Mike Quigley

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Thank you. I want to thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania for his service as well. Let me briefly try to put a human face on this. When you don't put a person on it, you can imagine it is hard to really understand the human cost with such a policy. I will give you two. First of all, Lee Reinhart, 4 years after graduating from high school and after spending time at both public and private universities, Lee Reinhart decided he had simply not found his calling. So in September of 1995, Lee surprised his friends and family by joining the Navy. Lee served on board the USS Cowpens as an operations specialist working his way up to becoming a second class petty officer in the Combat Information Center, tracking both surface and air contacts. While serving, Lee earned several medals and ribbons, including the Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Lee's tour of duty in the Navy was completed in August of 1999. After time in the Reserves and the events of September 11, 2001, Lee wanted to return to active duty, this time to make it a career. This time he chose the Coast Guard. But soon after joining, Lee became a target and was being investigated. Lee was given two choices: he could admit he was gay and be allowed to leave the military peacefully, or he could stay and undergo an investigation with the same end result, discharge. The point of this story is obvious. Lee had completed a full enlistment in one branch and earned an honorable discharge, but while serving in another branch, the uneven and inequitable implementation of Don't Ask, Don't Tell ended his career. The implementation of Don't Ask, Don't Tell is uneven and subject to individuals such as Lee to the whims and prejudices of individuals. Second Lieutenant Sandy Tsao, like the President of the United States, our dear friend Sandy is a fellow former South Sider, this time from the Bridgeport neighborhood. Sunday, February 8, 2009, marked the 1-year service anniversary of her active duty full-time service to her country. Shortly thereafter she received an honorable discharge because of her orientation. Ms. Tsao wrote a letter to the President of the United States. She writes: ``I am a second lieutenant currently serving in the U.S. Army. In addition to being an officer, I am a Christian, a woman and a Chinese American. I am proud of all these identities. Lastly, I am also a lesbian. On September 21, 2007, I was appointed as an Army officer. In the oath of office, I swore that I would support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic. Unfortunately, I will not be able to fulfill this oath because the current policy regarding sexual orientation contradicts my values as a moral human being. Today is the Chinese New Year. I hope it will bring good fortune to you in your newly elect office. Today is also the day I inform my chain of command of who I am. One of the seven Army values is integrity. It means choosing to do the right thing no matter what the consequences may be. As a Christian, this also means living an honest life. I cannot live up to these values unless my workplace `provides an environment free of unlawful discrimination and offensive behavior.' '' That is an excerpt from the U.S. Army's Equal Opportunity Branch. ``We have the best military in the world, and I would like to continue to be part of it. My mother can tell you it is my dream to serve our country. I have fought and overcome many barriers to arrive at the point I am today. This is the only battle I fear I may lose. Even if it is too late for me, I do hope, Mr. President, you will help us win the war against prejudice so that future generations will continue to work together and fight for our freedoms regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin or sexual orientation.'' For 24-year-old Sandy Tsao, we are too late. For the many other gay and lesbian servicemembers, our repeal may just be in time. In my mind, having gone to Iraq, I looked at the brave men and women willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for our country, many of them as young as my own children. And I will tell you what I didn't see. I didn't see those as black or white, men or women, straight or gay, Democrats or Republicans. I saw Americans. I saw warriors. Don't Ask, Don't Tell is a policy so fundamentally hypocritical that it encourages citizens to put their lives on the line to serve a country built on freedom and democracy as long as they lie about who they are. Lastly, I'm reminded always at times like this what President Lincoln said at Gettysburg. Now, it has been interpreted many ways, but I would like to think that the essence of what President Lincoln was getting to was, 87 years ago we created a country based on certain principles, the most important of which is that all of us are created equal. What he was saying in Gettysburg is, Did we really mean it? Did we really mean everyone? And I ask my colleagues to think about that, especially in time of two wars, with storm clouds gathering over North Korea and Iran. Did we really mean it? Do we really mean it today, that all of us are created equal? I think we all are warriors, at least that much. Thank you. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. I thank the gentleman from Illinois. Those personal stories of our heroes that wrote to you are very powerful and very moving. I will tell you since I took over the leadership of repealing Don't Ask, Don't Tell by enacting the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, I have gotten letters from all over the country and from overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan. And one of those letters that touched my heart and frankly broke my heart was from a soldier in Afghanistan. See, when I served in Iraq 6 years ago, I had 19 of my fellow paratroopers in the 82nd Airborne Division that gave the ultimate sacrifice. But one of them committed suicide. One of those 19 never made it home to see his family again. But this letter broke my heart because, and you will see, this hero was dealing with the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. He writes: ``Sir, as you know, military spouses and other family members