Mike Quigley

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, Saturday morning the well-loved hockey player, Reggie Fleming, passed away. As a former player on the Chicago Blackhawks and a member of the ``Hawks'' team that won the Stanley Cup in 1961, Reggie left a lasting impact on the city of Chicago. In four seasons with the Blackhawks, Reggie spent over 455 minutes in the penalty box, making his mark as a hard-nosed player. He called himself the ``policeman of the team,'' remarking that though he was not the highest scorer, he did what he loved: played hockey. Though he moved on to play elsewhere, Reggie's home was always Chicago. Even after his days ended in the NHL, he continued to do what he loved, returning to our city to play for the World Hockey Association's Chicago Cougars. After falling ill five years ago, he moved to a rehabilitation facility, where he fought a brave battle against illness and where his son Chris, a noted filmmaker, documented his father's memories of his finest moments. He says that his father's roughness on the ice was not mirrored off it. Our sympathies go out to Chris, his sister Kelly, and the rest of the Fleming family in this difficult time. Reggie will be long remembered as a hockey player, family man, and true Chicagoan, not only by his family, but by many around Chicago and across America.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Catherine Soo Jung Han. Ms. Han is a second generation Korean who, in taking after her late father, tirelessly dedicates her time to the well-being of others in the community. Ms. Han's father was a Tae Kwon Do Master in Chicago and he would often give up his own possessions in order to help those in need. Ms. Han is currently a board member with the Korean American Resource and Cultural Center. She served as Board President from 2006 to 2008 and as Board Secretary from 2003 to 2006. Ms. Han has been instrumental in the KRCC's Project Participate, which registers, educates and mobilizes over 8,000 Korean-American voters in local, state, and federal elections. Ms. Han is currently the only female performer in Il Kwa Nori, the KRCC's professional pungmul, traditional Korean drumming, troupe which performs both within and outside the Korean American community 25 times annually. In addition to performing, Ms. Han teaches youth workshops in drumming. Her influence on youth extends further for she encourages children she helps to make volunteerism a priority in their lives. I am honored to recognize Catherine Soo Jung Han. She exemplifies the values of integrity and compassion, and those who have been inspired by her will be the living legacy of both her efforts and her father's. I thank her and those who have joined her in strengthening the community.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to discuss our relationship with our neighbor to the south, Cuba. I applaud President Obama for his plan to re-engage Cuba in a constructive dialogue and support his first steps to that end. But I must ask, what has Cuba done? Improving the relationship between the United States and Cuba is something I strongly support, but I do not support this partnership at any cost. I must ask, what has Cuba done? Cuba is still imprisoning political dissidents; Cuba still denies gay and lesbian citizens basic rights like freedom of assembly; Cuba still forbids travel outside the country without official permission. We cannot tacitly reward this behavior by restoring normal relations with Cuba without asking what has Cuba done. Our ultimate progress is up to Cuba, and our shared diplomacy must be a two-way street.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. I rise today to congratulate President Obama on reaching an agreement on nuclear arms control with Russian President Medvedev. This agreement will cut American and Russian nuclear arsenals by at least one quarter. This represents a critical step towards more substantial arms control, as well as a milestone in confronting our nuclear legacy. I, like most Americans, was born in the nuclear age. The 1945 bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki marked its beginning, establishing an uncertain peace in a war-weary world. But with the global proliferation of nuclear weapons, the threat of catastrophe grew ever closer. Confrontations in Berlin, in Cuba and the Middle East were one miscalculation away from disaster. But rather than learning from these close calls and taking dramatic steps to reduce our stockpiles of nuclear arms, we built more, and so did the Soviet Union. Our arms control efforts were limited at best, and at worst they collapsed under the pressure of pursuing a global containment strategy against the Soviet Union. Today, the United States and Russia each deploy over 2,000 nuclear warheads. Although both countries exercise extreme care in managing these weapons, only one mistake in judgment could be fatal. That risk has grown as seven other countries have joined the so-called nuclear club over the past half century. Our nuclear warheads are also expensive to maintain and draw badly needed funding away from other priorities. As former President Eisenhower said, ``Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired, signifies in the final sense a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed.'' For this reason I stand here today not only to congratulate President Obama on his progress in