John Shimkus

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Smith), the chairman of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee.

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Chairman, under the Clean Air Act, section 319 provides relief to areas that violate National Ambient Air Quality Standards due to unusual or naturally occurring events as that they cannot control. Section 3(h) would add--and I would argue strengthens the definition--droughts and extraordinary stagnation to the act's definition of an exceptional event. Let me give you an example. In 2012, there was a major drought in the Midwest. Now, I am from corn country, and we don't irrigate our corn because we have got great soil, and we have got weather conditions for most of the years that provide plentiful rain for that to happen. But that didn't happen in 2012. It was an extraordinary event. It was a drought. Now the question is posed: Should we punish the communities for an extraordinary event; i.e., a drought that is out of the control of any human being? It is an ``extraordinary event.'' This language would provide reasonable relief for States in this condition, particularly those in the Western United States for, as I said, events beyond their control. Nothing in H.R. 806 does away with the detailed statutory requirements under section 319(h) of the Clean Air Act for demonstrating ``an exceptional event.'' Nor does anything in the bill do away with the detailed regulatory procedures and guidelines that the EPA has laid out for demonstrating exceptional events or the requirements to measure air quality or to make that air quality data available to the public. This provision simply ensures citizens in areas experiencing unusual or natural occurring events beyond their control do not become subject to penalties or sanctions under the Clean Air Act as a result of those events. Mr. Chair, I urge a ``no'' vote on this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. McCarthy), the majority leader of the House.

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the balance of my time. I would first of all like to thank my colleague from New York who serves as the ranking member of the committee. We have done some good work together that we look forward to bringing to the floor in a more amicable setting. Obviously, this one is not. I wish it could have been, but so the public policy world goes. Let me, in my remaining time, highlight some of the organizations that are supporting our action. Through the committee process, we had the Farm Bureau, the American Petroleum Institute, the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, the Portland Cement Association, National Association of Manufacturers, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce express the need to reform and modernize the Clean air Act in order to encourage economic growth and job creation, because we understand that what has, also, a major impact on health and welfare is our citizens having good-paying jobs. There is a focus on what we are trying to do as Republicans through the legislative process, and we want to reduce the tax burdens, to ease the regulatory burdens, and to create jobs so that all of our citizens are able to achieve their economic goals and aspirations. We also received a letter today that I include in the Record from over 145 organizations and over close to 20 State chambers of commerce. July 18, 2017. Hon. Mitch McConnell, Majority Leader, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Hon. Paul Ryan, Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Chuck Schumer, Minority Leader, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Hon. Nancy Pelosi, Minority Leader, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Majority Leader McConnell, Speaker Ryan, and Minority Leaders Schumer and Pelosi: The undersigned, which represent a diverse group of industries from across the country, write to express our strong support for H.R. 806 and S. 263, the ``Ozone Standards Implementation Act of 2017.'' This legislation provides a common-sense approach for implementing national ambient air quality standards, recognizes ongoing state efforts to improve air quality through a reasonable implementation schedule for the 2015 ozone standards, streamlines the air permitting process for businesses to expand operations and create jobs, and includes other reforms that bring more regulatory certainty to federal air quality standards. Additionally, the undersigned support language including certain elements of H.R. 806 and S. 263 included in the Fiscal Year 2018 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. We have significant concerns that the 2015 ozone standards overlap with existing state plans to implement the 2008 ozone standards, leading to duplicative and wasteful implementation schedules, and unnecessary and severe economic impacts. The new ozone standards were promulgated in October 2015, only months after states received their final guidance from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on how to implement the 2008 ozone standards. This delay was the result of the Obama administration's decision to halt work on the 2008 ozone standards during a 2010-2011 reconsideration period. The EPA, however, did not account for this self-imposed delay when issuing the 2015 ozone standards, thereby imposing duplicative