Peter Roskam

Ms. ROSKAM

Ms. ROSKAM. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, a couple of weeks ago I was out with a group of Members in Congress and my BlackBerry went off. And I read my BlackBerry, and there it was: it was a message, and it said that Senator DeMint was going to be going to Honduras and the Senator from South Carolina was making that journey available to other Members of Congress who had a desire to go. And I made the decision, I said, Hey, I want to go down to see what's going on there, to see with my own eyes what's happening in Honduras. I was joined by the gentleman from Illinois, Representative Schock; the gentleman from Colorado, Representative Lamborn. And the four of us went down on what's called a congressional delegation. In we flew. It was a 1-day trip, a short trip. In we flew, and we landed in Honduras. And what a great privilege to meet with those people. Let me tell you a little bit about that trip, Madam Speaker. We met with President Micheletti and his leadership team. We met with the Honduran Supreme Court. We met with the leading presidential candidates who are running for office in the races that the gentleman from Florida mentioned that is going to convene on November 29 of this year. We met with the independent election commission, and we met with members of civil society, in other words, those people who are participants in the culture and economy and religious life of Honduras, including Americans who have lived down there, Madam Speaker, for as long as 25 years. And as the four of us gathered and listened and asked questions of these folks who represented the leadership and a wide range of perspectives across Honduras, there is one word that comes to mind that was universal in how they were perceiving the United States of America. And that single word was ``bewilderment.'' They were bewildered because, from their perspective, they had been coloring within the lines. From their perspective, they look to the north at this Nation that they admire, this Nation that they have a relationship with, this Nation that they look to, and yet this Nation was looking at them askance. Now, think about that. This is a Nation, the United States of America, that is willing to enter into conversations directly or indirectly with Ahmadinejad of Iran; we're willing to enter into conversations directly or indirectly with the Castro brothers of Cuba; but we are not willing to be in a conversation with this group, this long-time ally, the country of Honduras. Let me tell you where it breaks down from my perspective. We met with President Micheletti, and all of us who are Members of Congress and members of the general public, we've all been in meetings that have been highly manipulated and we know when there's a hustle going on, and you can kind of feel it. You know when it's scripted, when somebody is saying, Oh, you say this and you say this and you say this. But I am telling you, in this meeting, there was a great deal of spontaneity. And that was true of all of these meetings, Madam Speaker, all five of these meetings that I just described, they were spontaneous. And in the course of the meetings, President Micheletti admitted two mistakes. He was very transparent. He said, Look, we didn't have the authority to remove President Zelaya from the country. We didn't have the authority to do it. It was a mistake. Now, he was charging the military base and so forth, but President Micheletti acknowledged that they didn't have the authority to do it. He also said they didn't have the authority to shut down two television stations. They were small stations. They were broadcasting insurrection. We didn't have the authority to shut them down. It was a mistake. We regret it. We are moving to open them up, and so forth. But I cannot even begin to convey to you the sense of bewilderment, Madam Speaker, that the Hondurans expressed. Here we are, Members of the United States Congress, and we're seated with the Honduran Supreme Court. And I am thinking to myself, frankly, who am I or who are we to pass judgment on the Honduran Supreme Court on how they're interpreting their own Constitution, right? But they say to us, Look--and they made it very, very clear--we issued the order that the military followed. The military didn't tell us what to do. We, a civilian supreme court, issued the order and told them what to do. And I think that that's pivotal. When I was down there with Representative Schock, who's joining us tonight, and others, it was clear to me there's more police officers, Madam Speaker, around the United States Capitol tonight than there are around the presidential palace around Honduras. So the characterization of this as a military coup is casting it, frankly, in a false light. So all kinds of drama going back in the past, all kinds of situations as you look back in the past. Some mistakes, some not mistakes, some things characterized a certain way, some things not characterized a certain way. Where do we go from here? We go to November 29. Now we, as a country, historically, have looked to elections of a free people as the remedy moving forward. We have historically said, notwithstanding the background of a nation, if there is a free, fair, and open election, we are going to recognize and acknowledge the government that is subsequent to that. And I wholeheartedly believe and I wholeheartedly hope that the Obama administration, Secretary Clinton will lay out a parameter by which the Honduran Government can satisfy the administration that they're going to move forward. In other words, if the Honduran people make a decision on November 29--and let's remember, President Zelaya, former President, is not going to be on the ballot; President Micheletti, who is currently in office for this collapsing duration of time, is not going to be on the ballot. It's several other individuals who campaigned, got their nominations. They're on the ballot for their parties. Those are the individuals who are campaigning for office. And when we met with those individuals, not a one of them had a suspicion that there was anything that was untoward in this upcoming election. They all felt it was going to be pure as the wind-driven snow.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Yes, I will.