Moscow, but also to urge him to take further steps toward reducing the global stockpile of nuclear weapons. Like President Obama, I recognize that we live in a world in which threats to peace are no longer confined to the traditional great powers. I echo President Obama's sentiment that in this ``strange turn of history, the threat of global nuclear war has gone down, but the risk of nuclear attack has gone up.'' Rogue states and terrorist organizations are dedicated to acquiring nuclear weapons. We must be vigilant in controlling these weapons and making sure that they do not fall into the wrong hands. A nuclear arms treaty with Russia to replace the expiring START treaty is a good place to start. We should also ratify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty which aims to limit the proliferation of nuclear weapons around the world. We must confront the terrible legacy of the Cold War. We must recognize that although this legacy belongs to another generation, it is now our responsibility to enact change. We must stop wasting money on the excesses of the Cold War and start thinking about improving the present. We must show the world that we are committed to reducing this nuclear threat. We must do everything we can to ensure that nuclear weapons are never used again.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Robert McNamara once said, ``You can correct a wrong only if you understand how it occurred and you take steps to make sure it won't happen again.'' Today, as we mark the passing of the late Secretary, I think it's time to apply the lessons he learned in Vietnam to our own times. He said, ``We are not omniscient. If we cannot persuade other nations with similar interests and similar values of the merits of the proposed use of that power, we should not proceed unilaterally.'' We had to learn that lesson again in Iraq. He also said, ``Our judgments of friend and foe, alike, reflected our profound ignorance of the history, culture, and politics of the people in the area, and the personalities and habits of their leaders.'' That's another lesson we learned again in Iraq. Secretary McNamara's Vietnam regrets also extended to the homefront. He confessed that ``We failed to draw Congress and the American people into a full and frank discussion and debate of the pros and cons of a large-scale military involvement before we initiated the action.'' Unfortunately, we did the same thing with Iraq. Instead of being straight with the American people, we spent years reducing the debate to a false choice between ``stay the course'' and ``cut and run.'' Today, as in McNamara's time, we face the consequences of our silence. McNamara also recognized that we did not learn from his initial mistake. We stuck to the same tired plan of action, even if it had minimal relevance to the situation on the ground. ``After the action got underway,'' McNamara said, ``and unanticipated events forced us off our planned course, we did not fully explain what was happening and why we were doing what we did.'' We have learned that same lesson again in Iraq and too often find ourselves bogged down by unattainable goals and unable to explain why we are there and what we plan to do about it. Unfortunately, we have had to learn many of the same lessons twice. In the early years of the Vietnam war, just as in the early years of the Afghanistan and Iraqi wars, you could state with confidence that our military was the most powerful in the world. But military strength does not always translate into victory on the ground. Secretary McNamara had learned a terrible lesson, that fighting a war without committed allies, without planning, without public discussion and against an enemy force defending its home territory, is not a winning proposition. In fact, in 1962, McNamara said, ``Every quantitative measurement we have shows we're winning this war.'' But Vietnam wasn't ultimately about quantitative measures. It wasn't enough to burn out its jungles with napalm or blockade its ports with gunships. The bigger issue was strategy, planning and foresight. We didn't know why we were fighting in the first place nor what we are fighting to achieve in the long run. We had no perspective from which to evaluate our progress and reevaluate our goals. All we had were empty measures of troops, bombs and jets. The lesson of Vietnam has had to be learned and relearned too many times. Secretary McNamara finally admitted in 1995, ``We were in the wrong place with the wrong tactics.'' At this time of his passing, we should take a moment to reflect on his legacy and take steps to ensure the wrongs of Vietnam don't happen again. The key lesson from Secretary McNamara is that we do that we do not live in a simple world with simple solutions. Military force is only one piece of the puzzle. Success depends on many variables. McNamara saw this complexity in Vietnam. ``We failed to recognize that in international affairs, as in other aspects of life, there may be problems for which there are no immediate solutions. At times we may have to live with an imperfect, untidy world.'' That same complexity exists in the present conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. We need an open and frank discussion of our goals as well as how we plan to achieve them. The American people deserve to know if we are in the wrong place with the wrong tactics. Let's not sacrifice another generation to a war we think we are winning on paper.