costs and burdens of implementing multiple standards simultaneously. This is particularly wasteful as the EPA itself projects that nearly the entire country would attain the 2015 ozone standards simply by being provided an opportunity to fully implement already-planned measures like their state implementation plans for the 2008 ozone standards. Local economies also face severe impacts, as analysis of data indicates that the 2015 ozone standards could expand nonattainment to more than 950 counties if planned reductions are not allowed time to take effect, subjecting large parts of the country to costly nonattainment control requirements. Notwithstanding concerns expressed by thousands of elected officials, state agencies, businesses, community groups, and other stakeholders, the EPA issued the 2015 ozone standards without addressing the overlap with the 2008 ozone standards and the enormous impacts that dual implementation would have on limited state resources, permitting, and the economy. It is now up to Congress to address these issues, and that is why we support H.R. 806 and S. 263. By better aligning the 2015 ozone standards with the 2008 ozone standards and their associated emissions reductions, H.R. 806 and S. 263 will help prevent unnecessary nonattainment designations and cost burdens, without sacrificing environmental protection. The legislation's permitting relief and other reforms are also an important step towards national ambient air quality standards that balance environmental protection and economic development. In sum, H.R. 806 and S. 263 and the related appropriations language provide a common-sense plan that maintains continued air quality improvement without unnecessarily straining state and local economic resources. We strongly encourage Congress to act quickly on this critical legislation. Alabama Petroleum Council; Alaska Chamber; Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers; Alliance of Wyoming Manufacturers; Aluminum Association; American Chemistry Council; American Coatings Association; American Coke and Coal Chemicals Institute; American Farm Bureau Federation; American Forest & Paper Association; American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers; American Iron and Steel Institute; American Petroleum Institute; American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA); American Wood Council; Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce; Apache Junction Chamber of Commerce; API New York; API Ohio; API South Carolina. Ardagh Group, Glass North America; Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Arizona Mining Association; Arkansas Petroleum Council; Ascension Chamber of Commerce; Associated Petroleum Industries of Michigan; Associated Petroleum Industries of Pennsylvania; Association of American Railroads; Baton Rouge Area Chamber; Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce; Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce; Cedar City Area Chamber of Commerce; Chandler Chamber of Commerce; Chemical Industry Council of California; Chemical Industry Council of Illinois; Chemistry Council of New Jersey; Colorado Association of Commerce & Industry; Colorado Oil & Gas Association; Colorado Petroleum Association; Colorado Petroleum Council. Colorado Wyoming Petroleum Marketers Association; Connecticut Petroleum Council; Consumer Energy Alliance; Consumer Specialty Products Association; Council of Industrial Boiler Owners (CIBO); CVR Energy, Inc.; Delaware Petroleum Council; East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance; Fashion Jewelry & Accessories Trade Association; Flexible Packaging Association; Florida Petroleum Council; Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce; Georgia Chemistry Council; Georgia Petroleum Council; Gilbert Chamber of Commerce; Glass Packaging Institute (GPI); Global Cold Chain Alliance; GPA Midstream Association; Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce; Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce. Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance, Inc.; Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce; Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce; Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce; Greater North Dakota Chamber of Commerce; Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce; Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce; Illinois Petroleum Council; Independent Petroleum Association of America; Indiana Petroleum Council; Industrial Energy Consumers of America (IECA); Industrial Environmental Association; Industrial Minerals Association--North America; Institute of Makers of Explosives; Institute of Shortening and Edible Oils; Iowa Association of Business and Industry; Kansas Petroleum Council; Kentucky Association of Manufacturers; Kentucky Chamber of Commerce; Kentucky Chemical Industry Council. Lodi District Chamber of Commerce; Louisiana Association of Business and Industry; Louisiana Chemical Association; Manufacture Alabama; Maryland Petroleum Council; Massachusetts Petroleum Council; Mesa Chamber of Commerce; Michigan Chemistry Council; Minnesota Petroleum Council; Missouri Petroleum Council; National Asphalt Pavement Association; National Association of Chemical Distributors; National Association of Manufacturers; National Cotton Council; National Council of Farmer Cooperatives; National Lime Association; National