July 2002, during which time he has pioneered the development of numerous major research initiatives and more than a dozen new interdisciplinary schools at Arizona State University. Through its more than 1,030 community outreach programs, ASU under Michael Crow is considered a leader in philanthropic efforts. I commend the Anti-Defamation League for selecting such a worthy recipient of this prestigious award to exemplify its mission of fighting social injustice. Based on his commitment to improving standards in higher education, Dr. Crow is more than deserving of this award from one of the nation's leading humanitarian organizations. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Dr. Michael Crow's continued service to Arizona State University and our community.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, Today I, along with Representatives Chris Shays and Heath Shuler, introduced H.R. 6687, the Fuel Immigration Enforcement Act of 2008. This bill would help ensure that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (``ICE'') has the resources it needs to enforce our nation's immigration laws in the face of the rising cost of fuel. Last year, ICE budgeted $20 million for fuel expenses, but the rising price of gas forced them to spend more than $40 million. Even more alarming, it appears the $20 million fuel budget was based on an assumption by the Department of Homeland Security that the price of gas was approximately $1.62 per gallon. The Fuel Immigration Enforcement Act would require the Department of Homeland security to begin using realistic estimates for ICE's fuel expenses. Specifically, it would require the Department to calculate, on an annual basis, the cost of fuel expenses for all vehicles owned or operated by ICE according to gasoline prices reported by the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Information Administration Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update, and then report those calculations to Congress. ICE is tasked with enforcing our nation's immigration laws, and is absolutely critical to the Phoenix metropolitan area as well as other metropolitan areas in the southwest where criminal aliens set up drop houses as way stations for drug, weapon and human smuggling operations. The Phoenix metro area in particular is estimated to have as many as 1000 such drop houses. The House Appropriations Committee recently said, in no uncertain terms, that, ``ICE should have no greater immigration enforcement priority than to remove violent, deportable criminal aliens from the United States.'' I couldn't agree more. We need to ensure that ICE has the resources it needs to crack down on drop houses and other criminal alien enterprises. When ICE is unable to meet its responsibilities, it falls to local law enforcement to fill the gap. Our local law enforcement is already stretched thin, and I fear the burden will be even greater if ICE is forced to scale back its efforts due to an increase in the price of gas. If we are serious about enforcing our nation's immigrations laws, we need to provide the resources necessary to get the job done. The Fuel Immigration Enforcement Act will help ensure that ICE has what it needs, in the face of rising fuel expenses. I encourage my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express concerns about H.R. 3221, the American Housing Rescue and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008. Arizona has been hit hard by the current banking and housing crisis and currently ranks third in the nation in foreclosures. Coupled with rising energy and food costs, my constituents are painfully aware of the tough economic times we are in. I proudly voted for H.R. 3221 when it was originally considered by the House on May 8, 2008. This comprehensive housing legislation would provide critical reform to the regulatory agencies to which the government sponsored enterprises, like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, report. That bill would also provide relief to homeowners by permanently allowing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to purchase larger loans, which would provide mortgage market liquidity for refinancing and the purchasing of homes in foreclosure. A strong, independent regulator is important to ensuring that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac remain accountable for excessive risk or undercapitalization. The current regulatory structure is terribly inadequate and I feel it is important that this new regulator be empowered as soon as possible. I am pleased to see that the legislation we are considering today includes assistance for first-time homebuyers and property tax relief for current homeowners. The $7,500 credit for first-time homebuyers is like an interest-free 15-year loan that will ensure that homebuyers without the traditional down payment capital are able to purchase their first home, expanding homeownership in the United States. The standard deduction for property taxes, included in this bill, of $500 for single filers and $1,000 for joint filers is important to make sure that homeowners suffering from rising inflation get relief in paying their property taxes, which have gone up in Maricopa County and across the Nation. This bill would also allow the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to insure larger mortgages. By insuring mortgages, this agency serves an important function by lowering interest rates, thus making buying a home more affordable. The bill also allows FHA to lower monthly payments for borrowers that pay their loan payments on-time for the loan's first 5 years. These provisions, and many more in the bill, will all provide important relief to homeowners, bolster the struggling housing market, and re-establish confidence