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the long and distinguished career of Richard F. Mell. Alderman Mell, who is celebrating his 35th year of service, is a vital part of the Chicago community. Born in Muskegon, Michigan, Dick Mell began his career in public service shortly after moving to Chicago, starting as a precinct captain with the 33rd Ward Regular Democratic Organization and working closely with a variety of neighborhood organizations. Knowing he could do more to help the community by taking on a larger role, in 1975, he ran to be Alderman of the 33rd Ward and won. A year later, he became the Ward Committeeman and took his seat on the Democratic Central Committee of Cook County, representing his community on Chicago's Northwest side. Alderman Mell has continued to take on important and influential roles throughout his successful career. He held the office of Vice Mayor of the City of Chicago for eight years and currently serves as Chairman of the Committee on Committees, Rules and Ethics. He is also a member of the Committees on Budget and Governmental Operations, Finance, Health, Housing & Land Acquisition, Human Relations, and Traffic Control and Safety. As Alderman, Mr. Mell has always put his community first, remaining accessible to his constituents with an open door policy and frequent attendance at community meetings. He celebrates his multi-ethnic, multi-racial community and understands that diversity stimulates growth in all of its residents. He consistently strives to protect his entire community and has helped make possible social programs to assist the less fortunate. Alderman Mell's list of accomplishments is longer than this statement will allow and includes setting new ethic codes for elected officials, fighting absentee slum landlords in housing courts, initiating an Adjacent Neighborhood Program that rids the city of vacant lots, and fighting to decrease graffiti in the city by banning spray paint and passing an ordinance that allows judges to sentence graffiti vandals to community service work. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Alderman Richard Mell and his extraordinary career, and thank him for his many outstanding contributions to the City of Chicago and its citizens. His commitment to public service stands as an example to us all.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. It's interesting, earlier today someone asked me: How can you vote for this measure, because global warming is a hoax. My answer was: It's very simple. I remove the blinders there that exist with some of my colleagues who think that global warming is a hoax. I remind them that there are zero peer-reviewed scientific studies that say global warming is a hoax. There are hundreds of peer-reviewed scientific studies that say global warming is real and that man's actions contribute greatly to that increase in temperature. We are often asked: What is our legacy here? What really matters about what we do? And I'd like to think it's how our children and our grandchildren will react to what we did and what we left behind. So let's face reality and do what is right for our children and our children's children.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, yesterday evening the highly respected radio and television broadcasting pioneer John Callaway died in Chicago. After more than 30 years with Chicago's Public Television, John Callaway's extraordinary dedication to honest journalism that served the people will be greatly missed. John can be credited with many great firsts in the world of televised broadcasting. He was a leader in the nationwide development of CBS news stations and hosted WTTW's Chicago's first evening news analysis. The former Peabody and Emmy Award winner had said that he hoped his shows would allow the viewer to see the ``fabric and soul of the city.'' Ladies and gentlemen, let me tell you in my city the fabric and soul is often both extraordinary and tragic. For me and many Chicagoans, the airwaves will feel quite empty without John Callaway as the host of channel 11's show ``Chicago's Tonight's Week in Review.'' Tonight he will be remembered not only by his loving wife, Sandra Callaway, and daughters Liz and Ann, but by the citizens of Chicago and the American people.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I read this evening with interest the President of the United States has threatened to veto the Defense bill if the additional funding exists for F-22 fighter planes. Mr. Speaker, the President is absolutely right. And the real problem today is that opportunity to vote against those unnecessary planes are not allowed in this rule. In the end we have to stop spending more and start spending smarter. I was extremely disappointed to learn that the administration's recommendation to halt the F-22 program was overridden. 