Mining Association; National Oilseed Processors Association; National Tooling and Machining Association; Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry. New Jersey Petroleum Council; New Mexico Association of Commerce & Industry; New York State Chemistry Council; North American Die Casting Association; North Carolina Petroleum Council; North Orange County Chamber; Ohio Chamber of Commerce; Ohio Chemistry Technology Council; Oklahoma State Chamber; Oregon Women In Timber; Owens Illinois, Inc.; Oxnard Chamber of Commerce; Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry; Petroleum Marketers Association of America; Portland Cement Association; Precision Machined Products Association; Precision Metalforming Association; Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce; Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce; Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA). Salt Lake Chamber; San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership; Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce; South Carolina Chamber of Commerce; South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance; Tempe Chamber of Commerce; Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Tennessee Petroleum Council; Texas Association of Manufacturers; Texas Oil and Gas Association; The Fertilizer Institute; Treated Wood Council; Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association; Tucson Metro Chamber; Tulsa Regional Chamber; U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Utah Petroleum Association; Virginia Chamber of Commerce; Virginia Petroleum Council; West Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce. West Virginia Chamber of Commerce; West Virginia Manufacturers Association; West Virginia Petroleum Council; Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce; Wisconsin Petroleum Council; Wyoming Petroleum Marketers Association; Yuma County Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. SHIMKUS. If I may, in the middle paragraph it says: ``We have significant concerns that the 2015 ozone standards overlap with existing State plans to implement the 2008 ozone standards, leading to duplicative and wasteful implementation schedules, and unnecessary and severe economic impacts. The new ozone standards were promulgated in October of 2015, only months after States received their final guidance from the Environmental Protection Agency on how to implement the 2008 ozone standards.'' Mr. Chairman, I couldn't say it any better than that. This is not, as I have said a couple of times, a rolling back of our regulations. This is identifying the fact that 2008 standards were implemented. It took 7 years to do the implementation guidelines, and when those guidelines came out 3 months after that, the Federal Government, through the EPA said, oh, we are going to now ratchet it down 5 more parts per billion, which leads you to believe that people are trying to comply. Other benefits of this bill address the fact that you could be in the remotest parts of the country and fall against the EPA and ozone standards based upon nothing that you can do. We have communities that are trying to comply, are doing great work, but they are receiving emissions outside of their control. Plus, they will be penalized for that. So we look forward to continued debates. I know that there have been amendments offered that we will consider. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Chairman, let me just remind folks that what is going on here is that we have a 2008 standard that we were told 7 years afterwards: Here is how you comply. That same year, we get new standards saying: Oh, no, no, no. You have got new standards lower than what it took us 7 years to define. That is really the debate. We are not eliminating standards, we are not rolling back standards, we are just saying: Give us a break. Give us time to comply with the 2008 standards before you even force down the 2015 standards. Nothing in this bill rolls back either of those standards. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to my colleague from South Carolina (Mr. Sanford).

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Chairman, let me just remind my colleagues that--why 10 years? I mean, that is a good question. When the 2008 standards came out, it took the administration 7 years, to 2015, to tell people how to even implement the 2008 standards. Then, 3 months later, they say: Oh, no, we are going to have a new standard set at 2015. So this debate doesn't reduce or roll back. It says, let's let the EPA establish standards and then give communities time to comply. That is all this bill does. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. McKinley).

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Chairman, I would like to highlight a few specific things. One is the standards established by the EPA remains unchanged. The real premise of this bill is the fact that, when the 2008 standards came out, it took the EPA 7 years to get to the guidelines for how local communities and businesses could comply. While that was occurring, they ratcheted down a new set of standards. So when we talk, this is really more about having our citizens and our communities be able to comply with the rules and regs before a new rule and reg gets in place. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Biggs).