in the banking industry that the U.S. Government is acting quickly to address the most immediate concerns. However, I am troubled by the inclusion of an unlimited U.S. Treasury credit line for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and including the authority for the U.S. Treasury to purchase stock in these private companies. I am concerned that this new authority will set a dangerous precedent and provide impetus for other private financial institutions to ignore risk in the future. This may also have serious implications for the Federal budget deficit and the growing national debt, which will increase the statutory limit to $10.6 trillion from $9.8 trillion and $1.2 trillion above the current national debt. Although, I think it is important to restore confidence in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, who guarantee roughly half of the mortgage debt in this country, I strongly believe that the Treasury Department must carefully consider the implications of using the authority provided in this bill. I voted against the rule providing for consideration of this bill because it does not afford us an opportunity for a separate debate and vote on this new authority. Given that opportunity, I would have encouraged my colleagues to take a closer look at the need for this authority at the present time. As I am now faced with an imperfect package, I cannot, in good conscience, oppose a measure that would provide so much urgently needed relief to my constituents, homeowners, and soon-to-be homeowners across Arizona.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Arizona State University Athletics Program, the top school in Sports Illustrated's SI.Com 2007-2008 collegiate athletic rankings. I am proud to have such a prestigious athletic and academic institution housed in my district! This year, Sports Illustrated commissioned its own ranking system for top collegiate athletic programs because the magazine believed that the National Collegiate Athletic Association's (NCAA's) system for determining the top collegiate athletics program was too complicated. Based upon three qualifications--the number of national championships won in the 2007-2008 season, number of top 30 finishes in each sport, and the number of conference championships--ASU was awarded the top honor. The Sun Devils pulled off this feat by claiming three NCAA national titles in Men's and Women's Indoor track and ASU Women's softball, four conference championships including women's softball, men's baseball, men's golf and men's track, and 12 top 30 finishes including a surprising top 20 finish in men's football. With three national titles, ASU led the NCAA in championships this season. In addition, ASU placed fourth in the Director's Cup standings, the official award given out by the NCAA for top collegiate athletic programs. This is the Sun Devils' highest ranking in school history! As an alumnus of Arizona State, I am honored and excited to see my alma mater's athletic excellence honored on a national stage. I want to congratulate President Michael Crow, athletic director Lisa Love, all the coaches and staffs, and most of all, the student athletes who excel on the field and in the classroom. Madam Speaker, please join me in celebrating the remarkable success of Sun Devil athletics. Go, Devils!

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Sergeants Stephen and Jeffery Brown, Scottsdale Healthcare's ``Salute to Military'' Honorees for July 2008. Scottsdale Healthcare has recognized Sergeants Stephen and Jeffery Brown and other physicians with a connection to the Armed Services for their diligent service to this country. I commend Scottsdale Healthcare for paying tribute to such deserving servicemembers. Sergeants Stephen and Jeffery Brown are brothers and the third generation of men in their family to proudly serve in the military. Sergeant Stephen Brown is currently on active duty and assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division from Fort Steward, Georgia. He returned home in mid-July from a second tour of duty in Iraq, to which he deployed in April 2007. Sergeant Stephen Brown is a Satellite Communications Technician and Computer Network Operator. Some of his awards include two Army Commendation Medals. Sergeant Jeffery Brown is also currently on active duty. He supports the 82nd Airborne Division from Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Sergeant Jeffery Brown is currently deployed to Iraq on his first tour of duty. He is expected to return in January 2009. He is a Licensed Practical Nurse and Medic now serving in a Combat Support Hospital in Iraq. Some of his awards include the Army Achievement and Army Service medals. The brothers' continued sacrifice extended well into their personal lives--despite working in the same Area of Operations, they saw each other only sporadically. One reunion took place over Thanksgiving, when the men were able to enjoy dinner together until their base fell under a rocket and mortar attack. Thankfully, no one was injured. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Sergeants Stephen and Jeffery Brown's tireless dedication to serving our country and protecting the lives of other servicemen facing combat.