187 F-22 Raptor fighter jets are not enough? The Raptor has not even been deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan, our two largest military fronts. While I am not an expert on defense procurement, our Defense Secretary, Robert Gates, is. So I tend to believe him when he said that the notion of not buying 60 more F-22s imperils the national security of the United States is ``completely nonsense.'' We are far and away the most superior air force in the world. Why would we pour billions more into an area where we already dominate and continue to support an aircraft that is not suited to the current battlefields in which we fight? We have to invest in low-tech equipment such as unmanned drones, which are effective in those areas of conflict. And always remember that every defense dollar spent to bolster an area where we already dominate is a dollar we don't have to spend to take care of our soldiers, strengthen our forces, and improve in areas where we may be vulnerable and our soldiers may be vulnerable. Again, we have to simply stop spending more and start spending smarter. Our soldiers deserve it. The taxpayers deserve it.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the formation of a new judicial association--the Alliance of Illinois Judges, AIJ, which has been established to address lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues in the judiciary and the legal system as a whole. Founded by the Lesbian and Gay Judges of the Circuit Court of Cook County, the Alliance of Illinois Judges will serve to assist judges, lawyers and law students; to make sure that LGBT individuals interacting with the legal system are treated with respect and without regard to their sexual orientation or gender identity; and to help people in the LGBT community better understand how the courts and the legal system work. The Alliance of Illinois Judges has also been set up to advocate for their members. The formation of All reminds us that lesbian and gay judges in Illinois--like lesbian and gay employees all over the country--are treated differently than their heterosexual counterparts. All intends to address these inequities. In the last 15 years, the judiciary in Illinois and in Cook County has been transformed by the addition of many highly talented and dedicated gay and lesbian judges. Their presence in Cook County has brought about a sea change in attitudes in one of the largest consolidated court systems in the world. In 1993, Cook County and Illinois took a giant step forward when Judge Tom Chiola, one of the founding members of AIJ, was elected not only as the first openly gay judge but also as the first openly gay elected official in Illinois. Then, in 1996, Judge Sebastian Patti was elected in a countywide election in Cook County, the second largest county in the nation. And in 1999, Nancy Katz, the first lesbian judge, was elected an Associate Judge of the Cook County Circuit Court. This month the Alliance of Illinois Judges is being launched with 16 founding members. Madam Speaker, I want to offer my very best wishes to the Alliance of Illinois Judges and to all its members. The professional achievements of these individuals, their enormous contributions to the civic life of Chicago, Cook County and Illinois and their dedication to the legal profession remind us once again, especially during Gay Pride Month, of what we as a nation owe to lesbian and gay Americans and to the entire LGBT community.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Conde Hackbarth, who passed away on June 6 following a 28-year battle with cancer. Conde Hackbarth was born on August 8, 1937, to Elizabeth and John Spaulding. She grew up in Chicago and Winnetka and raised her family in Kenilworth and Lake Forest. An accomplished student, she graduated from New Trier High School in 1955 and Connecticut College in 1959. Conde spent her summers in Harbor Beach, Michigan, at her family cottage, and for the past 10 years she was a winter resident of the Ocean Reef community in Key Largo, Florida. Conde Hackbarth is survived by a loving family including her husband Philip, an attorney in Chicago, daughter Elizabeth Sears Smith, son Christopher Sears, stepchildren Rory Hackbarth and Philip Hackbarth, five grandchildren (Jane, Phineas, Sydney, Neil and Kathryn), and Brother Charles Spaulding. I ask that my colleagues join me in extending our deepest sympathies to the friends and family of Conde Hackbarth in this difficult time, as well as praise Conde for the grace, strength, and courage with which she waged her battle against cancer. Her life is an inspiration to us all.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Windy City Gay Chorus and all its current and past members on their 30th anniversary celebration. Founded in 1979, the Windy City Gay Chorus is the oldest gay chorus in Illinois and the Midwest and one of the oldest in the country. The Windy City Gay Chorus and its volunteer members have been distinguished for their commitment to professional-quality musical performances and their dedication to Chicago's LGBT community. WCGC is respected nationally and internationally and is regarded by critics and audiences as one of the outstanding gay choruses. It performs a wide variety of music from pop, jazz and swing to classical. Its annual ``Don We Now . . .'' concert is one of the highlights of Chicago's holiday season. The Windy City Gay Chorus has won numerous honors and awards, including first prize at the Johnny Mann Great American Choral Festival, the only gay group ever to do so. It has been invited to perform at meetings of the American Choral Directors Association, at the inauguration of Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, and at two of the world's most famous concert halls, Orchestra Hall in Chicago and Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center in New York. The Windy City Gay Chorus and its affiliated choruses--Aria, Unison and Windy City Slickers--use the universal language of music to bridge the divisions that separate us and to bring joy, hope and pride not just to the LGBT community but to everyone who experiences their music. The hard work and dedication of the Windy City Gay Chorus reminds us, especially during Gay Pride Month, of the enormous contributions that gay and lesbian Americans and the entire LGBT community have made to our country. Madam Speaker, I congratulate and thank the Windy City Gay Chorus and all its members for their service to our community and wish them 30 more years of making beautiful and uplifting music.