John Shimkus

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Foley). I do not know if he did a Freudian slip. He called the Clerk of the House the clerk of the court. Maybe it was probably true for some of his dealings with you all, as I am beginning to understand. Probably another former alum who probably understands the clerk of the court is probably the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Tom Davis) who I would like to talk about his experience and how it relates to what he is doing now. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Tom Davis).

Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Virginia. A great representative of what your institution brings to service in this country is the service that the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Tom Davis) has done in his time as a Member of Congress. We are looking forward to you filling some of our shoes in the future. You are our investment in this experiment that we call a constitutional republic. We want to thank you for your service. Now we want you to go out and help make this country a better place.

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pride to recently have been named chairman of the Page Board; and one of the official duties is to say good-bye to the current page class, which graduates this Friday, which is tomorrow. So I would like to ask them to come down, I want you to fill in these seats, the first three rows of seats right up here. Come on down. Mr. Speaker, as a reminder of what we are seeing here, we are seeing 69 pages who hail from throughout the United States and are representative samples of what is good and great and stupendous about America. They are representative of various Members of Congress who have submitted their names. They have endured the arduous year process of actually being employees of the Clerk of the House while attending school, getting to know each other, living together and, as we just heard in the colloquy with the leadership of both sides, the Democrats and Republicans, sometimes enduring very long hours and late nights as they get an opportunity to see the legislative process unfold. Much like sausage, it tastes pretty good, but sometimes the process is something to be desired. We really appreciate your service; and as I address these comments to the Speaker, he knows also that the work that you do is very important here and the work that you do here is historical. Many things in Washington, D.C. have historical implications. The page class and the operation of pages goes back 200 years. So this is not any fly-by-night operation that just popped up in somebody's mind. Your service has been involved in the founding and the establishment and through the various difficult processes of this constitutional republic, and you have been here with us working and learning and, hopefully, this is not the pinnacle of your career. Hopefully, this is just one stop along the way that will help you continue to add greatness to this country and greatness to this process and the political system, whether that is being a good citizen, being a concerned voter, diligent on the issues, or being involved in the process. We are going to hear from some of my colleagues who will have greater words of wisdom based upon their experience as maybe former pages who were involved in the process. But I want you to know that as the chairman of the Page Board that we appreciate your service and we wish you Godspeed. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Kildee), the senior member of the Page Board who has been around for many, many years.

Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I include for the Record the names of the pages. List of Pages of the 106th-107th Congress Jessica Adams Narvell Arnold Camille Baldwin Erika Ball Ashleigh Barker Erin Baumann Jane Bee Kristin Blanchet Christopher Bohannon Seth Brostoff Michael Byers Ilona Carroll Alesia Cheatham Eric Colleary Joshua Cornelssen Jason Davis Kelly DiBisceglie Adam Estes Jennifer Evans Lauren Favret Corey Fitze Brian Footer Dane Genther Ann Grant Erin Grundy Ryan Gualdoni Allison Hamil Leon Harris Ashley Harrison Brian Henry Christian Huisman Sarah Hulse Audra Jones Benjamin Kaiser Sarah Kozel Jeff Leider Christina Lemke Bradley Loomis Claire Markgraf Benjamin Melitz Nickolas Mentone Brett Moore Gregory Muck Richard Nguyen Charzetta Nixon Amber Polk William Pouch Barry Pump Sean Ready Jana Reed Bethany Ruscello Julia Sargeaunt Kristin Saybe Sarah Schleck Sarah Seipelt Brittany Sisk Ben Snyder Christopher Sprowls Martha Stebbins Paul Stone Ryan Tanner Carin Taormino Robert Terrell Chapman Thompson Stephanie Vermeesch Robert Wehagen Sarah Williford Jason Williquette Bradley Wilson

