C. Ruppersberger

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. I yield 3 minutes to a senior member of the Intelligence Committee, the ranking member of the Terrorism Subcommittee, the gentleman from California (Mr. Thompson).

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. First, I rise in support of H.R. 754, the Intelligence Authorization Act for FY 2011. The men and women in the military and intelligence community who helped locate al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden exemplify the extraordinary courage and skill of those who work tirelessly to keep our community safe. They should be commended for a job well done. But our fight against terrorism is not over. We have severely weakened al Qaeda, but we must remain vigilant as we work to eliminate this threat. I believe that it's our responsibility to give our intelligence professionals the resources, capabilities, and authorities they need to do their jobs successfully. The Intelligence Authorization Act for FY 2011 has thousands of civilian positions above the level enacted in FY 2010 and above the level of people currently on board. This includes counterterrorism positions at the CIA and a large increase in personnel at the National Counterterrorism Center, the NCTC. The bill also adds hundreds of millions of dollars for intelligence above current levels. In response to the Web site WikiLeaks, the bill includes an insider threat detection program that automatically monitors unauthorized access to classified information. The way Congress conducts effective oversight of the intelligence community is by passing an Intelligence authorization bill to give the intelligence community budgetary direction. When I first got to the Intelligence Committee 8 years ago, right after 9/11, I was concerned with the lack of coordination and communication within the intelligence community. In the different areas in intelligence--the CIA, NSA, FBI--there was not the communication or coordination that was necessary. But this has definitely changed today. The Osama bin Laden mission proved that. Professionals from all across the intelligence community, including the CIA, NGA, NSA, and Special Ops, all came together as a team to get the job done. We are now on our game. We're working together. We're better than we've ever been. And we clearly have sent a message to the world: If you're going to attack Americans, if you're going to kill Americans, we're going to find you and we're going to bring you to justice. On the House Select Intelligence Committee we work together. Chairman Rogers, as he stated before, and I have agreed to work together in a bipartisan manner. The stakes are too high not to do so. I join Chairman Rogers in saying politics has no place in the Intelligence Committee. The threats are real and the stakes are too high. Sure, we will have disagreements. We will disagree from time to time on policy. But we will work together to work through these issues to do what is right for the intelligence community to protect our country and our national security. This is what we did in this budget. After months of negotiations with the majority and a number of changes to address many of the concerns of the administration, I believe this bill moves in a positive direction. It goes a long way to help our intelligence professionals get the job done. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. I yield the gentleman 30 additional seconds.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. I thank the gentleman for his amendment. I disagree with the chairman. I believe it's vitally important that we protect our railway infrastructure from terrorist attacks. Just last week, the Department of Homeland Security issued an intelligence message about potential al Qaeda contemplation in February 2010 of plots against the U.S. rail sector. While there was no imminent threat at that time, we must remain vigilant. It's important that we devote resources to this issue. I hope that we could work together with the chairman if the amendment does not pass so that we can focus on this serious area of threat to our national security. I urge a ``yes'' vote on this amendment.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. I rise to offer the amendment for Congresswoman Waters as her designee.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. I yield to the gentlewoman from California, Congresswoman Waters.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, first I want to recognize the distinguished vice chairman of the Intelligence Committee, Mr. Hastings, for his hard work over the course of his 8 years on the committee. I had the privilege of serving with Mr. Hastings, and know he was committed to supporting our intelligence professionals. He was a leader on the issue of diversity in the intelligence community, and I applaud him for those efforts. Having a diverse intelligence community workforce is not simply the right thing to do, but it is critical to our mission. Today, I am pleased to join my colleague and friend Michele Bachmann in support of H.R. 754, the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011. I thank her for her comments about partisan politics. The Intelligence Committee is a bipartisan committee that works together. The stakes are too high for us not to work together, and that's what we're attempting to do. Now, the killing of Osama bin Laden is clearly the most monumental intelligence achievement in recent history. Our intelligence professionals worked together as a team, brought Osama bin Laden to justice, and killed him. It was a risky mission that was executed with intense training and a high level of skill. These professionals risked their lives to keep our country safe, and no American lives were lost. I am pleased that Congress can provide the intelligence community with the resources, capabilities, authorities, and oversight they need to continue this great work. After months of negotiations and a number of changes to address many of the concerns of the administration, I believe this bill moves in a positive direction to assert congressional oversight over intelligence activities. I am also pleased that Chairman Rogers and I could come to an agreement to add additional counterterrorism positions to the CIA. With this change, I will support the bill. This bill adds several thousand civilian positions above the level enacted in FY 2010. There is also a large increase in personnel at the National Counterterrorism Center, which is the NCTC, among others. The bill adds hundreds of millions of dollars for intelligence above current levels. However, I urge a ``no'' vote on this rule because it does not allow all Members of Congress to offer amendments to this bill.