Mike Quigley

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Chair, the entire purpose of ESEA was to improve the status of education for all of our children in this country regardless of their ZIP Code or their special needs status. Let's keep these standards for paraprofessionals intact. I urge my colleagues to vote for this bipartisan amendment to support teachers and students. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, 7 score and 12 years ago, another gentleman from Illinois went to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, to dedicate the 4- month-old, still unfinished Union cemetery at the site of one of the bloodiest battles in American history. There he would give one of our Nation's defining speeches. Amazingly, President Lincoln's address was not even the main event of that day. Edward Everett, the former president of Harvard, was the event's main speaker, spending 2 hours lecturing about ancient Greece and how that society honored their fallen soldiers. Everett later wrote: I should be glad if I could flatter myself that I came as near to the central idea of the occasion in 2 hours as President Lincoln did in 2 minutes. In the 2\1/2\ minutes Lincoln spoke, he did more than honor our fallen soldiers. In 272 eloquent words, he reminded us that we live in a nation dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. He asked whether that nation or any nation so conceived and so dedicated can long endure. In his address, the President also issued a challenge to his contemporaries and to generations of Americans thereafter, saying: It is for us, the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. He concluded: Our Nation shall have a new birth of freedom and that a government of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish from this Earth. In his address, I believe, President Lincoln was asking the question: What do we as Americans mean when we say all of us ``are created equal''? In the over 150 years since the Gettysburg Address, we have had our struggles, but we have also had our successes. We have suffered the Supreme Court's decision in Plessy v. Ferguson, but we also experienced the redemption of Brown v. Board of Education. We allowed the women of this Nation to remain disenfranchised for more than a century, but we also passed the 19th Amendment, which affirmed women's right to vote. We lived through the travesties of Jim Crow, but we also celebrated the passage of the Civil Rights Act. We watched Truman's executive action desegregate our military. We passed Don't Ask, Don't Tell--and repealed it--and DOMA, but we also have witnessed the legalization of same-sex marriage in 37 States and the District of Columbia. All of these examples serve as reminders of the difficulties in ensuring equality for all, but they also demonstrate a nation that has responded to challenge and has been reborn. Each time, we have come a little closer to living up to the ideal that all of us are created equal. To paraphrase Dr. King, the moral arc of our Nation may be long, but as history shows us, it bends towards justice, equality, and freedom. In times of dissonance, inequality, and injustice, great leaders like Lincoln have reminded us of our Nation's true purpose: equality. On Lincoln's birthday, let's rededicate ourselves to our Nation's unfinished work. Let's ensure that women get equal pay for equal work. Let's recognize all love as equal and extend marriage rights to all of our citizens once and for all. Let's strengthen the Voting Rights Act to guarantee that no one is disenfranchised and all Americans have access to this fundamental right. Let's finish the work the Senate started and pass a comprehensive immigration reform bill. Let's pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act so that no American can be fired simply because of who they love or who they are. Let's allow our neighbors and friends who put in a full day's work, whether in the mailroom or the boardroom, to provide their families with a living wage. Lincoln modestly believed that ``no one would long remember'' his address that day at Gettysburg, but we do remember and strive to honor all those who have sacrificed and struggled--and continue to struggle-- for equality because we believe, as Dr. King spoke of on the steps of Lincoln's own sacred memorial, ``that one day this Nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.''

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, infrastructure investment is key to growing our economy and creating jobs which is why President Obama committed to a 40 percent increase in infrastructure funding in his budget released this week. Despite the fact that every billion dollars invested in infrastructure creates 30,000 jobs, over the past 50 years, our investment in infrastructure has shrunk by half. Meanwhile, China is investing four times as much as we do in transportation. We need these investments in Chicago where we have got a century-old transit system that needs updates to keep up with increased capacity. By the way, the Chicago Transit Authority carries more people in a month than Amtrak does in a year. We also need 1,000 miles of roads to be repaired, and 675 bridges are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete. Our crumbling infrastructure is slowing economic growth, and without serious long-term investments, we simply will not be able to compete in today's global economy. The President outlined his 21st century infrastructure plan this week. Now, it is time for Democrats and Republicans in Congress to work together on the long-term transportation bill the American people are asking for.