John Shimkus

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Community Christian Church and the Anniversary of its 30 years of service to the community of Alton, Illinois. The people of the Community Christian Church are truly good Samaritans. They have spent 30 years preaching the word of Christ to Alton and surrounding areas and participating in other good works. They have helped to feed the hungry, clothe the needy, and have sent missionaries around the world bearing the word of God. To such people as Robert Brunk and his congregation, the good deeds themselves are their own best rewards. Yet, on this special day, I think it is appropriate that they are recognized for their efforts. They are good Christians and good Americans, and remind us all of the compassion and energy that makes this country great. To the people of the Community Christian Church, thank you for all your good works over the last three decades; and may God grant you the opportunity to continue doing His work for many years into the future.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, as a former active duty Army officer and current reservist, the day I have most dreaded is here. With this resolution my military colleagues, my West Point classmates, my friends, will go into battle and some will pay the ultimate sacrifice with their lives. Our Founding Fathers understood this as they pledged their lives, their fortune, and their sacred honor. Mr. Speaker, at the Pentagon yesterday, a young lieutenant from the Old Guard asked me, ``Are we going to go get them, sir?'' I was mistaken when I said, ``Yes, we are.'' I should have said, ``Yes, you will.'' What a sobering responsibility to send our young men and women into battle. To our Nation I say stand firm, do not waiver, see it through. To my colleagues I say, stand firm, do not waiver, see it through. May God bless America.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the numerous rescue workers and volunteers around the country in their recovery efforts during this terrible tragedy. These brave and heroic citizens are working around the clock to bring calm and restore peace into our beloved nation. Again I wish to convey my thanks and prayers to these courageous rescue workers, their families, and everyone affected by this horrific chain of events; including Captain Jack Punches, Jr., whose mother resides in Ramsey in Fayette County. A retired Navy captain, he had worked in military intelligence and was at his desk at the Pentagon when the atrocious events of Tuesday occurred. He had a long and distinguished military career, holding command positions during the Persian Gulf War while logging more than 7,000 flight hours as a pilot of a P-3 submarine hunter aircraft. Captain Punches is survived by his wife Janice, his daughter Jennifer, and his son Jeremy. I ask again, may God bless these rescue workers, may God bless the victims and their families, and may God bless our country.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, from the 23rd Psalm, ``though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me.'' God has blessed this Nation to be the most free, the most caring, and the most prosperous Nation in the world's history. But, as the Chaplain prayed, we seek peace and security through justice; and, I will add, justice will prevail. God will continue to bless this Nation. Let us all fly our flags and renew our pledge to be one Nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all. God bless this House, God bless this President, and God bless the United States of America.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I have been asked to read a statement by the entire Ford family on the death of Chaplain Ford. ``The Ford family thanks everyone for their sympathy and concern about the death of Chaplain James David Ford. ``We wish to clarify that Chaplain Ford was very ill for an extended period of time. Many people did not realize this. This physical illness gave him no hope of regaining his zest for life. ``The family is at peace with his decision. We have supported him his entire life in everything he did and thought and we support him still. Most importantly, he is at peace now with his Creator. Of this we are certain.'' This is signed by Marcy Ford and the entire Ford family.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Chairman, allowing California to be exempt from the requirements of the Clean Air Act by allowing them to opt out of the reformulated gasoline program will not only have detrimental impacts on the State of California, but the rest of the country as well. After extensive analysis, the EPA concluded there is significant uncertainty over the change in emissions that would result in granting a waiver to California from the Federal oxygen content requirement. Specifically, the EPA determined that there is no evidence that a waiver will help California reduce harmful levels of pollutants. Adding 2 percent oxygen reduces the amount of carbon that is released into the air by 10 percent when gasoline is burned. Eliminating the oxygenate requirement would increase carbon monoxide emissions by up to 593 tons per day in California alone, according to the California Air Resources Board. In addition, in order to make gasoline burn cleaner without using oxygenates, refiners would have to add other additives, such as toluene, which increases exhaust emissions of benzene, and benzene is a known human carcinogen. Furthermore, with respect to supply, if California is allowed to waive the oxygenate requirement of the RFG program, the State will need to come up with an additional 1.4 billion gallons of gasoline a year to fill the lost volume. We all see how hard it is to come up with 500,000 barrels a day more from OPEC; imagine trying to get 4 million gallons a day just for California alone. The States around California like Arizona, Oregon, Nevada and Washington would see their gasoline drained and flown into California because of the higher gasoline prices in California. Simply put, this amendment is bad for the environment because it would increase harmful emissions. It is bad for consumers because it would restrict supply and cause higher prices around the country, and it is bad for our national security because it would force us to rely more heavily on OPEC. This amendment is a lose-lose for everyone.