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller) for his kind words. Earlier today we debated the World War II memorial and remembered those who served. For schools to accurately depict history, they have to talk about those who served. Serving in the military is honorable. Military service increases self-esteem, discipline, devotion to duty, selfless service, and love of country. That is not too bad. No recruiters; no money. Let us open the door to those who serve our young men and women and allow them to serve this great Nation. We, as a Nation, will not be disappointed.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a minute to talk about the President's energy plan. I am very supportive of it. As a member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Policy, what we have found out is that we need to have a diversified energy portfolio, just like anyone would have a good diversified investment portfolio. We need to make sure that we have baseload generating capacities using coal, nuclear, hydroelectric power. We cannot continue to rely solely on natural gas as the market, the supply and demand, will just say, the higher the demand, the more limited the market, and the higher the price is. Energy is an important concern to many Americans. The best way to address the national energy crisis is to increase supply of the generating fuels, and also do some energy conservation to increase the demand.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans), who is the ranking member of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. I know that for Members one of the most special times we have is when we get a chance to help World War II veterans receive the medals. Most of them decided not to wait around for them. They decided to get home. They received their couple dollars and change and got their train pass and skedaddled home so they could be with their loved ones and get back with everyday living. Now, in the waning years of their lives, they ask us for help to recover the medals that should have been handed over to them once they left the service. Many times I ask or they are asked by the media during these presentations ``why?'' They do not do it for themselves; that is the most striking thing. They ask for the medals so that they have something that can be held so they can give it to their children and then their children can give it to their grandchildren so that there is a memory of service before self, of people sacrificing their lives, of friends and loved ones in some very harsh and cruel memories, of a very terrible time in this world's history. Mr. Speaker, I have been able to do these presentations in many locations. My most favorite ones are when we do the medal presentations in schools. I have done them in grade schools, and I have done them in high schools. The students really get involved. They ask pretty tough questions, and some of these stories are just historic in proportion, as far as what these individual men and women have done in service to their country. I have two uncles who served in World War II. My father served in the Korean War and hardly talked about the war his whole life until the memorial was built here in Washington, D.C., until the memorial was built in Springfield, Illinois, until he joined the Korean War Veterans Association and wears his little light blue hat. So building the World War II Memorial now rather than later is critical. It is critical for those remaining veterans who want to have a tribute to their fallen colleagues and friends. It is also important, as this is an eternal city, it is an eternal city that young men and young women, kids of all ages come to learn at the heart of democracy and freedom. Should they not also learn about the sacrifices made to preserve freedom in this great land? That is why it is so important to move expeditiously now in approving the memorial. I really applaud the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump), Chairman of the Committee on Armed Services, and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans), the ranking member; and I ask all of my colleagues to join in support of this resolution.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Gillmor), chairman of the Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials; the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Tauzin), chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce; the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell), the ranking member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce; and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone), the ranking member on the Subcommittee on the Environment and Hazardous Materials, for their help in this legislation. From my perspective, this legislation is for Quincy, Illinois. On February 10, 1999, letters were sent from the EPA with a suspense date of March 15, 1999 to settle or get sued. It was as simple as that. We were able to go up to Quincy right after that letter hit the street on a Saturday morning to meet with over 100 small businesses. We were able to get the EPA to delay the suspense date until March 24, and they actually sent out a legal person to basically make the case that they needed to settle or sue. They were constrained by current law, so that is why I got involved with this battle that has been going on for many, many years to draft legislation to change the law. The EPA gave a lot of the small businesses in Quincy, Illinois until March 24 to settle. There was 165 small businesses, and the settlement amount was over $3.1 million. I personally was in contact with over 100 constituents. Some of these are still in litigation today. The Speaker of the House, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hastert), came to visit Quincy, along with the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Boswell), the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Hulshof), the gentlewoman from Missouri (Mrs. Emerson). In those meetings, legislation was dropped in June of 1999, which was brought to the floor in the fall of 2000 on the suspension calendar, just like today. Unfortunately, although it had the majority of votes, it did not have the two-thirds required for passage. We went back at it again in the new 107th Congress with new chairmen and a new attitude. Again, I want to thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Gillmor), chairman of the Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials; the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Tauzin), chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce; the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell), the ranking member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce; and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone), the ranking member on the Subcommittee on the Environment and Hazardous Materials, who pushed this through. We have a book that many of us read when we go to schools, especially grade schools, the House Mouse book in which there is a big debate on legislation about American cheese or Swiss cheese. Finally, both bodies of the legislative branch get together, and they decide American cheese, and the bill gets signed into law. And the little class that sent the letter is watching on TV as the President signs the bill. The story ends with the teacher saying we live in a wonderful, wonderful land. Our ability to breach compromise and move legislation to get small businesses out of this trap of this Superfund liability is truly a remarkable compromise. I want to thank all of those who were involved. Yes, we do live in a wonderful, wonderful land.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Bernie Robinson who has served the State of Illinois and indeed all of us as the Assistant to the Governor of Illinois in charge of the state's Washington, DC office. Bernie is about to leave his position for some exciting opportunities in the private sector. It would be inappropriate of me not to take this opportunity to publicly thank him for the work he has done, the counsel he has given and the lifetime's worth of friendships that he has made within our delegation. Thanks to Bernie and his capable staff, the State of Illinois has emerged with the most cohesive voice that we have ever had in terms of pursuing opportunities for the people we serve. It would be impossible for me to list all of Bernie's accomplishments, but I cannot overstate the important role he played in helping to bring our delegation together in pursuit of appropriations projects and priorities for our state. Thanks to him, I have a better understanding of the special needs of my colleagues in the northern part of Illinois and they have a better understanding of mine. Only one person could have brought together a delegation as diverse as the one we currently have. Without Bernie, it's unlikely that we would have had the successes that we have. I know that the members and staff of the Illinois delegation join me in thanking Bernie and wishing him well in his new endeavors. Bernie Robinson is a unique individual who has enriched our lives and allowed us to better understand who we are and how we can work together. Thanks also to Bernie's children, Sarah and Army, who have allowed us to share so much of Bernie's time. Together with his beloved wife Bess, may God rest her soul, Bernie has proven that the greatest joy in our lives is the beauty and potential of our children. He has prepared them for a life of tremendous possibilities and all indications are that they are poised to tackle them. Bernie, our thanks for establishing a foundation from which our delegation and therefore our state will grow and prosper. God's blessings to you and yours.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in Honor of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. Each year, the second week of April is dedicated to the men and women who serve as public safety telecommunicators. Telecommunicators are civilians across this country who provide the vital link between the public and emergency service responders, be they police, fire or EMS. They provide the radio, telephone, computer and other communication services that save lives and keep our communities safe and secure. Too often, the importance of this job and the contribution these individuals make go unnoticed. Today, I would like to recognize and thank the telecommunicators who serve the 20th District of Illinois. They are: Karen Giese, Lora Furlong, Michelle Tarvin, Teri Roado, Nancy Pohlman, Sarah Richey, DeAnna Fare, Lora C. Furlong, Robert I. Castens, Lillian I. Rutherford, Tammy S. Giacomelli, and Sherri M. Deeder. Mr. Speaker. I extend my deepest appreciation to these and all telecommunicators for talking distressed callers through CPR, calming hysterical crime victims, and making the difficult decisions using limited information to save lives and reduce property damage on a daily basis.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, the South China Sea has always been an area of constant stress for our men and women in military uniforms, especially the cat-and-dog fights that have gone on, really for many of the past years. That is why an accident was bound to happen. China believes the U.S. plane caused the collision by making an abrupt turn while two Chinese fighter pilots shadowed it. Give me a break. The EP-3 is a lumbering turtle, while the Chinese J8s respond like nimble jackrabbits. Colin Powell has stated, ``A tragic accident took place. We regret that the Chinese plane did not get down safely. We regret the loss of life of the Chinese pilot, but now we need to move on. We need to bring this to a resolution.'' Make no mistake, the planes were operating in international airspace. By international law, the EP-3 is sovereign U.S. territory. Earlier today two U.S. diplomats were allowed to visit 24 U.S. crew members. The detained Americans looked healthy, but China has given no indication as to when they may be released. Among these are two Illinoisans, Seaman Jeremy Crandall of Poplar Grove, Illinois, and Sergeant Mitchell Pray of Geneseo, Illinois. The Chinese Government is treating this like we are still in the Cold War, and we are not. Our concern is we do not want this to turn into another period of constant tension and struggle and a return back to the Cold War era. But make no mistake, the United States is not a Nation to be trifled with, and our patience will only last so long. We need our crew back, we need our plane back, and we need to return to normalized relations with China. The best way to do that is for the peaceful return of both our crew members and our plane.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I came over on this side because I know tomorrow we will have a lot of our friends on the Democrat side of the aisle who are going to come and join us in support. I am speaking on behalf of my constituents and also for all my friends on this side who again I know will join us. I will try to be brief. I cannot match the eloquence of the folks down here. Yesterday, some interest groups took opposition with my support of the death tax. One of the comments was made, well, only one in 20 farms actually have to be sold. And my point to them was, well, obviously it is not your farm. If there is one in 20 farms, which we know is not a good measure, it is definitely not their farm that has to get sold, and we can give countless cases in the 20th District of Illinois of farms being sold. I have one in Christian County that was just devastating, but I would like to talk especially about the agricultural economy as was addressed by my colleague from Pennsylvania, the compliance costs, because we know that we are in one of the lowest periods of commodity prices since the Depression. Part of farm income, income on the balance and income statement, you have revenue and you have expenses. Well, people fail to understand the compliance cost to save the farm from the death tax is an added cost of doing business, which in these low commodity prices makes it very, very difficult to make ends meet. So in eliminating the death penalty, what you do is you are going to help the farm income of the family farm in the 20th District and throughout the country. The second thing I want to mention, I have two cases both in Quincy, Illinois. One was back in 1969, Rich Neimann, who when his father passed away, and he is the chairman and CEO of Neimann Foods, Incorporated, of Quincy, Illinois, when Richard's father passed away suddenly in 1969 the family was faced with an estate tax bill of several hundred thousand dollars which was due, by law, within 9 months. The Neimann family had to use all the resources from the sale of the company's wholesale operations to pay the estate tax bill. In essence, they sold the wholesale operation of their business to provide funds to pay the death tax. That was in 1969. More recently, 17 months ago, a good friend of mine, a small business owner from Quincy, Illinois, Mike Nobis, his brothers and sisters lost their parents 17 months ago when there was a travel accident involving their motor home, and both the mother and his father passed away. The parents left behind a family printing business and estate tax bill of more than $370,000. To prevent this tax burden from destroying the family business, listen to what they did, the company put off buying capital expenses, which you would expect. They also got the 45 employees to agree, so they could keep their jobs, to double as much as they pay in health insurance. The employees agreed to double the amount that they paid in health insurance to keep the business in operation. This is not just a burden on the small business. This is a burden on the working men and women who are employed by these small businesses. I just think it is a compelling story that in small town USA that these employees would go to bat for the employer and suck it up to keep the business in operation. Two last points I want to make to the super wealthy who think this is unnecessary, there is a simple solution; and I challenge them. All they have to do is gift it to the Federal Government, just get out their checkbook. We will take it. We will put it in the Treasury. We will use it to pay down debt. If they want to turn over that money, I think we would welcome it. The last point I want to talk about is just ideology. I think ideology is so important, and as a former government teacher sometimes we get lost in the view of government. The death tax really speaks to the debate on ideology, conservative versus liberal. It really addresses a point of who controls after-taxed wealth in America. And that is what, for me, this debate is all about. It is very simple. Who controls after-taxed wealth that has already been created after it has already been taxed? My friends, the liberals, would say, well, government ought to control it because government has plans to redistribute that wealth throughout the country. We would say that is an award and a benefit for taking the capital risk and creating jobs and keeping our economy going and if you want other people to go back to small town America to create five to 10 to 15 jobs, you ought to make sure that they can pass on their after-taxed wealth, after-taxed wealth, to their family. So I appreciate the gentleman scheduling this hour to talk about this. It is very timely with our vote tomorrow. I know I have a lot of friends on this side that are going to be very supportive. I look forward to the debate and I look forward to casting the votes. It is a pleasure to join my colleagues down on the floor.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, Community, Migrant and Homeless Health Centers provide cost-effective, quality health care to our country's poor and medically underserved. They act as a vital safety net for our health delivery system and reduce health disparities that large portions of our populations experience. These centers are nonprofit, community-owned and operated, and serve all 50 States. They provide health care to those who otherwise could not have access to it, serving one in 12 rural citizens, nine in 8 low- income Americans, and one in 10 uninsured Americans. Surely this is something that this House in a bipartisan manner can support. I want to thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) who will follow and speak on this same issue. Mr. Speaker, I represent a rural area; and much of my district has very limited access to health care. Centers in my district operating in Salem, Vandalia, and Springfield, Illinois, have made vital health services available to the community. By serving a specific area, the centers can tailor their services to the specific needs of the community and work with the schools, businesses, churches and community organizations to provide the best care possible. Community health centers are cost-effective in a viable way to bring quality health care to underserved populations. Increasing Federal funding will enable community health centers to expand and reach more of the uninsured. That is why I support the Reach bill, which would double the budget for community health centers. But it is also an inexpensive way to get preventative and primary health care to those who have fallen through our health care delivery system. I encourage all our colleagues to support this vital program that helps so many.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Carrollton Lady Hawks who recently won the Illinois High School Association Class A basketball tournament. The Lady Hawks swept the tournament, winning all three games, and brought back their first state championship. It was a great finish to a near perfect season. The Lady Hawks went an amazing 34-1 this year. They brought a lot of excitement and joy to all those that followed the team. Basketball great Michael Jordan once said, ``Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.'' Every championship is the cumulative effort of each individual player and coach--each striving to be the best they can be--on any given day. I would like to personally thank everyone on a job well done. To the players: Karen Brannan, Laura Moss, Kaci Graham, Justine Tucker, Kara Gillingham, Katie Nolan, Alicia DeShasier, Emily Pohlman, Dana Carter, Molly Reed, Lauren Steckel, Amber Shelton and Nicole Meyer, I couldn't be more proud of you. I would also like to congratulate the coaches Lori Blade and Donna Farley on a great season. To everyone behind the scenes--the scorer, Elissa Settles; team manager, Courtney Symes; Athletic Director, Greg Pohlman; Principal, Terry Dillard and Superintendent Mike Barry--thanks for your hard work and support of the team.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Schrock) for yielding me this time. Madam Speaker, the price of freedom is eternal vigilance. The cost is the spilled blood of our sons and daughters. I rise today in support of this resolution paying tribute to the 21 members of the National Guard who were killed on March 3. One of those soldiers, Master Sergeant Michael Lane, was a native of Staunton, Illinois, in my congressional district. Master Sergeant Lane was remembered by his aunt, Betty Roberson, when she spoke to the Alton Telegraph earlier this week. Betty said, it is terrible. We are all supposed to be outlived by our kids. She noted that he was a super kid, the kind of kid that any parent would be proud of. A graduate of Staunton High School, Master Sergeant Lane was a straight A student, involved in sports and particularly enjoyed country music and golf. Yet it was the love of his parents and his country that drove Michael to devote himself to the military and the defense of our freedoms. Michael and his wife Roxanne lived in North Carolina where he became a full-time member of the Virginia National Guard. While each of the National Guard members need to be recognized and deserve recognition by this body and a grateful nation, I must speak out on behalf of Michael's family and his many friends to say thank you. Madam Speaker, we recognize Michael's commitment to his principles, his love of country and his family. We also know that he left this life while training and preparing to defend our Nation. Yet his Aunt Betty said, knowing that does not make your loss or the loss of your comrades any easier. The price of freedom is eternal vigilance. The cost is the blood of our sons and daughters. God bless the victims, their families and the United States of America.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, these are interesting times. We are going to have a good battle and discussion on things that conservatives have fought for for many years: Easing the regulatory burdens, lowering taxes. Although some of my friends on the other side seem to be frustrated with this, it should come as no surprise; easing regulatory burdens, lowering taxes creates more freedom for the American people. I will stand on the side of freedom and individual responsibility and individual initiative every day of the week. It is a sound foundation. It is solid ground. Let me address the issue of 10-year projections. I used to be a schoolteacher. Everybody does long-term projections. Corporate entities do long-term projections. To base a debate on the ability of not taking into account long-term projections does not understand the real world in corporate America or local taxing districts. I look forward to having these votes. I look forward to providing more freedom to the American people.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 83rd anniversary of Lithuanian Independence Day and the 10th anniversary of freedom from Soviet occupation. I am especially proud of my Lithuanian heritage at this time of the year. From the first Independence Day on February 16, 1918 until their reassertion of their independence on February 16, 1991, freedom from foreign domination has been a hard-earned dream for the Republic of Lithuania. The Lithuanian people withstood unspeakable abuse under Soviet military forces that occupied Lithuania from 1940 to 1991 with dignity and restraint. In Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, there are many reminders kept of the sacrifices made for freedom. The Vilnius KGB museum consists of a basement jail that has cells and torture chambers where secret police detained and interrogated Lithuanian prisoners before sending them into Siberian exile. The Lithuanian parliament building hosts a section of bullet-scarred barricades that were used in 1990 to ward off Russian tanks. Also, the Vilnius TV tower, which is the tallest structure in the city, has a monument to the 14 unarmed, freedom-loving Lithuanians who were murdered on January 13, 1991 by Soviet soldiers during their attempt to take over the tower. In the 10 short years since the reestablishment of its independence, the Republic of Lithuania has restored democracy, ensured human rights, secured the rule of law, developed a free market economy, cultivated friendly relations with neighboring countries and successfully pursued a course of integration into the European Union. 2001 will be another critical year for Lithuania as it works to attract foreign investment and gain admission into NATO. Lithuania deserves our recognition for its perseverance in the face of immense challenges. It has proven not only to be a faithful friend to the United States but also a tenacious ally, as demonstrated by their recent assistance in our peacekeeping efforts in Bosnia. I hope we will not jeopardize their future security by withholding NATO membership beyond 2002. In closing, I would like to thank the outgoing Ambassador from Lithuania, Mr. Stasys Sakalauskas, for his service in Washington, D.C. and his dedication to improving U.S.-Lithuania relations. I also welcome the new Ambassador who will be named at the end of this month, and I look forward to working with him. I urge my colleagues to join me in commemorating the 83rd anniversary of Lithuanian independence.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, due to the cancellation of my flight, I missed the vote last night on H.R. 2, the Social Security and Medicare Lock-box Act of 2001. Had I been here, I would have voted in favor of the bill. This legislation signifies our commitment to protect seniors' benefits. It ensures that Medicare and Social Security funds will only be used for their intended purposes and not be spent on other government programs. I believe this is a major step toward long-term reform that will assure all workers and retirees that these programs will be there for their future.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize an admirable citizen from the great state of Illinois, Jane Kratochvil. As President Bush releases his Education Plan, ``No Child Left Behind,'' and sets up his Faith Based Liaison Office in the White House that will encourage volunteer work as part of a multi-pronged approach to addressing social challenges, I wanted to take this opportunity to draw your attention to Ms. Kratochvil who is a shining example of selfless volunteerism. Mr. Speaker, in addition to a very demanding full time job, Ms. Kratochvil spends her unpaid free time working with a program called ``The School First Foundation.'' This non-profit organization helps underserved K-12 schools gain access to technology and teaching resources that serve to improve their learning environment. As part of this program, Jane works extensively in the Chicago inner-city area and travels on occasion to help in the difficult Roxbury district of Boston. Jane's efforts are commendable. Not only is she touching the lives of the many underprivileged boys and girls she is teaching directly, but her organization is helping to identify and advance educational content that improves learning performance, so in essence, she is helping more students improve their minds and lives than we could ever quantify. I want to extend my deepest thanks to Jane Kratochvil and all others like her. It is through volunteers like Jane that we will be successful in ensuring that all children receive a quality education and a fair shot at a successful life.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Allen C. Bartel who served as the Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 31 in Edwardsville, IL. His service to scouting spanned over 15 years of his adult life. Mr. Bartel is retiring at the end of the year. During that time, he guided 17 young men to the rank of Eagle and countless others through the wonderful experience of scouting. The role of the scoutmaster is more than teaching young men to tie knots and start campfires. They provide an educational program for boys and young men to build character, to participate in citizenship, and to develop personal fitness. Those character issues emanate from the Scout Laws--A scout is: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent. Scouting is an excellent way to instill leadership qualities in our young men. Without the time and commitment of people like Allen Bartel, some boys may not be exposed to these important life lessons. That is why I am honored to recognize the hard work and volunteer efforts of men like Allen. Thank you for making a difference.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. I thank my colleague from Michigan (Mr. Hoekstra) for taking the time out tonight to speak about my colleague and friend and a person who we are going to miss here in Washington. And I finally will rise to pay tribute to my dear friend, Tom Ewing. Tom was elected in 1991 to replace Ed Madigan who was appointed Secretary of Agriculture. Since that time, he has been overwhelmingly reelected by the constituents of the 15th District in Illinois. During his 9 years in Congress, Tom has worked tirelessly for our Nation's farmers, whether it has been to increase the use of ethanol, rewrite our Nation's outdated farm laws or work to open new foreign markets. Tom has been a champion for U.S. agriculture, especially with MFN status for China, or as we know it now NTR, and as we now know as PNTR. Tom saw the huge market potential for our farmers in China and fought hard to make it a reality. Being a farmer himself, Tom knows the importance farmers play in our national economy. Before his election to Congress, Tom served 17 years in the Illinois House where he was assistant Republican leader from 1982 to 1990, and was named deputy minority leader in 1990. Prior to that, Tom was the assistant State's attorney in Livingston County, Illinois. Like myself, Tom also served in the United States Army, and as I always like to say, go Army. Beat Navy. My connection with Congressman Ewing goes back to 1991, during my first unsuccessful campaign for Congress. And, of course, there are always good stories that occur on the campaign trail, Mr. Speaker. But even though I had Tom's help and he traveled around my district, I was not successful. But in 1994, I was being courted to run again. I met with Congressman Ewing in his office in Bloomington, Illinois one cold February morning. I was concerned about running, understanding the great challenge of a large rural district and just having had my first son, we sat down and talked about it. And the political history of this Nation will mark 1994 as a very, very important year for especially the change in the House of Representatives. There was a great pressure to continue to bring good candidates to the floor, and I asked the question that I think many Members who run for Congress ask who are concerned about their family, and I asked now that I have a young son, how is this going to impact my family. And Congressman Ewing looked at me and he said, John, if you ever think Congress is going to be family friendly, if you ever think that that job is going to be family friendly, forget it, because no matter how they restructure it, no matter what they try to do, the basic aspect of working in Washington, representing the large district is not, by nature, by definition family friendly. He was concerned more about my family than he was concerned about recruiting a viable candidate to win in a congressional district. He put my family and his recommendation about my family to the forefront. And for that, I will always thank him. History now shows that in 1996, I did have a chance to run again. Tom was there at my side again, helping me negotiate the environment issue, helping me negotiate the DC environment, and with his help and the help of many other people, I had the fortune to represent the 20th district, which is south and west of Congressman Ewing's district. Since that time, it has been my honor to serve Tom these past 4 years; and he was my mentor and advisor as a candidate. He quickly became a mentor and advisor to me in Washington. He has been someone I have been able to look up to since I have been here. He will listen to every argument before making a final decision, and he will make sure he listens to opposing views. While that may not seem like a big deal to most Members, it has meant a lot to me. Oftentimes we meet with people or groups who are opposed to a particular stance we may take. Instead of working against these groups, Tom has listened and tried to find areas of compromise and agreement; that is why the people of the 15th district sent him back to Washington time and time again. Aside from Tom's work in support of agriculture on the House Committee on Agriculture, he has also served on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the Committee on Science, and the Committee on House Administration. On the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, he has been a champion for the transportation needs of rural areas in this country, especially in downstate Illinois. As a member of the Committee on Science, Tom has worked diligently for increased funding for university research. With two major universities in his district, he realizes the importance of university research and the impact it has on our country. During our reorganization meetings for the 106th Congress, Tom Ewing placed a name as a nomination to be a majority leader. Some people forget that this occurred. Another young Member from the Illinois delegation seconded that motion. That motion was for the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hastert) to become the majority leader. The vote was taken, and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hastert) had committed his vote and, of course, the gentleman did not get elected to the majority leader's position and stayed in his role initially as chief deputy whip. But history now shows another conclusion of that time in the history of this House. One cannot really talk about Tom Ewing and his role in the House of Representatives without also talking about the great friendship and working relationship between Tom Ewing and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. They roomed together, they worked together, they fought on issues for Illinois together, and I am sure of the comments that will be submitted in this Record, along with those will be a submission in the Record by the Speaker of the House to remember his great friend and colleague, Tom Ewing. So the record would not be complete without mentioning that dynamic duo that brought so much to the State of Illinois and to this Nation. I would also like to thank Tom and his wife, Connie, for the years of service to this Congress. Connie has been a great friend to my wife, Karen. Tom and Connie will be greatly missed and not easily replaced. The people of the 15th district should be proud to have had a man like Tom serving in Congress. We thank you, Tom.

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield time to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert).

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert). Mr. Speaker, I am now joined by the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Hoekstra), and we are glad to have him and please entertain us with your reflections of Congressman Ewing.

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I come to the floor tonight to spend some time to think about a good friend and colleague who is also leaving, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Ewing). I have been joined by a couple of my colleagues that because of the lateness of the hour I would like for them to have the opportunity to address the House and then I will pick up. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from upstate Illinois (Mr. Porter) whom we have heard a lot about tonight already.

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to submit for the Record the following statements, a statement from Congressman Ewing's staff, a letter by the Governor of the State of Illinois, and a letter by Eric Nicoll, former staff director for Congressman Ewing and now an industry representative in Washington. As members of Tom Ewing's staff, we have a unique perspective on what makes Tom such a great person and Congressman. He is a man who is straightforward and honest, a solid, upstanding, good-hearted person--a true Midwesterner. Tom is one of the hardest workers in Congress, setting an example we could never meet, being the first person in the office in the morning, and the last to leave. Tom's quiet leadership, friendly manner, gentle guidance and terrific sense of humor created a great working environment. He made sure that we all worked hard, but never took ourselves too seriously, constantly joking with and teasing us all. Staff always had a lot of latitude to work on their issues and projects, and the door to Tom's office was always open. He was always interested in our opinions and input, and tolerant of mistakes. We will always remember him as the ideal boss--a mentor, friend, and someone we could look up to and on whom we could depend. Tom considers his staff an extension of his family, and takes great interest in all that is happening in our lives. He is first and foremost a family man, and when members of our staff faced family emergencies, Tom made sure that our families came first. In short, Tom Ewing reminds us all that public service can and should be an honorable profession--he is a shining example of why citizens could get involved in their government. Tom has said that in politics, ``it is always best to leave with your hat in the air.'' That he has done. We will miss Tom greatly, and wish him every success and happiness as he moves into the next chapter of his life.