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor our Native American communities, 22 federally recognized Arizona tribal nations, representing more than 300,000 community members. On June 2, 1924, the United States Congress passed the Indian Citizenship Act which guaranteed certain citizenship rights to Native Americans, however in Arizona and other states that did not guarantee their right to vote. Yet, as early as 1863, before citizenship was granted, Pima and Maricopa warriors were serving in the United States Army protecting settlers in the Arizona territory. Additionally, while Arizona Native Americans were not considered citizens of the United States before World War I, more than 8,000 Native Americans from Arizona served our country in the United States military during World War I. In 1928, Peter Porter, a Pima from the Gila River Indian Community, courageously filed the initial lawsuit to challenge the denial of Native Americans' right to vote. His efforts were denied by the Arizona Supreme Court. The Court argued that Native Americans were under federal guardianship. In 1940, this distinguished body passed the Nationality Act of 1940, reaffirming citizenship of Native Americans, inspiring more than 25,000 Native Americans to serve our country in the United States military. Yet, they were still being denied the right to vote in Arizona. In 1947, two courageous Arizonans, Frank Harrison and Harry Austin, filed suit to overturn the 1928 Arizona Supreme Court decision which denied Native Americans the right to vote. The acts of these men, both members of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, a community that I am honored to serve and represent in the United States Congress, won the landmark case. On July 15, 1948, the 1928 court ruling was overturned and Arizona's Native Americans confirmed their right to vote. Tuesday, July 15, 2008, is Arizona Native American Right to Vote Day. It is on this day that we celebrate the 60th anniversary of this pivotal moment in the recognition of the rights of our Native American citizens. Their patriotic actions set an example for all who see injustice and fight to overcome it, and I am proud to call the people of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation my constituents. It is with a great deal of pride that I rise today to honor our Arizona Native American community. It is also with great resolve that I reaffirm my commitment to our Native people, honor their sovereignty and urge the United States Congress to honor all commitments to our Native American Tribal Nations.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the Arizona State University softball team for their championship victory in the 2008 Women's College World Series. On June 3, 2008, the Arizona State University Sun Devils won the 2008 NCAA Women's College World Series after trouncing Texas A&M Aggies 11- 0. Not only did this win mark the first national title for Arizona State University in softball, but the Lady Sun Devils also set a record for the highest margin of victory in a championship game in the NCAA Women's College World Series history. Arizonans and a national television audience shared in the excitement, pride and sportsmanship ASU players displayed, both on the field and in the dugout during this inspiring victory. Furthermore, the ASU softball team played an excellent season, winning an impressive 66 games. Under the leadership of Coach Clint Meyers, the Sun Devils went 56-5 during the season, and 10-for-10 in the post season. This team succeeded with the hard work, grit and determination of the players, coaches and staff. Outstanding players in the Women's College World Series include super slugger, Kaitlin Cochran, who set a new NCAA single season record by drawing 29 intentional walks. Star pitcher Katie Burkhart earned Most Valuable Player honors in the Women's College World Series with 53 strikeouts and a perfect record of five wins and zero losses. Six of the lady Sun Devils were also named to the Louisville Slugger National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-Pacific Region team. Five of these players, Katie Burkhart, Mindy Cowles, Krista Donnenwirth, Kaitlin Cochran and Jackie Vasquez, advanced to earn Louisville Sluggers/NFCA All-American honors. This team of course owes a great deal of its success to the superb ASU coaching staff, including Head Coach Clint Meyers and Assistant Coaches Kirsten Voak and Robert Wagner, who have been named to the NFCA's NCAA Division I National Coaching Staff of the year. As an alumnus of ASU, I am honored and excited to see a team from my alma mater accomplish this feat. This is truly a victory for Sun Devils everywhere. The championship title has been a long time coming for this team, and these women showed that true dedication and persistence can, indeed, pay off. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the remarkable success of this team whose achievements and camaraderie should be models for other teams across the country. Go Devils.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mayor William C. ``Bill'' Jenkins, an exemplary public servant and my good friend. Early on Wednesday, July 2, 2008, Bill lost a hard-fought battle with cancer, and Scottsdale lost one of its finest citizens. Bill was 79 years old. After earning two degrees from Arizona State University, Bill gave back to Arizona's public education system by teaching American government and economics in the Scottsdale Unified School District for 29 years. From 1966 to 1974, he took his lessons from the classroom and applied them to the city as a member of the Scottsdale City Council. Then, in 1974, the good people of Scottsdale elected Bill as their mayor. Every afternoon he rode his bike from Scottsdale High School across the street to City Hall to assume his job as mayor. Despite the demands of his position, his dedication to his students never wavered. He set a great example as he originated the monthly ``Mayor's Breakfast,'' founded the Scottsdale Historical Society, established Youth-in-Government Day, and laid the groundwork for the city's Environmentally Sensitive Land Ordinance. Under his leadership, Scottsdale underwent one of its greatest periods of economic growth. Among many other projects, Bill oversaw the construction and dedication of Scottsdale's first senior center, the completion of City Hall, and the construction of Scottsdale's Maricopa County court building. As testimony to his impact on the city, Bill has been inducted into the Scottsdale History Hall of Fame, received Scottsdale Leadership's Wells Fargo Herbert R. Drinkwater Leadership Award, and recently won the title of Arizona Culturekeeper for his efforts to preserve the city's historic landmarks. It would take much more time to list all of Bill Jenkins' accomplishments, 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 served. Madam Speaker, please join me and Bill's wife and children in mourning the loss and honoring the legacy of Bill Jenkins.