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate my colleague, and I don't question her passion and her evaluation of her perception about what we are doing. But again, as I have said in general debate, nothing in this bill rolls back the 2008 standards; nothing rolls back the 2015 standards. The attempt is to say: Why is it so difficult to believe that we should meet the 2008 standards and give our communities time to do that before we throw on them a new 2015 standard? So that is the basic premise. This amendment would allow the advisory panel to nullify one of the central provisions of the bill, section 2(a), which allows States to fully implement the 2008 ozone standards for which EPA only issued the implementing regulations in 2015 before turning to 2015. So EPA says meet the 2008 standards. Delay, delay, delay; don't know how to do it; no guidelines. 2015 comes, they say meet the 2008 standards; 3 months later, oh, but now we have got 2015 standards we want you to comply with. That is the basic premise of this bill. Ozone air quality will continue to improve under H.R. 806. Regarding the 2015 standards, the EPA projects the vast majority of U.S. counties will meet the 2015 ozone standards by 2025 just with the rules and programs now in place or underway. The bill ensures hundreds of counties are on track to meeting the 2015 standards, and that can come into compliance without being subjected to additional regulatory burdens, paper requirements, or restrictions, which will not do anything to improve public health. The bill also does not limit States from imposing more stringent emission requirements if a State finds that such a condition exists in section 2. Nowhere does the bill authorize States to increase their emissions. This is not about continuing to improve air quality in a manner that doesn't require the States to duplicate paperwork requirements. Since 1980, ozone levels have declined 32 percent, and as we talk about in the environmental process, the low-hanging fruit has been picked. It gets more and more difficult as you start reducing the standards time, effort, energy, and technology. So with the reduction of 32 percent by 1980, the EPA projects air quality ``will continue to improve over the next decade as additional reductions in ozone precursors from power plants, motor vehicles, and other sources are realized.'' Nothing in the pending bill prevents these improvements to air quality from being realized. Mr. Chairman, I urge a ``no'' vote on this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Illinois Supreme Court Justice Rita B. Garman for her exemplary work on the court for the past 16 years. In acknowledgement of Justice Garman's service, the Vermilion County Board voted to rename the county courthouse ``The Rita B. Garman Vermilion County Courthouse.'' A ceremony dedicating the renamed courthouse will be held on August 4th. Justice Garman is a 1965 University of Illinois graduate and a 1968 graduate of the University of Iowa College of Law. She began her judicial career at the Vermilion County Courthouse as an associate judge. She served dutifully and responsibly as a judge in the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court from 1986 to 1995. After that, her dedication and perseverance led her to become an Illinois State Appellate Court Justice. In February 2001 she was appointed to the Illinois Supreme Court, and she went on to serve as Chief Justice from 2013 to 2016. She continues to serve the people of Illinois as a member of the Supreme Court. I have come to know Justice Garman over the last few years and applaud her for many years of dedication to upholding the law and pursuing justice. I want to personally congratulate her for this recognition by Vermilion County as they rename the courthouse The Rita B. Garman Vermilion County Courthouse.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of one of Illinois finest, SFC Jared Bullock of 3rd Battalion 7th Special Forces Group United States Army who grew up in Metropolis. After the 9/11 attacks, Jared and his twin brother Kyle enlisted in the Army to help protect our Nation. After serving two tours in Iraq, SFC Bullock later became a member of the 7th Special Forces Group. He was then almost mortally wounded in Afghanistan in an IED blast on November 13, 2013. The blast killed his friend Staff Sgt. Richard Vazquez and took Jared's arm and leg. It would take 30 surgeries in order to bring Jared back to where he is today. Jared has said, ``he knew his life was not over and took the challenge to push on even harder.'' He has developed special training techniques which have advanced the ability for all others with similar injuries to gain strength and rebuild their lives. He is a fitness and exercise fanatic, pushing the limits of his body to gain strength and good health. He is the proud father of a son Aidan, and is supported by his lovely wife Jesica who is a nurse who adds new meaning to stand by your man. I include in the Record this poem penned in his honor by Albert Caswell. All in the footsteps of our lives All in the paths that we so stride Which comes from so very deep down inside To reach our final destination, to arrive If we wish to reach for the sky Must come from that burning force from within which resides Is but that Special Force in our hearts which lies To help us climb the highest mountains in our time When, failure is not an option In what we decide To help us win all those wars with courage fine Will we give up or steadfastly go onward to rebuild our lives? Will we harness that great force from deep down inside? Or live in pity and cry? As on each