Mr. ROSKAM. Reclaiming my time, they are exactly the same candidates, absolutely. And when Representative Schock and I met with the individuals who are those that are in charge of administering the elections, frankly, they made it very clear to us they were not happy to meet with us at the place where we had to meet. They felt like we shouldn't--they shouldn't be there in the presidential palace. But they were humoring--they were accommodating us and being very gracious to us, but they made it very clear that they weren't happy to meet with us there. Why? Because their job is to ensure the integrity of the ballot. So here's where we go. So we're looking at November 29, the Honduran people are going to make a decision. They're going to choose one of these nominees who has been nominated by their party, and the United States Government then is going to have a decision to make. I think it is wise. I think it drives toward stability. I think it drives toward prosperity and toward a really good, solid foundation for us, for the American people, to recognize the legitimately elected officials of that government that the Honduran people, themselves, choose on November 29. I think it would be a devastating mistake if we were to look the Hondurans in the eye and say, You know, we really don't care who you choose. We're going to manipulate, and we're going to decide who your next president is going to be. Heaven help us if we go that route when we're a nation that historically has stood up and has said that we're going to stand for free, open and fair elections. I'm the first to say--and I think you are, too, Mr. Diaz-Balart--that if there were any nonsense to go on in an election, you would be the first one to jump in; but there has been no indication whatsoever, none, even from the presidential candidates who are currently running nor from the conversations that Representative Schock and I had and that I know you had with others when you went with Ms. Ileana Ros- Lehtinen and others down to Honduras. So I think it is incumbent upon us to stand up, to stand with the Honduran people, to stand alongside them in this time of real turmoil. In closing, I just want to make one observation. In the meeting that we had, the United States has, I think, unfortunately, cut off very pivotal aid right now to the country of Honduras. Yet, as one of the Honduran individuals said to me, You know, we can endure the lack of aid, but what good is aid to us if we give up our country? I think, Madam Speaker, that is a good watchword, one upon which we need to rest our foreign policy, and I would encourage the Obama administration to take that to heart. With that, I yield back to the gentleman.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the incorporation of Carol Stream, Illinois, a vital part of my Congressional District. The Village was founded by Jay Stream, a leading figure the city's first residential housing development, Carol Stream Estates, in 1959. Named after Jay's daughter Carol, the Village was incorporated on January 5th, 1959. From its early origins, Carol Stream has been a model for other cities and towns to follow, through its continued dedication building a friendly and welcoming community for residents and visitors alike. On the occasion of this 50th Anniversary, we join together to celebrate Carol Stream's legacy of growth and prosperity and to look ahead to the opportunities facing our state and our nation. Today both marks 50 years of working together to build a brighter future, and reminds us that our work continues. Madam Speaker and Distinguished Colleagues, please join me in recognizing Carol Stream Mayor Frank Saverino, the Carol Stream Village Legislative Board and the citizens of Carol Stream, and in wishing them every happiness on this special occasion.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Jarosch Bakery in Elk Grove Village, Illinois in my Congressional District. Jarosch Bakery was founded in 1959 by father and son George and Herbert Jarosch in order to provide quality baked goods to the northwest suburbs of Chicago. George emigrated from Germany where he had grown up learning the art of baking from his father's business. His son Herbert, a veteran of the Korean War and a trained baker, worked with his father to establish this successful business in downtown Elk Grove. Together with their wives and children the business has grown today into a successful company that employs more than 50 employees, many of whom have worked for the bakery for over 20 years. The bakery has grown by leaps and bounds, creating a welcoming environment for customers and producing some of the community's most sought-after treats. Through the years, the success of this business has depended on the tireless work of the Jarosch family and their dedicated employees. Madam Speaker and Distinguished Colleagues, please join me in recognizing this 50th Anniversary as we celebrate Jarosch Bakery's legacy of hard work entrepreneurial spirit.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the incorporation of Hoffman Estates, Illinois, in the heart of my Congressional District. The Village was founded by Sam and Jack Hoffman who purchased the land from a local farmer to establish a housing subdivision. The homeowners of the subdivision voted to incorporate the Village in 1959. From its early origins, Hoffman Estates has become a model for other cities and towns to follow through its continued dedication to building a strong and vibrant community to live, work in, and raise a family. On the occasion of this 50th Anniversary, we join together to celebrate Hoffman Estate's legacy of growth and prosperity and to look ahead to the opportunities facing our state and our nation. Today both marks 50 years of working together to build a brighter future, and reminds us that our work continues. Madam Speaker and Distinguished Colleagues, please join me in recognizing Hoffman Estates Mayor Bill McLeod, the Hoffman Estates Village Board of Trustees and the citizens of Hoffman Estates and in wishing them every happiness on this special occasion.