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, the Chicago Cubs, baseball, and all sports has lost a legend. Ernie Banks, ``Mr. Cub,'' passed away last Friday. From humble beginnings, Ernie won two MVPs as a power-hitting shortstop and became an All-Star and a Hall of Famer. But perhaps more importantly, he overcame the racism he faced to become an amazing ambassador for the Cubs, his beloved Wrigley Field, and the game itself. You could not have met a more decent, kinder, happier soul on any field of endeavor. It was for these roles that he was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Ernie, thanks for reminding us that baseball is a game that should be watched and played for fun. Indeed, let's play two. You will be missed.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, a new Congress, but the sights are familiar: the same rhetoric with no regard for the truth. Ahead of another ill-advised vote to approve the Keystone pipeline, the same myths are being spread pitting environmental protection against job creation. Winston Churchill once said: The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is. Let us separate myths from reality. It is time to decide: truth or scare. Approval of the Keystone pipeline will have very little impact in the way of job creation but a detrimental impact on the environment and hinder our promise of a clean energy future. That is the truth. My question is: Why are we ignoring these facts and voting once again to approve the Keystone pipeline, which would carry one of the dirtiest energy sources on the planet? Perhaps it has something to do with the many myths associated with this project. Pipeline proponents are quick to point to the creation of jobs as the primary reason for the project's approval; however, the facts don't match up. According to the only independent analysis by Cornell University's Global Labor Institute, these claims are not accurate. TransCanada's job claims are complete fabrications. The Cornell report concludes that Keystone will not be a major source of jobs, nor will it play any substantial role at all in putting Americans back to work. The State Department says Keystone would only create 35 permanent jobs and 1,950 construction jobs for 2 years. Most of those jobs created by this project will be nonlocal and temporary. In reality, we can and should be creating jobs by improving our existing infrastructure and investing in clean energy, education, and research. In fact, Keystone would make it much harder for the United States to invest in clean energy jobs and address global climate change. Our best bet at a clean energy economy lies far, far away from tar sands. That is the truth. Proponents of the pipeline claim that Keystone will bring down gas prices for Americans, but in reality, prices at Midwestern pumps could actually increase. According to its own documents, TransCanada expects the pipeline to increase gas prices in the Midwest up to 15 cents per gallon. Currently, a surplus of gas in the region means that our prices stay stable. If the pipeline is built, oil companies will be able to send their product to the gulf coast for export, which will reduce the surplus and drive up costs for Midwestern consumers. That is the truth. On top of all this, let's not forget TransCanada is the same company that operates the existing Keystone pipeline which spilled a dozen times in the first year of operation. The twelfth spill released 21,000 gallons of oil in North Dakota, contaminating the soil and water. Across the country, about 3.2 million gallons of oil spill from pipelines every year. These spills pose a great threat to American drinking water, especially when you consider the proposed project route would cross 1,073 surface water bodies and affect 383 acres of wetlands. Most Americans understand that oil spills in the past have had severe environmental impacts, but any Keystone spill would be truly catastrophic. That is the truth. In the end, Keystone brings a whole lot of environmental risk and very little reward. It is time we stopped perpetuating the myths. It is time we heed the warnings. It is time we decide: truth or scare.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, one of my greatest privileges as a Congressman has been spending time with some of our country's wounded veterans through the USA Warriors Ice Hockey program. USA Warriors provides education, training, motivation, and encouragement for U.S. military members who have been injured while serving. The same qualities that made them successful in the military-- teamwork, perseverance, and determination--make them inspiring competitors on the ice. Recently, I played with the Warriors and the Chicago Blackhawks at a practice at Nationals Park before the Winter Classic. Last week was particularly moving because the Warriors paid tribute to Clint Reif, Chicago Blackhawks' assistant equipment manager, who passed away on December 21st, by wearing ``CR'' stickers on their helmets. Clint was responsible for getting the Warriors new equipment when they skated with the Blackhawks last season at Soldier Field, and many of the Warriors considered Clint an extended member of their team. This simple gesture was a fitting tribute to Clint and an extraordinary testament to these veterans who have given us all so much. My thoughts and prayers are with the Reif family and the entire Chicago Blackhawks organization during these difficult times.