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in celebration of retired Lieutenant General Frank J. Sackton in honor of his upcoming 96th birthday. Leading a life of service to his country and the State of Arizona, Frank has shown himself to be a man of honor, intelligence, and dedication. Frank served in the U.S. Army for 30 years, retiring as a Lieutenant General in 1970. In 1945, Sackton was personally decorated and promoted by General Douglas MacArthur to Colonel on the battlefield in the Philippines. He later served three years as Secretary of the General Staff for General MacArthur during the occupation in postwar Japan. Frank has fought valiantly to protect this Nation, and I am deeply grateful for his service. For 25 years, Sackton, a Ph.D., has served Arizona State University as honorably as he did our country. He was the founding dean of the College of Public Programs, vice president for business affairs, athletic director, and then professor. Although technically retired, Sackton still teaches a class every semester at ASU. He utilizes his creativity and passion for teaching to create classes that are popular among his students, opting for interactive case studies over the traditional format of textbook reading and lectures. He also helped secure a brighter environmental and economic future for Arizona, working for three years as Governor Jack Williams' special assistant for energy planning and economic development. Frank remains committed to contributing to his community. He is active at St. Barnabas Episcopalian Church, has addressed the Rotary Club on several occasions, and often visits the Children's Center at Scottsdale Healthcare to cheer up the children who are ill. Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Frank Sackton on nearly a century of service.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5740, the Post 9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act--bipartisan legislation that honors our men and women in uniform and strengthens our military. I am pleased that this bill was included as part of the emergency war funding measure that the House is considering today because I believe taking care of those who serve in war is a cost of war. America should never fight wars without taking care of our own. Since World War II, our Nation has offered education benefits to returning GIs. The Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, the first GI Bill, which was passed unanimously by this House, paid for the tuition, books, fees, training costs, and even a monthly stipend for our returning veterans. After World War II, nearly 8 million veterans, out of a wartime veteran population of 15 million, used the original GI Bill to earn an education. The economic return was unprecedented. For every dollar we spent on the GI Bill, we generated seven more into our national economy. Millions of newly educated veterans led our Nation in business and innovation and created the American middle class. It's no wonder the GI Bill of 1944 is regarded as one of the most successful pieces of legislation to earn this House's approval in the 20th century. Since that time, Congress has passed other GI bills, but over time, the value of the education benefit has declined. The current Montgomery GI Bill, for example, was designed for peacetime service, and is not meeting the needs of our newest generation of veterans, many of whom are returning from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. Our veterans--whether active duty, Reservists, or National Guardsmen--deserve an education benefit that accounts for the stress of war and keeps up with the rapidly increasing cost of a higher education. That is why, with the backing of a broad, bipartisan coalition, I introduced H.R. 5740, the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act. Under the legislation, GIs returning from Iraq or Afghanistan would receive up to 4 academic years of education benefits, including stipends for housing and books. They can even use their benefits at private schools through the Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program, in which the Federal Government will match, dollar for dollar, any voluntary additional contributions to veterans from institutions whose tuition is more expensive than the maximum educational assistance provided under this legislation. Veterans would even have up to 15 years after they leave active duty to use their education benefits. When I was elected to this House, my constituents asked me to work in a bipartisan way to find reasonable solutions to our common problems. And I think we achieved that with this bill. Working together with my Democratic and Republican colleagues, we attracted more than two-thirds of the House as cosponsors. Ninety-five Republicans, nearly half of the minority party's membership, lent their support. I am happy that House leadership was able to build on this support and work with the President to come to a bipartisan agreement to provide this robust educational benefit to our veterans. I encourage the Senate to act quickly to pass this new GI Bill and make good on our promise of a higher education. Our veterans have fought for us. The least we can do is fight for them.