Mike Quigley

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that we are considering this legislation to clarify the language of Section 112 of title 23, United States Code to reaffirm the intent of Congress that Section 112 does not bar enforcement of State and local ordinances and contracting policies, in connection with Federal-aid highway projects, that disadvantage or disqualify classes of contractors. The Secretary properly enjoys discretion to approve contract requirements, consistent with the Federal-Aid Highway Act, 23 U.S.C. Sec. 101, et seq. Possible ambiguity in Section 112 has come to the Congress's attention in light of recent State and local efforts to combat corruption and favoritism in contracting. States, local jurisdictions, and the Securities and Exchange Commission have enacted ``pay-to-play'' restrictions that disqualify contractors who make campaign contributions to officials responsible for government contracts. Concerns have been raised that application of Section 112 may limit the discretion of FHWA to approve Federal-aid highway projects subject to State pay-to-play policies. Accordingly, the FHWA temporarily withheld federal highway funds from the States of New Jersey and Illinois. The soundness of these concerns has been called into question by the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in City of Cleveland v. State of Ohio, 508 F.3d 827 (6th Cir. 2007), and, in any event, these concerns misunderstand Congress's long-standing intent regarding the operation of the current laws governing Federal-aid highway projects. Section 17 of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1954, which is codified at Section 112 of title 23, United States Code, imposes a requirement on FHWA to ensure that government contractors are selected through a competitive bidding process. This competitive bidding requirement was ``designed to prohibit collusion or action in restraint of free competitive bidding in connection with the contract.'' S. Rep. 83-1093 (1954) at 14. The enactment of Section 112, however, was not intended to ``add to or otherwise affect the powers of the Secretary [of Transportation] . . . with respect to the selection of projects.'' Id. Subsequent amendments have not altered that purpose. The language of this legislation simply makes clear that it has always been Congress's intent that the Secretary may concur in the award of a Federal-aid highway contract despite a State or local requirement, imposed by law or through contract, disqualifying contractors on the basis of the amount of money contributed to a political campaign. To be clear, the enactment of this legislation would not be construed to mean that existing law would have foreclosed the application of State pay-to-play restrictions, or similarly situated provisions, to highway projects supported by Federal funds. This bill will dispel any misunderstandings about the application of State pay-to-play restrictions and similar policies to Federal-aid highway projects. It will have an immediate, positive effect for local and State governments determined to implement pay-to-play restrictions to combat corruption and favoritism. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 3427.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay homage to the 10 million innocent men, women and children who lost their lives in the Ukrainian genocide of 1932-1933. As a result of Joseph Stalin and the Soviet government's brutal economic policies, peasants were stripped of their land, herded onto collective farms, and all the food that was produced was property of the state. Due to this deprivation of food and aid, masses of Ukrainian people began to starve in what is now known as one of the greatest atrocities known to civilization: an intentional, manmade famine intended to defeat all resistance and break the will of the Ukrainian people. The Soviets, however, failed to account for the resilience and unbreakable spirit attributed to the people of this nation as the Ukrainians proved their strong will in emerging from an overtly oppressive regime to form a strong democratic nation. The Orange Revolution and the people of Ukraine are a true testament to the world of how a nation in dire straits can triumph over its oppressor to build a sovereign democracy. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ukrainian Genocide Remembrance Day 2010, as we shed light on the horrific effects of group-targeted acts of violence and commemorate those who suffered. It's important not to fall into the line of retroactive thinking and dismiss these instances of the worst type of groupthink as issues from the past. Regimes in power with the desire and intent to destroy national, ethnic and religious still exist in many countries around the world. The divisive will of these people is only strengthened if we choose to ignore their presence.