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Morgan Aranda, a student of Newberry Academy in Chicago. She has come to Washington, D.C. this week to compete in the 2009 National History Day Contest at the University of Maryland. National History Day was started in 1974 with the intent of improving the historical literacy and research skills of junior high and high school aged children. Despite its name, National History Day has a variety of programs year-round, including its week-long national contest in which Morgan is a chosen participant. With the guidance and support of countless parents, teachers and friends, 500,000 students are able to participate in National History Day events annually. As Morgan and her fellow young historians would likely agree, the National History Day's motto, ``it's not just a day, it's an experience,'' rings true. Morgan has been selected to represent Illinois for her junior individual performance entitled ``Alexander Polikoff and the Fight for Fair Housing.'' Her work is the culmination of many hours of research and multiple public performances. Morgan's dedication, discipline and talent are undeniable. I'm honored to recognize Morgan and her achievements as a young historian. What she has accomplished already in her life are the beginnings of a bright and successful future and I wish her the best of luck at the competition and onward.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, the tobacco industry has been feeding us a line. In addition to selling tobacco, the industry is now selling us a story. They would have us believe that this bill, which will allow the FDA to regulate their tobacco, will ruin their industry, shut down small farms, and hurt already-hurting farmers who just want to earn a living. The truth is the tobacco industry has lied for decades about the addictive nature of tobacco. They have targeted our children as prime consumers of their deadly product, and they have produced and marketed a product that is the leading cause of preventible death in the United States, killing an estimated 438,000 people each year. It is past time to empower the FDA to step up and stop the tobacco companies from continuing to make false claims about tobacco and start telling the truth. For too many years, the tobacco industry has sold us a line. They've attempted to tell us what they're selling, but in reality, the only thing they've been selling us is sickness and death.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, nothing about coal is clean. From extraction, to waste slurry, to stream contamination in Appalachia, nothing--I repeat--nothing about this energy source is clean. In order to extract coal from the ground, mountains are literally blasted apart, killing wildlife and destroying forests, contributing to erosion, flooding and pollution that hits local communities and causes severe health problems. Over 1,200 miles of stream in Appalachia alone have been buried or completely contaminated because of mountaintop mining. In order to prepare the coal for burning, an overwhelming amount of water is needed to clean the coal. For every ton of coal cleaned, 20 to 40 gallons of water are used to wash the coal, creating a sludgy pollutant known as slurry. Over 90 million gallons of slurry are created every year while harvesting and preparing coal for burning. Keep in mind, we haven't even begun to burn the stuff yet. Green jobs are the key to economic and environmental progress in regions torn by surface and mountaintop mining and struggling economically due to the destruction of the land. These include jobs in wind, hydroelectric and biofuel power. These jobs will give hard-hit communities a long-term future for their families instead of a short- term paycheck in exchange for the quality of life in the region forever.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the anniversary of an important milestone in our American history. Today marks the 46th anniversary of the passage of the Equal Pay Act. In 1963, Congress passed the Equal Pay Act to prohibit employers from wage discrimination on the basis of someone's sex. This groundbreaking shift was a game-changer for women who were before, and in many places still are, treated as unequals in the workplace. It was important to level the playing field. It was important to provide equal pay for equal work. And it's important for us today to remember that we need more game- changers--that there are more wrongs to right, and that there are inequalities and injustices to remedy. That those things over which we have no control--our race, our gender, our sexual orientation, our disabilities--should not divide us or preclude anyone from achieving success and providing for his or her family. The enactment of the EPA was only the first step, and while women's salaries have risen dramatically, we have more work to do to end employment and pay discrimination. Let's remember that all Americans are created equal and deserve equal treatment. We should keep that in mind, not just today on this anniversary, but every day.