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Madam Chair, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 3221, the Student Aid and Financial Responsibility Act, which abolishes a historically successful private-public partnership in the student lending market in favor of a newer government-run program. In an unwise grab for total government control over the student lending market, this Majority is going to destroy a program that has provided need-based financial assistance to thousands of graduate students that have attended Midwestern University in my Congressional District. Created in 1966, the Federal Family Education Loan program has distributed more than 200 million loans to college students totaling nearly $800 billion. In 1993, the Direct Loan program--the government ``option'' in the student lending program--was established to promote competition. Now, this Majority wants to consolidate all federally supported student lending under the Direct Loan Program. Let me be clear about the consequences of this ploy: millions of dollars in financial aid for thousands of students across the country will be lost. Doing away with the Federal Family Education Loan program will also do away with the School as Lender program. H.R. 3221 ignores the needs of graduate students. School as Lender is a vital need-based aid program for financially struggling graduate student education. Opponents of the School as Lender program have characterized these schools as profit-hungry proxies for commercial lenders. To the contrary, these schools obtain credit to make loans and use the proceeds from their origination to support financial aid. School as Lender institutions are prohibited by law from making money from the program--all proceeds from the sale of loans must be returned to graduate students in the form of need-based grants. School lenders have low default rates, indicating that schools are not irresponsibly encouraging students to assume more loan burden than they can afford. Without School as Lender, many students will now be forced to take out more loans and student debt. Within my Congressional District, one of the pioneers of the School as Lender program, Midwestern University, uses its School as Lender program to provide need-based grants to students who would otherwise not be able to pursue the University's graduate programs in osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, dental medicine and other health sciences. Decreasing access to education for low-income students would further inflame the shortage of the healthcare workforce as Congress considers a massive expansion of health insurance coverage. Over the past three academic years, Midwestern University has paid out over four million dollars in School as Lender scholarship monies to more than 1,500 students. Midwestern lacks profit motives to continue the program--they simply desire to maintain an affordable option to attract graduate students. Midwestern University offers flexible and innovative student loan options. Through the School as Lender program, Midwestern is able to break down cost barriers that keep many low-income students from seeking graduate degrees. I urge my colleagues to stand on the side of students in need and reject this government grab for control of student lending that will rob many graduate students of the assistance needed to pursue advanced education.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Elk Grove Baptist Church located in Elk Grove Village in my Congressional district. Elk Grove Baptist Church was founded with the dedication and signing of the church's charter in 1959. Through the last fifty years, Elk Grove Baptist Church has grown into a thriving congregation of 200 weekly attendees and has become an important part of the community. From weekly outreach events, to Sunday morning worship services and community service, the church has proved to be a driving force in the township's growth and prosperity. Over the years, Elk Grove Baptist Church has grown its facilities to keep pace with its outreach and expanding ministry. Since its inception, there have been nine senior pastors in the church's history and I am pleased to recognize the hard work and faithful service of the current Pastor, Reverend Curt Hansen. Madam Speaker and Distinguished Colleagues, please join me in recognizing the special occasion of this 50th Anniversary as we celebrate Elk Grove Baptist Church's legacy of faith, fellowship and service. I look forward to many more years of fruitfulness.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to recognize the Itasca Fire Protection District No. 1 in my Congressional District for their Centennial Celebration. This year marks 100 years of their loyal service to the community. During the weekend of September 11th and 12th, the community will gather to recognize these heroic men and women, both past and present, who have served faithfully for a century. These firefighters and paramedics serve the families and businesses of Itasca, as well as those in surrounding communities. Day in and out these men and women risk their lives to protect our communities. Their bravery and courage often goes unnoticed, but their efforts are very deserving of our recognition and admiration. Fire Chief James MacArthur and the men and women of Itasca's Fire Protection District No. 1 reflect the pride and tradition of excellence that exists throughout the Fire Protection Community. Madam Speaker and Distinguished Colleagues, please join me in celebrating this special occasion and the long years of service and commitment that it represents.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I was minding my own business in my office, and I've been listening to this debate and felt like I needed to come and just point a couple of things out, some real weaknesses of this bill. First of all, I'm hearing from manufacturers, Mr. Speaker, in my district who are particularly concerned about section 4 of the bill. They're making their concerns known through the National Association of Manufacturers, and they've said that they are concerned that this bill would give authority to government regulatory agencies to review and prohibit pay arrangements for a wide range of employees and, as a result, they strongly oppose the government intervention in the internal dynamics of companies. Look, I'm the first to say that if you took bailout money, if you took TARP money, fine, be in this category, and those are entities that the taxpayers have a right and an expectation to regulate. But when we start to use ambiguous terms, terms that are not well-defined, with all due respect to the majority, ultimately, we're creating an environment where there's going to be more government intervention. Why is it that the National Association of Manufacturers says, Don't do this to us? They're working hard to create jobs in this country and they haven't been able to do it, in part, because of bad policies that they've seen come out of Washington, D.C., Mr. Speaker. And we can do much, much more. Look, in a nutshell, this bill is an invitation for political meddling at its worst in the private confines of companies that are trying to work hard to create jobs and to create opportunities. You can imagine a politician getting on the phone with the regulator and saying, You know what, I'm interested in you checking into that company because I don't like them and I don't like the way that they're doing business. We can do better. Let's send this bill back to committee. Let's vote ``no.''