are important parts of the larger `team' that is essential for our national defense. But such support is fundamentally closed off to the partners of gay servicemembers, even though these partners may be making the exact the same sacrifices as their straight counterparts. ``And it's even worse. Gay servicemembers and their committed partners have to worry that an overheard phone call, an intercepted email, or other type of compromised private communication could lead to a humiliating, career-destroying investigation. This is no way to treat American patriots. ``I write of these matters from personal experience. When the 9/11 terrorist attacks occurred, I was in a serious long-term relationship. The extensive active duty I did after 9/11 put a serious strain on this relationship. The relationship fell completely apart during my first deployment to Afghanistan in 2003. ``One of the big risk factors contributing to soldier suicides is the breakup of serious relationships. This is exactly what I experienced, and in the context of a combat zone deployment. I can still vividly remember sitting alone in Afghanistan, cradling my government-issued pistol in my hands and fighting the urge to blow my own brains out. ``What made that personal struggle in Afghanistan particularly difficult was the isolation that was imposed on me as a consequence of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. A straight soldier in a similar state of crisis could go to his commander, his first sergeant, or his `battle buddy' for support. But if I as a gay soldier had gone to my commander with the details of my situation, he would have been obligated to start the process of kicking me out of the Army. ``The Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy is wrong. I say this not just as an individual soldier, but also as someone with extensive experience as both a platoon leader and company commander. When I have been in such leadership positions, I have had straight soldiers share with me some of the most shockingly intimate details about their personal lives. I was glad that these straight soldiers put their trust in me, because I was able to offer each one the counsel or moral support that he or she needed at that time. ``Gay soldiers should also have that right to go to a commander, a first sergeant, or a battle buddy and not have to the worry about the ramifications of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. The Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy shackles the hands of leaders like me. It prevents us from giving all of our troops the supportive leadership they deserve. The Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy throws up walls between battle buddies. It is an ugly stain on our national honor.'' I now yield to the new freshman, the gentlewoman from the great State of Maine (Ms. Pingree).

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, George Will once said, ``Chicago Cub fans are 90 percent scar tissue.'' So as we stand here 4 days after the city of Chicago, and all of the United States, were disappointed by the IOC's decision, I can assure you that there is no city better equipped to handle a little disappointment. And despite the tremendous efforts of President and Mrs. Obama, Mayor Daley, Pat Ryan, and thousands of volunteers, that is exactly what we felt in my hometown last week: disappointment. But the city of Chicago has already shaken it off and is waiting with open arms for the world to visit. Because as I have said before, Chicago was a world-class city before the Olympic decision and will be a world-class city tomorrow. My hometown is often referred to as ``The Second City,'' but most people don't realize that the nickname has nothing to do with our relationship to other cities. The name refers to a city which was rebuilt in the years following the Great Chicago Fire, a city where we pull ourselves up by our bootstraps, dust off our shoulders, and get back to work. So with congratulations to Rio, I would like to offer a list of the top 10 reasons the world should stop by for a slice of deep dish in Chicago, the greatest city in the world. Number ten: The architecture. One of Chicago's great residents, Daniel Burnham, was known for saying: ``Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood.'' From the Louis Sullivan buildings downtown to Mies van der Rohe's collection at IIT to the neighborhood bungalows to the Sears Tower that scrapes the sky, Chicago's architecture is distinct and historic. The schools. I am a proud graduate of Roosevelt University, the University of Chicago, and Loyola University, and had the honor of teaching young Chicagoans as well. Chicago is a place that inspires great ideas, but the Windy City is also a destination for the world's greatest minds. Close to 90 Nobel laureates have passed through the halls of the University of Chicago and Northwestern University. Green space. My district is home to one of the country's largest urban parks, Lincoln Park, which is also home to the oldest public zoo in the country, still free admission. Want to play 16-inch softball? We have 552 parks to choose from. No glove needed. And the forest preserve system is home to 68,000 acres of open space. The lake. Chicago has one of the most beautiful shorelines in the world, 26 miles of lakefront with 15 miles of beaches. It is a front row seat to one of the largest freshwater sources in the world, and a reminder of our responsibility to conserve it. The museums. The Art Institute of Chicago, just one of our museums, displays some of the most famous pieces of previous centuries and trains artists to produce the finest works of this century. The arts. Chicago's music is played all around the world wherever people love the blues, gospel, jazz, or rock. And we are home to the preeminent Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Lyric Opera. Most of the great comedians on Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock came through Chicago, home of The Second City troupe. I guarantee you, Mr. Speaker, that no one in Copenhagen has ever had a proper hot dog or slice of pizza unless they have spent a little time in Chicago. From breakfast at Ann Sather's to chicken dinner at MacArthur's, to a midnight snack at the