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Dr. Robert Dixon, Scottsdale Healthcare's ``Salute to Military'' Honoree for June 2008. Scottsdale Healthcare is recognizing Dr. Dixon and other physicians with a connection to the Armed Services for their dedication to saving lives and securing our freedom. Since the program's inauguration in 2004, Scottsdale Healthcare has provided over 300 medical personnel with outstanding trauma skill training. The program is offered in partnership with Maricopa Integrated Health System and has focused on the Air National Guard, Luke Air Force Base, and Davis Monthan Air Force Base. Dr. Robert Dixon is a deserving recipient of Scottsdale Healthcare's tribute. He is a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force, stationed at the 56th Medical Group of Luke Air Force Base in Arizona since 2004. Dr. Dixon will be deployed to Iraq in May of 2008, which will be his fourth deployment to the Middle East and Southwest Asia. He was the first surgeon to participate in Scottsdale Healthcare's Military Training Program in preparation for deployment to the Gulf. The Military Training Program is designed to maintain trauma skills and integrates trauma surgery, neurosurgery, burn trauma, and other critical skills. He played a prominent role in the development and testing of the pilot project at Scottsdale Healthcare, in conjunction with Dr. Michael Foley and Dr. Ken Ransom. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Dr. Robert Dixon's tireless service and sacrifice to this country.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Arizona State University Softball team, the winners of the 2008 Women's College World Series. After finishing an excellent regular season and earning a spot in the WCWS under the leadership of Coach Clint Myers, the Sun Devils reached the cusp of a National Championship on Monday, June 2nd in a best-of- three series against the Texas A&M Aggies. In front of a record crowd of over 7,000 people at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, star pitcher Katie Burkhart threw an opening-game shutout and Krista Donnenwirth drove in all three of the Sun Devils' runs in a 3-0 win. The Sun Devils then clinched the title Tuesday, June 3rd in a game that made the NCAA record books. They started off strong in the third inning, building a 3-0 lead, and did not let up until they had trounced the Aggies 11-0. Not only did the Sun Devils set a record for the highest margin of victory in Women's College World Series history, but this win marked the first national title for ASU in softball. Arizonans and a national television audience shared in the excitement, pride and sportsmanship ASU's players displayed both on the field and in the dugout during this inspiring victory. As an alumnus of Arizona State, I am honored and excited to see a team from my alma mater accomplish this feat. This is truly a victory for Sun Devils everywhere. The championship title has been a long time coming for this team, and these women showed that true dedication and persistence can indeed pay off. Madam Speaker, please join me in celebrating the remarkable success of this team, whose achievements and camaraderie should be models for other teams across the country.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Arizona State University softball team, winners of the 2008 Women's College World Series. After finishing an excellent regular season and earning a spot in the WCWS under the leadership of Coach Clint Myers, the Sun Devils reached the cusp of a national championship on Monday, June 2, in a best-of- three series against the Texas A&M Aggies. In front of a record crowd of over 7,000 people at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, star pitcher Katie Burkhart threw an opening-game shutout and Krista Donnenwirth drove in all three of the Sun Devils' runs in a 3-0 win. The Sun Devils then clinched the title Tuesday, June 3, in a game that made the NCAA record books. They started off strong in the third inning, building a 3-0 lead, and did not let up until they had trounced the Aggies 11-0. Not only did the Sun Devils set a record for the highest margin of victory in Women's College World Series history, but this win marked the first national title for ASU in softball. Arizonans and a national television audience shared in the excitement, pride and sportsmanship ASU's players displayed both on the field and in the dugout during this inspiring victory. As an alumnus of Arizona State, I am honored and excited to see a team from my alma mater accomplish this feat. This is truly a victory for Sun Devils everywhere. The championship title has been a long time coming for this team, and these women showed that true dedication and persistence can indeed pay off. Madam Speaker, please join me in celebrating the remarkable success of this team, whose achievements and camaraderie should be models for other teams across the country.