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Madam Speaker, pursuant to Republican standards on disclosure for Member project requests, I am submitting the following information regarding projects I support for inclusion in H.R. 3183, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2010. Congressman Peter J. Roskam: H.R. 3183, Army Corps of Engineers, Construction account for the continuation of work on the Des Plaines River, IL. The entity to receive the $3,300,000 in funding for this project is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago District, 111 N. Canal Street, Suite 600, Chicago, IL 60606. It is my understanding that the funding would be used to continue work on the Des Plaines River projects authorized by the Water Resources Development Act of 1999 (Public Law No. 106-53). Funding for this project would be used to continue Phase I of the authorized Des Plaines River Project. Specifically, construction will move forward on the expansion of Big Bend Lake and lowering the normal lake level to obtain an additional 587 acre-feet of storage. Material excavated from the expansion must be removed from the site. Two storm sewer lines, which currently empty into Big Bend Lake, a 96-inch and 24-inch, will be rerouted directly to the Des Plaines River. Recurrent flooding along the Des Plaines River causes an estimated average annual damage of more than $25 million (69 percent traffic damages, 20 percent residential damages, 8 percent commercial/industrial/public damages, 3 percent emergency services costs). Statutory authorization for this project is provided in the Water Resources Development Act of 1999 (Public Law 106-53), and a Project Cooperation Agreement has been signed by the Army Corps of Engineers and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Congressman Peter J. Roskam: H.R. 3183, Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Solar Technology account for Solar Lighting for the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. The entity to receive the $300,000 funding for this project is the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, 3S580 Naperville Road, Wheaton, IL 60189. It is my understanding that the funding would be used to install an on- grid solar panel energy collection system to provide power for lighting of one of the entire Danada Forest Preserve Campuses. The Danada Forest Preserve is a high visibility public facility that is used for meetings, wedding events, youth equestrian programs and a soon to be visitor center with native plant demonstration gardens. This campus is home to the Danada House, an equestrian facility, and staff offices. The lighting project is necessary to facilitate night programming while improving safety and security. The solar lighting project would be an educational component that would tie well into the sustainability initiatives currently being proposed for the entire facility. Additionally, the project would serve as a helpful demonstration of solar technology and capacity in the Chicagoland region. Congressman Peter J. Roskam: H.R. 3183, Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies account for a Green Roof for the DuPage County Administration Building. The entity to receive the $250,000 in funding for this project is DuPage County, 421 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL 60187. It is my understanding that the funding would be used to replace a roof in need of repair with one that is environmentally friendly and energy efficient. The objective for implementation of Green Roof Technology is to reduce energy costs for county campus facilities and to promote and implement new environmental technology. The Jack T. Knuepfer Administration Building roof is currently leaking and is in great need of repair. The roof has been identified to be structurally sound to support a low profile vegetated Green Technology roof system. With the installation of a green roof, the R value, or thermal resistance will increase, thereby contributing to cooler roof temperatures in the summer months, decreasing solar loading effects which transfer heat into the building, ultimately resulting in considerable energy savings, which is good for the environment and taxpayers. Congressman Peter J. Roskam: H.R. 3183, Army Corps of Engineers, Construction account for the McCook and Thornton Reservoirs, IL. The entity to receive the $25,000,000 in funding for this project is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago District, 111 N. Canal Street, Suite 600, Chicago, IL 60606. It is my understanding that the funding would be used to continue ongoing design and construction of the McCook Reservoir, as authorized under the Water Resources Development Act of 1988 (Public Law 100-676). The McCook Reservoir is currently under construction, and when completed will have a total capacity of 10 billion gallons, provide more than $90 million per year in benefits to 3.1 million people in 37 communities, protecting 1,240,000 million structures. The District is proceeding with planning, design and ultimately construction of the Thornton Reservoir under the Section 211 provision of the 2007 WRDA. This provision will allow the District to complete the project, seek reimbursement for the federal share, and bring the flood protection and CSO storage benefits to 556,000 people in 15 communities by 2014. Completing the McCook and Thornton Reservoirs and bringing them fully on-line is crucial to local communities, the health of Lake Michigan and its tributaries, and to the economic development of the region. Without timely completion of the project, communities will face decreased drinking water allocations, significant decreases in water quality and thousands of homes will be vulnerable to flooding. In fact, this project will provide more than $130 million per year in benefits to over 3 million Illinois residents and once complete will protect over 1.3 million structures from flooding. The McCook and Thornton Reservoir projects are a key component of the Chicago Underflow Plan (CUP), the flood control element of the District's Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP). TARP is the long-term comprehensive flood pollution control solution for Chicago and its 51 surrounding communities, and includes a series of underground tunnels and storage reservoirs designed to address combined sewer overflow discharges. This system has been enormously effective in achieving its goal as evidenced by the elimination of 85 percent of the combined sewage pollution in a 325 square mile area. Congressman Peter J. Roskam: H.R. 3183, Army Corps of Engineers, Construction account for the Chicago Sanitary & Ship Canal Dispersal Barriers. The entity to receive the $7,275,000 in funding for this project is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago District, 111 N. Canal Street, Suite 600, Chicago, IL 60606. It is my understanding that the funding would be used to operate Barrier I, complete construction of Barrier II, and prepare designs for making Barrier I permanent, as authorized by the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 (Public Law 110-114). Historically, the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River were separated naturally by a landmass, but since the completion of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, aquatic species can move freely between the two water systems. This dispersal barrier is needed to keep the invasive species Asian Carp from reaching Lake Michigan and infesting the larger Great Lakes ecosystem. A temporary dispersal barrier (Barrier I) has been operating for nearly seven years, and construction of a permanent barrier (Barrier IIA) will be completed this year. Funding in the amount of $5.0 million is needed to operate Barrier I, complete construction of Barrier II, and prepare designs for making Barrier I permanent.