Wiener's Circle and all the pierogies, tacos, and steaks in between, it is the finest eating on Earth. Sports. All of our teams are among the oldest in their leagues, and all of them played right in the city. They have all won championships. Some more recently than others, but everyone is entitled to a bad century. Number two, the neighborhoods. Chicago has a beautiful downtown. Nothing is more majestic than coming northbound or southbound on Lake Shore Drive, but it is the diverse neighborhoods that make us world class. In one sense, the world doesn't need to come to Chicago; it already has. From Bowmanville to Bronzeville, Portage Park to Albany Park, Pilsen to Pullman, take the ``L'' around Chicago, and you have visited dozens of countries without ever leaving the city limits. Finally, the number one reason the world should come to Chicago is the same reason I never left: the people. The Second City has always been second to none. Why? Because the people of Chicago look not at what we lost last week in Copenhagen but at what we now have the opportunity to accomplish. We know that our organizing efforts were not wasted. We can build better schools on safer streets. We can build better transit with greener technology. And beyond our bid plans lay big plans for our future. In the words of Superdawg, one of Chicago's iconic hot dog stands, I look forward to welcoming you by saying, ``Hiya, from the bottom of my pure beef heart.'' Mr. Speaker, I look forward to coming back next summer with Chicago's Stanley Cup.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, today I rise in recognition of Anthony P. DeAngelo, a valued member of my staff. Tomorrow, October 2, is Anthony's last day as the Staff Assistant/Press Assistant in my Washington, D.C. office. His dedication to serving the people of the Illinois Fifth District is very much appreciated, and he will be greatly missed. Anthony joined my staff prior to my election to Congress in April of this year. He then made the trip to our nation's capital and was instrumental in establishing my Washington, DC office. He helped establish our new media programs, press operations and intern program. He always took the time to make constituents feel at home in our office and ensured that their trips to Washington were memorable and worthwhile. Tomorrow he leaves to take a position as Deputy Communications Director in the Office of Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson. I am pleased he will continue to serve the people of Illinois, and I wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of The Night Ministry and their Response Ability Pregnant and Parenting Program, a program that is devoted to providing supportive services to pregnant and parenting homeless teens to strengthen family support systems, reduce subsequent pregnancies, keep teens in school, improve parenting skills and increase the safety and stability in their living situations. The Night Ministry's RAPP Program is this year's recipient of the Healthy Teen Network's National Outstanding Emerging Innovation Program Award. This award is given out annually to a program that has demonstrated commitment to the prevention of teen pregnancy or excellence in teen pregnancy and parenting services. The RAPP Program assists teen parents while focusing on both short- and long- term goals such as medical and mental health care, acquiring stable housing, vocational training, accessing public aid and general assistance by offering services in the community and at the eight-bed, eight-crib Open Door Shelter in Lake View. The Night Ministry's RAPP Program assists homeless teens while they deal with the stresses and strains of pregnancy and parenting. I am proud to recognize the hard work, ingenuity and charity of The Night Ministry as the RAPP Program continues to improve teenager's lives and the prospects of their futures.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, the American people should have serious questions when it comes to the war in Afghanistan, and I believe we need answers before we ever talk about sending additional young men and women into that conflict. General Stanley McChrystal told us this week that he needs more troops in Afghanistan or else our mission there will likely result in failure, but there seems to be some confusion over what that mission is. Question one: Are we building nations or hunting terrorists? The administration has stated that its primary goal is preventing al Qaeda from operating, but General McChrystal has stated that his mission is to protect the Afghan civilians and establish good governance. These objects are related, but they are not the same. As the President has stated, we must first define our strategy, and then we will determine how to resource it. Question two: How many troops will we need? The figure being discussed is an additional 40,000 to 45,000 more troops on top of the 68,000 already in Afghanistan. But experts such as General Charles Krulak put the figure for a successful counterinsurgency at several hundred thousand. The greater our footprint over there, the more it looks like an occupation to a people who have violently resisted occupations for centuries. Question three: Are we stretching our Army to its breaking point? Many of our troops are on their third or fourth tour. That has an impact on families and communities. Many of our National Guard units have left equipment over there and faced recruitment problems over here. Question four: How long will these troops be there? It's not enough to decide we can manage it for another year or two with greater deployment. Without a specific end date, a decision to increase deployment today means more troops next year and the year after that. Question five: Where will we get enough troops with the experience needed in Afghanistan? The military needs more IED experts to diffuse roadside bombs; however, it takes 11 months to train a bomb specialist, and these specialists are already in short supply. We also need translators, medical officers, and other specialists that could require a great deal of training, yet we continue to kick out such specialists because of the immoral and extraordinarily shortsighted ``don't ask, don't tell'' policy. Question six: How many NATO forces