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 505, condemning the murder of Dr. George Tiller. Dr. George Tiller was murdered in Wichita, Kansas, on May 31, 2009. Dr. Tiller was 67 years old, a father, a husband and a friend, and was killed in his place of worship, a place intended for peace and refuge that in a moment became a place for violence and murder. As stated in H. Res. 505, in the past 10 years, 38 people in the United States have been killed in their place of worship with 30 more sustaining wounds in those same incidents. This violence is deplorable, and never an acceptable avenue for expressing opposing viewpoints. I join the author of this bill, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, in offering my condolences to Dr. Tiller's family, and commit to the American principle that tolerance must always be superior to intolerance, and that violence is never an appropriate response to a difference in beliefs. It's nearly impossible to find comfort after such a senseless and horrific act, and I extend my deepest condolences to the Tiller family and all those families whose lives he touched. Like many others, Dr. Tiller persevered through decades of threats and attacks, and I condemn anyone who takes action or makes statements to incite violence as an acceptable response.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the long and distinguished career of Father John A. Farry. On June 30, 2009, Father Farry will retire from his position as Pastor at Saint Andrew Parish, the most recent parish in his 44 years of dedicated service. Born in Bronx, New York, Father Farry graduated from Quigley Preparatory Seminary in Chicago and continued on to St. Mary of the Lake Seminary--Mundelein in Mundelein, Illinois, where he was ordained a priest in 1965. Throughout his career, Father Farry has served many areas of the Chicago community, including Saint Bernard Parish in Englewood, Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish in Hyde Park, and Saint Andrew Parish in Northcenter. Father Farry also served in positions other than pastor when the community needed it, such as Catholic Community of Englewood Coordinator, leader of the Team Ministry at Saint Bernard Parish, and religion teacher at various schools in the area. He reached out to all members of the diverse community and is known for his selflessness and his compassion. Madam Speaker, I congratulate Father Farry on 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. Mr. Speaker, Poland has proven to be an indispensable ally in the global campaign against terrorism. Poland demonstrated its commitment to global security by becoming a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and has been a staunch ally to the United States during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Poland has been a valuable member state of the European Union, joining several other member states like France and Germany that take advantage of the visa waiver program. Poland unilaterally repealed a visa requirement for United States citizens traveling to Poland. I strongly believe that the United States should extend the visa waiver program, with its enhanced program security requirement, and extend visa-free privileges to Poland, a country that has proven its steadfast dedication to the cause of freedom and friendship with the United States. Poland has done much for the United States. Now it is our time to repay this great country.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Marilynn Rubio, a member of my staff. Friday, May 29, was Marilynn's last day as the Congressional Aide in our office. Marilynn has been serving the people of the Illinois Fifth Congressional District with distinction since 2007, and deserves our wholehearted thanks for her efforts. After graduating from DePaul University in 2007, Marilynn went to work for my predecessor, Rahm Emanuel, beginning as an intern. After spending a few months working for Emily's List, Marilynn returned to Congressman Emanuel's office in April 2008, working in the District Office and the Washington Office as a Congressional Aide. Marilynn has been extremely helpful to me as I've begun my time in Congress. I have certainly benefited from her experience handling casework for Spanish-speaking constituents, managing the Fifth Congressional District of Illinois office in the interim period, and assisting with travel, records and logistics for our new office. I would like to wish Marilynn the best of luck in her future endeavors, whether it be teaching English to students in Brazil, attending law school, or any other adventure. I know that she will find success in whatever path she chooses, and I thank her for her service to the people of the Illinois Fifth Congressional District.