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 200th anniverary of the birth of the composer and pianist, Frederic Chopin, and recognize the influence his music has had on the world. Frederic Chopin was born in 1810 in the Napoleonic Duchy of Warsaw to a French father and Polish mother. He was a child prodigy in both playing and composing on the piano. In the following years Chopin moved to Paris after the Polish Uprising of 1830. There, he supported himself by teaching piano and an occasional public performance. In 1837 he became involved with the French novelist Amantine Dupin, better known under her pseudonym, George Sand. Unfortunately, for most of his life the artist suffered from a variety of maladies and died at the young age of 39. Because of the strong Polish influence of his parents, Chopin never learned to fluently speak French. As such, much of his music retains influences of Polish culture; his Revolutionary Etude is interpreted as the story of the Polish Revolution--because of which he fled his homeland. While France and Poland both influenced the artist, he credits Bach and Mozart as the main forces that shaped his music. While Chopin saw many of his contemporaries as lacking, he associated himself with many romantic artists, including many writers and painters. Under the direction of Bach and Mozart, Chopin's music is regarded as the epitome of the Romantic Style. Chopin preferred his music to remain unnamed except for the genre and number, as he wanted the listener to create their own associations. He is for these reasons regarded as one of the greatest composers and pianists who has ever lived. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Frederic Chopin for his vast contributions and lasting effect on the world of classical music. We would be joining much of the world in celebrating, as festivals in honor of Chopin have occurred in places such as Warsaw, Paris, and my hometown Chicago. For 200 years, he has been renowned as a talented composer and will continue to be regarded as such for future generations.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the centennial of Glos Polek, the official publication of the Polish Women's Alliance of America, PWAA. Since its first issue was printed in 1910, Glos Polek has influenced the lives of hundreds of thousands of Polish women and their families in the United States and abroad. Throughout hundreds of issues, the newspaper documented women's struggle and their plight to attain equal rights within society. The articles and photographs contained in Glos Polek's pages covered the scope of female injustice. They were undoubtedly instrumental in rallying women's voices to collectively demand their right to vote and make their own financial decisions. Glos Polek urged women to pursue higher education, enter into the professional world and, in the face of the global battle, tear down fascism and communism along Poland's path toward democracy and independence. To its core, Glos Polek told the stories of ordinary, everyday women facing the challenges of their time. A traveling exhibition called ``A Voice of Their Own'' has been planned to mark Glos Polek's centennial. It is scheduled to open in Chicago in the fall of 2010 and travel to other U.S. cities in 2011 before continuing to Poland in 2012. The exhibit hopes to attract publicity for the newspaper's historic anniversary, generate interest in the PWAA, and increase membership. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing one the most impactful, longest running and well-respected publications in women's history. Chicago's extensive Polish community has greatly contributed to the city's multicultural identity, and the city is proud to host Polish American organizations like the PWAA. Please join us in making Glos Polek's 100th birthday a successful and meaningful celebration.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, now more than ever, we must use every tool at our disposal to fight corruption. My home State of Illinois has made headlines time and again with charges of cronyism, corruption, and waste. Many of these charges involved pay-to-play politics, trading campaign contributions for government contracts. In 2008, the Illinois General Assembly took a bipartisan stand by passing a bill to eliminate pay-to-play contracting. Amazingly, the Federal Government then told Illinois that it had to back down or risk losing highway funds. The Federal Highway Administration interpreted their competitive bidding requirements to mean that States couldn't weed out corrupt contractors. Clearly that wasn't the intent of this Chamber when it passed those requirements. That is why I am pleased we are debating this important fix. H.R. 3427, the State Ethics Law Protection Act, will make it clear that Congress supports the right of States to fight corruption. States like Connecticut, New Jersey, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky have passed laws like Illinois', and others are debating similar bills. They are all arriving at the same bipartisan conclusion: Corruption must be stamped out and pay-to-play made a thing of the past. Our States have shown they are ready for reform. It is now our duty to ensure they have the ability to do so. At this critical juncture, we must do all we can to inspire the trust and confidence of people across the country. After all, without the people's trust, we cannot govern. I wish to thank Chairman Oberstar and the committee for bringing this bill to the floor and urge my colleagues to support the State Ethics Law Protection Act.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the victims of the Ukrainian genocide and the deliberate famine which claimed the lives of 10 million innocent Ukrainians. Under Stalin's rule, Ukrainian farmers were stripped of their land, and by the end of 1933, nearly one quarter of the Ukraine's population had starved to death. This atrocity was intended to break the spirit of the Ukrainian people, but it did not succeed. The strong-willed people of Ukraine overcame this dark time and eventually emerged from Communist rule as a strong democratic nation. The people of Ukraine are a testament to what the human spirit can not only endure, but triumph over. Ukraine has prospered in the 70 years since this atrocity, but as we move forward, we must never forget the past. Organizations like the Ukrainian National Museum in Chicago, and activists like Nicholas Mischenko, the president of the Ukrainian Genocide Famine Foundation, should be commended for their work to ensure the world never forgets this manmade tragedy.