new day a part of us begins to die When that magnificent force so decides So hold's the key to help us make our strides To from out of the ashes to begin to rise To new beginnings, To new heights realized Just when all our hopes and dreams so seem to be compromised All in these the darkest days of our lives But, comes that Special Force from deep down inside The kind of force which helps us go off to war And give up all we love and adore With the kind of light that helps us put it all on the line That even makes the angels up in heaven cry And makes us heaven bound when we die Indeed it takes a special heart Who will don a uniform and so patriotically march onward to do their part But, for the greater good all in their hearts As did you Jared thou art And oh what a striking figure in uniform you'd so cast Like all of our great American Heroes into the future and from out of the past Who went off to war and did not ask And then that fateful day When, they took your strong arm and leg away And your brother Ssgt Vazquez's life, for whom you still weep for this day While, lying so close to death Would you fall or would you crest? As it looked as if you had none left As when you chose to fight your new fight, all in your quest As we stood back in awe. and watched what your heart of courage could so etched As this Special Force deep down inside of you would bless As your heart and soul began to flex Even Arnold, such dynamic gains could not expect! As always, To be the best No limits No limits, From you Jared is what we've all come to expect As we watched your magnificent heart so flex What will we do in the darkest days of our lives? When, all around us such heartache lies When, all the hope seems to die All in war's aftermath which lies Will we find the strength to climb Letting that Special Force in hearts help us to find The strength and courage and faith to all remind That there is no mountain high enough, No sorrow deep enough No valley steep enough Which can defeat that Special Force Inside.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Lawrence Zhao, who is a 7th grade student at Next Generation School in Champaign, Illinois. Lawrence will be competing in the 2017 National You Be the Chemist Challenge. The You Be the Chemist Challenge is an interactive academic contest that invites students from all around the United States in Grades 5 to 8 to explore chemistry concepts and their real- world applications. Lawrence has advanced through many rigorous levels of competition over the past school year to qualify for the national competition, which is held Monday, June 19th, in Washington D.C. The competition starts out at a local level, where students participate individually, with first the distribution of a quiz that relates to chemistry and those who pass it are eligible to participate in the local contest. The local contest consists of a quiz-bowl style format containing several rounds of multiple choice questions. Lawrence won the local challenge and had the opportunity to compete in a similar style state-wide competition. Having received the highest score at the state challenge, he advanced to the national challenge. I applaud Lawrence Zhao for his exemplary performance thus far, and I wish him the best of luck in not only the challenge, but all his future endeavors.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding sports team from southern Illinois. The Triad High School Women's Soccer team won the Illinois Class 2A state championship on June 3, defeating Wheaton Academy 5-4. After 100 minutes of scoreless play, the Lady Knights began to make goals and fight off their competitors' shots, resulting in their State Title. The Lady Knights, from Troy, Illinois, put together a 22-6 record en route to the championship, defeating rivals and earning one small victory at a time. My congratulations go to: Madisyn Stauffer, Jody Ellis, Kalie Gibbs, Madison Mell, Madeline Keller, Jordyn Besserman, Hailey Busche, Chelsea Riden, Meaghan Smith (C), Samantha Bassler (C), Ashley Newcombe, Sydney Thomas, Eryn Fanning, Chloe Scott, Erynn Little (C), Sydney Beach, Katie Rogers, Jordan Wilson, Sierra Schlemmer, Rebecca Byrd, Morgan Bohnenstiehl (C), Molly Suess, Mercedes King and coaches and staff Matt Bettlach--Varsity Head Coach, Jim Jackson--Varsity Assistant Coach, Heather Seger--Junior Varsity Coach, and Bailey Stack--Freshman Coach.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding sports team from southern Illinois. The Triad High School Women's Soccer team won the Illinois Class 2A state championship on June 3, defeating Wheaton Academy 5-4. After 100 minutes of scoreless play the Lady Nights began to make goals and fight off their competitors' shots resulting in their State Title. The Lady Nights from Troy, Illinois, put together a 22-6 record en route to the championship, defeating rivals and earning one small victory at a time. My congratulations go to: Madisyn Stauffer, Jody Ellis, Kalie Gibbs, Madison Mell, Madeline Keller, Jordyn Besserman, Hailey Busche, Chelsea Riden, Meaghan Smith (C), Samantha Bassler (C), Ashley Newcombe, Sydney Thomas, Eryn Fanning, Chloe Scott, Erynn Little (C), Sydney Beach, Katie Rogers, Jordan Wilson, Sierra Schlemmer, Rebecca Byrd, Morgan Bohnenstiehl (C), Molly Suess, Mercedes King and coaches and staff Matt Bettlach--Varsity Head Coach, Jim Jackson--Varsity Assistant Coach, Heather Seger--Junior Varsity Coach, and Bailey Stack--Freshman Coach.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the achievements of the Goreville Black Cats softball team, which earlier this month brought home the Illinois Class 1A State Championship. The Black Cats put together a 26-8 season this year, swept through the regional and the sectional, and knocked off two of the state's top teams at the state finals in order to claim the title. The team beat Hardin-Calhoun 2-0 in extra innings in the championship game. These student-athletes and their coaches have represented themselves, their school, and their community in a first-rate fashion. I join with the other Members of this House in congratulating them and wishing them all the best in their future academic and athletic endeavors. Congratulations to: team members Katie Schuetz, Camille Green, Shayna Elms, Morgan Dunning, Alexandria King, Payton Sopczak, Adrianna Licka, Cheyenne Walker, Summar Albright (C), Kiara Miller, Breanna Stout, Camren Anderson (C), Macy Goins, Samantha Licka, Kelsey Ray; coaches and staff Steve Webb--Superintendent, Jeri Miller-- Principal, Christina King--Assistant Principal, Todd Tripp--Athletic Director, Shanna Massey--Head Coach, Brooke Merrill--Assistant Coach, and Mandy Schuetz--Scorekeeper.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Richland County Middle School in Olney, Illinois, for their recognition by the National Association of Music Merchants. It is a great honor to be seen as one of the Best Communities for Music Education in the United States. With help from director Eric Combs, the middle school's music program has shown commitment and support of the arts throughout the school and the community. The music program allows students to express themselves and grow as a person. I applaud Mr. Combs and all of the participating students for their dedication to this program and for their hard work. I ask that we all congratulate Director Eric Combs and the students at Richland County Middle School for their Best Communities for Music Education Award.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the Fluorspar Miner's Memorial of Hardin County in my home state of Illinois. In 1971 a tragic accident occurred at the Barnett mining facility ending the lives of seven miners: Gale Bates, Randal ``Jock'' Belford, Orval Holbrook, Jerry Jenkins, James R. Lane, William ``Bill'' and Wayne Long. These men gave their lives to a lifestyle that has impacted so many families in the region. The Ohio River Scenic Byway, the City of Rosiclare, and many local partners decided to dedicate a memorial to these fallen miners as well as all Fluorspar miners and their families. The memorial displays a life size bronze statue of a Fluorspar miner and his wife--a black granite memorial honoring the seven fallen miners, interpretive panels to tell the story of Fluorspar mining in the area, landscaping and a separate memorial garden wall commemorating area families and businesses. The memorial will provide travelers and younger generations with information on this tragic accident and the importance of the fluorspar industry and its importance to Southern Illinois and the nation. The Miner's Memorial celebrates the strong past of the City of Rosiclare due to the mining of fluorspar. I ask that we all join in that celebration as we pay tribute to the history and the people who made the Fluorspar Miner's Memorial, and I salute the completion of the Fluorspar Miner's Memorial.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the 50th Anniversary of Carlyle Lake in Clinton County in my home state of Illinois. The thought of Carlyle Lake was created due to the extreme flooding caused by the Kaskaskia River. A group of men residing in the area decided to create the Kaskaskia River Valley Project in 1933. This project then led to the idea of a man-made lake. The Flood Control Act of 1938 granted authorization for the construction of what eventually became Carlyle Lake. Due to the commencement of World War II the original construction plan was put to a halt. In 1950, after the war subsided, attorney Eldon E. Hazlet took interest in the construction of the lake. He formed the Kaskaskia Valley Association, whose member's sole purpose was to convince the public for the need of a lake. After gaining enough public support, the Army Corps of Engineers made a revised plan of construction for the lake. Twenty years after the date of the original authorization; the Federal government signed off on the construction of Carlyle Lake in 1958. The Carlyle Lake Project was completed in April 1967, and the dam was dedicated in June of the same year. Over the years Carlyle Lake has become a popular attraction for those in the area as well as for tourists. Visitors can enjoy the scenery, lie on the beach, or rent a boat out to coast on the water. The creation of this lake has allowed the economy to prosper. It has also led to the creation of the Eldon Hazlet State Park; they named this park after him because of his leadership in the advancement of Carlyle Lake. Tourists and townspeople can fish, camp, and hike in this state park. The City of Carlyle has planned a celebration of the Lakes' 50th year. The celebration will begin on June 9th and go through the 11th. Throughout the weekend visitors can enjoy a carnival, music festival, vintage car show, and much more. The weekend will come to a close with a commemoration ceremony for Carlyle Lake. I ask that we all join in that celebration as we pay tribute to the history and the people who made Carlyle Lake. I salute Carlyle Lake on its 50th Anniversary.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Neil Etson, a World War II veteran, as well as a small business owner and entrepreneur in Southern Illinois for over 50 years. He is being honored by the Rotary Club of Richland County for his service during World War II, where he served honorably as a Staff Sergeant with the 766th Military Police Battalion. After the War, Neil made a home for him and his family in Olney, IL, where he founded an energy company, Etson Oil Corporation. Etson Oil Corporation operated successfully for over 50 years and provided many jobs in his community. Neil has been very involved in the energy sector as a Board Member of the Canadian Oil Corporation, a Steering Committee Member for the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, and on the Committee on National Preservation Drake Well Museum in Titusville, Pennsylvania. Neil has continued to serve his country, church, and community throughout his many years in Southern Illinois. He has been active on the Richland County Board, the City of Olney Zoning Board, and a member of the Richland County Development Corporation. He is also the author of two children's books. Neil and his wife of 66 years, Frances, have three children and ten grandchildren. I would like to thank Neil for his service to his country and commend him on a lifetime of dedication to his community.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge City of Harrisburg, Illinois, Water and Sewer Superintendent Kelly Hefner and Harrisburg Fire Chief John Gunning for their fast thinking and their quick response during our most recent flooding in the 15th District of Illinois. At the beginning of May, both the superintendent and the fire chief rescued drivers whose vehicles had ended up submerged in water. Kelly Hefner dove into the floodwaters near the intersection of East Sloan Street and Commercial Street in Harrisburg on May 1st. Hefner moved quickly to rescue a man who had driven his SUV into a flooded ditch. It was the second rescue in that particular area of town. Just the day before, Fire Chief Gunning had to rescue the driver of a vehicle who had driven into a flooded ditch. Both heroes selflessly acted fast to assist the drivers, who could not undo their seat belts as cold water flooded into their sinking vehicles. I offer my deepest admiration and gratitude to these two heroic gentlemen for working hard to keep Harrisburg's citizens safe, and for inspiring us all to think about others. I thank Superintendent Hefner and Chief Gunning for their service.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the 125th Anniversary of the Germantown Fire Department. The Germantown Fire Department was chartered on May 2, 1892. The first complement of members included 18 volunteer firefighters, and the first apparatus was a hand operated pump--which had to be loaded onto a horse-drawn wagon, so the first roster of members included one horse. The first motorized apparatus was a 1919 Ford Model-T truck, which is now a part of the collection of the Hall of Flame Museum in Phoenix, Arizona. In its first days the department depended entirely on donations. The first apparatus and equipment were all donated and through the years the members held all sorts of fundraisers. In the 1930s and 1940s weekly ``platform dances'' were held to raise funds. This allowed the department to purchase a 1941 pumper truck, which was in use until 1988. The antique truck was sold, but later repurchased by department members. In the early 1950s members raised funds to help build a new fire station, purchase a 1953-model pumper truck, and purchase the first fire department radio system in the county. In those days a normal year would include ten calls, and during one period the department went 18 months without a call. In 1952 the Germantown Rural Fire Protection District, a taxing district, was formed to provide a stable funding source for the department; however, donations remain a significant part of department finances. In 1986, the Department began providing First Responder emergency medical services to the community. The Department also implemented the first fire department-based Automated External Defibrillator (AED) program in the region. And in 1989 the Department purchased, with donated funds, then only the second rescue tool ``Jaws of Life'' system in the county. In 2002, the Department formed an Explorer post to expose youth ages 14 through 21 to the fire and rescue service. Today, 11 former Explorers are members of the department. Currently, the Germantown Fire Department has 35 members and responds to an average of 110 calls per year. Current vehicles include two pumpers, one pumper-tanker, one brush truck, one rescue vehicle, and one support SUV. The Germantown Fire Department has planned a grand celebration in recognition of its anniversary. This celebration will begin on June 10th and last into the night. The celebration will include great food and an assortment of fun and educational activities. I stand today to salute the Germantown Fire Department on its 125th Anniversary and to wish it the very best in the future.