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Chairman, I do respect my colleagues from California. We have had a lot of differences in agreement this year. The statement was made, the only place you can address prices is here. That is the difference in ideology. The market sets the prices. Basically the higher the supply, the lower the cost; the lower the supply, the higher the cost. When you have high prices and you do not want to pay those prices, guess what? You consume less. When you consume less, there is a higher supply. Guess what? Prices go down. It is basic economics 101, which we wish our colleagues would really end up learning. One of the reasons why California has been successful is because high prices have forced people to consume less. Conservation is a result of these high prices. The market does work. How do you get to the quickest, more functioning market? You let the market work. If you intervene in the market, as the Governor of California has done, guess what? The market does not stabilize, it does not get fixed. Market manipulation by government is designed to fail. This amendment is designed to prolong the agony of California. It is ill-conceived. I do applaud my colleagues for their attempt, and have encouragement for them, but for the betterment of the country, we have to understand, in the market, basic supply and demand rules, and this is an ill-conceived amendment.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Brian Coss of Nokomis, Illinois, for his recent show of courage at the Nokomis Park Pool. Brian Coss has worked as a lifeguard at the pool for the past four years. Recently, when a woman became disoriented and ended up face-down in the water, Brian quickly responded by diving in an rescuing her. If he had not spotted the woman, she would have drowned. Brian Coss is a diligent, 18 year-old high school student who is spending his summer working two jobs. He is also an Eagle Scout and junior assistant scoutmaster for a local scout troop. Brian Coss certainly deserves our recognition for his hard work and bravery.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Hornettes of Nashville High School on their recent state softball championship. The Hornettes defeated the Stanford Olympia Spartans 3-0 to win their first ever Class A State Softball Championship. In addition to being crowned state champs, the Nashville Hornettes tied the state record for most wins in a season with 41 victories and only 2 losses. The team gave Nashville softball fans a thrill throughout their historic season. I would like to personally commend the team members and coaches for a job well done. They are: Cara Pries, Lindsay Henry, Tessa Schmale, Amy Harre, Amber Fark, Linda Maschhoff, Amy Rybacki, Ashley Schaeffer, Mallory Ruggles, Krystal Stein, Kristen Klingler, Danielle Kaufman, Chelsi Boatright, Nicole Richard, Danielle Chambers, Heather Guest, Sara Skibinski, Nicole Asberry, and Stephanie Niedbalski. Their coaches are: Neil Hamon, Wayne Harre, Charlie Heck, and Head Coach Chad Malawy. I am very proud of you all.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Edward Paeltz of Godfrey, Illinois. Mr. Paeltz is a veteran of World War II and was recently awarded the ``General William C. Westmoreland Award'' from the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution for his distinguished service to veterans. Since he was discharged from the Army 55 years ago, Edward Paeltz has spent countless hours helping veterans in need of care. With the help of his wife, Nancy, he frequently visits veterans in hospitals, nursing homes, and veterans homes throughout Illinois. During the Christmas season, he brings them cookies and other gifts to put a smile on their faces. In addition, Mr. Paeltz helps transport veterans from the Veterans Hospital in Marion, Illinois, to a lodge and retreat center in Carbondale so they can participate in recreational activities. Edward Paeltz is a former commander of Alton American Legion Post 126. He recently fulfilled his dream by designing and organizing the construction of a Veterans' Memorial in Alton, Illinois, to honor the veterans of all branches of the armed forces. Mr. Paeltz is an inspiration to us all.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, many of us just came out of a meeting with the President, and after the meeting he was asked about this issue. He is conflicted. It is a difficult decision on stem cell research. He is not polling. I reject any argument that that has been done, and I am really disappointed in my colleagues for mentioning this. This has long-term implications. One of my colleagues talked about Galileo and that the planets move and science. Science indicates that individual distinct life begins at conception and a distinct DNA, a distinct life entity is there. That is why to pro-life supporters, this is an abortion debate. We should use adult stem cell research to cure these diseases. We should protect the most vulnerable. We should support life from conception to natural death.