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 3021, the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public Schools Facilities Act, which would authorize funding for modernization, renovation and repair projects in schools with poor building quality. Students and teachers deserve a clean and safe environment to go to school. However, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, one- third of schools, which serve approximately 14 million students, are desperately in need of extensive repairs. As a former high school teacher, I believe that it is crucial to ensure that the grants authorized under this legislation be available for schools in which existing building conditions are putting the health and safety of students and faculty at risk. Many schools suffer from inadequate ventilation. When combined with toxic substances, such as mold, asbestos and lead, this lack of ventilation can cause significant health problems. Students and teachers in schools with indoor air quality problems suffer from a range of health problems from headaches, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, to respiratory illness. Even more troubling, when indoor air pollutants accumulate in inadequately ventilated schools, the air can become carcinogenic. In Arizona's Tempe Union High School District, where I taught for almost 30 years, Corona del Sol High School has an HVAC system in desperate need of replacement. According to the Arizona Republic, some within the Corona del Sol community have expressed illnesses ranging from allergies and asthma to tumors and cancers. The high school district is struggling to find funds to replace HVAC systems, and as a result the problems continue to persist.

Mr. MITCHELL. I would like to thank Chairman Miller for working with me to ensure that the grants pursuant to this legislation can be used to help schools make critical repairs to protect the health and safety of students and teachers due to building conditions. Students and teachers should never have to compromise their health and safety to attend school, and this legislation will help prevent this from happening. I urge my colleagues to support this important bill.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Wallace J. Nichols, who served as Mayor of Fountain Hills from May 2003 to May 2008. Mayor Nichols has exemplified the leadership, dedication, and insight that constitute a great public servant. Mayor Nichols has a long and impressive record of service to the Fountain Hills community. He served as an elected officer and Chairman of the Fountain Hills Sanitary District, Los Arcos Multipurpose Facilities District Board of Directors, Scottsdale Boys & Girls Club Board of Directors, Fountain Hills Boys & Girls Club Advisory Chairman, Chairman of the Fountain Hills Community Center Advisory Commission, and on the Citizens Committee/Community Benefits Committee Board. Notably, he was instrumental in bringing the Boys and Girls Club to Fountain Hills. Mayor Nichols' support began on the advisory committee in Fountain Hills. Later, he became the head of the Four Peaks Branch fundraising campaign on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Scottsdale board. After tireless efforts from Wally, the Four Peaks Branch now boasts enrollment of nearly 1,000 children and teens. With overwhelming support from the Fountain Hills community, the Club is now offering more programs than it ever has, including outreach efforts with the neighboring Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. Wally truly understands that strong communities are built upon the foundation of strong families, and that strong families are borne from constant commitment to kids. Mayor Nichols has not only worked to secure a brighter future for Fountain Hills' youth, but also a greener, more sustainable one. Valley Forward--an environmental organization that surveys communities every four years and assigns them letter grades in air, land, water, and transportation--labeled the Town of Fountain Hills the ``most improved'' community out of 16 Maricopa County governments in its 2008 report. Under Mayor Nichols, great strides were taken in trail access, economic development plans, and mountain and wash protection. Other local affiliations include the Noon Kiwanis, Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce, Friend of the Fountain Hills Community Theater, Senior Center, Civic Association, Library Association, Republican Club, Fountain Hills Historical Society, and the Four Peaks Community Church. Focus on such organizations has helped create the sense of community involvement and civic participation in the Town of Fountain Hills. As the former mayor of Tempe, I understand the challenges that governing a city can pose. Wally faced these challenges head on, with grace and unwavering commitment to the people he served. Madam Speaker, please join me in expressing gratitude for the improvements Mayor Nichols has made upon Fountain Hills, and remembering the positive legacy that he has created for Arizona.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate KTVK-TV (3TV, Arizona Family), recipient of the 10th annual National Association of Broadcaster's Education Foundation 2008 Service to America Partnership Award on June 9, 2008. This esteemed award praises exceptional community service by local broadcasters. Since its inception in June 2006, KTVK's ``Are You My Family'' campaign has worked to find loving homes for some of Arizona's 10,000 foster children. In partnership with two local non-profits--Aid to Adoption of Special Kids and Fore Adoption Foundation--KTVK has thus far featured 64 children on its newscast and website. Of those, 38 have been matched with adoptive families--well over twice the rate at which these children are typically adopted. Children discover newfound hope in KTVK's ``Are You My Family'' campaign. Children who are often forgotten in a system, in which their emotional needs may not be met, are paired with families that can provide the love and support they need. These foster families also provide the sense of security and belonging that allows these children to blossom fully into responsible and productive adults. A strong community begins with strong families. I am proud of the work that KTVK has done to secure a bright future for Arizona's children. The ``Are You My Family'' campaign showcases KTVK's long tradition of commitment to public service and deep connection to the people that it serves. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing KTVK's tireless dedication to bringing love and hope back into the lives of Arizona's foster children.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Keno Hawker, who is stepping down as Mayor of the great city of Mesa after eight years of extraordinary service. As a member of the Mesa City Council and as Mayor, Keno has been a tireless advocate for the residents of Mesa. Keno has taken his fiscally responsible approach to better the city he serves and has helped to enhance quality of life of the region we share. Mayor Hawker has served his community well since 1986 when he was first sworn in as a city council member. The population of Mesa has almost doubled since then and, through his leadership, the city has continued to be a high-quality place to live and raise a family. Keno has also served the greater community as the Chair of the Maricopa Association of Governments Regional Council. He also served as Vice Chair, National League of Cities Finance, Administration and Intergovernmental Relations (FAIR) Steering Committee. Additionally, he served as Chair of the MAG Regional Council Transportation Subcommittee, Vice Chair and as a member of the MAG Air Quality Policy Committee and the Governance Task Force. Keno was also instrumental in building the new Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, which is evolving into a major job center and reliever airport for our fast- growing region. Keno's hard work will spur economic growth and improve the quality of life for the people of Mesa for years to come. I commend the citizens of Mesa for selecting such a deserving public servant. As a former Mayor of Mesa's neighboring city of Tempe, I understand the tremendous impact that a dedicated leader, like Keno Hawker, can have on their community. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Keno Hawker's continued work and advocacy for the fine citizens of the city of Mesa and Arizona.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Dr. Frederick Marciano, Scottsdale Healthcare's ``Salute to Military'' Honoree this Memorial Day, May 26, 2008. Scottsdale Healthcare will be recognizing Dr. Marciano and other physicians with a connection to the Armed Services for their tireless service and sacrifice to this country. More than 300 medical personnel have received exceptional trauma skill training at Scottsdale Healthcare since the program's inauguration in 2004. The program is offered in partnership with Maricopa Integrated Health System and has focused on the Air National Guard, Luke Air Force Base, and Davis Monthan Air Force Base. I commend Scottsdale Healthcare for paying tribute to such a deserving service member. Dr. Frederick Marciano is the Medical Director of Neurology at Scottsdale Healthcare, and was mobilized in April as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves to Active Duty at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in Fort Bliss, Texas. His clinical areas of expertise include neurotrauma, general neurosurgery, spinal surgery, and brain and spinal tumor surgery. Dr. Marciano was also deployed in March 2003 to a Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany, where he treated casualties from military operations including Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), and Noble Eagle (Bosnia). Notably, he was the lead surgeon in the treatment of POW Private First Class Jessica Lynch's spinal and neurological injuries. Dr. Marciano has received the National Defense Service Medal twice, the U.S. Armed Forces Reserves Medal, the U.S. Army Service Ribbon, the U.S. Army Achievement Medal twice, the Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Superior Unit Award (Landstuhl). Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Dr. Frederick Marciano's continued dedication to saving lives and securing our freedom.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Israel's 60th anniversary. Before I joined Congress, I had the privilege of visiting Israel. It was a trip that I will never forget. I will always remember my visits to Yad Vashem and Masada. I even have a picture of Masada hanging in my office to remind me of this life-changing trip. I have always considered myself a friend of Israel, but that trip made me realize that our two countries are more than just friends, we are relatives. Both the United States and Israel had to fight bloody wars of independence to establish peaceful democracies. Both countries know that to maintain such democracies requires eternal vigilance. That visit left me with a big impression and provided me with what I think is a unique understanding of how the security of our two nations is interdependent. This experience helped me understand that I have a responsibility to do what I can in Congress to strengthen the relationship between the United States and Israel. One of the ways we must do this is by standing firm to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons. I was proud to cosponsor H.R. 1400, the Iran Counter-Proliferation Act. And in the age of growing threats to Israel's security, I was proud to stand up and support a foreign aid package that helped Israel defend itself and our own security interests in the Middle East. I look forward to continuing to work to ensure that the U.S.-Israel relationship grows stronger during this difficult time in the Middle East and around the globe.