can we count on, and how will we maintain an effective command structure? We are told that this cannot be a go-it-alone mission, but resources in other NATO countries are limited, and incidents such as the German airstrike show the dangers of coalition warfare. Question seven: Can we count on the Government of Pakistan to remain with us in this fight? Pakistan has a great deal of trouble controlling the tribal areas, and our continued presence is causing more unrest in the cities. Question eight: Is it worth American lives to prop up the Government of Afghanistan? The Government faces serious charges of election fraud and corruption, and it appears to be losing control over much of the country as the Taliban moves in. Question nine: Is this a winnable war? In General McChrystal's recent report he states that although the situation is serious, success is still achievable, but we still don't have a definition of success. Final question: Is the war in Afghanistan really the best approach to protect the American people from terrorism? Our focus needs to be on protecting the people of the United States and stopping the international spread of terrorism. If this war is not the best way to do that, we need to leave. We cannot send more troops to fight for an undefined amount of time in an undefined mission and for an undefined success.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, last week marked the 70th anniversary of the attack on Poland, helping to launch the Second World War. Last week was also marked by an announcement that the administration plans to scrap a planned missile defense system in Poland and the Czech Republic and refocus its missile defense program on protecting against short-range Iranian missiles. This realignment of priorities reflects the new threats we face. However, as we shift our focus, we must not forget the vital role played by our European ally, Poland. Poland has always stood by the United States with support dating back to the Revolutionary War where Polish heroes like Casimir Pulaski fought to help America achieve independence. Poland unilaterally repealed the visa requirement for United States citizens traveling to Poland. Indeed, Poland has always stood by us. Though I would like to say we have returned that favor, unfortunately, we have not. Madam Speaker, it's time to extend and ultimately make permanent the visa waiver program. Our friends in Poland have proven their steadfast dedication to the cause of freedom and friendship with the United States. We must do the same.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Terrence (Terry) Barnich and the sacrifice he made for his country. Terrence was serving as the Deputy Director of the Iraq Transition Office in Baghdad when his motorcade was attacked by an improvised explosive device on May 25, 2009. He had dedicated his life to his country, leaving a comfortable life in Chicago and signing on for multiple tours in Iraq where he worked for more than two years. Terrence was an exemplary and valiant U.S. citizen. Volunteering to serve in Iraq in a time of war attests to his loyalty and dedication to our country. As the Deputy Director of the Iraq Transition Group, he lent his skills to rebuilding and improving Iraq's energy infrastructure in an effort to help build a better future for the people of Iraq. His leadership in Iraq's transition has benefited thousands and will continue to affect generations to come. This is a great loss not only to the Illinois 5th District, but also to the United States and Iraq. Terry will be remembered by the American people as a selfless public servant whose memory will live on through his great accomplishments both here and in Iraq. On behalf of my family and the people of the 5th Congressional District of Illinois, I extend my deep condolences to his family. I hope that time and memories will help lessen the burden of their grief.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, today the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mike Mullen, told Congress that he needed more troops to succeed in Afghanistan. He's probably right, just like Army Chief of Staff Eric Shinseki was right when he said we needed more troops in Iraq. But just as we failed to ask the tough strategic questions about Iraq, it is my sincere belief that we are now failing to ask the tough strategic questions about Afghanistan. Colin Powell said, ``When we go to war, we should have a purpose our people understand and support.'' Do we have that today in Afghanistan? Every time we send a young American over for a tour of duty, we are deciding to go to war over and over again. The question is, Does the American public understand and support that decision? Do we as a body understand and support the long- term strategy behind the war in Afghanistan? Or has the people's House gone on autopilot, deciding to debate only numbers and not the bigger questions of why, how, and when this Nation should go to war?

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the distinguished history of the Irving Park Baptist Church community on the occasion of its 120th Anniversary. Over the past 120 years, Irving Park Baptist Church has provided spiritual guidance to generations of families throughout the Irving Park Community on the northwest side of the City of Chicago. The Irving Park Baptist Church was originally established in 1889. The church's multiethnic and multigenerational character has brought together a community of people to unite in one faith. Irving Park Baptist Church is actively involved with other churches and non-profits in the community. As an active and caring institution, the church is also a founding member of Hands to Help Ministries, which helps to provide housing and services for persons in distress. Irving Park Baptist Church is a community of people from different cultures and backgrounds who are united in their belief. The community's mission is to faithfully serve God by ministering to each other, to their neighbors, and to the world. On September 13, 2009 parishioners and friends of the community came together to celebrate this momentous anniversary. The Anniversary Luncheon took place at La Villa Banquets. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the constituents of the Fifth Congressional District of Illinois, I wish to recognize Irving Park Baptist Church and its 120 Years of Community Service. I wish all the best for its clergy, for its families, and for its success in the future.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss H.R. 3427, the State Ethics Law Protection Act. In a day and age where indictments and allegations of wrongdoing have become all too common, in fact, in Illinois, people read the scandal du jour in their newspaper. In this event, many States and local governments have enacted laws to eliminate awarding contracting based on pay-to-play, a practice of trading campaign contributions for lucrative government contracts. Sadly, a loophole in the Federal Highway Administration's contracting requirements is making it difficult, if not impossible, for States to implement these anti-corruption laws if they want to continue to receive Federal highway support. It is up to us in Washington to make sure that our constituents are best served and their taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely. By amending the Federal Highway Administration's contracting requirements, we in Washington can ensure that States have every tool at their disposal to encourage and ensure transparency and accountability. Please join me in supporting H.R. 3427, the State Ethics Law Protection Act, to ensure our dollars are being spent efficiently and effectively.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, welcome back. I rise today to urge my colleagues to act swiftly to reauthorize the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Act before it sunsets at the end of this month. Nineteen years ago, Ryan White, a young man who contracted HIV from a routine blood transfusion for his hemophilia, died from AIDS. Out of Ryan's death came life in the form of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act, which now provides care to 500,000 victims of AIDS and their families each year. The Ryan White Act is considered the ``payer of last resort,'' providing assistance to those who would otherwise go without care. Reauthorizing the Ryan White Treatment Modernization Act is imperative, and so is passing health care reform. While Ryan White is gone, we owe it to work together to swiftly pass the Ryan White Act and health care reform.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the outstanding impact that the Jane Addams Resource Corporation has had on the lives of Chicago's residents and the strength of its communities through their groundbreaking and exemplary job training and community building programs. First created in 1985 to stem the flow of manufacturing jobs out of the Ravenswood Industrial corridor, the work of the Jane Addams Resource Corporation has been met with enthusiasm and success. Providing a variety of Education and Human Development Programs, excellent skills training and support services to low-income and unemployed workers, and Business and Real Estate Programs, the JARC has helped to transform and revitalize Chicago's neighborhoods by strengthening the local economy and putting people back to work. The Corporation's extraordinary efforts have been recognized both regionally and nationally, and its programs have become a model for community and economic development throughout the United States. Over the past 24 years, JARC has emerged as an invaluable benefactor of communities and neighborhoods throughout the Chicagoland area. Recognizing that strong local communities are often a product of a vibrant local economy, the JARC has employed a dynamic approach to community development by providing high quality skills training to low-income and unemployed workers, and at the same time building strong relationships with Chicago-area manufacturers to provide JARC graduates with well paying jobs. As a result, Chicago neighborhoods and businesses have been strengthened and low-wage earners and the unemployed have found self-sufficiency and hope. Madam Speaker, in the midst of economic turmoil and the worst recession since the 1930s, the Jane Addams Resource Center has been a beacon of hope and help for the people who need it most. In the last year alone, 1,191 low-wage workers received employer-based manufacturing skills training with a completion rate of 99%, 25 previously unemployed individuals were trained and placed in full-time jobs with an average hourly wage of over $13.00, and in just the past 6 weeks, 7 trainees were placed in jobs. In working to improve Chicago's neighborhoods and provide valuable training to low-wage workers and the unemployed, the JARC has emerged as a unifying and beneficial force in the Chicagoland area, and I thank them for their 24 years of exceptional service to Chicago's communities and citizens.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the long and distinguished career of Mr. Steve Moses. Mr. Moses retired on August 28, 2009 after working for the Federal Government since he was 35. For the past twelve years, Mr. Moses has served as the Chicago Passport Agency's Customer Service Manager and Congressional Liaison. Since he began, his duties have grown from helping 250 Passport Acceptance Facilities in the Chicago Passport Region (Illinois and Michigan) to over 950. His office expanded from a one person operation to the recent addition of a night-shift Customer Service Manager along with a team of two passport specialists and a customer service assistant. The increased workload did not dampen his bright attitude, however. Mr. Moses consistently does all he can to solve passport problems and ensure positive outcomes. Over the years, he has proven to be a model government employee, and he will be missed. Madam Speaker, I congratulate Steve Moses for his lengthy and influential career, and thank him for his many outstanding contributions to the city of Chicago. I wish him the best of luck and continued happiness in his retirement and all his future endeavors.