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Gerald ``Jerry'' Gustafson, a member of my staff. Next Friday, May 29th, is Jerry's last day as a Congressional Aide in our office. Jerry has been serving the people of the Fifth Congressional District of Illinois for many years. Jerry was born on the North West Side of the City of Chicago. His working experience spans from working in private industry as a personnel manager; a union representative at Central States Joint Board; and State of Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs. He has been working in the Fifth Congressional District Office having joined my predecessor Rahm Emanuel's staff in 2006. Jerry worked hard to develop close relationships with the many congressional liaisons and always knew the right person to contact for a constituent in need. Jerry always went above and beyond to provide assistance to those who were unable to access alternate means of assistance. He calmly dealt with many difficult circumstances. Jerry has been an extraordinary asset to my office as we've managed the transition process. It has been a lot of hard work, but that is nothing new to Jerry. Whether it was raising his two sons, Glenn and Kevin, with his wife, Barbara, working long hours, or volunteering in the community and the 32nd Ward Regular Democratic Organization, he has given his all every step of the way. Jerry's family has always been a priority in his life and the love and support they provide is the most important thing to him. I wish Jerry all the happiness in the future and thank him for his service to the people of Illinois' Fifth Congressional District.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a great and respected Chicagoan, Thomas R. Allen, Jr., who recently passed away at the age of 85. Thomas Allen Jr. was a man who lived life to the fullest, and the friends and family he had are a testament to the quality of his character and the type of man he was. Thomas R. Allen, Jr. was born on the 12th of February, 1924 on the West Side of the city of Chicago. He achieved his success in life through hard work and determination. He followed his own father into the bricklayers' trade after serving as a marine during World War II. After his service, Tom became involved with Local 21 of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers. He held the position of Midwest apprentice coordinator for the union for 35 years. He traveled the region to oversee the training of young people in his profession. It was Tom's connection to and involvement in his community that his friends will remember. He was an active member of St. Eugene's Parish. Not only had he served as an usher for 55 years, he also served as a youth basketball coach and a member of the Big Brother program. He had a smile and kind word for everyone Tom's top priority was always his family and the love and support they provided him was most important in his life. In 1948 he married his high school sweetheart, Irene Feehan, and together the couple raised eight children. His family includes their daughter, Barbara Wiemhoff and her husband John, their daughter, Nancy Cullerton and her husband Tim, and their sons; Thomas III and his wife, Janis, James and his wife, Lin, Dan and his wife, Sue, Patrick and his wife, Laura, and Terrence and his wife, Jean; 26 grandchildren and four great- grandchildren. After a long illness, Irene passed away in 1997. Madam Speaker, Thomas R. Allen, Jr. (``the real Tom Allen'') was an inspiration to all who knew him. I wish to express my deepest condolences to his family, and may God bless the Allen family and the memory of a man who was truly loved by his family, his friends, and his community.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Patricia Nino, a member of my staff. Next Friday, May 29th is Patricia's last day as the Staff Assistant in our office. Patricia has been serving the people of the Fifth Congressional District of Illinois since 1997. Patricia was born in Chicago, Illinois, and has raised her family here. Her working experience spans from the Chicago Board of Education, City of Chicago-Purchasing Department and working at the Chicago Park District until her retirement. She has been working in the Fifth Congressional District Office having joined my predecessor Rahm Emanuel's staff in 2003. Patricia has been a cornerstone for the Fifth Congressional District office for over a decade, and her cheerful disposition and dedication to service will be sorely missed. Patricia has always shown determination and heart in everything she's done, including raising two sons, caring for her ill husband, and volunteering in the community. Patricia's family has always been a priority in her life. Her two children, John and Frank, are the proud parents of her grandchildren, Collette, Dionna, Brittany and Lexie. Patricia is awaiting the birth of her first great-grandchild in August. I wish Patricia all the happiness in the future and thank her for her service to the people of Illinois' Fifth Congressional District.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great Chicagoan and a true friend, Patrick O'Connor, who passed away this past Tuesday. An athlete and a sports fan, Patrick was the past President of the Chicago Gaelic Athletic Association, and the St. Pat's Football Club. An active member of our community, Patrick was a committed member of the DeSoto Council Knights of Columbus. A dedicated family man, Patrick leaves behind his beloved wife Barbara, his five children: Michael, Robert, Catherine, Daniel, and Alderman Pat O'Connor, as well as dozens of grandchildren, nieces and nephews. On behalf of my family, and those lives in my district that Patrick touched over the years, I send my deepest condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed.