C. Ruppersberger

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor Rodney D. Hudson, founder and president of QuickSilver Analytics. Graduating with a bachelors degree in chemistry from Cameron University in 1974, Rodney went on to earn a master's degree in chemistry from the University of Delaware in 1982. QuickSilver Analytics is a registered service-disabled veteran-owned small business, specializing in chemical and biological warfare-related services and products. Rodney Hudson has been named the SBA's Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year for 2008. Mr. Hudson was an Army Chemical Officer for over 21 years. He managed numerous chemical warfare materials (CWM) sampling and analysis (S&A) projects. Mr. Hudson has been directly involved with all aspects of chemical warfare agents for over twenty years, including CWM storage, laboratory procedures for environmental S&A, the operation of equipment for air monitoring, quality assurance/control, and major project management. Mr. Hudson is a veteran of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. While in the Middle East during Operation Desert Storm, Mr. Hudson evaluated and briefed the Army Headquarters Staff on the potential chemical downwind hazards from destroyed Iraqi chemical storage igloos. He managed the collection, reporting and deployment of the only remote chemical monitoring and biological detection teams in the theater of operation and coordinated the transportation of all suspect chemical and biological samples to U.S. laboratories. President of the Maryland Chapter of Elite Service-Disabled Veteran- Owned Business (SDVOB) Network, Rodney is also a member of the American Chemical Society, the Association of the United States Army, the National Defense Industrial Association, and the Society of American Military Engineers. Rodney has been a strong advocate for service- disabled veterans, lobbying the Maryland State Legislature to award three percent of all Maryland state contracts to service-disabled veterans. He has counseled several business owners on techniques and opportunities currently available to SDVOB owners and on ways to improve their business volume. Mr. Hudson has worked tirelessly taking from his personal time to offer counsel to veterans who are considering starting a business. He has garnered the support of the MD Secretary of Veterans Affairs for his efforts and has provided a conduit for information flow to state legislators and the governor on issues important to Maryland SDVOB owners. Mr. Hudson has reached out to county government procurement personnel and introduced the Maryland Chapter of the Elite SDVOB network at last year's Maryland Association of Counties Conference. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Rodney Hudson. His legacy as a successful business owner in the defense industry is surpassed only by his tireless advocacy for service disabled veterans. It is with great pride that I congratulate Rodney Hudson on his being awarded the SBA's Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor James (Jim) R. Halusky, Director of International Operations in the Aerospace Systems Division at Northrop Grumman Corporation, on the occasion of his retirement after over 40 years of service. Jim graduated from Grove City College with a bachelor's degree and has since completed a variety of executive level development programs. He began his career with Westinghouse Electric Corporation (now Northrop Grumman Corporation) in July 1967 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania as an electrical design engineer. He has served Northrop Grumman Corporation in a number of different capacities. As Director of Engineering Design and Manager of International Armament Cooperative Programs, Jim made important contributions to many of the electronic systems contained in the industry's most advanced systems, such as the F-16, F-22, JSF, and the C-130. Northrop Grumman's Electronic Systems Sector located in Linthicum, Maryland, is a leading developer, manufacturer, integrator and supporter of a variety of advances electronic and maritime systems for U.S. and international customers for national security and non-defense applications. As Director of International Operations for the Aerospace Systems Division of the Electronic Systems Sector, Jim had primary responsibility to support all facets of the Aerospace Division's ongoing international programs as well as future developing international opportunities. His responsibilities centered on managing the Division's Export Compliance and Offset/Countertrade requirements. He worked closely with various U.S. Government agencies such as DTSA, DSCA, SAF/IA and N-IPO and with various industry partners such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin. Jim had considerable experience working with numerous international industry affiliates such as MELCO, Terma and Thales. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor James (Jim) R. Halusky. His legacy as a creative leader in electronic systems pioneering and his 40 years of distinguished service to the industry will be forever remembered. It is with great pride that I congratulate Jim Halusky on his exemplary career in electronic and technological defense.