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Ms. Jane Markham, a dedicated member of my district office staff. Jane's last day as a Congressional Aide and District Representative in our office will be August 1, 2009, and she deserves our wholehearted appreciation for her work. Jane Markham began her career working for Congress in 1997 as District Director and Field Representative for Congresswoman Darlene Hooley and in 2003 she came to Chicago, Illinois to work for Congressman Rahm Emanuel, serving as a Congressional Aide and District Representative. She was instrumental to my transition into Congress and has served the needs of countless constituents of the 5th District. While Jane's dedication and integrity will be sorely missed, her infectious personality and jovial attitude will be irreplaceable. Her sense of humor and vivacity are her trademark and our district staff will be at a loss without her unfaltering ability to make a person smile. Jane's family has always been a priority in her life. She and her husband David Cameron are the proud parents of their children, Mira and Julia. We thank Jane for her time in our office, both as a co-worker tirelessly dedicated to constituent services and as a friend. We wish her all the best in the future knowing wherever that she may be, Jane will be going there with a confidence and liveliness that will be felt by all.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the extraordinary efforts of the Pizza 4 Patriots Organization, Uno Chicago Grill, and DHL, in teaming up to provide Chicago-style deep dish pizzas on Independence Day to our service men and women serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan. The cumulative effort brought 28,000 pizzas to the troops, allowing them to celebrate our nation's day of independence with a taste and feel of home. The initiative of retired Air Force Master Sergeant Mark Evans, Pizza 4 Patriots is a non-profit organization that seeks to honor the service of the United States' Armed Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. With pizzas provided by Uno Chicago Grill and international delivery service provided by DHL, Operation Pizza Surge broke the record for the ``World's Largest Pizza Party,'' and will go down in the Guinness Book of World Records as such. As our service men and women continue to courageously protect our freedom and liberties throughout the Middle East, the services provided by Pizza 4 Patriots, Uno Chicago Grill, and DHL are of the utmost importance. In garnering donations from individuals and organizations to make Operation Pizza Surge possible, they have helped raise awareness and recognition of the outstanding and courageous job that the United States' military continues to do to protect the liberty and safety of the American people. We must always remember and pay tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those proud men and women who serve and protect the American people. The efforts of Pizza 4 Patriots, Uno Chicago Grill, and DHL remind us that as we celebrate our independence at home, it is the efforts of our armed forces that allow us to do so. Madam Speaker, today we congratulate Pizza 4 Patriots, Uno Chicago Grill, and DHL for a successful completion of Operation Pizza Surge, and we thank them for providing our brave troops with a slice of home while they protect our country and our freedoms abroad.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the outstanding impact that the Chicago area Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) Program has had in promoting literacy and bringing together families and communities throughout the Chicagoland area. Since its formation in 1972, Reading Is Fundamental in Chicago has fought passionately and effectively to combat illiteracy in inner city neighborhoods, and its efforts have been met with both enthusiasm and success. Utilizing an extensive network that now includes 82 Chicago Public Schools, RIF in Chicago has distributed over 3 and a half million books to inner city children, including over 199,000 in the last school year alone. In doing so, the organization has been instrumental in raising awareness of the burden of illiteracy, and has brought together formerly disparate groups and communities to combat a problem that affects us all. Recognizing that illiteracy is so often symptomatic of poverty, RIF in Chicago has focused its resources on the city's most impoverished and underserved areas--communities in which books and literacy resources are a luxury rather than a right. And through the implementation of groundbreaking initiatives such as ``Project Open Book,'' ``Adolescents-at Risk,'' and the ``Young Women's Zine Project,'' RIF in Chicago has empowered children throughout the Chicagoland area, helped to strengthen inner city communities, and has taken great strides towards the goal of making education a right of every individual, regardless of one's socioeconomic status. Madam Speaker, in a day and age in which illiteracy can pose a significant barrier to success in the professional world, I commend the extraordinary efforts and success of the Reading Is Fundamental Program in Chicago. In working to eradicate illiteracy in Chicago's inner-city neighborhoods, Reading Is Fundamental in Chicago has emerged as a unifying force in the same neighborhoods, bringing together families and strengthening communities. Once again, I applaud the organization's important work and thank them for over 37 years of service to Chicago's children.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the long and distinguished career of Chicago Alderman William JP Banks. On August 31, 2009, Alderman William JP Banks will retire from his career in public service after 26 years. Born in the Galewood-Montclare community, Alderman Banks graduated from DePaul University and the DePaul University College of Law, never straying far from his Chicago roots and the city he went on to serve for so long. He and his wife, Shirley, have lived in and have raised their two children, Lisa and Joseph, in this same community. In 1983, Mr. Banks won a seat in the City Council and has since become the highest ranking Italian-American in the Council's history. Throughout his illustrious career in public service, Alderman Banks has stood out as the Chairman of the City Council's Committee on Zoning, where he created an incentive program that has generated more than $12 million for affordable housing developments in neighborhoods throughout the city. Additionally, he has authored and co-sponsored hundreds of