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor the life of an important and respected member of the Chicago community. On December 21st, we lost a vital asset and key individual to the Chicago Blackhawks team, with the passing of Clint Reif. In his ninth season with the Blackhawks and sixth as assistant equipment manager, Clint ensured that his team was suited up and ready to play to the best of their ability day in and day out. Arriving early and leaving late, Clint had one of the all-important duties of maintaining and repairing equipment. And we all know how gentle hockey players are on their equipment. Because of Clint's attention to detail and professionalism, no Blackhawks player was ever left on the ice without exactly what he needed. But beyond that, he was a family man, with four charming children-- Florence, C.J., Aislynn and Colette--and his loving wife, Kelly. He was also devoted to his community, spearheading the team's initiative to outfit the Wounded Warriors hockey team with brand new equipment this past March. The Wounded Warriors Project (WWP) aims to raise awareness and enlist the public's generosity for the needs of injured service members. Clint respected and admired those brave men and women who fought to ensure our freedoms and gave back in true Clint fashion--with hockey equipment. Another great sports influence in the city of Chicago, Phil Jackson, once said, ``The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.'' With the passing of Clint, the Chicago Blackhawks lost an irreplaceable individual from their team, one that helped lead them to two Stanley Cup Championships. A one of a kind guy, Clint will be greatly missed by the Blackhawks, the City of Chicago and the entire hockey community. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and celebrating his life.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, since the Clean Air Act was enacted into law more than 40 years ago, we have seen tremendous progress in cleaning up our air and in protecting thousands of communities around the country. Unfortunately, many Americans are still living in communities where poor air quality puts them and their loved ones' health at risk. That is why I am proud to support the EPA's new standard for ground level ozone pollution. Whether we work outdoors or simply want our children to be able to play outside, the EPA's recent national ozone pollution standards bring us one step closer to cleaner, healthier communities for everyone to enjoy. This proposal would lower the current standard of 75 parts per billion to a standard in the range of 65 to 70 parts per billion, while taking public comments on a level as low as 60. Despite what many of my colleagues seem to believe, successful public health protection depends on the latest scientific data, and as many Members have been so eager to point out, we are not scientists. All we can do is rely on the best data out there from experts in the field, and in this case the data is quite clear. A significantly expanded body of scientific evidence, including more than 1,000 new studies since the last review of the standards, show that ozone can cause harmful effects to health and the environment. Health experts, epidemiologists, and numerous medical organizations have clearly stated that the existing EPA smog standard of 75 parts per billion is not adequate to protect public health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, outdoor workers, and those with chronic medical conditions like asthma. In all, 147 million people in the U.S., almost half of the country, are breathing unhealthy air. Earlier this year the American Lung Association's State of the Air 2014 ranked Chicago as the 14th most polluted city in the Nation for short-term particle pollution. The city also ranked 20th for most ozone-polluted and for year-round particle pollution. In fact, nearly half of all Americans live in counties where ozone or particle pollution levels make the air unhealthy to breathe. Studies have linked breathing ozone to an increased risk of premature deaths and difficulty breathing, as well as other serious illnesses. In the U.S. today, one child in 10 already suffers from asthma, and ozone pollution only makes things worse. When asked what steps need to be taken to reduce the air pollution, the American Lung Association said that Federal action, including the EPA setting strong, health-based standards to limit ozone pollution, is one of the most important action steps we can take. When we update our national ozone pollution standards, we are not only cleaning up our air but also protecting those most at risk. These changes would have a lasting and positive impact on my home State of Illinois, where 1.2 million adults and 13 percent of children suffer from smog-related asthma, well above the national average. President Theodore Roosevelt once said, ``In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing. The worst thing you can do is nothing.'' Knowing the tremendous impact ozone pollution has on our environment and community health, the decision to do nothing is not a viable option. Per usual, there are those here attacking this new proposal with claims of job loss and economic harm. According to science deniers and special interests, this proposal will cause the sky to fall. The facts, however, state otherwise. Since 1970 we have cut harmful air pollution by almost 70 percent while the U.S. economy has more than tripled. An ozone standard in the proposed range of 65 to 70 parts per billion has public health benefits worth billions of dollars. Reducing ozone and particle pollution nationwide will avoid countless premature deaths and thousands of asthma-related emergency room visits, not to mention fewer missed school and work days. The impact of ozone on agricultural workers is also important in its own right. A reduction in the ozone standard would translate into an annual cost savings of approximately $1 billion in labor expenditure. We have countless scientific studies that clearly display the negative health risks associated with unregulated ozone pollution. Nevertheless, critics continue to play a dangerous role in denouncing the science and the law EPA has used for more than 40 years. The science cannot be ignored. Now is the time to protect the most vulnerable among us. Now is the time to fight for better air quality across the country. Now is the time for action to protect American health and the environment. We cannot afford to wait. Clean air is essential to a healthy community and a strong economy.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of funding for Alzheimer's disease research. Alzheimer's is a particularly devastating disease both for the patients and their families. Families watch their loved ones effectively disappear before their eyes. There are currently more than 5 million Americans suffering from this disease, with one American being diagnosed every 67 seconds. We must take preventive actions to address the growing population of Alzheimer's patients in this country. In the fiscal year 2015 appropriations process, I urge my colleagues to support increased funding for this research. This research will help find ways to prevent, treat, and even slow the progression of the disease, helping to ease the burden on patients, caregivers, and the Medicare system. Congress must continue its commitment to fight against Alzheimer's by providing this crucial funding.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor the life of an important and respected member of the Chicago community. Last week, we lost an advocate for the middle class, Terry Allen, when he lost his battle with cancer. Serving for decades as a dedicated leader, he represented thousands of Chicagoland workers with great distinction. Terry embodied the heart of our city and strived to improve the lives of workers, even when his own health was failing. His contributions to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, IBEW Local 134, and middle class workers changed countless lives and will continue to do so in his memory. Terry Allen was an inspiration to all who knew him. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring his legacy, celebrating his life, and remembering his illustrious contributions to the city of Chicago.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, as it stands today, the 113th Congress will go down in history as the Congress of abandoned authority. With little exception, this Congress has failed to address the issues the American people sent us here to take on: tax reform, immigration, transportation infrastructure, climate change. This Congress has shown little progress, and in so doing, we have ceded more and more of our power as a legislature to the executive. Nowhere has our abandoned authority inflicted greater harm on Congress as an institution than our abdication of leadership in the fight against ISIS. The Constitution gives Congress, and Congress alone, the power to declare war. But while unilateral Executive action on every other issue has been met with partisan attacks, this Congress seems content with allowing the President to call the shots on military engagement with ISIS. Mr. Speaker, this abandoned authority must end. Before the end of the 113th Congress, we must restore our constitutional authority over the Nation's war powers. We must commit to a full, open, and honest debate on an authorization for use of military force in the fight against ISIS. Our brave men and women are risking their lives, and we are afraid to even risk a vote. It is time for Congress to put some skin in the game. It is time for Congress to outline in clear terms the legal authority under which the U.S. will wage this war and, in so doing, future conflicts. The fact of the matter is that right now the U.S. is at war. From August 8 to November 12, we have spent an average of $8 million a day and $776 million in total on military operations to combat ISIS. As of October 23, the U.S. has conducted 632 airstrikes involving 6,600 sorties dropping more than 1,700 bombs. We are at war with ISIS, and we are waging that war without congressional authorization. No one should doubt the inhumanity of ISIS. They pose a unique threat to the region, our allies, and the innocent civilians of Iraq and Syria. Left unchecked, the threat and reach of ISIS will grow. ISIS has made no secret of its plans to broaden its reach in the region and to attack Western nations, even threatening the homeland of the United States. The President was right to target and attack ISIS with our military assets and to begin to train local, on-the-ground forces, but this is just the start. As our Commander in Chief, I do believe the President has the legal authority to begin these military operations, but the authority to begin a military operation is not a substitute for the full legal authority required to continue military operations that must be debated here in the United States Congress. The President has said he welcomes a new AUMF, and we have debated repealing the Affordable Care Act more than five dozen times in this Congress. On ISIS though? On our wartime operations? On sending our brave men and women into harm's way? We continue to sit idly. We had a debate on the last-minute amendment to a temporary spending bill that authorized only one small piece of a larger overall strategy. That is not a true debate. That is certainly not a substitute for war authorization. Americans did not send us here for piecemeal amendments to last- minute spending bills. You disagree with the President and think we shouldn't be arming Syrian rebels? Let's write an AUMF. You think we should be working towards a contingency plan in which American ground forces get involved? Let's write an AUMF. You think, as I do, that our fight against ISIS should have clear, defined goals and a timeline before we consider further authorization? Then let's write an AUMF. Mr. Speaker, I call on congressional leadership to take up this task. Your Members are ready for debate. The American people are ready for a debate. We simply have no excuse to let this opportunity pass us by. Let's step up to the plate. We should not end the 113th Congress without debating and passing an Authorization for Use of Military Force.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Village of Elmwood Park as they celebrate their Centennial. The historic election held on April 8, 1914, established Elmwood Park as an official village and was the catalyst to the village's remarkable transformation. Thanks to the vision of Mr. John Mills, a Chicago area developer, the 1927 Westwood subdivision in Elmwood Park became one of the early ``planned communities'' in our nation. Mr. Mills' Westwood project was the largest residential program of its kind ever attempted in the State of Illinois. The $25 million building program provided paved streets, sewers, sidewalks and plans for 1,679 bungalows spread over 245 acres in Elmwood Park. Due to the ambitious project, the population increased over 700 percent growing from 1,380 to 11,270 people by 1930, making Elmwood Park the sixth fastest growing community in the nation at that time. The Honorable Elmer W. Conti was elected Village President in 1953. Under his guidance, Elmwood Park was recognized for honorable mention in the All-American awards in 1954, 1955, and 1958 for its village administration, financial stability, citizen involvement and progress in education. Village President Conti served for 32 years, retiring in 1985. In the last 25 years the Village of Elmwood Park has had outstanding leaders. Honorable Peter N. Silvestri served as Village President from 1989 to 2013 and the current Village President, Honorable Angelo ``Skip'' Saviano, elected in 2013. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the Centennial of the Village of Elmwood Park. I am truly honored to have such an outstanding community in my district.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor the life of an important and respected member of the Chicago community, Terrence P. Allen, who recently passed away at the young age of 54. Terry Allen has been a long and outstanding activist for the middle-class, guiding him through a long and distinguished career fighting for workers. Terry passed away on November 11, 2014 after heroically battling cancer. Terry served for decades as a dedicated leader of working people, taking over the city's largest electrical workers union in 2011 as the Business Manager for International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 134. In this role, Terry represented thousands of Chicagoland workers with great distinction. As distinguished as he was on behalf of workers, Terry made many other contributions to the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago for which we are all grateful. Terry's top priority was always his family and the love and support they provided was most important in his life. He married the love of his life, Jean Conrick, and together they raised 3 children; Billy, Amanda and Michael. Terry was the youngest of 8 children born to Thomas and Irene Allen. His loving family included his siblings Barbara (John) Wiemhoff, Nancy (Hon. Tim) Cullerton, Honorable Tom (Jan), Jim (Lin), Tim (Mary), Dan (Sue) and his twin brother, Pat (Laura), along with his wife's family; parents, Bill and Camille Conrick, Mary Ann (Dan) Jordan, Bill Conrick, Joanne (Dan) Lynch, Tom Conrick, and Cathy (Jay) Ek. Uncle and Great Uncle Terry will be fondly remembered by his 46 nieces and nephews. Mr. Speaker, Terrence Allen was an inspiration to all who knew him. I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering him for his tireless service and dedication. I join his family, friends and IBEW Local 134 to honor his legacy, celebrate his life and remember his illustrious contributions to the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago. I wish to express my deepest condolences to his family, and may God bless the Allen/Conrick family and the memory of a man who was truly loved by his family, his friends, and his community.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, my esteemed colleagues, please join me in recognizing Miss Jessica Rivka Cherry and Mr. Daniel Joseph Chavin, as they celebrate their dedication to each other and to their future together. Jessica and Daniel celebrated their commitment to each other on Sunday, November 16, 2014, in the greatest city in America, my hometown, Chicago, IL. It is with great excitement and anticipation that both families share in the happiness of this union. Their commitment to each other is one to be celebrated and commended and one in which I offer my congratulations and wish them the best as they begin their new life together.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Republic of China, commonly called Taiwan, on its upcoming National Day of the Republic of China on October 10, 2014. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act, which has facilitated a special relationship between the United States and Taiwan. Since 1979, we have enjoyed close security cooperation, culture exchange and trade flows. The economies of the U.S. and Taiwan are tightly linked, and Taiwan has been an important trading partner to the United States. I would also like to recognize the accomplishments of President Ma Ying-jeou in contributing to peace and security in the region. During his presidency, Taiwan and Mainland China have had constructive dialogue between their leaders. I hope that this dialogue will continue. As a member of the Taiwan Caucus, I have had the opportunity to learn much more about the amazing country that is Taiwan. As a beacon of freedom and democracy in the global community, I look forward to continuing to work with Taiwan to strengthen our friendship and alliance. I wish the people of Taiwan a happy Double Ten, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, this week the House will vote on loosely related bits of campaign fodder bundled together and labeled a ``jobs'' bill. But if we really want to help American workers and boost our economy, let's take a vote to increase the minimum wage. Let's show hardworking Americans that it is simply unacceptable for a mother working full-time to live $400 below the Federal poverty line. Let's show businesses that we understand that added buying power for our workers is the boost this economic recovery needs. President Truman once said: Full human dignity requires at least a minimum level of economic sufficiency and security. The American people deserve that and more. The American people want and deserve a vote to increase the minimum wage.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, this week the men and women through their Representatives in Congress will welcome an ally and a friend. When Ukraine's new President, Petro Poroshenko, addresses a joint session of Congress on Thursday, he will do so at a pivotal moment in his country's history. Ukraine is facing an existential threat from Russian aggression. President Putin's incitement of violence in eastern Ukraine and arming of separatist rebels there must stop. The United States has responded with tough sanctions. I will push for even tougher sanctions if President Putin continues to disregard Ukrainian sovereignty. The people of Ukraine are fighting for democracy. The United States stands behind them in their efforts. Let this week's address only strengthen the longstanding alliance and friendship between the United States and our friend Ukraine.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Cleats Manufacturing, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Cleats Manufacturing is a union premier fabricator of HVAC sheet metal products. Since its incorporation in 1964 by Ernie DeLord, Cleats has been located in Chicago providing jobs for our hard-working constituents. Over the last 50 years, their product line has expanded rapidly. Beginning with slip and drive cleats, Cleats' product line soon included rectangular duct and fitting, spiral pipe, CleatSeal gasketed round fittings, welded duct, and other sheet metal products. Cleats Manufacturing not only provides an excellent American made product but also prides itself in its employees. Their union trained team are tradesmen in the industry and will work with customers on any job from start to finish no matter how big or small. The company would not be where it is today without the vision of Ernie DeLord's nephew Steve Passannante who began working for the company in 1974. When Steve began, the product line consisted only of sheet metal connectors. He had the vision of the company growing from a connector manufacturer to a full service HVAC fabrication shop. Steve expanded the company and built relationships with some of the largest contractors in Chicago. Cleats is now one of the largest HVAC fabricators in the Chicagoland area. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Cleats Manufacturing on their 50th anniversary.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, just last month, hundreds of thousands of residents in Toledo, Ohio, were left without access to potable water and faced an extended drinking water ban, after unsafe toxin levels, likely caused by a Lake Erie algal bloom, were found at a city water treatment plant. In January, Charleston, West Virginia, residents faced a similar ban on their drinking water after a chemical spill. George Bernard Shaw once said: Success does not consist in never making mistakes, but in never making the same one a second time. One would think, after two new incidents that left hundreds of thousands of Americans without access to clean drinking water, this body would jump into action to prevent this from ever happening again. And yet, Mr. Speaker, the House hasn't only refused to act, yesterday we actually voted to prevent the administration from acting. Again and again my colleagues continue to introduce bills and riders that would endanger our drinking water while ignoring basic scientific principles in the process. Today more than 117 million Americans get their drinking water from systems that rely on rivers, streams, and wetlands which, at this very moment, are not clearly protected under the Clean Water Act. Let me say that again: 117 million Americans are getting their drinking water from bodies of water that may not be protected from pollution or destruction. American families deserve clarity, and that is exactly what the administration is trying to provide with their proposed Clean Water Act rule; and, unbelievably enough, that is exactly what the House voted to prevent yesterday. For years we relied on the Clean Water Act to protect the Nation's waters. For my constituents back home in Chicago, that meant everything from the wetlands on the shores of Lake Michigan to the inland streams that flow across the Great Lakes region. But two Supreme Court decisions in 2001 and 2006 changed all that, leaving us with a confusing, time-consuming, and frustrating process for determining which of the Nation's waters are now protected under Federal law and which are not. It is imperative that we close what has become a harmful loophole, and that is what the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers are trying to do with their proposed rule clarifying the scope of the Clean Water Act. Let's be clear: The EPA and the Corps of Engineers are acting within the authority granted them by Congress under the Clean Water Act to legally clarify the statute's jurisdiction. This clarity is desperately needed, especially in the Great Lakes Basin. Half the streams in the Greats Lakes States lack clear water protection simply because they do not all flow all year. This lack of protection has taken its toll, slowing permitting decisions for responsible development and reducing protections for drinking water supplies and critical habitats. The EPA and Army Corps' proposed rule would restore Clean Water Act protections to wetlands and tributary streams because the science clearly shows that these water bodies are connected. Before proposing its rule, the EPA analyzed more than 1,000 peer- reviewed scientific articles, and the findings are irrefutable. Tributary streams and wetlands are clearly connected to downstream waters. Pollution is carried down the river, polluting bigger and bigger waterways. Healthy wetlands improve water quality by filtering polluted runoff from farm fields and city streets that otherwise would flow into rivers, streams, and great water bodies across the country. Wetlands and tributaries provide vital habitat to wildlife, waterfowl and fish, reduce flooding, and replenish groundwater supplies. We cannot protect and restore the Great Lakes and our drinking water supplies without first protecting and restoring the wetlands and upstream waters that feed into them. Congress passed the Clean Water Act with the intention of protecting our waterways, and that is what it did for almost 30 years. Now this administration is trying to bring back these protections this House has undermined. Let's not make the same mistake twice. Let's let the experts do their job.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the long and distinguished career of Bruce Nesbitt. Fifty years ago, Mr. Nesbitt founded Orion Industries in his parent's basement on the Northwest side of Chicago by first applying coating to race car engine parts. He convinced any friends, relatives, and initial suppliers that would listen to his sales pitch to buy stock in his coating company. Today, Orion Industries applies Teflon coating on consumer bake ware, automotive, and industrial products and has grown from 3 employees to 138. Orion Industries continues to grow and create jobs in Chicago and recently announced relocating to a larger facility in the Fifth District to accommodate its booming production. Needless to say, those initial shareholders that believed in Bruce made a handsome return on their investment in what is now a leader in the industrial coatings industry. The success of Orion Industries is due to the entrepreneurial creativity and work ethic of its founder who can often be found at his plant's in-house laboratory. Mr. Nesbitt was educated in public high schools and colleges on the Northwest side of Chicago. Even though he never received a college degree, Mr. Nesbitt holds 31 U.S. Patents and has 9 pending, earning him membership in the Chicago Entrepreneurial Hall of Fame. Under Mr. Nesbitt's leadership, Orion Industries was awarded the DuPont Plunkett Award for Industrial Innovation this past year. Amidst all these titles and distinctions, Mr. Nesbitt was also given the unofficial title of CTO, ``Chief Tinkerologist'' by his employees at Orion Industries. Best of all, Bruce remains a hardworking and humble ``Chicago guy'' amidst all his success. Bruce would be the first to tell you that his family is his first priority, and they have provided support for all of his activities. His family includes his two daughters; Amber, her husband Ben Wood and their two children, Brecon Michael and newborn, Gwyneth Adele, and Greer and her husband, William Swearingen. He and Diane Jacobson continue to reside in Chicago and support numerous local charities and civic organizations like the Time Line Theatre and Adaptive Adventures. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Bruce Nesbitt and Orion Industries on the 50th anniversary of the company's founding. It is always encouraging to see someone follow their passion, open a successful business, and give back to their community. I wish Mr. Nesbitt and all the employees at Orion Industries the best of luck in their future endeavors.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, as the House uses what little legislative time is left in the year to sue the President, I am reminded of what Benjamin Disraeli once said: ``How much easier it is to be critical than to be correct.'' That is the reason why the American public thinks that the lawsuit against the President of the United States is a political stunt, because it is a political stunt. The majority argues that the President's executive actions give them no choice but to sue the President; that it is the legislative branch's job to defend against the executive branch's supposed overreaches. But I will tell you what the job of the legislature is. The job of the legislature is to pass legislation. For 112 Congresses before this one, the fight over the separation of powers has endured, with each Congress before us using the powers allocated to it in our Constitution to pass legislation to counter the actions of the President. It is not a unique idea: You don't like the job the President is doing? Well, then let's do our job. You don't like the President's policy? Well, then let's enact some policies of our own. Rather than litigating, we should be legislating. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle have been so busy trying to prevent the President from doing his job, they have forgotten to do their own. For years, their number one legislative priority was making President Obama a one-term President, to discredit him, to delegitimize him. Time and time again, with every issue, from extending unemployment insurance to comprehensive immigration reform to climate change, to name a few, this Congress has punted the ball. Instead of finding the courage to tackle the tough issues the American people are begging us to take on, we have retreated. For many issues, we even refuse to allow a simple up-or-down vote on the floor. We are afraid that if we actually allowed a vote, we might actually pass something. This Congress makes Truman's ``do-nothing Congress'' seem downright busy. No wonder why our approval numbers are so low. It is ironic that a Congress that refuses to get anything done has the audacity to accuse the President of getting too much done. The President isn't taking our power away from us. We have abdicated it to him. Since George Washington, our Presidents have used executive actions to get things done, yet the majority argues that this President is the exception to the rule. President Obama may be the exception, but not in the way that they think. Out of the last 10 Presidents, President Obama has signed the least number of executive orders, on average, per year. So far, the President has even signed half as many as President Reagan did. Yet despite this, let's remember what the President has been able to accomplish over the last 6 years. President Obama brought our economy back from the brink of depression, lowering unemployment from 10 percent in 2009 to 6.1 percent today. We have had 52 straight months of private sector job growth, with the last month being the fifth month in a row of adding 200,000 jobs or more to the economy. The President passed health care reform, achieving what every President since Teddy Roosevelt has tried and failed to do. Now millions of Americans who were previously barred from health insurance coverage because of preexisting conditions or because they simply could not afford it can access the care they desperately need. And the President has taken unprecedented action to protect our environment. He has proposed the toughest fuel economy standards for passenger vehicles in U.S. history, put a plan in place to cut carbon pollution from new and existing power plants, and significantly increased production of renewable energy. In 6 years, President Obama has accomplished more than many who have come before him, despite a do-nothing Congress whose stated mission has been obstruction. Mr. Speaker, Malcolm X used to say that if you have no critics, you likely have no successes. The intent of the majority's lawsuit may be to spotlight the President's critics, but I am confident that what it will actually do is prove his successes.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my deep sympathy for all of those affected by the tragedy of Flight MH-17. It is unthinkable that a commercial airliner would ever be shot down by a surface-to-air missile, and yet, that is exactly what happened in the part of Ukraine controlled by Russian separatists. The evidence seems to point to one perpetrator, one party intent on inflicting pain and suffering upon the innocent. The fire of Ukraine's crisis has undoubtedly been fueled by Russia and its operatives. So let this senseless tragedy serve as a wake-up call to the international community. This conflict could end today. It is in Mr. Putin's hands. But until then, I support the sanctions that the United States has already levied against Russia and stand strongly with the people of Ukraine in their struggle for autonomy and sovereignty. My heart will forever go out to all those lost in this horrific act of war and the loved ones they leave behind.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, one of the founding principles of our republic is equal justice under the law. But the promise of justice for all is an empty one without access to legal assistance. I rise today to honor the Legal Services Corporation, which for 40 years has played a vital role in ensuring all Americans, regardless of income, have proper representation in court. Studies consistently show that in contested matters in court involving fundamental issues like housing, education and family law, the outcome of the case often turns on whether one has legal representation. And with the growing number of Americans eligible for legal assistance, the need for the Legal Services Corporation has never been greater. That is why it is so important that Congress provides them with the funding they need to get the job done. Thank you to the Legal Services Corporation and LSC-funded attorneys for the vital work they do every day on behalf of Americans who need qualified counsel.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I had hoped we would have settled this debate decades ago. Yet here we are in 2014, and we are still arguing over access to birth control for women. According to the five-man Supreme Court majority in the Hobby Lobby case, it wasn't enough for politicians to have a say in women's access to health care. Apparently, their employers should have a say, too. This decision is yet another example of the constitutional rights of individual Americans being trumped by the apparent rights of corporations. So a woman is entitled to her own religious beliefs as long as they don't get in the way of the religious beliefs of the corporation she works for. The Court's ruling in Hobby Lobby allows for for-profit companies to interfere with the personal health decisions of their employees, opening the door for employers to discriminate against women who are simply seeking practical medical care. Justice Ginsburg said it best in her scathing dissent: ``The Court has ventured into a minefield.'' Now it is up to Congress to find a way out.