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, to my colleagues out West, I want to remind them the best way to get to a most efficient market is allow the market to work. If this country wants low-cost, reliable electricity, we must have a diverse energy portfolio. We must have coal, nuclear, hydro, renewables, and expand our base load generating capacity. If we want low-cost fuel, we need to drill for it and transport it and refine it. States need to be net exporters, not net importers of power generation. Our country needs to be a net exporter of power, not a net importer of power. Mr. Speaker, I applaud the State of Illinois and Governor Ryan for passing and signing the Empower Illinois Act, which will incentivize clean coal technology and generation in southern Illinois, and I applaud my colleague, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Boucher) and the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Whitfield), and support the Need Act which will do the same thing with a national energy policy, that we will push through the Committee on Energy and Commerce on the floor of the House later on this fall.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Chairman, I have a lot of good friends on both sides of the aisle that are addressing this issue, and I really get concerned and I struggle with this. Southern Illinois used to have one of the largest oil fields in the country 50 years ago, decades ago. Guess what? It was all pumped out. To benefit the United States of America, we drilled in southern Illinois. We still have some marginal wells there. They pump about two barrels a day. They are the little seesaw horses that one sees when they drive down the road. My cornfields and soybean fields are just as important as any lakefront beach property. Sometimes I think we get very selfish. We are in an energy crisis. Fuel is at an all-time high. We do not want to drill off the Great Lakes. We had a vote yesterday, where we do not want to drill off of Florida. Heavens, no, we do not want to go into ANWR. So my basic question is: Where do we go? I will say where we go. We are going to the Saudi Arabia sheiks. We are going to pony up our dollars. We are going to be held hostage by Saudi Arabia for our oil. I just do not understand. We can send people to the Moon. We can send people to Mars. We can go all over this world, and we cannot drill safely? So I ask us to bring a little common sense to this and to realize that we have some natural resources. We have places that expended our natural resources for the benefit of our country. Now it is time to make sure that we are energy self-sufficient, not reliant on foreign oil. If we want low-cost gasoline, we have to do a couple of things. We have to drill. We have to transport and we have to refine and, of course, we have to add ethanol.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Rallies in support of NATO membership. First, I want to show some photos of times that I remember. My involvement with NATO goes back as a young second lieutenant on the German border with Czechoslovakia serving in defense of freedom under NATO auspices which I did for 3 years. These are the photos I remember. Here is an East German border guard looking across at the people who would recognize this who remember the old pillars. And on the other side, here is the actual fence with an East German guard and the dog trailing behind as there is a patrol, as we did so often, is keep checking on each other. These stand in stark contrast to our most recent trip, where we have photos from the rally that happened right outside the meeting arena. I wanted to make sure I had that. There were some signs up of the people who were present. One says here, it says NATO Lithuania, good, okay. This other one, the small one says, the victims of Gulag are calling for justice. In our trips and in my op-ed, I am not sure if there was a single family that was not touched by the occupation of all of these forces.

Mr. SHIMKUS. I just want to highlight the bipartisan aspect of the resolution: 25 Republicans, 15 Democrats. I want to also mention the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Kucinich), who is the co-chair of the House Baltic Caucus highlighting that point. And just a statement to our European allies. We have been there for them year after year after year. They need to be there for these emerging democracies.

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, if I may just add, the relationship has only been strengthened in Lithuania, especially with the Kaliningrad area in that there is normal everyday discussions of transportation of goods and material to the enclave there in Kaliningrad, and there has been zero incidences.