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to mourn the loss and honor the life of Army Captain Charles E. Ridgley, Jr., who died April 16, 2011, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. A Maryland resident, Captain Ridgley was serving in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, and died of injuries sustained from a grenade attack by a suicide bomber on Forward Operating Base Gamberi. Four other brave American soldiers were killed in the attack. At the time of his death, Captain Ridgley was assigned to the 17th Combat Support Battalion, based in Fort Richardson, Alaska. He had just two weeks left of his first overseas assignment before he was due to come home. After overcoming a challenging childhood, Captain Ridgley joined the Army after earning his diploma from Walbrook Senior High School. He was inspired by his uncle's military service in the U.S. Air Force and participated in ROTC at Walbrook. He was commissioned a quartermaster officer in January 2007 and was assigned to Fort Richardson. While there, he earned his Bachelor's Degree in business administration with a concentration in global logistics from the University of Alaska. He was working toward his Master's Degree when he was deployed to Afghanistan. Known as responsible and family-oriented, Captain Ridgley took great pride in his daughter and great care of his mother. Captain Ridgley also worked as a martial arts instructor who enjoyed mentoring the children of fellow soldiers. He deeply valued education and ethics. Mr. Speaker, many Maryland soldiers have died in support of the global war on terror. Once again, we hang our heads with sorrow at the loss of another life. I ask that you join with me today to honor the life and memory of Captain Ridgley, a true Maryland hero. Captain Ridgley will be forever remembered as a dedicated soldier who greatly loved his country and faithfully served his fellow Americans by fighting for this great nation. He risked his life to serve our country and deserves our unending admiration and appreciation.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to serve as ranking member of the Intelligence Committee. The killing of Osama bin Laden is clearly the most monumental intelligence achievement in recent memory. Osama bin Laden was a terrorist leader who was responsible for killing thousands of innocent Americans--moms, dads, brothers, sisters, friends, and loved ones. Bin Laden was a threat to the United States and a threat to the world. He had the blood of thousands of people on his hands. As we all know, 9/11 changed America forever. Over the weekend, our military and intelligence professionals took extraordinary steps. They worked together as a team and killed the al Qaeda leader. It was a risky mission that was executed with intense training and a high level of skill. These professionals risked their lives to keep our country safe, and no American lives were lost. The men and women who carried out this operation exemplify the extraordinary courage of those who serve our Nation. The countless intelligence and counterterrorism professionals who had pursued bin Laden for years have the satisfaction of a job well done. I applaud them for their persistence and professionalism. It was a great day for America. Justice has now been done. But let it be known, we have shown the world that if you come after Americans, we will come after you. Even if it takes disciplined persistence by our intelligence professionals and considerable time and resources, we will get you. Let that be a warning to all members of al Qaeda and any terrorists who attack the United States. Our fight against terrorism and those who want to harm Americans is not over, but we have severely weakened al Qaeda. We will remain vigilant as we continue to work tirelessly to protect our Nation.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise to address the Senate amendment to H.R. 514, which would reauthorize three expiring provisions of the Patriot Act for an additional 90 days. Mr. Speaker, my position today remains the same as it was 3 days ago when we passed H.R. 514. As I said then, I would like to see a 3-year extension of these authorities until 2013, similar to S. 289, which is currently pending in the Senate. The President supports a 3-year extension, too, believing, as I do, that a 3-year term would give our Nation's intelligence and law enforcement agencies predictability and certainty in the conduct of their critical work. Setting a 3-year sunset would also take this debate out of the political realm of an election season, which I think is the best way to approach things. This should be a matter of what is best for America, without regard to electoral politics. I know that there are varying opinions on my side of the aisle, and principled members feel strongly in both directions. That is why I support reauthorization with a sunset, so we can take a second look at the authorities in 3 years to make sure they are being used properly and individual civil liberties are being protected--a critical consideration as we move forward. I believe including a sunset in the legislation provides the proper checks and balances necessary to ensure we are doing all we can to protect Americans while also protecting Americans' constitutional rights. I don't think anyone in this Chamber is happy with the position we are in now. Some of us wanted a 3-year reauthorization, some wanted a 10-month reauthorization, and some wanted no reauthorization. And now, here we are with 90 days, which ensures we will be back here having this debate soon. I hope that we can use the next 90 days to hear from all sides on how we can improve the Patriot Act, and I hope that we can all decide to set the sunsets in the future in such a way to minimize the impact of politics so we can focus on getting the policy right. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would like to rise to address H.R. 514, a bill that would reauthorize three expiring provisions of the Patriot Act until December of this year, just 10 months from now. Like the administration, I would like to see a 3-year extension of these authorities until 2013, similar to Senate bill 289 currently pending in the Senate. This longer term would give our Nation's intelligence and law enforcement agencies the predictability and certainty they need to keep our country safe in getting the politics out of intelligence. I believe there's no place for politics when it comes to protecting our country and our very way of life. It must be U.S.A. first. A 3-year extension of these authorities would keep the debate about the Patriot Act out of the heart of the election cycle. I believe including a sunset in the legislation provides the proper checks and balances necessary to ensure we are doing all we can to protect Americans, while also protecting Americans' constitutional rights. There will be people in my party who will be on both sides of this issue. Everyone deserves a voice when it comes to national security. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. General Leave

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, first, it's important that we hear all points of view from my colleagues when it comes to the reauthorization of the expiring Patriot Act provisions. I think the 3-year extension outlined in S. 289 will take politics out of this debate. I am pleased that this bill contains a sunset provision. It is important that these authorities have sunset dates so that Congress may evaluate the effectiveness of these tools on an ongoing basis. Only with rigorous oversight can we ensure that the privacy rights of Americans are protected. As ranking member of the Intelligence Committee, I will ensure that the committee conducts effective oversight of these provisions. I hope, in subsequent reauthorizations of the Patriot Act, that Congress continues to use sunset dates which will keep Congress in the business of oversight on these important authorities. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Kucinich).

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Schakowsky), a member of the Intelligence Committee.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, my heart goes out to all of the victims of the terrible tragedy--those that were killed or injured, their families and the entire Tucson community. I extend my condolences to all of the members of the Arizona delegation. My thoughts and prayers are with Gabby. I know she is a fighter. I recall our trip together to the Middle East. We met with the presidents of Israel, Lebanon and Syria before we traveled to Iraq, where we walked down the streets of Baghdad together. I was so impressed by her courage and commitment to the troops on the frontline. It is unthinkable to me that Gabby was safer in Baghdad than here in her own country. Every American has a right to express their opinion on whatever issue they choose, but there is no place in our society for this kind of hatred and violence. No one should have to think twice about their safety when they go to speak to their Congressman or attend a town hall meeting. This has been an attack not only on Gabby, her staff and her innocent constituents, but the democratic process itself. With every negative, we should put forth our best effort to find a positive. It is my hope that this horrific tragedy will bring our country and our Congress together. Our forefathers created a great system of government. Unfortunately, I don't think the spiteful partisanship of today is what they had in mind. We must be tolerant of other views--to tone down the ill-natured rhetoric--and discuss our opinions respectfully. The negative and personal attacks against one other must stop. I hope that Gabby makes a speedy recovery and can soon return to this floor where she will continue to be an example of courtesy and civility to us all. I yield the balance of my time.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Madam Speaker, as a member of the House Intelligence Committee, as chairman of the Technical and Tactical Intelligence Subcommittee and as a proud representative of the National Security Agency, which is in my district, I rise in support of H.R. 2701. It has been nearly 6 years since an intelligence authorization bill has been enacted into law. These bills help ensure that the intelligence community has the tools it needs to keep us safe and that Congress has the tools it needs to be effective in its oversight capacity. The bill before us today does both, and I would like to highlight two provisions. First, the bill includes significant reforms to the way the intelligence community makes major purchases. Our subcommittee has focused much of our time on helping to ensure that we buy the right kind of satellites at the right price. Just like recent reforms to our defense procurement process, this bill helps us protect tax dollars while keeping our country safe and secure. The Nunn-McCurdy provision requires congressional notification when costs run significantly over budget and cancels programs that run 25 percent or more over budget unless we get a reasonable explanation. Second, the bill gives the Director of National Intelligence a voice in the process as we review