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mexico's bicentennial celebration in honor of the 200th anniversary of its independence and the 100th anniversary of its revolution. Today, I wish to commemorate Mexico's celebrations along with the people of the 5th district. Mexico's Independence Day celebrates the successful war for sovereignty from Spain. Influenced by America's war of independence-- Miguel Hidalgo, one of Mexico's most revered heroes--changed the course of Mexico's history with the Cry of Dolores, the call to his people to revolt against centuries of oppression from the Spanish Crown. Heroes such as Ignacio Allende and Jose Maria Morelos joined Hidalgo in the movement. Although Mexico did not become fully independent until 1821, today marks the anniversary of Sept. 15, 1810, the beginning of the struggle that led to the birth of modern Mexico. Mexico's bicentennial festivities also honor the 100th anniversary of Mexico's Revolution. The Revolution started in 1910 in response to the social and economic injustices of the autocracy in Mexico. Leaders such as Francisco Madero, Francisco ``Pancho'' Villa and Emiliano Zapata led the lengthy and arduous fight for democracy. The end of the revolution led to a new constitution and Mexico's values of liberty, equality and justice were restored. My hometown of Chicago has the second largest Mexican population of any city in the United States. To honor two of Mexico's most historic events, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley proclaimed 2010 The Year of Mexico. The city of Chicago will be participating in three annual Mexican Independence Day parades: the famous 26th Street celebration, as well as others in the Pilsen neighborhood and downtown Chicago. Madam Speaker, Mexico's anniversaries not only keep the memories of Mexico's liberators alive, these celebrations also honor Mexico's pride and patriotism. On this day, I am proud to join the people of my district and those of Mexican descent in celebrating Mexico's bicentennial.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1610 and to mark the ninth anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Like Pearl Harbor, and the assassination of President Kennedy, the attacks of 9/11 are seared into the American consciousness. While the attacks shook Americans across the country, the pain and grief of those who lost loved ones in New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania remains unimaginable. Today, we pause to remember the victims of that Tuesday morning, including the firefighters, police officers, and so many others who showed great courage and heroism to save countless lives. A grateful nation offers its complete gratitude for their sacrifice. We also remember the outpouring of good will and generosity that flooded from around the country, with millions of Americans in all states offering donations, volunteer work, support, and prayers. While we mark this anniversary with mourning and remembrance, as we must, let us also take this chance to remember the great spirit of America, which on that day rose to prove to all the world that in the darkest of days, our fundamental kindness and hope still shine through.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Australian and American participants of the Tour of Duty Run as they complete the 4,600 mile journey from Los Angeles, California to New York, New York to honor the memory of those who died responding to the September 11 terrorist attacks. These firefighters, police officers, military personnel and emergency service workers have come together in a symbol of international unity to remember those who gave their lives to save others. Leaving Los Angeles on August 12, they have stopped in four U.S. cities along their journey before reaching our nation's capital on September 7. On their journey to New York City, they have shown that firefighters the world over are alike in innumerable ways, forming a global family dedicated to hospitality, service, and public safety. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending the Tour of Duty Run for their symbolic gesture of fraternity, camaraderie and unwavering commitment to peace.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1251, and in honor of the United States soldiers who lost their lives on the beaches of Normandy, France on June 6, 1944. Their heroic efforts on what we remember as D-day marked the turning point in the Allies defeat of the Nazi army during World War II. On June 6, 1944, more than 31,000 American troops and a total of 100,000 Allied soldiers were carried by more than 5,000 ships across the English Channel. At Normandy, in what has become one of the great symbols of American bravery, they stormed the beaches. The efforts of these ground troops were supported by 31,000 Allied airmen, which made it the largest amphibious invasion in history. Of these courageous men, more than 6,000 United States soldiers died in battle and close to 9,000 Allied soldiers were injured or killed. It is because of their dedication to the cause of freedom that the Allied forces prevailed. These fallen soldiers were laid to rest in the Colleville-sur-Mer United States cemetery in Northern France. The 9,386 graves face west toward the United States, and serve as a much deserved honor and remembrance of the sacrifice made by our Nation's heroes. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the lives lost in Normandy. We owe these soldiers our deepest gratitude and reverence for playing such a crucial role in ending the tyranny of Nazi-controlled Germany and helping to shape the world we live in today.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Peter Silvestri on his receipt of the Illinois State Crime Commission's award of Municipal Leader of the Year for 2010. The commission chose Silvestri due to his exceptional leadership skills at the county and municipal levels as Cook County Commissioner and the Village of Elmwood Park president. Elected in 1994 as Cook County Commissioner of the ninth district, Silvestri has played a crucial role in nearly every area of county concern. He chairs the Zoning and Building Committee, the Building Ordinance Commission, the Litigation Subcommittee and the Environmental Control Committee. As Chairman of Environmental Control, he convened a committee of community representatives, engineers and environmentalists to discuss the Forest Preserve's proposed Storm Water Management Plan. Additionally, he sponsored an amendment to the building code to change group homes of 8 or less residents from multi-unit requirements to single family requirements, for which he will receive the President's Award from Oak Leyden Developmental Services. He serves as vice- chairman of more committees than any other commissioner. He also memorialized fallen police officers through the Cook County Peace Officer's Memorial. As Elmwood Park President since 1989, Silvestri prides himself on an increase in building construction and expansion of village parks. During his tenure, the Village of Elmwood Park has seen a new public safety building, family aquatic center and gymnasium, and public library, as well as expanded open park space now known as Central Park. Additionally, he and the Village Board of Trustees enhanced the education requirements and training for drug and gang prevention and enforcement at the municipal police department. While Pete Silvestri has received many awards, he sees himself as a caretaker for every person in the village and the county. I have seen firsthand Pete's extensive involvement in the community, and I applaud him on being named Municipal Leader of the Year. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Peter Silvestri on the Illinois State Crime Commission's acknowledgement of his positive effects throughout Chicago.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and salute the 40th Annual Rosy Root Beer Open, a proud Chicago tradition of food, families, and fun. A complete description of this unique and wonderful event is not possible--suffice it to say that it's a melting pot of reunion, carnival, and a small court tennis tournament. Community leader and diehard Chicago Blackhawks fan Lee ``Rosy'' Rosenberg and his family have been organizing the day of competition, food, games, photos and conversation since 1971. I expect the tradition will continue for generations to come. All are welcome and anyone who wants to get involved in one of its many committees just has to show up--just know that Rosy recommends that you ``wear gym shoes, leave your brain at home, and don't eat for a week prior.'' I am looking forward to attending this year for a memorable summer day filled with, as Rosy promises, ``extreme serious nonsense.'' Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Rosy Root Beer Open on its milestone, and in wishing the best of luck to this year's Open participants.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today because we can no longer afford to ignore defense spending as our deficit rises. The unprecedented federal stimulus package and two wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have put the FY 2009 federal deficit at 10 percent of GDP, its highest level since 1945. As the federal deficit grows and we look for places to cut, we must be able to scrutinize every part of the federal budget--including defense spending. Defense spending has more than doubled since September 11, 2001, and at $719 billion, the current defense budget, is the highest it has been since World War II. Our discretionary spending has also grown by $583 billion since 2001, and defense spending accounts for 65 percent of that growth. Accounting for close to 20 percent of the federal budget, defense spending simply cannot be ignored as we look for places to cut. For too long we have followed policies that assume more spending automatically means more safety and more power. But new critics of this unquestioned defense spending argue cuts to the defense budget can and should be made; and these cuts can be done without comprising our safety. A new report by the Sustainable Defense Task Force, comprising security experts from across the country, finds that we could save up to $960 billion over the next ten years, without jeopardizing our national security. The report outlines a whole menu of reform options ranging from reducing our oversized nuclear stockpiles to cutting our bloated force structure in Europe and Asia--all of which are possible due to the U.S.'s current security posture: We no longer face the traditional opponents we once did. We still operate as if we are at war with an opponent as powerful as the former Soviet Union; but today the U.S. does not face a threat that even remotely compares to the Soviet Union. Not even China, which spends barely one-fifth as much on military as the U.S., can compete. The U.S. spends more on research and development than Russia does on its whole military. Today, the U.S. spends more than two and half times as much on its military as the group of potential opponents, including Russia and China. In other words, the U.S. could cut its defense spending in half and we would still be spending more than our current and potential adversaries. As the Task Force points out in its report, our military strength far out-weighs any threat from our adversaries, and can easily be reduced while still maintaining our military superiority. However, while we are building up our capacity to fight traditional opponents, such as China, we are failing to build a defense force capable of combating nontraditional opponents such as Al Qaeda. We have spent $1 trillion and lost 5,500 American lives on large- scale military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan with little progress to show for it. As Benjamin Friedman, of the Cato Institute, points out, our principal enemy Al Qaeda ``has no army, no air force and no navy.'' And the military assets most useful for counterterrorism are relatively inexpensive such as surveillance technologies, special operations forces and drones. As the threats to America evolve, so too must our military structure. But over the years, rather than realigning our military to meet current threats, we have simply added more requirements to our military, growing our defense budget by 9 percent on average every year. There has never been a better time to reinvent our defense budget. We are facing a growing deficit, forcing us to make cuts, and we have a defense budget ripe for reform. Now all we need is the political will to make tough choices. With limited resources we must choose, because the real ramification of overspending on defense is not simply that we will have too many unnecessary ships, aircrafts or missiles--but that we won't have enough resources to support vital domestic investments such as health care, education, and infrastructure needed to remain a superpower. Military power is not simply about spending more than our adversaries. Real military power, argues Kori Schake, a top foreign policy advisor for John McCain, is ``fundamentally premised on the solvency of the American government and the vibrancy of the U.S. economy.'' But in order to maintain that vibrancy we must get our fiscal house in order, and in doing so reexamine our defense spending and make cuts and reforms where necessary. Secretary Gates said it best while paraphrasing President Eisenhower, ``The United States should spend as much as necessary on national defense, but not one penny more.'' Let's hold him to his word. Let's reinvent the defense budget.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of the CLEAR Act, one of the most important measures we will pass this week, and perhaps, this Congress. It has been said that with great adversity comes great opportunity-- today, we are presented with great opportunity. We are presented with the opportunity to ensure that what happened in the Gulf never happens again. We are presented with the opportunity to ensure that we have the tools and the means to clean the Gulf Coast and make whole those whose very livelihoods are threatened by this disaster. We are presented with the opportunity to ensure that our children are able to enjoy the great lands and waters of our lifetime. I offered two amendments to the CLEAR Act that sought to shift our OCS policy from a presumption of oil and gas extraction, to focus on protection of the environment as our primary concern. Additionally, the amendments required the Secretary to consider geographical, geological, and ecological characteristics of OCS areas before drilling, not after. Ultimately, this bill does move us toward that goal--from an emphasis on the bottom line to a clear focus on our future. I urge my colleagues to support the CLEAR Act.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the service and mourn the death of Marine Lance Corporal Frederik E. Vazquez, of Melrose Park, IL. He was killed Saturday in Helmand Province in Afghanistan while supporting combat operations. He was just 20 years old. Erik to his family and Freddy to his friends, Frederik Vazquez was born in Los Angeles, spent his childhood in Northlake and moved to Melrose Park just a few years ago, where he attended Proviso West High School before graduating from West Leyden in 2008. Erik had wanted to be a Marine since childhood, and enlisted following graduation. His parents remembered a quiet young man who returned from Marine boot camp more reflective and responsible, with an eye toward college after the Marines. I join with those who knew Erik best in mourning the life he lost, and that which could have been. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Erik's friends, family, and everyone who will miss this young Marine. On behalf of this Congress and the 5th District of Illinois I thank him for his bravery. His country will never forget his service.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 1366 and to recognize the vital role that the freight rail industry plays in this country. When a massive volcano recently erupted in Iceland, ash spewed into the atmosphere cancelling thousands of flights and grounding travelers and goods across Europe. In the midst of this chaos and confusion, Europe's rail industry answered the call for everyone and everything that simply needed to get from point A to point B. Here in the United States, we must remember this. Our railroads are less susceptible to the unpredictable conditions caused by natural disasters, inclement weather, terrorist threats, and more. Since the 19th Century, American citizens and industry have placed their trust in rail. Its dependability is proven and unparalleled. I call on my colleagues to join me in recognizing the freight industry as one of our greatest assets and remember we must continue to advance, utilize, and invest in America's railways.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of USA Hockey and their support of disabled hockey programs. USA Hockey has proven that hockey truly is for everyone, and their efforts to share the wonderful game of hockey should be commended. USA Hockey supports four disciplines of disabled hockey, all serving players both young and old. This includes Standing/Amputee hockey, Deaf/Hard of Hearing hockey, Sled hockey, and Special hockey. These groups provide unique practices that enable the players to reconnect with a sport they love. For example, Deaf/Hard of Hearing hockey incorporates a special lighting system and allows coaches and players to communicate through sign language, lip-reading and interpreters. And Sled hockey provides paraplegics with the opportunity to enjoy the sport by using specially designed sleds on the ice. USA Hockey also proudly supports the USA Warriors Ice Hockey Program, providing wounded United States Military Personnel with therapeutic and recreational opportunities to play hockey. This program focuses on integrating disabled and non-disabled players in order to build self confidence and assist disabled veterans to reconnect with the activities they were involved with prior to their disability. While I can't begin to comprehend all that these brave veterans have experienced and what they've done in service to our nation, I can understand why they still want to play hockey. I believe that hockey is a tremendous game that teaches its players the value of hard work, discipline, and the benefit of playing as a team. Through the support of USA Hockey, thousands of disabled participants of all ages are able to learn these important lessons that will help them be successful both on and off the ice.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, this week Congress will vote on the Protecting Gun Owners in Bankruptcy Act of 2010 under suspension of the rules. This bill permits individuals filing for personal bankruptcy to exempt firearms from the claims of creditors. Really? Today, there is a House bill sponsored by 109 Members of Congress that would close the gun show loophole and keep guns out of the hands of terrorists, felons, and the mentally ill. Today, there is a bill sponsored by 37 Members of this Congress that would prohibit those on the terrorist watch list from purchasing firearms. Each bill is supported by mainstream America. Each bill would save lives. Have we called either bill to the floor for debate? No. Yet Congress stands at the ready to enact new policy that would require a bankruptcy judge to sort assets into two piles: one pile for guns, one pile for all other personal belongings. We need to reassess our priorities and regain our common sense. It's a time to stop pandering and start acting responsibly.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reaffirm my commitment to an immediate repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. I applaud the Department of Defense for initiating a plan, but I remain deeply disappointed that instead of moving forward immediately, we are on hold. We are spending millions on a 32-page survey asking servicemembers how they feel about the repeal when polls show that this is unnecessary. What's worse, as a country founded on liberty and equality, we are denying basic human rights to some of our brave men and women who are defending those very principles. And, unlike more than 25 of our allies, including every original NATO signatory other than the U.S. and Turkey, we have not ended discrimination. Experts say what is needed is not a study but, rather, a quick and authoritative top-down repeal. Our military leaders must act now before our pace destroys our mission.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, as we talk about the need for job creation it is critical that we remember why America needs work. Jobs are a means to provide for individuals and families, for food and shelter, and for a sense of security and peace of mind. But work is only half the equation--a paycheck is needed to fulfill the other. Which is why I stand in full support of the Department of Labor's ``We Can Help Program.'' This public service campaign strives to educate America's workforce about employer abuses and workers' rights. It will also add 250 investigators to the department's wage and hour division. Efforts like this will go a long way toward recovering at least some of the $19 billion of wages that are never paid to workers across the country every single year. In the midst of a tough economy, it is vital that Congress do everything in its power to make sure every American who wants a job can find a job. But we must remember that there are many already on the clock who need our help, too.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today because women's reproductive rights are under attack. Four months ago we passed a health care bill to ensure that every man, woman and child in this country has access to the medical care they need. But yesterday, a rule was announced that restricts choice coverage in the new high-risk insurance pools--even if the woman pays for that coverage with her own money. This rule means women with preexisting conditions such as cancer, AIDS, diabetes, who have been denied coverage and are counting on the high-risk pools, won't be able to get reproductive health coverage; not even if they pay for it with their own money. This incomplete and conditional care is not what our mothers, daughters, sisters and wives need. This is not the status quo. We must remember the health care bill we passed, protect a woman's right to choose, and stop this harmful provision before it takes effect.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a great and respected Chicagoan, Eunice Borovik, who recently passed away at the age of 88. Eunice Borovik was a woman who lived life to the fullest, and the friends and family she had are a testament to the quality of her character and the type of woman she was. Eunice's top priority was always her family and the love and support they provided her was most important in her life. She married her husband, Jerry, and together the couple raised two sons, George and his wife Jolanta, and Andrew and his wife Catherine. Her family also includes her two grandsons, Jed and Caleb. Following her 1979 election, Eunice continued her voluntary tenure as Portage Park Chamber of Commerce President for 21 years. As Alderman Levar stated in a City Council resolution, ``Eunice Z. Borovik has created, planned and helped carry out projects beneficial to all those good citizens who have lived, worked, and prospered in Portage Park . . . , heralding an era of uncommon growth and achievement.'' She improved the long overdue streetscape in the early 1980s and worked with what is now known as the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) in the Chicago Police Department to reduce crime. Eunice and her late husband were owners and managers of the local Bee Drug Store in the Cragin neighborhood and the family business, Borovik Drug Company in Portage Park, for nearly 35 years. Following her retirement as president of the Portage Park Chamber of Commerce in 2000, the City Council of Chicago gave a portion of West Irving Park Road the honorary name ``Eunice Borovik Way.'' Madam Speaker, Eunice Borovik was an inspiration to all who knew her. I ask my colleagues to join me in commemorating her incredible life and her extraordinary contributions to the Portage Park and Irving Park communities.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today because we cannot be fooled by the Castro regime's announcement to release 52 political prisoners. That would be 52 out of approximately 5,000. The release of these prisoners, held only because they disagree with the government, would be good news if they were actually being released, but only five to 10 prisoners will be released immediately. The rest will be let go over the next three to four months. Why does it take months to release a group of prisoners when it only took one night to arrest them? We cannot be fooled. The Castro regime has released prisoners many times before in exchange for lesser sanctions, but these temporary releases never result in permanent reforms. The regime is unilaterally releasing 52 prisoners, but what is to keep them from simply arresting hundreds more? We cannot be fooled. And above all, we cannot alter our sanctions or policies towards Cuba based on this one superficial gesture.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Association of Indians in America, AIA, the oldest national association of Asian Indians. This grassroots nonprofit organization was founded on August 20, 1967 to provide Indian immigrants opportunities to get involved in their communities. Representing the hopes of Indian immigrants, the AIA strives to involve its members through the public policy process, leadership roles, and community activities. The organization remains dedicated to bringing their members together through a combination of shared Indian and American heritage and civic responsibility. The Illinois chapter of AIA is particularly active. The chapter sponsors several councils that encourage responsible citizenship and awareness of community needs in such fields as medicine, business, and public policy. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending the Association of Indians in America for their extraordinary contributions throughout Illinois and the Nation.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, trade is critically important to our economic well-being. Trade provides a market for American goods, and sustains millions of jobs in vital American industries. In fact, exports support one of every five manufacturing jobs. Trade can also make the U.S. a leader in clean energy technologies. In 2009, China edged the U.S. out of the top spot in spending on clean energy. But projects like the all-electric commercial truck built by Navistar in my district, and supported through a Federal stimulus investment, can restore the U.S. as the leader in this field while creating jobs here at home. Now we need to pursue a better competition policy and help simplify the patchwork of global regulatory standards that cripple businesses trying to export goods internationally. We can make trade policy work for American businesses and for a cleaner environment.