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I, too, was impressed by our subsequent visit to Bulgaria for the reasons that the gentleman from Nebraska mentioned. Their ability to help unite our allies and work with both Greece and Turkey and the stabilizing force that they do establish in the Balkans and the ethnic diversity was very striking. Just walking down the main streets, to see the different places of worship really standing right next to each other in that part of the world, that is not happening as much as it should. I was struck with one of our luncheons when it was asked, well, how come, Congressman Shimkus, House Concurrent Resolution 116 specifically talks to the Baltic nations and not all the rest of the applicants? It was a fair question. My response was there is a different attitude of Russia to the other applicants for admission than to the Baltic area. This is not to exclude the other applicants or to place them in competition with each other, but this is to say to our friends in Russia that they are treating them differently. We do not want them to be treated differently. They have no veto authority. Our appeal is that the President, in the next day or so, continues to make the case of the open door policy, which the whole parliamentary association reconfirmed that no one has a veto, and that geography is not going to be a determining factor. I was also struck with the gentleman mentioning a lot of the new elected officials, especially, well, Lithuania and Latvia. He was talking about all the U.S. citizens that have gone back to be involved in the private and the public sector. The people who have endured years under domination actually made a conscious decision in their elections to look west. In their electing of these expatriates or dual citizenship individuals, they made a conscious decision to look west. That is the critical aspect of this whole debate. When they are looking west, we should not take the time to close the door on them. We should welcome them as they look west to democratic institutions, ethnic pluralism, human rights, and all the benefits of that. They are making a tremendous sacrifice to meet the requirements for NATO admission by trying to get the 2 percent of their GDP. For new emerging democracies that are coming out of a centralized economic command and control economy, for them to put so many resources into getting up to NATO standards should be applauded, should be welcomed, and should be rewarded. The last thing that I want to mention in this little section is that some of these same debates about the Baltics occurred with Poland, that it would be destabilizing, that our friends in Russia would not like it. But I think history proves that the relationship between Poland and Russia is even better today than it was before their entrance into NATO. I will stake my name on it right now that the relationship with the Baltic nations will be better with Russia after their admittances to NATO than if we prolong this over a period of years.

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his comments. Mr. Speaker, another photo is what we touched on earlier, and it actually represents the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. And it says, the Pact of Molotov-Ribbentrop is our past; NATO is our future. I think what I have enjoyed about this brief experience into the NATO parliamentary assembly is, as I say in my op-ed piece, is really breathing the fresh air of freedom. I tried to make this point to a lot of my parliamentary colleagues from some of the other countries in that for NATO to be the NATO that I know, it has to expand. It has to have a protective umbrella over these emerging democracies. In one of my closing statements in Vilnius, I said if not here, meaning in Vilnius, my question was where? If not now, my question is when? There is a lot of debate about the where and the when. I will just say that we, as a Nation, have had a lot of people sacrifice for freedom. Some have actually had to fight and die, and we just celebrated Memorial Day. They understand the value of a free society and the sacrifices. The folks who are considered the old captive nations, they have this exuberance of freedom that helps create optimism and faith in democratic ways of life, the rule of law, equal treatment, human rights. They are struggling to form a more perfect union. They are not all perfect, but one way we can definitely help is to provide that protective umbrella through a defense alliance, such as NATO, to give them some foundational support as they pursue becoming a more perfect union themselves.

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding to me and I thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Goss) and I really am honored to have been able to travel with you and deal with issues regarding with NATO. I have learned a lot and grown a lot, and I appreciate the wise council and expertise. Mr. Speaker, I would like to submit the following op-ed for the Record: Should the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Expand? (By Congressman John Shimkus) As I fly 31,000 feet above Bosnia and Herzogovina, I think of its present strife. I see the steep slopes and terraced farmland. It is quiet and serene at this height, hiding national tensions that have made the Balkans the powder keg of Europe. My return flight originated from Sofia, Bulgaria, as an official member of the U.S. delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. Our short trip was designed to compliment the Bulgarian people on their movement to a constitutional democracy, with rule of law and respect for human rights. We also assessed their potential as a friend and possible future ally. Bulgaria is not only an example to the Balkans but a very stabilizing force. And in addition to being a stabilizing force for the Balkans, Bulgaria is a constructive link between occasionally feuding current NATO allies Greece and Turkey. From the Bulgarian President to the Prime Minister, the Chairman of the Parliament to the Defense Minister, all were on message as to the importance of NATO and their hope to be included in the next round of enlargement. Our meeting occurred weeks before a competitive upcoming national election. As a politician myself, I understand the value