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor BM1 Robert M. Flickinger, recently named the 2007 Coast Guard Enlisted Person of the Year. Since the start of his Coast Guard career, he has risen through the ranks, attaining the rank of Boatswain's Mate 1, BM1, in June of 2004. During his course of duty, he has also served as a training petty officer and the Executive Petty Officer of Aids to Navigation Team Baltimore. In the Coast Guard, it is said that the most versatile members of their operational teams are the boatswain's mates. BMs are capable of performing almost any task in boat operations and navigation, and supervise all personnel assigned to a ship's desk force. BMs can be found in nearly every duty station available throughout the United States and various locations overseas. They serve on every Coast Guard cutter, from harbor tugs to sea-going icebreakers. Additionally, BMs will often act as Federal law enforcement officers. BMs are officers- in-charge of many patrol boats, tugs, small craft, and small shore units including search and rescue stations and aids to navigation teams. BMs use their leadership and expertise to perform the missions of the Coast Guard, at sea and on shore. As Executive Petty Officer of Aids to Navigation, ATON, Team Baltimore Boatswain's Mate First Class Robert Flickinger has continuously provided exceptional leadership and guidance to the crew he oversees. While engaged in over 100 ATON missions in the past year, his professionalism and assertive leadership have led to his unit's zero operational mishap rating. Boatswain's Mate First Class Flickinger is often described by his superior officers as ``recruiting poster quality'' due to his unsurpassed uniform appearance, military presence, and overall demeanor. His superiors routinely rely on him to supervise or solve difficult problems and demanding situations. Boatswain's Mate First Class Flickinger consistently seeks to improve the quality and enjoyment of Coast Guard life with an uncommon commitment to the morale and welfare of others. These exceptional qualities are likely the reasons lie was given the title of 2007 Coast Guard Enlisted Person of the Year. In addition to the prestigious Person of the Year Award, Boatswain's Mate First Class Flickinger has received several additional military awards. He is the recipient of the Commandant's Letter of Commendation, three Coast Guard Good Conduct Medals, and two Coast Guard Achievement Medals. He has also been presented with the Transportation 9-11 Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Medal. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor BM1 Robert M. Flickinger. His legacy as compassionate yet assertive leader will be remembered by his crewmates and superiors for years to come. It is with great pride that I congratulate Boatswain's Mate First Class Flickinger on his exemplary service to our Nation in the United States Coast Guard.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor Lydie H. Masse, recently awarded the 2008 Congressional Volunteer Recognition Award by the 2nd Congressional District of Maryland's Veterans Advisory Council. Lydie Masse works as a hospice night nurse at the Baltimore VA Rehabilitation Extended Care Center (BRECC). While many of the night duty personnel leave once their shift is over, Lydie always stays to escort patients to breakfast, where she plays the piano as breakfast is served and encourages singing among the patients. Fellow workers and volunteers admire how her music enhances the quality of life among the patients. Her gentle, friendly manner endears her to the patients, and whenever she plays music, encouraging them to join in, a sense of good will pervades the room and brightens the day of many of her patients. An injury caused Lydie to work with a brace on her leg for several weeks, but despite her long recovery she continued her work, never hurried or impatient with the veterans and always in a positive mood. After her arduous night duty is completed every morning, she stays as long as she is needed to help the patients start with their day, tending to any need her patients may have. She volunteers much of her free time to the patients she works with every night, doing her best to better their lives. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Lydie Masse. She is a remarkable volunteer for Maryland's veterans. Through her ongoing efforts, she has brightened the lives of the veterans she works with, making their stay at the BRECC as pleasant as possible. Lydie has gone above and beyond the call of duty to aid those who have sacrificed to serve our great Nation.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor Hilda Davis, recently awarded the 2008 Congressional Volunteer Recognition Award by the Second Congressional District of Maryland's Veterans Advisory Council. Hilda Davis's husband belongs to the Elks Association's Essex Lodge No. 1866. The lodge visits the Baltimore VA Rehabilitation Extended Care Center, BRECC, frequently, and Hilda's involvement in these visits has increased throughout the years. Not only does Hilda do extensive work for the veterans at the BRECC, but she volunteers at other lodges when they invite veterans to their facilities for various events. Hilda spends several hours a month volunteering at the BRECC, but she also spends many more hours doing behind the scenes work for BRECC events. For every holiday and party, Hilda makes sure she buys decorations and other festive items that can be used for events with and for the veterans. During her spare time, Hilda also writes letters to different businesses and organizations asking for donations, either monetary or items that can be used for events for the veterans or given directly to the veterans themselves. Whenever Hilda learns of a female veteran patient at the BRECC, she makes personal comfort kits to take them. Because the BRECC facility does not have a canteen, Hilda will also periodically make snack bags to bring to the patients when the lodge makes their monthly visits to the veterans. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Hilda Davis. She is a remarkable volunteer for Maryland's veterans. Through her ongoing efforts, she has brought joy and delight to the hundreds of veterans she has worked with. Hilda has gone above and beyond the call of duty to aid those who have sacrificed to serve our great Nation.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor Leo H. Caron, recently awarded the 2008 Congressional Volunteer Recognition Award by the 2nd Congressional District of Maryland's Veterans Advisory Council. Leo Caron has dedicated almost 250 hours of his time to volunteer for the patients at the Baltimore VA Rehabilitation Extended Core Center (BRECC). He volunteers at the BRECC at least twice a week, which is not easy for Leo as he is disabled himself and cannot drive himself or walk without the assistance of a walker. At the BRECC, Leo makes it his mission to ensure every patient has the best possible stay. Leo often searches for support from public agencies, and throughout his extensive searches for resources, he has helped orchestrate donations of such items as books on tape, voice activated watches for blind patients, and other items. He also makes monetary donations to the BRECC for additional resources and will often bring the patients candy and treats. Despite his own physical challenges, Leo provides recreational visits, personal visits, and resources to the many patients at the BRECC. He does his best to cater to every patient's needs, volunteering his time, donating his money, and tirelessly searching for additional resources to better the patients' time at the BRECC. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Leo Caron. He is a truly remarkable volunteer for Maryland's veterans. Through his ongoing efforts, he has helped hundreds of veterans receive the resources and comforts they deserve and served as a consistently positive influence in their lives. Leo has gone above and beyond the call of duty to aid those who have dedicated their lives to serve our great country.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor Charles ``Chuck'' LaHatte, recently awarded the 2008 Congressional Volunteer Recognition Award by the 2nd Congressional District of Maryland's Veterans Advisory Council. Chuck LaHatte is a dedicated volunteer with the Disabled American Veterans, DAV, driving a DAV van to help disabled veterans get to and from Fort Howard for their medical treatment. A veteran himself, Chuck truly cares about the disabled veterans he assists on a weekly basis. He serves as an encouraging example in their lives. Volunteering about 70 hours a month with disabled veterans, Chuck helps teach other DAV volunteers how to interact with the disabled veterans and how best to serve them. Chuck realizes the importance of the service he provides for disabled veterans, and goes above and beyond the call of duty in order to give the disabled veterans he transports the best possible service. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Chuck LaHatte. He is a remarkable volunteer for Maryland's veterans. Through his ongoing efforts, he has helped dozens of veterans to receive the medical care they need. Chuck has gone above and beyond the call of duty to aid those who have sacrificed to serve our great Nation.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor Bafford Hope Harrison, recently elected and installed as Grand Master of the Masons in Maryland. Born in Talbot County, Maryland, he graduated from Hurlock High School in Dorchester County in 1942. It was there he met his wife, Willa Catherine Jaynes Harrison. They have two daughters and a son, Jerry Hope Harrison, who is following in his father's footsteps as a member of Granite Lodge #177. During World War 11, B. Hope Harrison served in the United States Navy on a radar/sonar training ship until his honorable discharge in 1946. At age 24, after becoming an operative mason, he started his own masonry contracting business in St. Michaels. Maryland. Over the next few years, B. Hope Harrison expanded his business to general construction on residential and light industrial projects as well as development. He spent the next 40 years in construction and real estate. The long hours and pressures of his ever-expanding business were such that he did not petition his masonry lodge until the age of 39. Since that time, he has dedicated himself to the fraternity, holding such respected titles as Worshipful Master of Granite Lodge #177, Worthy Patron of St. Michaels Chapter, W. Grand Standard Bearer, and Senior Grand Warden, and he has maintained active membership in both the York and Scottish Rite bodies while serving on the Board of Trustees since 1978. In addition to his Masonic service he has served the Methodist Church in almost every capacity from Sunday School Superintendent to Church Lay Leader, a position he still occupies. Active in his community, he has served Talbot County and the town of St. Michaels through membership on several boards and commissions. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Grand Master Harrison. His legacy as a committed and active member of his community, church, and the Masons in Maryland ensure that he will be remembered for the consistent, dedicated service he has provided. It is with great pride that I congratulate Grand Master B. Hope Harrison on his achievement and volunteer service to the State of Maryland.