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Madam Speaker, pursuant to Republican standards on disclosure for Member project requests, I am submitting the following information regarding projects I support for inclusion in H.R. 3326, the Departments of Defense Appropriations Act of 2010. Congressman Peter J. Roskam: H.R. 3326 Department of Defense, Gas Technology Institute's Advanced Power Generation Unit for Military Applications. In partnership with the U.S. Army Research Laboratory, the Gas Technology Institute will use this $650,000 in funding to develop an advanced power generation unit for military applications. The unit developed as a result of this research project will have dual- use applications as military or commercial portable power or vehicle auxiliary power units (APU). The novel fuel cell power unit is highly efficient, clean, and very quiet. GTI will work with the U.S. Army Research Laboratory to develop and validate the performance, efficiency, and emissions of this new power generation unit and identify applications that address the needs of Army Technology Objectives ATO related to reduced energy consumption and increased carried energy density for power systems. This technology will also have commercial applications for commercial vehicle auxiliary power units (e.g., to address anti-idling laws) and back-up power systems for improved reliability. Vehicles that sit and idle for extended periods of time, such as long haul trucks and transit and school busses, currently use nearly 1.5 billion gallons of diesel fuel annually (during idling). In addition, the military has specialized needs for quiet power systems for field deployment for individual soldiers, vehicles, and other remote power requirements. This high-risk, high- impact technology offers the promise of substantially reducing the capital cost of fuel cell-based power systems by avoiding the use of expensive, foreign-sourced precious metals such as platinum that are common in current fuel cell power systems. Congressman Peter J. Roskam: H.R. 3326 Department of Defense, Helmets to Hardhats Center for Military Recruitment, Assessment and Employment. The Helmets to Hardhats program will use this $3,000,000 in funding to provide infrastructure support to help members of the armed forces in transitioning from active duty into skilled employment in the construction industry. Most career opportunities utilizing the program are connected to federally-approved apprenticeship training programs. This training is usually provided by trade organizations at no or minimal cost to the servicemember. This program even provides the extensive training that is sometimes necessary for military personnel without prior experience in the building and construction trades. In fact, most of the servicemembers that are successfully placed start with virtually no experience in their chosen field. All participating trade organizations conduct three to five year ``earn-while-you-learn'' apprenticeship training programs that teach veterans everything necessary to become a construction industry professional with a specialization in a particular craft. Because these apprenticeship programs are regulated and approved at both the Federal and State levels, veterans can utilize their Montgomery GI bill benefits to supplement their income while learning a valuable skill. The program creates valuable links to ideal careers for guardsmen and reservists, and it helps to smooth the transition into a valuable and sustainable career that lessens the time that a veteran-in-transition will be dependent on other services. The Helmets to Hardhats program in Illinois is the most innovative in the nation, offering job placement assistance in dozens of fields. Through the leadership of the Illinois Teamsters, Helmets to Hardhats hosted the first-ever Chicago-area veterans' job fair in August 2007. Over 400 veterans were placed with job training, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities as a result. To date, more than 39,000 veterans have been placed with jobs nationally.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, a few years ago I was at a famous Cubs game and watched as the Chicago Cubs were leading up to this crescendo. They were playing the Florida Marlins, and it actually looked for a minute as if the Chicago Cubs were going to go to the World Series. The announcer began to say, Well, there are five outs left and the Cubs are going to go to the World Series, and it got incredibly exciting. And then there was a bobble over in left field, and the rest is history. I mean, the air went out of Wrigley Field like nothing I had ever seen before. Just whoosh. Well, that is exactly what happened in the Ways and Means Committee when the Director of CBO, the Congressional Budget Office, came in and said, and I am paraphrasing now, the following about the Democrat majority's plan: Number one, you are rushing this. You haven't given us time to evaluate it; but, number two, there is nothing that indicates that this is going to save money. In fact, it looks like a budget buster. Again, whoosh, all the energy left the room. Americans know that we can do better. Americans know this is a job destroyer. Let's do the right thing.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Madam Speaker, pursuant to Republican standards on disclosure for Member project requests, I am submitting the following information regarding projects I support for inclusion in H.R. 3288, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2010. Congressman Peter J. Roskam: H.R. 3288, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Economic Development Initiative account for the Revitalization of the South Villa Corridor in Villa Park, Illinois. The entity to receive the $250,000 in funding for this project is the Village of Villa Park, 20 S. Ardmore Avenue, Villa Park, IL 60181. It is my understanding that the funding would be used to provide aesthetic enhancements and redevelopment opportunities to promote and attract increased economic development activity. This funding will help the village move toward economic growth and recovery even in this climate, fulfilling a great need for the village and the region. Congressman Peter J. Roskam: H.R. 3288, Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration, Alternatives Analysis Program account for the Pace J-Route Bus Rapid Transit Project. The entity to receive funding for this project is Pace Suburban Bus, 550 W. Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005. It is my understanding that the funding would be used to complete the federally-required alternatives analysis for the Bus Rapid Transit project. The alternatives analysis study will determine the preferred mode (bus/rail), specific alignment, design and capital and operating costs. Once constructed, this project will create a high-speed transit option for commuters between Schaumburg, O'Hare Airport, Oakbrook and Naperville. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), if selected as the preferred mode, is based on signal priority for buses at traffic signals along arterial routes, roadway improvements like exclusive bus lanes and ``queue jump'' lanes, real-time travel information signs at significant stops along the route using the Intelligent Bus System already installed on all Pace buses, and dissemination of real-time travel information to passengers, dispatchers, planners, and customer relations staff using a variety of electronic media. The project will provide a much-needed new transit option for residents, commuters and workers in DuPage and northern Cook Counties. The service would allow faster, more reliable service on congested suburban streets.