legislative initiatives benefitting the people of Chicago that promote responsible government, support our troops and improve law enforcement. Mr. Banks' role in the community did not stop in his office. It would be impossible to list all of Mr. Banks' involvements with community organizations, but a select few show his wide-reaching involvement with all members of his community. For example, he is an active member of the Galewood-Montclare Community Organization, the North Austin Business Association, the Polish National Alliance, and the Fraternal Order of Police, and is a Board Member of the Chicago Shriner's Hospital. One can judge a public servant's work by his community support, and looking at Alderman Banks' accolades, one can see how invaluable he has been to his constituents. He has received more than 600 awards from Youth Sports Activities and Educational programs throughout the city, a Friends of Downtown award, and numerous Person of the Year awards from organizations throughout Chicago. Madam Speaker, I congratulate and thank William Banks for his lengthy and influential career and his many outstanding contributions to the city of Chicago. I wish him the best of luck and continued happiness in his retirement and all his future endeavors.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Chicago Chapter of the American Veterans for Equal Rights (AVER), an organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, on the occasion of the City of Chicago's annual Salute to LGBT veterans. Founded in 1992, the Chicago Chapter of AVER provides support to LGBT veterans in the Chicago metropolitan area. Members of AVER have served in every war from World War II to Iraq and Afghanistan. Each year, AVER members march in Chicago's Memorial Day Parade and in Chicago's Gay Pride Parade. By doing so, AVER members bear witness to the fact that gay and lesbian Americans have served throughout our history to defend the United States in time of war and to preserve our freedoms and democracy. AVER fights not only for LGBT veterans but also for gay and lesbian soldiers currently serving in our armed forces, especially those who are in harm's way in Iraq and Afghanistan. AVER members travel to Washington every year to lobby members of Congress for an end to the ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell'' policy. For fifteen years, AVER has fought against this detrimental policy that requires gay and lesbian servicemembers to deny who they are and to lie about their lives. Our democratic allies--from the United Kingdom to Israel--allow gay and lesbian soldiers to serve openly without any adverse effects on military preparedness or morale. This is the basic fairness and justice that AVER seeks for gay and lesbian American soldiers. Madam Speaker, I also want to recognize Jim Darby, the founder of the Chicago Chapter of AVER and a Korean War veteran. Jim served in the Navy as a Russian-language specialist. Along with all the other AVER members, Jim has fought tirelessly to educate the general public and the Congress about the plight of LGBT veterans and active servicemembers. What AVER seeks is what we should all seek: respect and honor for all those who have served and who are serving the United States of America through our Armed Forces.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the rule and in strong opposition to the Pence amendment. At a time when we are consumed with discussions of expanding health care to the uninsured and on improving our health care system, I find this amendment confusing. The Pence amendment would effectively cut off 1.7 million women from what, in many cases, serves as their primary care provider, Planned Parenthood. Aren't we trying to expand coverage, not limit it? Thirty-six percent of women receiving family planning care through the Title X program do so through Planned Parenthood. Let's be clear: These services do not include abortion. Title X dollars are prohibited from being spent on abortion. The services we are talking about cutting include breast exams, the testing for cervical cancer, the screenings for sexually transmitted diseases, HIV screening, and family planning services. Planned Parenthood has worked for over 90 years to educate women about pregnancy and to help prevent unintended pregnancies and, thus, the need for abortion. For 1.7 million, the only medical care they will be able to receive this year is from a provider at Planned Parenthood. Why, when we are working so diligently to reform our health care system, would we take away the only source of health care to so many women? Vote ``no'' on this destructive amendment. Vote ``no'' on the Pence amendment.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Art Therapy Connection, a not-for-profit that has empowered hundreds of struggling students in the Chicago public school system. Art Therapy Connection teaches students to deal with negative emotions and hardship through the use of creative outlets, which have consistently rendered them better behaved, more focused and more successful in school. Art therapy helps raise children's self-esteem by encouraging self-expression and providing them the opportunity to work through their behavioral and social problems in a fun, motivating way. In addition, Art Therapy Connection brings art to schools that have cut it from the curriculum through the Visiting Artist Program that connects students to artists in the community. Art Therapy Connection has grown each year, reaching out weekly to over 150 students at five different grade schools and high schools in the 2008-2009 school year and is still expanding. I would like to honor Art Therapy Connection for working tirelessly to make art therapy available to as many students as possible. The program has proven to be an invaluable resource for children in the Chicago public school system.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Sweet Miss Giving's. This bakery with a social conscience has helped the homeless and HIV-positive of Chicago by creating jobs, teaching skills, and giving back to the community. Sweet Miss Giving's arose to give the homeless and disabled of Chicago an opportunity to obtain practical skills through real world working experience. The bakery gives participants a place to work after completing job training so they may gain the confidence and talent enabling them to find work in the future. Their decadent baked goods are currently being sold at dozens of local businesses and restaurants around Chicago and over fifty percent of proceeds are donated to Chicago House, the first provider of AIDS housing in the Midwest. Sweet Miss Giving's offers hope of achieving self-sufficiency for those who had previously considered themselves unemployable. I am proud to recognize the hard work, ingenuity, and charity of this bakery that improves people's lives and their prospects for the future.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Genesis at the Crossroads, a non-profit organization whose mission is to bridge cultures in conflict through the arts and to create innovative arts- education programs around the world. Founded in 1999 by Dr. Wendy Sternberg, Genesis at the Crossroads utilizes the arts as a form of diplomacy, using expression to foster understanding. The organization brings together ethnic artists to share their talents and unite their audiences in celebrations of diversity. Art is the adhesive that keeps world cultures united. Artistic expression and appreciation are fostered by Genesis at the Crossroads through programs such as the HAMSA-Fest, which celebrates Middle Eastern and North African art, and Our World One Piece at a Time, a peace quilt program that fosters philanthropy and understanding among youth. Genesis at the Crossroads creates the unique and rare opportunity to truly work in unison with those of differing and often conflicting backgrounds. The success of the organization, now in its tenth year, is a testament to the power of the arts. We congratulate Genesis at the Crossroads on their ten-year anniversary and thank their artists, organizers, and audiences that have participated in their programs. Genesis at the Crossroads has proven understanding is possible regardless of conflict, when we combine passion for the arts and compassion for others.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. I rise today because we cannot forget one important factor in the health care reform debate, that the cost of inaction far outweighs today's price tag. We believe that we can live with our health care system as is; yet we forget, until we show up in the emergency room at 1 in the morning with our daughter who is sick, that there is already a bureaucrat in the room: our health insurance company. We believe that those who are uncovered are costing us nothing; yet they are overwhelming our emergency care facilities and costing you, the taxpayer, overwhelming amounts in fees that they cannot pay out of pocket. We believe that health care reform is synonymous with rising costs; yet we forget that costs are already on the rise. We're paying more out of pocket, whether covered by an insurance plan or not, and getting less. If health care costs continue to increase at the rate they have, most American households will be spending 45 percent of their income on health insurance by 2016. Premiums have doubled in 9 years, three times faster than wages. Yes, Mr. Speaker, the cost of inaction far outweighs today's price tag.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Ms. Young Ju Ji. Ms. Ji is the Executive Director of Korean American Women in Need, KANWIN, and a well-respected member of the Korean-American community in Chicago. KANWIN helps Korean-American survivors of domestic violence and is one of a few organizations in the country with such a mission. The organization's formation began amid controversy as it publicly stated that women should not be subjected to violence or brutality at the hand of her husband or partner. KANWIN has served thousands of families in Chicago, giving women and their children renewed optimism and opportunity. Ms. Ji immigrated to the U.S. in 1999 to Chicago where she and her family now reside. In addition to her work at KANWIN, Ms. Ji teaches both adults and children Korean drumming, one of her many efforts to preserve Korean culture in Chicago. She also is a Board Member at the Korean-American Resource and Cultural Center, KRCC. Ms. Ji is well-respected and vital to the Korean-American community. She is a natural leader and her strength invigorates the men and women whose lives she has affected. In her charity, few things are ever unavailable. Ms. Ji, her husband and their two young children regularly open their home and share their financial resources and time to those in need. It is my privilege to recognize Ms. Young Ju Ji as an outstanding member of our community and as a person who deserves our country's honor.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Dr. Kap Joon No. Dr. No, a first generation Korean, is a medical doctor at Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago and is a well-known and well- respected member of the Korean-American community. Dr. No served as the past president of the Arirang Lions Club, to which he is still an active member. The Arirang Lions Club has held an annual picnic for Korean adoptees and their families for over 30 years and have within recent years started organizing trips for adoptees to visit Korea through a partnership with their sister club in Seoul. Dr. No has been also been instrumental in coordinating a free health clinic annually, where over 400 community members are able to receive medical diagnosis and treatment that they would not otherwise receive. Additionally, through his own private medical practice Dr. No personally assists those in need. Not only is Dr. No committed to serving the community, his wife and his two daughters, both of whom are in medical school, are just as dedicated to helping those in need. We may never be able to thank Dr. No and his family enough for the time and finances they have selflessly dedicated to others in need and we are not the first to recognize his humanitarianism and concern for others. Last year, The Chicago Sun-Times named Dr. No one of the ``50 People Who Make Chicago a Better Place'' due to his outstanding service. To further add to his distinctions, I would like to formally recognize Dr. No and his family's dedication to those in need and his service as a hero of the local community.