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor Wendy Cramer, recently awarded the 2008 Congressional Volunteer Recognition Award by the 2nd Congressional District of Maryland's Veterans Advisory Council. Wendy Cramer is a dedicated employee with the Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA) Supplies, Processing and Distribution (SPD) program. In her physically demanding role in the program, Wendy is responsible for the retrieval of supplies from the Baltimore VA Medical Center and the distribution of the supplies to various centers. When she has an idea for a way to improve a service, she devotes her free time to making the improvements a reality. Aside from her numerous work-related responsibilities that benefit our Nation's veterans, she also volunteers several hours a month for the veterans. She has volunteered her time toward such activities as National Salute, Veterans Day, and welcome home events. Every Christmas, she brings her family to VA hospitals to deliver gifts to wounded or ill veterans. Members of the Veterans Advisory Council as well as patients and staff she interacts with every day praise her attitude and energy with the veterans. She is supportive and encouraging, and patients say her genuine enthusiasm is so infectious she can put everyone around her in a positive mood. The veterans Wendy interacts with can feel her honest empathy for them, and their appreciation for her work is obvious with the awarding of this honor. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Wendy Cramer. She is a remarkable volunteer for Maryland's veterans. Through her ongoing efforts, she has helped hundreds of veterans receive the supplies they need and served as a positive influence in their lives. She has gone above and beyond the call of duty to aid those who have dedicated their lives to serve our great country.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor the United States Pharmacopeial Convention on the inauguration of its expanded headquarters in Rockville, Maryland. Since 1820, the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention has established standards for drugs, both manufactured and compounded, and more recently for foods, including dietary supplements and food ingredients. These standards are developed by hundreds of volunteer experts from all over the Nation and the world. The U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention plays a vital role in our Nation's efforts to promote public standards and help ensure the integrity of our Nation's food and drug supply. The organization's standards are widely recognized in the United States and around the world because they are authoritative, science-based, and developed through a transparent and credible process with established integrity. For this the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention's work is recognized truly as the ``standard of quality''. Since the 19th century, Congress has continually enacted laws that bring United States consumers the best, the most beneficial and the safest food and drugs in the world. These laws tie the Food and Drug Administration and the United States Pharmacopeial Convention together as premier public health bodies. They support the enterprising spirit of our Nation's citizens who have brought forth an abundance of life- saving drugs. Recent incidents at home and abroad demonstrate the continued importance of protecting the public and ensuring our drugs and food are safe. The U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention deserves our thanks for its efforts to protect the health of our families. From the medicines that heal our Nation's people to the food that nourishes us, the organization is working to ensure our safety. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention and recognize it for its commitment to public health. It is with great pride that I congratulate the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention for its work over 188 years and encourage its volunteers in continuing their exemplary standards-setting activities in the years to come.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor Abe and Donna Lee Goldstein for their contributions to the Cub Scout program. Growing up in Wilmington, DE, Abe belonged to the Civil Air Patrol. He attended the University of Delaware and earned a bachelor's degree in geology and a master's degree in geophysics. After marrying Donna Lee, the two moved to Maryland to raise their new family. When their oldest son Greg joined the Cub Scouts as a Tiger, the Goldsteins became active members in Maryland's Pack 880. Donna Lee served as the Pack's Den Leader and Song Mistress, while Abe took on the responsibility of being the Committee Chair. Even after their oldest son, Greg, had bridged out from the Cub Scouts and 3 years before their youngest son, Max, could become a Tiger in the Pack, Abe and Donna Lee continued their involvement, opening their personal workshop for the scouts' Pinewood Derby clinics and assisting with the building of the new race track. For his years of consistent dedication to the program, Abe was recently named Cub Master of Pack 880. The Cub Scout program gives adults the opportunity to have a positive influence on children's lives. People like the Goldsteins have helped sustain the Cub Scout program throughout its history, encouraging more families to become involved. By donating their time, resources, and talent to this worthwhile program, the Goldsteins have enriched the lives of countless children in the Cockeysville community. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Abe and Donna Lee Goldstein. Their commitment and dedication to the scouting program through the years is truly commendable. The impact of the Goldsteins' contributions will affect the youth of their community for years to come. It is with great pride that I congratulate Abe and Donna Lee Goldstein on their exemplary involvement in the Cub Scout program.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor David M. Rubenstein, Co-Founder and Managing Director of The Carlyle Group, an American private equity firm. Born and raised in Baltimore, David Rubenstein graduated from Baltimore City College and went on to graduate magna cum laude from Duke University and earn his law degree from the University of Chicago Law School, where he was an editor of the Chicago Law Review. Prior to founding The Carlyle Group, David served as the Deputy Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy during the Carter Administration. Most recently, David has become more well-known thanks to a Sotheby's auction item he purchased in December. On December 17, 2008, with a winning bid of over $21 million, David acquired the last copy of the Magna Carta remaining in the United States. The original Magna Carta, first signed in Britain in 1215, established the rights of the English citizens and placed checks on the power of the ruling monarch. Our own U.S. Constitution incorporates ideas and phrases almost directly from this historic document. The copy David purchased in December is a copy from 1297 when it was signed into law by the British Parliament. Since 1985, it has been displayed at the National Archives as part of the Charters of Freedom exhibit, alongside the original Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights. David has announced that the copy will continue to be housed at the National Archives in Washington, DC. David is an active member of several Boards of Directors or Trustees, including Duke University, Johns Hopkins University, University of Chicago, Lincoln and Kennedy Centers for the Performing Arts, and the Council on Foreign Relations. David is also a member of The Business Council, the Madison Council of the Library of Congress, the Trilateral Commission and the National Advisory Committee of J.P. Morgan Chase and the Washington Economic Club, of which he is President-elect. In addition to his extensive involvement in numerous organizations, David is also active in philanthropy. He has made significant contributions and donations to the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, Duke's Terry Stanford Institute of Public Policy, the Lincoln Center and the Johns Hopkins Medical System here in Maryland. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor David M. Rubenstein. His legacy as a leader in policy and finance will be matched only by his devotion to philanthropic projects. It is with great pride that I congratulate David Rubenstein on his exemplary career in business, law and government.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor Joseph H. ``Jim'' Zarzycki, director of the Edgewood Chemical Biological Center at Aberdeen Proving Grounds. Graduating with honors in chemical engineering in 1969 from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, Joseph Zarzycki went on to earn a master's degree in industrial engineering from Texas A&M University in 1970. He is also a graduate of the Defense Systems Management College's Program Management Course and holds a master's degree in public administration from Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government. He is a licensed professional engineer in Maryland and New Jersey. Jim has over 25 years of leadership in public and private organizations dealing with toxic and hazardous materials. He has worked in the Army's Chemical Demilitarization and Installation Program, as well as the Army Chemical Systems Laboratory, now the Edgewood Chemical Biological Center. Throughout most of the 1990s, Jim worked in the environmental consulting industry, directing the functions of waste management locations across the nation. In 1998, Jim returned to government service as the director of the Edgewood Chemical Biological Center at Aberdeen Proving Grounds. There he has directed the efforts of over 1,600 scientists, engineers, and technicians working in the areas of chemical and biological defense, smoke obscurants, and non-lethal weapons technologies. He also manages technology development efforts in support of several important national security programs including chemical demilitarization, the chemical and biological warfare treaties, and chemical and biological counterterrorism. Jim is a recipient of the 2002 Presidential Rank meritorious Executive Award. In both 2002 and 2007 he was named Federal Laboratory Consortium Technology Transfer Department of Defense Director of the Year. Most recently, his organization, the Edgewood Chemical Biological Center, was selected as the Army Laboratory of the Year in 2007. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Joseph H. ``Jim'' Zarzycki. His legacy as a brilliant engineer will be forever remembered in his service to our domestic agencies as well as our armed forces. It is with great pride that I congratulate Jim Zarzycki on his exemplary career in chemical and biological defense.