and update security-related export controls known as ITAR. These regulations restrict what American companies can sell overseas, but there are prohibitions on old, simple, and widely available technologies that are putting American companies at a severe disadvantage to foreign competitors. Before the restrictions went into effect in 1998, 73 percent of the world market for commercial satellites went to U.S. companies. By 2000, that figure had dropped to 27 percent. That's unacceptable. Loosening these outdated restrictions is critical to more than 250,000 American jobs supported by the satellite industry, which has taken a hit with the global economic downturn. Over the past 2 years, the industry has shed about 5 percent of its workforce. In addition to this bill under consideration today, the House has passed an ITAR provision in the Foreign Affairs authorization, and we are waiting for the Senate to act.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor the faculty and students at Eastern Technical High School of Baltimore County, which has recently been designated as a 2010 National Blue Ribbon School. The National Blue Ribbon Award recognizes public and private schools whose students have achieved at very high levels or have made significant progress and successfully closed achievement gaps, especially among disadvantaged and minority students. Eastern Technical High School is a magnet school that provides 10 different career path programs for students which will help prepare them to become productive members of the workforce in the future. Education is so important in setting our youth up for success and Eastern Technical High School provides a phenomenal example of how to effectively do so. In fact, Newsweek Magazine ranks Eastern Tech as among the top 5% of high schools in the United States. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor the faculty and students at Eastern Technical High School. It is their hard work and dedication that have won them the recognition of the National Blue Ribbon Award. The school's consistent outstanding performance is an indicator of the faculty's perseverance and the student body's drive. It is with great pride that I congratulate Eastern Technical High School on its exemplary service.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor the life of Captain E. Lorenzo DiCasagrande, a shipping executive who helped transform Baltimore into a nationally recognized container port and thus contributed to the economic vitality of Maryland communities. Captain DiCasagrande, who passed away May 21, 2010, was vice president of the Mediterranean Shipping Company for more than 20 years and was an early advocate of the Port of Baltimore. Within one year of joining the company, he had established weekly service for the line from East Coast ports, including Baltimore's South Locust Point Marine Terminal, which had previously been served by one ship once every two weeks. The company brought 8,000 containers each year to the South Locust Point shipping berth. Captain DiCasagrande then paved the way for the success of the Seagirt Marine Terminal in 1990 by being the first container line to commit to the then-new terminal. Today, the company is committed to 150,000 containers a year and is still growing, with five ship calls every week to the Seagirt terminal. In fact, the Mediterranean Shipping Company is Baltimore's top container customer. Earlier this year, Captain DiCasagrande celebrated with Maryland port officials as they broke ground on a new 50-foot berth for the Port, a long-time vision for him. The project will support 5,700 jobs and, when completed, accommodate larger ships and attract more cargo to Baltimore. It will help Baltimore maintain its current customers and attract new ones that will come aboard the larger ships of the future. A native of Italy, Captain DiCasagrande adopted Baltimore as his second home, fiercely defending the city in business negotiations. He worked hard to win customers and built a strong relationship with the port community, elected officials and his employees. His friends and business associates alike described him as a great leader, well- respected and well-liked. He was also a dedicated husband, father and grandfather. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join me today to honor the life of Captain Lorenzo E. DiCasagrande. His dedication as a tireless advocate for the Port of Baltimore is deserving of the utmost gratitude. He deserves credit for helping bring more cargo to Baltimore's piers and creating thousands of jobs for Maryland families.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of S. 1963, the ``Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act.'' I voted for components of this bill and would have voted in favor of this bill if not home recovering from surgery. This important legislation will help us to meet the needs of the men and women who have courageously sacrificed for our country and those that now care for them. This bill ensures that veterans and their families get the care and support they need after they have put their lives on the line defending our great country. We in Congress made a promise not to leave our veterans behind and this bill renews that promise. This bill addresses the unique needs of the families and caregivers of our wounded warriors, of returning women soldiers and those veterans who are catastrophically disabled. This bill provides support services to family and other caregivers of veterans, including education on how to give better care, counseling and mental health services, and respite care for family and other caregivers of all veterans. It also provides health care and a stipend for caregivers living with severely wounded veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, many of whom have had to leave a job to care for their veteran full-time. This bill improves health services for nearly 2 million female veterans. The VA will be able to provide care for female veterans' newborns