of time. Their availability reinforced the importance they place on their Western contacts, the continuing importance of the United States in European affairs, and their appreciation of NATO membership. Prior to Sofia, I attended the NATO Parliamentary Assembly spring session in Vilnius, Lithuania. Another strong applicant for enlargement, Lithuania is an associate member of NATO and a member of several demanding programs for NATO aspirants. They did not miss their opportunity to impress the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. (Which made this fourth generation Lithuanian very proud.) Lithuania has also developed a constitutional democracy, the rule of law, and a respect for human rights. Lithuania has attempted to be an additive element to NATO. Immediately upon the breakout of hostilities in Bosnia and Herzogovina and Kosovo, Lithuania deployed troops in support of both NATO missions. Not constrained by the old Soviet force structure, Lithuania is moving to light infantry for deployability and forest defense. Lithuania's rapid ascent to a functioning democracy, tolerance for its Russian minority, and a willingness to put a painful 20th Century history behind it make the country a serious candidate for alliance membership. The Lithuanian president fought against the Soviet army as a member of Lithuania's Homeland Defense. He eventually fled for freedom and gained success in the United States. His election marked a westward look by Lithuania. Lithuania's leadership is young and motivated. At the Ministerial level, the Chairman of Parliament, and the Prime Minister . . . the ages run from 38 to 53 years old. But one of my poignant memories of the trip was the jeweler from the open air historical museum of Rumsiskes. Above the door of his shop were these words in English, ``I want to be in NATO, because my family died in Siberia.'' Lithuania has been run over numerous times and has suffered great destruction. Most recently, Germany and the Soviet Union in World War II. No Lithuanian was untouched by those events. Yet the current government has energetically sought good relations with all of its neighbors, including Russia. Why would Bulgaria, Lithuania, or any other country want to join NATO? Why is this important to the United States and the 20th District of Illinois? For many years the Statue of Liberty has been a symbol of freedom, security, and economic opportunity for many immigrant families. The Statue faces east, welcoming immigrants to our shores. Now I think as she faces east, she also looks east toward Europe at these former captive nations who struggle as newly emerged democracies. Many of us multi-generational immigrants, after years of security and freedom, take our liberties for granted. Many of us are too young to have experienced the fresh air of newly found freedom. This trip revived my senses. Not only could I smell the sweet air of freedom; I could see it, touch it, and taste it. I am a better father, citizen, and representative for it. This will be true for NATO. For NATO to be relevant, it must expand its current protective umbrella over these new emerging democracies. By expanding, NATO will experience heightened senses--seeing, feeling, touching, and tasting freedom. We will also have a better chance that our young men and women will be spared the horrors of war. The taxpayers also may be spared the great expense of war with a little preparation and prevention. As President Clinton said, the goal of NATO is to ``expand the frontier of freedom.'' Hopefully President Bush will say the same with this addition: ``from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea, a Europe whole, free, and secure.'' Mr. Speaker, the last paragraph says as President Clinton said, the goal of NATO is to expand the frontier of freedom. Hopefully President Bush will say the same, with this addition, from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea a Europe whole, free, and secure. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate this special order tonight because this is occurring at the time when the President is overseas, and there are a lot of anxious people going to be hanging on every word that he says, like the chairman of the Federal Reserve Board. They are going to be dissecting it, because it means so much. I have done a couple of things in preparation for tonight, and the gentleman mentioned the rallies, and I brought some small photos from the rallies.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, with appreciation and recognition of their service to this Institution, I am once again submitting a complete list of all the individuals who served as part of the 2000-2001 House Page class. The list that appeared in the Congressional Record dated June 7 was not complete and I wanted to make certain the entire class was appropriately and officially recognized. Jessica Adams, Narvell Arnold, Camille Baldwin, Erika Ball, Ashleigh Barker, Erin Baumann, Jane Bee, Kristin Blanchet, Christopher Bohannon, and Seth Brostoff. Michael Byers, Ilona Carroll, Alesia Cheatham, Aaron Clayson, Eric Colleary, Joshua Cornelssen, Jason Davis, Kelly DiBisceglie, Adam Estes, and Jennifer Evans. Lauren Favret, Corey Fitze, Brian Footer, Dane Genther, Ann Grants, Erin Grundy, Ryan Gualdoni, Allison Hamil, Leon Harris, and Ashley Harrison. Brian Henry, Christin Huisman, Sarah Hulse, Audra Jones, Benjamin Kaiser, Sarah Kozel, Jeff Leider, Christina Lemke, Bradley Loomis, and Claire Markgraf. Benjamin Melitz, Nicholas Mentone, Brett Moore, Gregory Muck, Richard Nguyen, Charzetta Nixon, Amber Polk, William Pouch, Barry Pump, and Sean Ready. Jana Reed, Bethany Ruscello, Julia Sargeaunt, Kristin Saybe, Sarah Schleck, Sarah Seipelt, Brittany Sisk, Ben Snyder, Christopher Sprowls, and Martha Stebbins. Paul Stone, Ryan Tanner, Carin Taormino, Robert Terrell, Chapman Thompson, Stephanie Vermeesch, Robert Wehagen, Sarah Williford, Jason Williquette, and Bradley Wilson.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Gutknecht). We have folks from Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, and I am from Illinois. It is a great day. I will take kind of a different twist because many of the Members who will come up to speak will be from their position on the Committee on Agriculture or the Committee on Appropriations, and other committees that have an important role. I serve on the Committee on Commerce, and from that vantage point I have had an exciting time dealing with biofuels issues across this Nation, not only ethanol but also biodiesel. The decision rendered by the EPA today on the California waiver request was a major victory for a couple of reasons. One, it is just a simple great victory for clean air. The Clean Air Act that was enacted into law in 1992 has had a significant impact on cleaning our air throughout this country. The greatest benefit is that 2 percent oxygen requirement that in essence just helps the fuel burn with more intensity and by burning with more intensity it then burns out the impurities. So we have some benefits. We have a reduction in carbon monoxide at the tailpipe. We also have, in essence, a reduction in carbon dioxide because ethanol and the 2 percent quality is replacing petroleum-based fossil fuels, which is decreasing the carbon dioxide. So we are having tremendous benefits. Let us talk about it from just the overall energy issue. We have and still have an increased reliance on foreign imported oil. It is very critical to our national strategic energy policy to make sure that we have the ability internally to produce the fuels that we need to create the energy sources to help development in all aspects, and also to have the fuel resources we need to go to war. If we continue to rely solely on one fuel type, petroleum-based fuels, and not explore renewable fuels, then we put ourselves at a disadvantage. What this California waiver decision does is it establishes for the capital markets and for all the co-ops and all the producers who have been anxiously awaiting some certainty that ethanol is going to have a role in our national energy policy, that there will be some certainty in their investments. California is a tremendous market, a market that has been primarily filled, the oxygen portion, by MTBE. MTBE has been known to pollute groundwaters and is now becoming the additive persona non grata. No one wants to use it. Ethanol creates a win/win for us because it helps us keep the clean air standards that were passed that have been so successful while ensuring that we have clean water since ethanol does not pollute the groundwater. This will also translate into an increased demand for our producers, certainty to the markets for the capital investments and as I have talked to a lot of my producers and the folks in the agricultural industry, the most important thing that this administration could have done was to deny the California waiver, keep the clean air and push for the continued use of the oxygenation standard and that oxygenation standard being the use of ethanol. It is a tremendous victory. I applaud the administration on keeping a proper balance with clean air and clean water and also putting a hand out to our family farmers who have for many, many years invested in a product that they know can meet the demands of the future and have cleaner air. This sends a strong signal to the agricultural sector that ethanol is here to stay and now we can use this victory to leverage an increasing biofuel usage across the board, maybe a renewable standard, also working in the biodiesel aspect with the soy, soy diesel aspects that I have worked through in other legislation. I wanted to make sure that I had an opportunity to come on the floor to reemphasize the importance of what the administration has done today, and I thank the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Gutknecht) for arranging this special order and yielding me the time.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Mrs. Wilson), a new member of the Page Board.

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), who is a lover of the institution and follows the operations of the House, and has a great fondness and affection for the work that you do.

Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Maryland for his comments. They are always well thought and impassioned. Madam Speaker, I want to mention that the Pages on a daily basis live, work, and go to school here at the Capitol. Their day begins with school, starting at 6:45 a.m., and ends with the completion of legislative business on the House floor. And as we know, that could be anywhere from 5 o'clock in the afternoon to 5 o'clock the next morning. By serving as a page throughout the academic year, you have sacrificed your time with your family, friends, school activities, and the like. I think the Speaker ought to know the sacrifices that you do incur. You are very special to this institution, and you are a wonderful addition because you bring youth, vitality, and energy, and actually help Members understand that there are things that are greater than ourselves; that is, the future of this Nation. And having you here on the floor, it is important for us to see that every day. There is no one who understands that introduction any more than my friend, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Kolbe), who is an alumni. You will join the long alumni line, as my colleague has. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Kolbe).

Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Kolbe), my friend. I wanted to mention that I graduated from West Point. It is supposed to be a leadership school. One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was you go through 4 years of interacting with a lot of different people. The advice was, take what you saw, what was good and remember that; and the interactions that you did not think was very good, kind of pledge not to respond that way, not to use that type of a model. Use the good role model. I think that is sound advice because we all are very diverse individuals who come from diverse backgrounds with diverse personalities. I mention that as an introduction to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Foley) who I am going to ask to come up who I know has a vested interest in taking time out to make sure he talks with you and visits with you and he gets to know you. That is a personal trait that you should emulate. He has been successful, and I know it is from his heart. So I am glad he joined us again. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Foley).