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this conference report. We all should be proud of the bipartisan, bicameral product. I want to thank Chairman Reyes and also Ranking Member Hoekstra for your leadership in helping us put this together. It's very important for our country and our national security. It has been 3 years since an intelligence authorization bill has been in front of the President for signature. We worked across the aisle with our Republican counterparts to put America first. We must pass this conference report. We are the most powerful country in the world because we control the skies. Our country faces serious threat from China and Russia. These countries are working continuously to outpace our security efforts, particularly in space. This intelligence authorization addresses those, as well as other critical national security issues. This past year, we have scrutinized all aspects of the intelligence community and insisted upon accountability and results. My congressional district includes the National Security Agency. The men and women of the NSA work tirelessly to keep our soldiers and our civilians on the the front lines safe. They're fighting the war on terrorism 24 hours a day all over the globe. I'm proud that this conference report gives NSA the infrastructure and tools they need to protect our country. This conference report also addresses some critical satellite issues. I assure you this Congress is looking into the problems associated with the space industry. We have made hard decisions. We've recommended changes, and we look to hold the administration accountable in the days ahead. I support this conference report, and I recommend its passage.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 1162, I was delayed because I was meeting with constituents from my district and I was taking them on a tour of the Capitol. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to recognize The National Anthem Project a 3-year national education campaign, led by our Nation's music educators, to raise awareness of the importance of music programs in our Nation's schools. The National Anthem Project was launched by the National Association for Music Education in 2005, in response to a survey conducted by Harris Interactive. The Harris Poll showed that two out of three Americans did not know the words to ``The Star-Spangled Banner.'' The National Association for Music Education believes that this lack of knowledge, concerning the words and history of our national anthem, is a direct reflection of the quality of music education in our Nation's schools. Music programs are considered an important part of a well-rounded education. Research shows that music programs help students perform better in math and science. Music education also provides students with a greater appreciation of America's musical heritage and history, as most Americans learn the national anthem and other patriotic songs at school. The goal of the National Anthem Project was to ``restore America's voice,'' by re-teaching Americans to sing ``The Star-Spangled Banner'' and by spotlighting the important role of music programs in our Nation's schools. The 3-year project began on March 10, 2005, with a kick-off celebration on Capital Hill. The kick-off was followed by a nationwide Road Show tour in 2006 and hundreds of additional project- inspired events. The National Anthem Project came to a close in June of 2007, with a 3-day Grand Finale on the grounds of the Washington Monument. The Finale featured over 5,000 participants, including celebrities, Drum Corps International, music teachers, and students from all across the United States, who gathered together to celebrate the achievements of the National Anthem Project and, of course, to sing the national anthem. The National Anthem Project has been a great success. Not only has the project succeeded in re-teaching the words and history of our national anthem, but it has also inspired people all over the country to have a greater appreciation of America's musical heritage and the importance of music education in our Nation's schools. The National Anthem Project has garnered significant news coverage from thousands of news outlets across the country, including Fox News, CNN, and Good Morning America. The success of The National Anthem Project has even received the attention of the Senate, which passed a Resolution in July of 2007 in support of the project's goals and ideals. It is my pleasure to share with you today the achievements of the National Anthem Project.

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 1096, I was unable to vote due to medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 1099, I was unable to vote due to medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 1102, I was unable to vote due to medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 1101, I was unable to vote due to medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 1100, I was unable to vote due to medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 1105, I was unable to vote for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 1104, I was unable to vote for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' Stated against:

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 1103, I was unable to vote for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' Stated against:

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 1095, I was unable to vote due to medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''