for up to seven days for the first time in history and improve treatment for sexual trauma victims. It requires the VA to conduct a study of barriers to female veterans seeking health care and implement a reintegration pilot program. This law ensures the VA can better treat veterans suffering from mental health issues and provides the VA with resources to learn more about the tragically high suicide rate among veterans. This bill also prohibits copayments for veterans who are catastrophically disabled and creates a pilot program to provide certain dental services to veterans, survivors and their dependents. It also expands grants that fund critical organizations offering transitional housing and other support for homeless veterans. I believe this legislation offers comprehensive solutions to major, high-priority challenges facing veterans and their families. It brings hope to the men and women in uniform who have dedicated their lives to our country, and their families who have in turn dedicated their lives to caring for their wounded warriors at home.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor the service of John Alexander for his remarkable dedication as a volunteer at the Loch Raven VA Community Living and Rehabilitation Center. To salute his service, Mr. Alexander was awarded the 2009 Congressional Volunteer Recognition Award by the Veterans Advisory Council for Maryland's Second District. Veterans of the United States Armed Forces have dedicated themselves to protecting the lives of every American. Their service to our Nation deserves the highest level of gratitude. It is important that we take the time to recognize the individuals who give of their time and talents to support veterans and ensure their comfort, care, and well- being. As the Disabled American Veterans Representative for the Loch Raven VA Community Living and Rehabilitation Center, Mr. Alexander is an active fundraiser and friend. Mr. Alexander makes certain he is aware of all patient needs and makes requests to the DAV to purchase items not routinely supplied by the VA. His fundraising efforts have enabled Loch Raven VA residents to receive televisions and body pillows for hospice patients. It also enables residents to travel out-of-state to participate in the Golden Age Games, a recreational ``Olympics'' style event. Twice per month, Mr. Alexander visits the residents and spends time talking with them. Annually, he coordinates Veterans Day at the Golden Corral, advertising, greeting guests and raffling a television. It is an event that community veterans thoroughly enjoy. Sometimes working 10-hours straight, Mr. Alexander is always kind and compassionate, upbeat and pleasant. His colleagues describe him as an ``awesome human being. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Mr. John Alexander. His compassion and dedication to veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces is an inspiration to us all, and is deserving of the utmost gratitude. It is with great pride that I congratulate Mr. John Alexander on his exemplary service as an advocate and a volunteer.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor the tireless service of Diane Collins for her remarkable dedication as a volunteer at the Loch Raven VA Community Living and Rehabilitation Center and Chapter 451 in Dundalk. To salute her service, Ms. Collins was awarded the 2009 Congressional Volunteer Recognition Award by the Veterans Advisory Council for Maryland's 2nd District. Veterans of the United States Armed Forces have dedicated themselves to protecting the lives of every American. Their service to our Nation deserves the highest level of gratitude. It is important that we take the time to recognize the individuals who give of their time and talents to support veterans and ensure their comfort, care, and well- being. As a member of the Disabled American Veterans Representatives for the Loch Raven VA Community Living and Rehabilitation Center, Ms. Collins is an active fundraiser and friend, giving 506 hours of volunteer service to date. She makes certain she is aware of all patient needs and makes requests to the Disabled American Veterans to purchase items not routinely supplied by the VA. Once a month, Diane creates a fun activity for the residents, including parties with watermelon, cupcakes, fried chicken, strawberry shortcake and hot dogs. Through her chapter, a juke box was donated to the center. Ms. Collins does things simply because she believes they are ``the right thing to do.'' She exceeds expectations in all respects. To the veterans' delight, she brings young people with her to visit with them and regularly babysits for a severely disabled neighbor. Her colleagues say she exemplifies the VA's mission statement of creating an environment that fosters respect, compassion, and excellence. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Diane Collins. Her compassion and dedication to veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces are an inspiration to us all, and are deserving of the utmost gratitude. It is with great pride that I congratulate Diane Collins on her exemplary service as an advocate and a volunteer.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor the tireless service of Joseph Rihel as a dedicated volunteer for the Glen Burnie VA Outpatient Clinic. To salute his service, Mr. Rihel was awarded the 2009 Congressional Volunteer Recognition Award by the Veterans Advisory Council for Maryland's 2nd District. Veterans of the United States Armed Forces have dedicated themselves to protecting the lives of every American. Their service to our Nation deserves the highest level of gratitude. It is important that we take the time to recognize the individuals who give of their time and talents to support veterans and ensure their comfort, care, and well- being. A retired Baltimore City firefighter and reservist in the U.S. Navy, Mr. Rihel continues to serve his county and community as a volunteer at the Glen Burnie VA Outpatient Clinic. Mr. Rihel has driven more than 20,000 miles transporting veterans to their clinic appointments and back home. To date, he has given more than 1,700 hours of volunteer time to the Disabled American Veterans Transportation. Time and again, Mr. Rihel has gone above and beyond expectations. When an illness disrupted the regular driving schedule, he worked overtime to keep the office moving. After a major snow fall, he cleared the snow off the vans, then moved them to a snow-free area so that Veteran patients and other drivers could access them safely. Mr. Rihel's colleagues describe him as ``phenomenal.'' Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Mr. Joseph Rihel. His compassion and dedication to veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces are an inspiration to us all, and are deserving of the utmost gratitude. It is with great pride that I congratulate Mr. Joseph Rihel on his exemplary service as an advocate and a volunteer.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor the tireless service of Mr. Robert T. Cianelli as a volunteer driver for the Disabled American Veterans Transportation Network and a dedicated supporter of America's military personnel. To salute his service, Mr. Cianelli was awarded the 2009 Congressional Volunteer Recognition Award by the Veterans Advisory Council for Maryland's 2nd District. Veterans of the United States Armed Forces have dedicated themselves to protecting the lives of every American. Their service to our Nation deserves the highest level of gratitude. It is important that we take the time to recognize the individuals who give of their time and talents to support veterans and ensure their comfort, care, and well-being. For the past 5 years, Mr. Cianelli has made sure patients at the Glen Burnie VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic are picked up for their appointment on time and safely returned to their home. To date, he has logged 1,300 driving hours and more than 20,000 miles. Mr. Cianelli's experience as a computer scientist has significantly improved the efficiency and effectiveness of the transportation network, providing a program to maintain driver statistics, automating vehicle expense reports and developing a route sheet to expedite driver pick-up times. Robert's colleagues say that it would be hard to find an individual that contributes more than he does to guarantee the success of the Disabled American Veterans Transportation program. In addition to his service at the Glen Burnie VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic, Mr. Cianelli volunteers with Operation Welcome Home at BWI Airport, welcoming thousands of troops home and providing them with care packages to hold them over while they wait for connecting flights. Mr. Cianelli raised funds to get the program off the ground and continues to do so. As a member of the Baltimore Marine Corps League, Mr. Cianelli helped raise $27,000 for the ``Wounded Marine Program'' at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda and the Walter Reed Army Hospital. The program fed hundreds of meals to family members at the hospital during the height of the fighting in the Iraqi city of Fallujah when there were significant casualties arriving. It paid for Christmas baskets, lodging and taxi coupons for families, as well as televisions and video games for wounded soldiers. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join me today to honor Mr. Robert T. Cianelli. His compassion and dedication to veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces are an inspiration to us all, and are deserving of the utmost gratitude. It is with great pride that I congratulate Mr. Robert T. Cianelli on his exemplary service as an advocate and a volunteer for American servicemen and women everywhere.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor Ramona Hatfield, a finalist for the 2010 Military Spouse of the Year Award by Military Spouse Magazine. She has gone above and beyond the call of duty to support her fellow military families and deserves our utmost gratitude and respect. Ramona, who lives in Curtis Bay, worked resiliently to create a spouse club to support the morale and welfare of the Coasties in the Greater Baltimore Area, turning an idea and a handful of volunteers into a program that has benefitted thousands of families. Her work has provided emergent day care for families in crisis, holiday parties for families away from home and scholarships for both spouses and dependent children. Admired and trusted by military commanders, Ramona's colleagues consider her a ``go-to'' spouse for the things that matter most. Ramona is instrumental in organizing special care for families in times of crisis. She is working to create a first-of-its-kind facility to provide affordable and reliable childcare for single or dual military families. In addition to coordinating the spouse and dependent scholarships each year, she operates a pantry that has provided free infant and toddler items to 1,500 military families to date. Ramona's efforts are all the more remarkable considering her responsibilities at home. While caring for her mother, mother-in-law and her own household, Ramona volunteers at her church as a youth minister, belongs to the spouse organization, works full-time and plays an active role in her daughter's high school activities. Her colleagues say that Ramona puts her own needs aside to tend to the needs of others and lives each day to its fullest. Her friends and colleagues describe Ramona as a ``ray of sunshine,'' ``trustworthy'' and ``dependable.'' She exemplifies the Greater Baltimore Area's Coast Guard Spouse Association motto: unconditional love and support. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Ramona Hatfield. Her compassion and dedication to the Coast Guard community and her family is an inspiration to us all. It is with great pride that I congratulate Ramona Hatfield on her exemplary service to her community and our country.