David Reichert

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, as we ate breakfast today, more than 12 million Americans were carefully watching what they ate and how their food was prepared. You may be thinking that they are trying to lose weight, but that's not the reason--it's because they suffer from life- threatening food allergies. The statistics are frightening--particularly among children. Between 1997 and 2002, the number of children under age five who suffer from food allergies actually doubled. Scientists have been unable to develop cures for food allergies. We must do more to support NIH medical research and raise awareness about these health problems. I applaud the creation of the new Food Allergy Initiative Advocacy Steering Committee and I'm excited to hear that my constituent, Ms. Sally Porter, will serve on the committee. This group seeks to help build a strong nationwide presence for the food allergy community. I urge my colleagues to learn how they can get involved and to work with me to support federal resources for food allergy research.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Chairman, I wish to thank the chairman for his support of this amendment and also the previous amendment I presented last Congress, which goes to reduce class size. So I appreciate the support on both amendments. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Chairman, today we are considering legislation to improve the condition of our elementary and secondary schools. I can think of nothing more fundamental to creating an optimal learning environment for our children than ensuring that our schools are safe, secure places for them to learn and grow. Safety is an integral part to fostering a positive learning environment. Students can learn best and teachers can teach best when they don't feel endangered or threatened. Parents also deserve the peace of mind knowing that their children will be safe when they drop them off at school in the mornings. The rise in school violence in recent years highlights the need for improvements in school safety measures. While the bill provides funds for bringing schools into compliance with fire and health safety codes, the bill does not currently provide funding to help ensure that schools are prepared for other emergencies like, unfortunately, school shootings. My amendment is simple. It permits funds to be used for upgrading or installing technology to ensure schools are prepared and able to respond to emergencies like campus violence, acts of terrorism, and natural disasters. It is essential that we equip our schools with the tools needed to protect our teachers, our students, and school administrators during times of crisis and violence. You know, it's sad that we come to understand the need for these funds to be spent on these heartbreaking tragedies like those at Virginia Tech and Columbine, where so many innocent lives were lost and families were torn apart by the loss of a son or daughter, husband or wife. And as a former cop of 33 years, I can stand here today and tell you that communication during emergencies is so critical. They're needed to bring everybody together to communicate to make sure that everyone involved in a tragedy, in an emergency, is safe. For example, during the Columbine tragedy, first responders knew that students were trapped in the library with the shooters. However, they didn't know where the library was located; so they didn't know where to go. Twelve students and one teacher lost their lives that day while 21 more students were injured. Incident planning and mapping systems, ``school mapping,'' as it's more commonly known, and notification and alert systems are essential. Cameras and other Web-based emergency preparedness and crisis management systems exist today to improve school security and prevent future tragedies from occurring by enabling schools to prepare for the unthinkable. My amendment would provide the funds so that schools are able to provide the highest level of protection to their students and their teachers. In my home State of Washington, a tragedy was successfully avoided at Lewis and Clark High School in Spokane, Washington, using these types of safety measures. In September of 2003, a school shooting at Lewis and Clark High School was successfully resolved without loss of life. A student fired a gun in a classroom, and thanks to the system that they put in place at that school, they were able to respond quickly, know where the rooms were, know where the shooter was, know where the incident was taking place, and evacuate students, 2,000 students, by the way, and resolve this crisis with no injuries and no deaths. Emergencies come in many forms. We have a responsibility to ensure that our schools are equipped with all the tools necessary to prevent and effectively respond to all emergencies. In addition to building modern schools with minimal environmental impact, we should build schools for the 21st century with technology and modern equipment that create safe environments for teaching and encouraging learning. Mr. Chairman, this amendment is simple, it's straightforward, and it will ultimately improve school safety and protect our children. It's been endorsed by the National Sheriffs Association, and I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, May is World Trade Month, and events around the country will highlight the vital role that trade plays in creating jobs and growing our economy. World Trade Month is the perfect reminder of the need to pass pending free trade agreements that have languished for far too long. As Americans confront economic uncertainty, Congress must act now to advance our trade agenda. We cannot allow important agreements with Panama, Colombia, and Korea to remain on hold while Europe, China, and others continue to knock down trade barriers and become more competitive in the global economy. Opening new global markets gives employers incentives to improve their products, produce more goods, and employ more American workers. I have seen these job-creating effects first-hand, with trade accounting for 1 out of every 3 jobs in my State of Washington. Let's recognize World Trade Month by implementing these trade agreements and pursuing these proven measures of job creation at a time when they are badly needed.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, the Centers for Disease Control estimate that autism now affects one in every 150 American children and nearly one in 94 boys. More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with diabetes, cancer, and AIDS combined. Autism is the fastest- growing serious developmental disability in the world, and yet we know little about the root causes of autism. That's why we must do more to support NIH medical research. Earlier this month I introduced a resolution with Representatives Gerlach and Bachus to again designate April as ``National Autism Awareness Month.'' This resolution commends the parents and relatives of children with autism for their dedication in providing for their special needs. It emphasizes the importance of early intervention services. And it supports efforts to devote new resources to medical research on the causes of autism and treatments for it. With increased support for autism, together we can offer some hope in an area that desperately needs it. I encourage all of my colleagues to help bring renewed awareness of children with autism.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the wonderful work being done by Puget Sound Energy. Located in Bellevue, Washington, they continue to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote energy efficiency through investment and smart ideas. I'm proud to represent this company in Congress. In late March, the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, named Puget Sound Energy one of 89 ``Energy Star'' organizations across the country. Through its Residential New Construction ``Energy Star'' Lighting Program, Puget Sound Energy is working to increase demand for qualified lighting products in new, single-family homes. Beginning in 2008, they doubled investment in partner outreach as part of an ongoing regional fixture program. Serving as the facilitator, 16,000 Energy Star fixtures and 39,000 Energy Star CFLs were installed in new homes, representing a 100 percent increase in energy savings from 2007. The work Puget Sound Energy is doing in Washington State is not only beneficial to our environment; it is also beneficial to the economy. Customers can take advantage of energy rebates for improving efficiency in their homes through the installation of new windows, doors and improved insulation, among other many other things. In 2008 alone, Puget Sound Energy customers collectively saved $30 million on energy bills and helped support more than 450 new ``green'' jobs. Utilizing green technology and improvements positively impacts our environment, our communities and--especially important during these tough days--our economy. The work Puget Sound Energy is doing in Washington is exactly the type of forward-thinking, reasonable work that businesses and individual Americans should strive for, and I congratulate them on their new classification as a leader in energy- efficient technologies.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, today I rise in recognition of the University of Washington School of Medicine and their incredible standing as one of the best medical schools in the world. According to US News & World Report, the University of Washington tops the list of national primary care medical schools for the 16th consecutive year. The groundbreaking and life-saving work done at the UW School of Medicine is beyond extraordinary. I feel a sense of pride to know that the best primary care medical school in the nation is located in my home state of Washington. The School of Medicine was also ranked first in family medicine and rural medicine for the 18th straight year, fourth in women's health medicine, sixth in geriatric and pediatric medicine and eighth in internal medicine. Additionally, six active and retired members of the UW community are among 210 new Fellows named to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences: David Baker, William Gerberding, Andrew Meltzoff, Ed Miles, James Truman and Gunther Uhlmann. Previously, the University of Washington was ranked the 17th best university in the world by the Institute of Higher Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and 22nd among the top 100 global universities by Newsweek. The University of Washington has proven itself to be a world- class institution and it is truly a privilege to represent a region boasting some of the greatest minds in the world. I congratulate them on the honor for the School of Medicine and look forward to continue working together to make sure we provide the best medical care and training possible.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, almost forty years ago today, what was an idea to spread awareness about our environment has become global recognition and awareness of the importance of protecting the Earth. Earth Day began in 1970, when 20 million people participated across the U.S. Earth Day has grown into a global tradition, with a billion people expected to take part this year in 180 nations around the world. It is a movement that succeeds because of the passion of each individual, realizing that there's something bigger than ourselves-- that what each of us contribute can make a difference in our world, and on our environment. In Washington State, we take special pride in our natural resources, and I'm proud to follow in the footsteps of so many in our great State who have worked together to protect the outdoors and our environment. One of the popular, natural glories of my Congressional district in Washington State is the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, a 362,000 acre wilderness that sits just west of the Seattle metropolitan area. Just over a week ago, I joined the senior Senator from Washington State to discuss our recently introduced legislation to designate over 22,000 acres of additional wilderness and institute federal protection for two pristine rivers in my district. Our new legislation will expand the boundary of the existing Alpine Lakes wilderness area to embrace important lower-elevation lands, and establish Wild and Scenic designations for the Pratt and parts of the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers. Earth Day brings an excitement to the movement of protecting our environment, but we need to take the Earth Day movement from single-day actions--such as park cleanups and tree-planting parties--to longterm commitments in our everyday lives. Whether that is supporting legislation, or making small changes to be more environmentally conscious, each is equally important. These commitments will make a difference for our children and the generations to come.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Let's just talk about common sense. Budgets are about priorities. They're not just blueprints, but plans on how to achieve goals. Just as families sit down at the kitchen table to map out how to make ends meet to save for college education or their retirement, so too must the government put forward a responsible budget. This budget identifies important priorities--economic recovery, health care, and energy independence--but I'm concerned. This budget spends too much, borrows too much, and taxes too much. We must offer tax incentives to invest and create jobs, not raise taxes on job creators and small businesses. We must reduce wasteful spending, not increase the debt by $9 trillion. We must work together to find solutions to the challenges before us, not halt progress with ``politics as usual.'' Despite calls to work together, this budget could permit a government-run health plan to be rammed through Congress without real consideration to protect seniors or the patient-doctor relationship. It's not about big government. It's about families, it's about small businesses, about entrepreneurism. Let's oppose this budget and advance one that reflects the values found at kitchen tables across our country.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the second annual World Autism Awareness Day. As the Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Children's Health Care Caucus, I recognize the debilitating force that is autism and I am proud to recognize Worldwide Autism Awareness Day in order to bring attention to this life-altering and, too often, unrecognized disorder. I am proud to consistently support medical research on autism and its causes. I have worked with many members of this body and many other individuals and groups to increase funding to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in order to more fully understand the root causes and best prevention practices to minimize its debilitating effects. But we must continue to work. Evidence shows that one in every 150 American children is affected by an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Last year at this time, there was no medical detection or cure for autism. This year, there has been progress to uncover more about the root causes of ASD related disorders and why they may occur more often than expected among people who have certain other medical conditions. Families need hope, and we must make a commitment to help them find the missing pieces to the puzzle. I urge all of my colleagues to continue supporting NIH funding so that--as groups like Autism Speaks and Families for Early Autism Treatment know--we can continue to fight against the fastest-growing developmental disability in the world.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Municipal Court Judge Thomas Ellington in Washington State who received the annual William Nevins Award from the Washington Judges' Foundation for working tirelessly to educate youth about the judicial branch of government. Judge Ellington has spent the entirety of his judicial career working on behalf of ``We the People,'' a high school program that competes on the knowledge of the U.S. Constitution and what role students play as citizens. For more than two decades, dating back to his law school days, Judge Ellington has worked to help students understand how to properly engage in democracy and recognize the Constitution as an incredibly influential historic document. Not only has Judge Ellington played a `facilitator' role for the ``We the People'' program, but he improved it with innovative ideas: instead of heading into individual classrooms, Judge Ellington brought teachers and students in Washington State to him in the form of voluntary workshops. Whether serving as ``We the People'' advisory board president or simply volunteering his time and knowledge, Judge Ellington employs the heart of a servant. Such a high and prestigious honor such as the Williams Nevins Award must be awarded to someone in the legal profession who goes above and beyond the call of duty; Judge Thomas Ellington is that person. I want to congratulate for the recognition, thank him for his service to the State of Washington and the Nation and encourage him to continue on his path of leadership and selfless service.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, I rise in recognition of a wonderful American, a devoted professional, volunteer and personal friend. Michele Brennan, a constituent, was recently honored by the Seattle- King County Association of Realtors with ``The Realtor Achievement Award'' for an extraordinary body of work improving both the association and real estate industry overall. Michele, a dedicated wife and mother of two children, has worked in the real estate industry for 25 years. She ensures that my office is aware of the issues important for Realtors, the families they serve, and my constituents in the Eighth District of Washington. Apart from her professional duties in the real estate industry, Michele is a selfless leader dedicated to the betterment of her community. A long-serving volunteer in the Auburn, Washington School District, Michele has also served as president of the Kent, Washington Swim and Tennis Club and as a member of the Windermere Foundation Board, where she worked hard on behalf of needy families and children. It is difficult to fully explain Michele's dedicated community involvement because, either as a leader or ``behind-the-scenes'' organizer, Michele is interested not in earning praise, but only in making a positive impact. The mission of the Seattle-King County Association of Realtors is to enhance the ability and opportunity of members to operate their businesses successfully and ethically through a strict code of ethics. As a professional member, Michele Brennan could not fulfill that mission more appropriately in her own life, her community and, of course, her profession. I wish her the very best in the future, thank her for her sincere commitment to her community, and congratulate her on receiving such a prestigious award.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of five outstanding individuals who served the citizens of Region X, encompassing the states of Alaska, Washington, Oregon and Idaho. These individuals served with the true ``heart of a servant'' at the Federal agencies to which they were appointed. Each of them served the people of the greater Northwest admirably and leave a superb legacy of service. The citizens of Region X were represented at the Department of Labor, DOL, by W. Walter Liang, the Department of Education, DOE, by Donna Foxley, the Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, by James Whitfield, the United States Department of Agriculture for Rural Development, USDA-RD, by Jon DeVaney, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, HUD, by John Meyers. Mr. Liang has spent his entire career serving the American people. Prior to being named the Region X representative at DOL, Mr. Liang served as a congressional appointee, a gubernatorial appointee in California and a Presidential appointee at the Small Business Administration. Liang, who served in Vietnam with the U.S. Army, has received various awards for his work in public service and community involvement throughout his wonderful career. Mr. Liang's counterpart at the DOE, Ms. Foxley, joined the Department in April of 2002 immediately helping to implement the No Child Left Behind Act. Ms. Foxley, a native of Washington State, taught physically and mentally challenged adults at the Christian Day Camp prior to joining the Department and also served as the civilian advisor for the Washington State Patrol's Explorer Program. Mr. Whitfield was appointed as HHS Region X representative in July of 2005 and focused much of his time on Medicare prescription drug coverage, information technology issues and health disparities within the American Indian and Alaskan Native communities. Previously, he was the senior officer for community relations for the Washington Health Foundation in Seattle, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the health of Washington communities. Additionally, Mr. Whitfield is the President of CityClub--an organization committed to civil engagement and non- partisan civil discourse. Mr. DeVaney joined USDA-RD as the director in Washington State in 2005. Mr. DeVaney was responsible for providing assistance and delivering over 40 loan and grant programs supporting the development of public utilities and infrastructure, affordable housing and job creation in rural areas. Before joining USDA, Mr. DeVaney served as an aide to my colleague from Washington, Congressman Doc Hastings and was also a Director of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs for the Northwest Horticultural Council. Mr. Meyers joined HUD as the Region X Director in 2001 after a prolific career in State and Federal government and politics at all levels. He served during the Reagan administration at HUD, served as the executive director of both the California and Washington State Republican parties and worked alongside my predecessor, former Congresswoman Jennifer Dunn. As the five dedicated individuals mentioned above transition out of the leadership positions they held at their respective federal agencies, I wish them all the best and offer one final `thank you' for their exemplary service.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, today I rise in celebration of the inauguration of President Barack Obama and in honor of the dream of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In August of 1963, Dr. King shared dream with the world, ``that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: `We hold these truths to be self- evident, that all men are created equal.' '' To so many, this inauguration symbolized the realization of this dream. As the Representative of the Eighth District, I'm proud to stand before you today to recognize the importance of President Obama's place in history, and the fulfillment of the dream of Dr. King. The majority of the Eighth Congressional District of Washington is within the boundaries of King County, and in 1986, King County renamed itself in honor of Dr. King, ``a man whose contributions are well-documented and celebrated by millions throughout this nation and the world, and embody the attributes for which the citizens of King County can be proud, and claim as their own.'' The inauguration of President Barack Obama represented a monumental step forward in fulfilling Dr. King's vision for America. It was also a moment to celebrate our nation's freedom and cherish our democracy as we witnessed the peaceful transition of leadership between two individuals elected by a free people. In the words of President Obama's inauguration speech: ``. . . we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.'' Just 16 days ago President Obama shared these words with the nation as he took to the oath to become the 44th President of our great nation. He shared these words, I believe, to inspire a nation facing great challenges and opportunities ahead. I am so proud to know that, as I serve in the U.S. House of Representatives, I am serving in Washington, DC with a man in the White House who is the absolute embodiment of the beautiful words Dr. King spoke. With that in mind, I requested an American flag to be flown over the Capitol on Inauguration Day to present the flag to King County Executive Ron Sims and the entirety of the County Council, in remembrance of this historic day as the nation moves forward and looks to a future filled with hope and lives on in the American spirit.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Chairman, just last week the Joint Committee on Taxation could not say whether any jobs would be created by the nearly $1 trillion package before us. We cannot let calls for swift action overrun common sense, thorough consideration, and healthy debate. The bailout showed us the mistakes that can happen when government rushes to action. We are united, however, Democrats and Republicans, together in recognizing the need for action. This is a time for smart, accountable, and targeted investments to get our economy back on track, not more of the same shotgun spending that mortgages our children's futures. There are clearly provisions in this bill that I support and I think every Member in the House has something in this bill they support. But we are here to pass an emergency stimulus package that creates jobs, not another spending bill. To stimulate the economy and preserve, promote, and create jobs, we must enact proven measures like broad-based tax relief for families and small businesses, opening new markets to trade, and investing wisely in infrastructure. Those are the things that will get our economy moving and create jobs for people in our Nation. So I urge my colleagues to oppose this measure so that we can work together with President Obama, who has reached out to the Republican side and encouraged us to provide our input, our ideas, and our thoughts to craft effective legislation that gets our economy back on track.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a principal in the 8th District of Washington, Dr. Shannon Harvey, who earned the National Educator Award from the Milken Family Foundation and a prize of $25,000 for showing exceptional educational talent and great leadership. The prize was awarded to her in October, and she was the only educator in Washington to receive the distinction. Dr. Harvey is the principal at Cascade Elementary School in Renton, WA, and has been since 2004. She started at Cascade as a teacher and has worked with the district for 16 years. Under her leadership, Cascade involved community leaders and parents in developing a comprehensive learning environment that benefited students and teachers. She instituted such innovative ideas as giving her staff more time for professional development and posting test scores on a wall within the school for teachers and students alike to track academic progress. The overall effect of Dr. Harvey's efforts has led to a wonderful balance of teacher intervention and student independence. Outside of clear anecdotal effects, her changes have led to a large jump in students' test scores on the Washington Assessment of Student Learning. When Dr. Harvey began as principal, 48 percent of students at Cascade were passing the reading portion of the test. Now, the percentage has jumped to 81. When Dr. Harvey learned she won the award, she was quoted in the Seattle Times as saying, ``It seems unfair to be honored for something I love.'' Dr. Harvey truly possesses a servant's heart, and I believe it is appropriate for this body to acknowledge her selfless dedication to the future leaders of America.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, I want to salute a company located in the 8th District of Washington, PACE Staffing Network, for earning the 2007 Alfred P. Sloan Award for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility for their superiority in providing workplace effectiveness and flexibility. PACE Staffing represents some of the most prominent companies in the Puget Sound area and provides an invaluable service to employees and employers year after year. Whether looking for a career in health care or manufacturing, the hi-tech sector or customer service, administration or clerical work, PACE is quick to match you to the best fit in the region to help keep our economy compete globally with the most skilled workers in the world. Through changing economies, technologies and staffing levels, PACE clients know to expect innovative partnerships, savvy business acumen and prompt, thorough service. Without an organization such as PACE Staffing, leading global companies in the Puget Sound region would lack the resources to keep proper staffing levels and compete in the marketplace. Therefore, the recognition of this body goes to founder and president of PACE, Jeanne Knutzen, for providing a wonderful service while maximizing productivity and attracting the highest quality employees available.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today in acknowledgment of the wonderful and continuous success of the Weyerhaeuser Corporation, located in my home state of Washington. This past October, Weyerhaeuser was named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index--an index that tracks North American companies in terms of their environmental, social and economic performance--and is the only North American company named in the category of forestry and paper products. Weyerhaeuser, one of the largest pulp and paper companies in the world, and the world's largest private owner of softwood timberland, is indeed a global leader in terms of sustainability. Along with many other innovative environmental initiatives, they have committed to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by the year 2020 based on their 2000 levels and have already made great strides. They also employ over 40,000 people all over the world who contribute positively to each community they reside in and, in 2007, sales at Weyerhaeuser totaled more than $16 billion. As a staunch supporter of conservation and the innovative environmental leadership of businesses both big and small, I congratulate Weyerhaeuser as a whole for the most recent acknowledgment of their environmental, social and economic success. Specifically, I salute Weyerhaeuser Chairman and CEO Steve Rogel, COO Richard Hanson and the Board of Directors for their fantastic leadership and vision.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the city of Auburn, WA, the Auburn City Council and Mayor Pete Lewis for exemplary and steadfast support of the Washington National Guard. They demonstrated their patriotism and support for the military in their quick and sincere actions to create an event to honor the deployment of the 81st Heavy Combat Brigade of the Washington National Guard on August 19, 2008. Auburn, located in the 8th District of Washington, the District I represent, is not unlike many communities around the country where budgets are tight and funds are allocated only after careful consideration. However, in this case, Auburn and its able leadership approved, without any hesitation, city resources to secure a location and provide funds to support a family BBQ with a festival-like atmosphere for deploying Guardsmen and their families. Hundreds of Guard families and Auburn residents showed up to participate in the event and enjoy the send off activities. Auburn's action in this instance reflects a deep and great respect for service members and veterans and is the latest example of their steadfast commitment. Every November, Auburn hosts one of the largest Veterans Day parades on the west coast of the United States. Their Veterans Park is a permanent reminder of the city's dedication and affection for veterans. Under Mayor Lewis and the current City Council, Auburn is taking the lead in Washington in supporting the military and our many brave veterans and I applaud their efforts.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, I rise in recognition of American Legion Post 161 of Redmond, Washington, for its exemplary and steadfast support of the United States military and the Washington National Guard. When pressed into duty, the members of Post 161 responded and worked tirelessly to create an event on August 19 in Auburn, Washington, to honor the deployment of the 81st Heavy Combat Brigade of the Washington National Guard. The event proved to be a wonderful moment for all who attended. Post 161, of which I am member, is located in the eighth district, the district I represent. The post is not unlike many veteran service organizations around the country where budgets are tight and funds are allocated only after careful consideration. However, in this case, the post dedicated the appropriate monies, without hesitation, in order to support a family barbecue with a festival-like atmosphere for deploying Guardsmen and Guardswomen. Hundreds of Guard families and Auburn residents came out to participate in the event and enjoy the send off activities. Additionally, the post generously allocated $10,000 as seed money toward an emergency family fund that will help support Washington's military families while their loved ones are deployed. Post 161's actions reflect its deep and great respect for military service members and their families and this is just the latest example of their continued commitment. It is my hope that American Legion Post 161's leadership is recognized and mimicked by Americans everywhere. My thanks and deep appreciation to the members of Post 161.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of a committed philanthropist, an exemplary public servant and an honorable veteran, William H. Gates, Sr. Through a lifetime of work and leadership, Mr. Gates has accomplished extraordinary good; changing millions of lives for the better. Although he cares little about personal accolades and awards--of which he has received many--I believe he is the living embodiment of the spirit of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. It is an award he richly deserves. An Eagle Scout from Bremerton, Washington, Mr. Gates served 3 years in the U.S. Army during World War II before earning his bachelors and law degrees from the University of Washington in 1949 and 1950, respectively. His law career led to the establishment of one of the largest and most successful law firms in Seattle. No matter his professional aspirations, Mr. Gates never wavered in his philanthropic spirit. As president of both the Seattle/King County and the Washington State Bar associations, he focused his efforts on equal justice for the poor and disadvantaged, ultimately prompting the Washington Supreme Court to create an Access to Justice Board, now a national model. Additionally, he and his late wife, Mary Maxwell Gates, served admirably with the United Way of King County, Washington, beginning in the 1960s and spanning several decades. Mrs. Gates became board chair of the United Way in 1973, a position Mr. Gates presently occupies. In all, Mr. Gates has served as a trustee, officer and volunteer for more than two dozen organizations in northwest Washington. Perhaps his most lasting and indelible legacy will be his work as the co-chair and CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, a philanthropy with an endowment of more than $24 billion, the largest in history. With the help of his son, Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft Corporation, the Gates Foundation has provided an outlet for Mr. Gates to continue his lifelong quest for equality in every aspect of life-- especially education. Most are aware of the inspirational work the foundation has done around the world to combat crises in health and education in some of the most impoverished nations in the world. What is less known is the ``smaller'' help the foundation provides to local school districts and townships to help spur a promising educational program or fill a gap in technology funds. Countless examples exist nationwide of significant progress made in all areas of education because of a gift from the Gates Foundation. The incredible vision of Mr. Gates, his son Bill and wife Melinda, is truly a blessing to the entire world and it is a vision Mr. Gates cultivated and perfected over many decades. The tireless work of Mr. Gates on behalf of the less fortunate in the United States and around the world is well documented. The impact of his lifelong ambitions is legendary. Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom have, among other things, ``been leaders in their chosen fields, have led lives of vision and character, and have made especially meritorious contributions to our nation and the world.'' I can think of no one who fulfills that description better than William H. Gates, Sr.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, on September 15, 2008, I missed three rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on H. Res. 1200, ``yea'' on H. Con. Res. 390 and ``yea'' on H.R. 6889.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of David Cutler, an employee of the Microsoft Corporation and a recipient of the 2007 National Medal of Technology and Innovation. His accomplishments, and the accomplishments of the other winners, are reason to celebrate the technological innovation happening in the United States. It is also a reminder that our national well-being depends on the technological advancements made by future American innovators in a global marketplace. The National Medal of Technology and Innovation honors America's leading innovators of technology products, processes and concepts. Mr. Cutler and the other winners deserve our heartfelt congratulations and thanks for inspiring future American innovation. The 8th District of Washington, the district I represent, includes the headquarters of Microsoft, a corporation at the forefront of technological innovation and the push for educating our young people in the intricacies of science, technology and mathematics. No doubt Mr. Cutler, a senior technical fellow at Microsoft and an enduring figure in the world of technology and innovation, also recognizes the importance of educating our young people to compete in a global marketplace. Nothing can replace a world-class math and science education; an invaluable key to our Nation's economic success and our Nation's national security. Once again, congratulations to Mr. Cutler for his prestigious honor. His work and the work of others like him inspire brilliant young minds around our country to do great things in math, science and technology. It is the job of this body and Americans everywhere to ensure those young minds have all the tools necessary to achieve greatness.

Mr. REICHERT

Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Seattle- Tacoma International Airport, Sea-Tac, as the winner of the 2008 Environmental Achievement Award from Airports Council International-- North America, ACI-NA. Sea-Tac, operated by the Port of Seattle, was recognized by ACI-NA for their Comprehensive Stormwater Management Program, CSMP. The CSMP focuses on surface-water runoff quality, regional basin planning, and endangered salmon. According to officials at the Port of Seattle, not only did the CSMP at Sea-Tac strengthen the environmental sustainability of the communities surrounding Sea-Tac and the Pacific Northwest as a whole, it also saved taxpayer's an estimated $250 million. The Port of Seattle and Sea-Tac also worked cooperatively with local cities and government agencies to implement a $4.2 billion capital improvement program at Sea-Tac to adhere to storm water regulations and show the type of environmental leadership that reflects the values of the people of the region. The Port of Seattle's determination to be the greenest port in the Nation should be commended. I applaud port CEO Tay Yoshitani and the five port commissioners for their innovative leadership in lessening their environmental impact and showing conclusively that green policies and economic stimulation are not divergent values. I urge the port to continue on their conservation path and I pledge to also continue pushing pro-environment legislation and ideals in the House of Representatives.