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Madam Speaker, pursuant to Republican standards on disclosure for Member project requests, I am submitting the following information regarding projects I support for inclusion in H.R. 3293, the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2010. Congressman Peter J. Roskam: H.R. 3293, Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Training and Employment Services account for the Access Community Health Center Career Laddering Program. The entity to receive the $400,000 in funding for this project is the Access Community Health Network, 1501 S. California Avenue, Chicago, IL 60608. It is my understanding that the funding would be used to create an innovative career training and advancement framework for healthcare employees. ACCESS employs close to 450 entry level workers, the majority of whom have no college education and many of whom are recruited because their ``peer'' status is an asset in helping medically underserved patients enter and navigate the health system. ACCESS is proposing an integrated strategy for employee career advancement by deploying two tandem strategies: developing career ladders with internal training programs; and providing scholarships for employees that show educational promise, combined with mentoring to integrate educational attainment into career advancement at ACCESS. The majority of these 450 workers are minorities, many with families, and some who are single parents working two jobs to survive in the current economy. Most have not had the resources to consider pursuing their education, and for those who have had formal training (such as medical assistants), pursuit of a four-year degree has been beyond reach. This funding will bring practical relief and assistance to those served by ACCESS by empowering the employees to grow to be even better health professionals. In the midst of the current challenges in our healthcare system, and the debate over reform, we can all agree that a more educated and advancing healthcare workforce will better serve Americans. Congressman Peter J. Roskam: H.R. 3293, Department of Education, Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education account for the Elgin Community College Health Careers Center of Excellence. The entity to receive the $100,000 in funding for this project is the Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, IL 60123. It is my understanding that the funding would be used for curriculum research and development and the acquisition of instructional equipment. Sixty percent of the nation's new registered nurses and the majority of allied health professionals receive their training through community colleges. ECC is graduating the future employees of hospitals, doctors' offices, nursing homes, schools and dentists' all across the Chicago region. As we debate health reform, we must also keep in mind that the nation faces a healthcare workforce shortage. The demand for healthcare job training is so high that ECC turns away more applicants every semester than it is able to enroll. Hospitals and healthcare providers across the country have staffing shortages, and ECC can help. This much-needed funding will help ECC meet the healthcare staffing needs burdening our current system. Congressman Peter J. Roskam: H.R. 3293, Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration account for the DuPage County Start the Heart Program. The entity to receive the $100,000 in funding for this project is the Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, IL 60123. The entity to receive the $150,000 in funding for this project is the DuPage County Health Department, 111 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL 60187. It is my understanding that the funding would be used to educate the public on how to reduce fatality rates from sudden cardiac arrest and expand access to AEDs throughout area communities. The leading cause of death in DuPage County is Heart Disease. While many of these deaths are attributed to chronic disease there is an opportunity to reduce deaths related to sudden cardiac arrest. Currently, one person dies every two minutes from sudden cardiac death, and the national survival rate is only 6% to 7%. Some areas of the country have seen positive trends increasing the survival rate, directly linked to public health campaigns that focus on increasing the numbers of individuals trained in CPR and creating greater access to Public Access Defibrillators (AEDs). Survival rates double in locations with access to AEDs. The Start the Heart Campaign is a collaborative, community-based partnership with the Midwest Heart Foundation (a group established by area physicians), local governments, education, and healthcare leaders. The goals are to increase the number of citizens who are trained in CPR and to increase the public access to AEDs. The healthcare costs related to survivors of delayed defibrillation are very high as these individuals require long rehabilitative therapy or long term skilled care. Costs related to families that lose mothers or fathers prematurely can be recognized in many social programs that support unplanned loss of income. This much needed funding will bring enhanced safety and health security to the people of DuPage County.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Americans are seeing jobs sift through their fingers like so many grains of sand. We have seen 2 million jobs lost since the stimulus passed, millions more under the cap-and-tax scheme that moved through the House, and even millions more lost if the health care plan moves forward. But our adventures don't stop there. The administration has proposed $200 billion in tax increases on worldwide American companies in the form of changes to tax deferral rules. A report released in June, coauthored by a former Clinton administration official, acknowledged that the deferral changes would cost as many as 2.2 million American jobs. This isn't about big, bad American companies. This is about American companies and workers having the tools to compete overseas to pursue 95 percent of the world's customers who are living outside of the United States and our borders. Deferral is one of these tools that we need to make sure that is in place over the long run to make sure that Americans can compete in worldwide markets.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, listen. Listen with me and see if we can hear the sounds of jobs. Shhh, shhh, shhh, shhh. You gotta listen real close. Quiet. Well, I'm not hearing anything. The administration told us in this House months ago that if the American people stood in favor of the stimulus package that unemployment would peak at 8 percent, and yet here in Illinois, the State that I represent, we've now eclipsed 10 percent. We were told that the cost curve would be broken if only we would follow the administration's health care plan and it would be the salvation of small business, and yet the Congressional Budget Office came into the Ways and Means Committee last week, Mr. Speaker, and said that was dead wrong. The question that has to be asked and has to be answered is one that we've heard no answer today from the other side: Where are the jobs? There are no jobs. This is an administration that has pumped sunshine for months and has failed to follow through, and we ought not follow these brake lights right over the cliff. We know what we need to do, and that is stand for small business and vote against this plan.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. A few years ago, my predecessor, Congressman Henry Hyde, started a great program. It was an initiative to invite young men and women to participate in a civic conversation. It's in Elmhurst, Illinois, and it's a Mayor for a Day program. I am pleased to announce that Brad Martin of Brian Middle School was the winner of the Mayor for a Day program. I won't read his whole essay. You can go to my Web site and check it out. But essentially he said that if he were a mayor for a day, he would start a CARE program, which essentially stands for Caring and Respecting Everyone. I think in this day and this age in the 111th Congress, all of us can learn from the wisdom of Brad Martin.

Ms. ROSKAM

Ms. ROSKAM. I thank the gentleman for yielding. You know what's happening in suburban Chicago is there are businesses who are really in a touch-and-go position right now. They are treading water. They are barely keeping their heads above the surface of the water. And what they expect from this Congress is for us to come along and literally throw them a lifeline. But you know what this bill is? This bill is a bowling ball. It comes along, it says, Hey, there you go. Hit that with a thud right on your chest. Deal with it, because we are debating ideology today. My district says let's do the right thing, let's do the transformational thing, but let's not give our markets over to the Chinese, where they have clearly said they are not in this game. Let's not give our markets over to the Indians where they say they are not in this game. Let's not put an additional $3,100 tax on a family of four. Let's offer a lifeline to the American public. Let's pull the plug on this bill.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Madam Speaker, pursuant to Republican standards on disclosure for Member project requests, I am submitting the following information regarding a project I support for inclusion in H.R. 2996, the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. Congressman Peter J. Roskam: H.R. 2996, Environmental Protection Agency, STAG Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Project account for the Tubeway Drive Storm Water Lift Station Rehabilitation Project in Carol Stream, Illinois. The entity to receive funding for this project is the Village of Carol Stream, 500 North Gary Avenue, Carol Stream, IL 60188. It is my understanding that the funding would be used to rehabilitate and replace a 35-year-old storm water lift station at the end of its useful life. The Tubeway Drive Storm Water Lift Station is showing signs of corrosion, and is in need of desperate repair to alleviate flooding in the village. Under this rehabilitation project, the lift station will be totally replaced with new more efficient pumps, valving, backup systems and structures. Replacing the station in a timely manner will ensure storm water flows are effectively managed, preventing flood damage losses. Carol Stream has demonstrated a good- faith cost share in the project, providing a 45% commitment of matching funds. Severe flooding has plagued the village in the last year. Rains in September 2008 submerged 50 homes and damaged 400. This was followed in December by more rain, melting snow, and another round of flooding. Even last week the Daily Herald reported on how Carol Stream has had to deal with ``severe flooding in several areas.'' This timely funding will bring much-needed relief to my constituents.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Chairman, when the gentlelady from California says that we are fully funding the administration's request, that is true. I accept that at face value. But what if the administration is wrong? What if they have made the wrong request? Remember, this is an administration that has said Iran has legitimate nuclear ambitions. No, they don't. There is no legitimate pursuit of nuclear power in Iran; it is all for an evil and despicable purpose. This is an administration that got it wrong on the Iranian dissidents and has sort of back-pedaled over the past several days and recast their support of the dissidents when they really missed the mark. So I take the gentlelady at face value that they are fully funding the request; but in my opinion, the request is wrong. The gentleman from Arizona is right: this is an aggressive regime that ought not to be coddled. This is an effort to make sure that all of us are safe, and this is a sacred duty. I urge the adoption of the Franks amendment.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Madam Speaker, pursuant to Republican standards on disclosure for Member project requests, I am submitting the following information regarding projects I support for inclusion in H.R. 2487, the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2010. Congressman Peter J. Roskam: H.R. 2487, Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Edward Byrne Memorial State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance Grant Programs account for the Hanover Park Police Department Rapid Response to School Violence Program. The entity to receive the $48,000 in funding for this project is the Hanover Park Police Department, 2121 W. Lake Street, Hanover Park, IL 60133. It is my understanding that the funding would be used for the Department to enhance its response to school violence capabilities through purchase of equipment, training, and realistic exercises. This funding is desperately needed to equip the Hanover Park Police Department to better be able to respond to threats of school violence, particularly in light of the recent and sudden increase in teen and gang shootings. The Hanover Park Police Department plans to enhance its response to school violence capabilities through purchase of equipment, training, and realistic exercises. This training would be used for all sworn department members in a series of simulated situations of police response to active shooters in schools. Included in the request is funding for purchase of training weapons, and tactical equipment, and armored security gear for use in both drills and actual incident response. The Hanover Park Police Department has demonstrated a willingness to be a regional resource, and has positioned itself to provide mutual aid to surrounding municipalities and even other states. The Department's School Familiarization Program was featured in a June 2008 Law and Order article, and has served as a model for other departments across the country. Congressman Peter J. Roskam: H.R. 2487, Department of Justice, COPS Law Enforcement Technology Program account for the Northern Illinois Police Alarm System Atmospheric Detection Equipment. The entity to receive the $675,000 in funding for this project is the Glencoe Department of Public Safety, 675 Village Court, Glencoe, IL 60022. It is my understanding that the funding from this joint request with Congresswoman Bean would be used to acquire atmospheric Detection Equipment for the NIPAS regional mutual aid response trained officers. The Northern Illinois Police Alarm System (NIPAS) Emergency Services Team (EST) is a mutual aid organization that is responsible for law enforcement coverage of 68 member towns with a total population of approximately 1.8 million residents. In Illinois' 6th Congressional District, the acquisition of this equipment will directly benefit the municipalities of Bartlett, Elk Grove