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, my guest today, Father Fred Lucci, is the Director of the All Saints Catholic Newman Center in Tempe, which I have attended for more than 40 years. I am proud Father Fred, as those of us in Tempe call him, could join us today because he is my pastor and my friend. In fact, he is a friend and mentor to the thousands of parishioners at the Newman Center. Father Fred has a good heart and a special gift. While it may be easy to provide guidance to long-time parishioners like myself, Father Fred continues to have a positive influence on the lives of thousands of students at Arizona State. In the 1980s, freshman Fred Lucci arrived at Arizona State University's campus with a music scholarship and his clarinet. His ability to connect with students has endured today. Today, Father Fred is a fixture on campus, easily recognized, eager to listen, and always faithful and helpful in guiding students to strengthen their own spiritual relationships. He has led humanitarian missions and pilgrimages that have lifted the souls of all who participate. Throughout his years in the priesthood, Father Fred has helped students who need it most find their strength within. In the process, he has made Arizona State a more compassionate campus one student at a time. And he has built a parish that has helped shape Tempe into a more decent and caring community.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5740, the Post 9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act--bipartisan legislation that honors our men and women in uniform and strengthens our military. Since World War II, our nation has offered education benefits to returning GIs. The Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, the first GI Bill, which was passed unanimously by this House, paid for the tuition, books, fees, training costs, and even a monthly stipend for our returning veterans. After World War II, nearly 8 million veterans, out of a wartime veteran population of 15 million, used the original GI Bill to earn an education. The economic return was unprecedented. For every dollar we spent on the GI Bill, we generated 7 more into our national economy. Millions of newly-educated veterans led our Nation in business and innovation and created the American middle class. It's no wonder the GI Bill of 1944 is regarded as one of the most successful pieces of legislation to earn this House's approval in the 20th Century. Since that time, Congress has passed other GI bills, but over time, the value of the education benefit has declined. The current Montgomery GI Bill, for example, was designed for peacetime service, and is not meeting the needs of our newest generation of veterans, many of whom are returning from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. Our veterans--whether active duty, Reservists or National Guardsmen-- deserve an education benefit that accounts for the stress of war and keeps up with the rapidly increasing cost of a higher education. That is why, with the backing of a broad, bipartisan coalition, I introduced H.R. 5740, the Post-9/l1 Veterans Educational Assistance Act. Under the legislation, GIs returning from Iraq or Afghanistan would receive up to four academic years of education benefits, including stipends for housing and books. They can even use their benefits at private schools through the Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program, in which the federal government will match, dollar for dollar, any voluntary additional contributions to veterans from institutions whose tuition is more expensive than the maximum educational assistance provided under this legislation. Veterans would even have up to 15 years after they leave active duty to use their education benefits. I am pleased that this bill was included as part of the emergency war funding measure that the House is considering today because I believe taking care of those who serve in war is a cost of war. America should never fight wars without taking care of our own. However, I am deeply troubled by how we got to this point, and am disappointed that this issue has become politicized. When I was elected to this House, my constituents asked me to work in a bipartisan way to find reasonable solutions to our common problems. And that is what I tried to do with this GI Bill. Working together with my Democratic and Republican colleagues, we attracted more than two- thirds of the House as cosponsors. Ninety-two Republicans, nearly half of the minority party's membership, lent their support. But instead of using that coalition to secure overdue educational benefits for our veterans, our leadership has allowed ideological gotcha games to prevail. What began as an attempt to fix a broken promise to our veterans has devolved into a fight over who can score the most political points. As a result, instead of sending a veto-proof bill to the Senate, we are sending a lesser bill with a less certain outcome. This does not hurt any of our political opponents, Mr. Speaker; it only hurts our veterans. And, frankly, they deserve better. Our soldiers and veterans deserve a House whose actions matches its rhetoric. If we mean what we say, that taking care of those who serve is truly a cost of war, then the GI Bill should be included as a part of our war spending. I was astonished yesterday when, amidst all the platitudes some members of this chamber made about the need for the GI Bill to meet pay-go rules, those very same members were so willing to throw those rules out the door when it came to the Farm Bill. Wealthy farmers were given greater consideration than our veterans. I strongly disagree with leadership's decision to raise taxes on the backs of our veterans, and I believe it is wrong that I wasn't given an opportunity to offer an amendment to strip this from the bill. I will do everything in my power to encourage the Senate to fix this legislation. However, in order to get the GI Bill to the Senate, and give it any chance to pass, I am forced to vote for the deeply flawed package before me today. Our veterans have fought for us. The least we can do is fight for them.