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I wanted to come down to the floor to recognize and thank two of my major staffers in my office who are leaving to pursue other opportunities. The first one is Greta Joynes. Greta recently left as my legislative director; and as you know, Mr. Speaker, that is your top adviser in the legislative field. So not only running the legislative office, she also had some personal expertise in the telecommunications regions. But Greta is from northern Illinois, north of I-80, originally from the Chicagoland area, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University, NIU. She started as a staff assistant in 2003 and worked her way up through the ranks, as I said, becoming legislative director in 2011, and then served as deputy chief of staff from 2013 until she left recently in March. She focused on telecommunications as her expertise, and we primarily in our office dealt with 911 issues, especially the Next Generation 911 Advancement Act. She also spearheaded the Next Generation 911 Caucus in my office. She is married to Bob and has two children, Gavin and Hadley. We already miss her activity and work in the office, and we pass on best wishes. Next is Mr. Chris Sarley, who has a 14-year career on Capitol Hill. This is his tenth year with me, and I think it is uncommon in many offices for people to stay that long. I think it is a tribute to my chief of staff, Craig Roberts, and the fact that I don't meddle too much how they manage the office and get their job done. Chris has served 10 years with me. In addition to handling health care and energy policy in my office, Chris has served the committee under Chairman Walden and Chairman Emeritus Upton as policy coordinator for the Subcommittee on Environment since 2011. Chris has been an invaluable member of my team, and some of his achievements include: Before he came to my office, he worked on the Medicare part D rollout. Under my office, he advanced several medical device titles in the 21st Century Cures Act. He worked on what we call the ADAPT Act and the GAIN Act, which target the antibiotic threats that hopefully will not occur in our country, but we need to be ready to respond. He was very involved in ADUFA, Animal Drug User Fee Act, and enabling the FDA to approve drugs used for pets and livestock. But for all of us on the Energy and Commerce Committee, he was one of our primary House negotiators during the first major rewrite of a United States environmental protection law in over 2 decades, and facilitated passage of the Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, which amends the Toxic Substances Control Act, which is the Nation's primary chemical regulation law. I think the public really would appreciate if they knew the work that our staff members do on long hours and over the weekends. We mention it all the time, especially when we are fighting across the aisle, because it is primarily the staff that is trying to get to the point where they can share language where we can then give a thumbs up or thumbs down, and it is very seldom that we say thanks for those. A Member is only as good as the folks he has who work for him and who he or she surrounds himself with. I wanted to take this time, Mr. Speaker, to call out two great government employees who served their Nation well and served me well. And it also sends a signal about all our other staff members who do tremendous work under great stress to serve this country.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge two brave and honorable Carlyle High School seniors from my district, Tyler Guthrie and Tucker Johnson. The two students showed compassion and great character when they saved a man's life after his car flipped over into water on Saturday, April 22, 2017. The victim was pulling off of Old US 50 into the Hatchery Park, trying to adjust his Bluetooth set when he received a phone call. Suddenly the man lost control of his Lexus, which flipped over onto its roof in the water. Luckily, driving behind the gentleman's car were Tyler and Tucker, and they immediately sprang into action. The two young men could hear the man's cries for help as they inspected the scene. Johnson quickly called 911, while Guthrie smashed in the rear window with a rock he had picked up. Johnson then assisted the man out of his overturned sinking car shortly before an ambulance arrived on the scene. I ask that we all join in honoring these two good Samaritans and use their selfless act as a reminder that we are all here to help one another. I stand today to salute Tyler Guthrie and Tucker Johnson for their contributions to this great society and to wish them the very best in all of their future endeavors.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Ramon's El Dorado, an institution in my hometown of Collinsville, Illinois. In the 1960s Raymundo ``Ramon'' Otero was working in St. Louis at the Chevrolet assembly plant. An unfortunate accident occurred in which he fell through scaffolding, injuring his back. He was paralyzed from the waist down, and doctors told him he would never walk again. Six months later he found a doctor who would perform a surgery that would allow him to walk again. But payments from the plant had already stopped. With a young, hungry child, Mr. Otero's wife, Estella, sent him to borrow $5 from a neighbor and get food for the baby. But God interceded. On his way to the store, Mr. Otero felt a calling to buy meat instead, which he did. Once home, they made a tray of tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and tostadas. He took that tray to a local bar, sold the food, and made $18.60. Thus began a cycle of making food and selling it. He eventually worked with a local fried chicken restaurant to sell his Mexican food for ten cents of every dollar sold. Soon he bought out the owner, and Ramon's El Dorado was born in what was a former gas station. Mr. Otero used his mother's recipes, who owned a restaurant in Durango City, Mexico. He helped his hometown for many years by taking a truckload of food and clothing to Mexico. Ramon's has expanded several times over the years and now seats 280 people. Mr. Otero died last year, but his sons Raymond and Carlos continue the family tradition today. I am humbled to be able to honor Ramon's on its 50th Anniversary of serving delicious Mexican food to the people of southwestern Illinois and beyond. Congratulations to the Otero family.