Village, Elmhurst, Hanover Park, Mount Prospect, Roselle, Streamwood, and Villa Park. This funding will be used to acquire atmospheric Detection Equipment for the NIPAS EST mutual aid response trained officers. Member Police Departments and the NIPAS EST have identified a lacking atmospheric detection capability. Atmospheric detection equipment is needed to allow NIPAS law enforcement officers the ability to respond to crimes or other incidents involving hazardous environments, explosive devices, arson materials, and narcotics. NIPAS will administer this program which will provide coverage for 68 member communities in the counties of Lake, Cook, DuPage, McHenry and Will Counties. Ensuring that NIPAS officers have the Atmospheric detection technology they need will: protect police officers who are the first to respond to Hazmat related accidents/crime scenes and methamphetamine related crime scenes; decrease the response time of officers to hazmat accidents/crime scenes; increase public safety, and provide valuable atmospheric samples that can later be used for criminal prosecutions. This shared resource will leverage taxpayer dollars toward a more efficient procurement of this atmospheric detection equipment. Congressman Peter J. Roskam: H.R. 2487, Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Edward Byrne Memorial State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance Grant Programs account for the Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital Domestic Violence Program. The entity to receive the $75,000 in funding for this project is Advocate Health Care, 2025 Windsor Drive, Oakbrook, IL 60523. It is my understanding that the funding would be used to strengthen and expand the Hospital's domestic violence program through greater outreach and enhanced collaboration with more area police departments. With the growing numbers of reported domestic violence in DuPage County and throughout Illinois' 6th Congressional district, Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital (AGSH) seeks to further strengthen and expand its domestic violence program to ensure that current and expected needs are met. In addition, with this funding AGSH will be able to expand its collaborative efforts with local police departments to include Lombard and Wheaton, complementing its current interaction with Downers Grove. Additionally, AGSH will enhance training both internally and for local agencies that serve as strategic points of entry: emergency departments, local police departments, and faith-based organizations. The federal government has recognized the serious public health threat that domestic violence poses to society through its Healthy People 2010 objectives, and the federal government has sought and is seeking a reduction in the rate of physical assault by current or former intimate partners. AGSH seeks to help achieve this important federal objective. This project meets the objectives of the Bureau of Justice Assistance by encouraging the development and implementation of strategies to reduce and prevent crime and violence, drawing in community participation, and providing technical assistance.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, you know, watching the attitude and really this spending adventure that the majority has taken on really reminds me of somebody that's paving a highway, and what they have done is they want to completely flatten out any opposition to really runaway Federal spending, just absolutely no restraining influence whatsoever, Mr. Speaker. So here you have a group of House Republicans who are trying to articulate a sense of restraint. We are hearing from our constituents who are incredibly concerned about the pace of spending. And yet the speed bumps that we offered have been completely flattened out. I offered an amendment which would have said, look, the Speaker of the House recently accused people of committing a Federal crime, a crime that is punishable, if true, by 5 years in prison. The amendment that I offered that met the previously articulated preprinting requirement would have said we're going to allocate money to the Department of Justice to investigate this accusation of a Federal crime. And yet what does the majority do late at night in the wee hours when nobody's watching? Being completely intimidated by an open and robust debate. This rule is really an incredible disappointment. I think it's an incredible insult, frankly, to the American public that wants to talk about spending and is weary of the attitude that has come through from the majority. We know what we need to do. We need to stand up for the American taxpayer, stand up for our children, stand up for our grandchildren, who are being saddled with a legacy of debt, and vote against this rule.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a dedicated public servant from my Congressional District, Mayor Claudia ``Gigi'' Gruber of Itasca. After twelve years as Mayor, Gigi is stepping down. In her first experience with elected public office, Gigi served one term as a Village Trustee in Itasca. Then, in May 1997, Gigi was elected Mayor of Itasca. Over the years, Gigi has been an insightful observer, keen in her understanding of the long-term challenges facing the Village. Throughout her career, she has tackled these challenges with deft skill, deep understanding, and strong personal integrity. While constant change has brought a steady stream of new difficulties for Itasca to confront, one thing has remained the same. Mayor Gruber has kept a steady hand to the wheel, advising the Village Board and working tirelessly for the benefit of the community and her residents. Gigi Gruber has been an advocate for the people of Itasca since her very first days in office. Gigi truly embodies the meaning of a public servant as she approaches her job with compassion and humility. In her time with the Village, she has shown true leadership to bring economic development to the area. Gigi has improved all of our lives and left an indelible impression on the Village of Itasca. Madam Speaker and Distinguished Colleagues, Gigi Gruber is a remarkable leader who has dedicated her life to serving the people of Itasca. Please join me in recognizing her extraordinary service and wishing her every happiness in her life's upcoming endeavors.

Mr. ROSKAM

Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Chairman, I first of all, I want to thank the gentleman for his support. And just one other point for the record: The amendment is endorsed by the American Public Transportation Association. I am not aware of any opponents. I appreciate the gentleman's support. I yield back the balance of my time.