Allyson Schwartz

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Chairman, let me just say that this amendment in no way addresses the issue raised by Mr. Sestak regarding the FAA airspace redesign. Madam Chairman, I yield 1 minute to my partner in this effort, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Patrick J. Murphy).

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Chairman, I rise today to offer an amendment to directly address the concerns of a community in my district that is impacted by BRAC 2005. The BRAC Commission's recommendations related to the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove call for a significant continued presence of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard and other military units and for maintenance of the airfield for their use. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is currently working with DOD to transform Willow Grove into a Joint Interagency Operation Installation dedicated to national defense, homeland security, and emergency preparedness. This effort is supported by Federal, State, and local leaders of both parties, including the Governor and both U.S. Senators. Despite the outpouring of local support for the base and a unified voice which we are supporting for continued military presence at the base, there remains a significant concern in the community that the base could be used for commercial passenger and cargo operations. My amendment, jointly with Patrick Murphy, my colleague from Pennsylvania, which was drafted in coordination with Pennsylvania's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, would address this local concern and strengthen the future capabilities of the base by codifying what Governor Rendell and bipartisan elected officials at all levels of government have been saying all along: Willow Grove will not become a commercial cargo or passenger airport. Madam Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Chairman, I will just repeat that this amendment is simple. It is consistent with the local and State efforts. We have been working with DOD, with Armed Services staff. I want to thank the leadership of the Armed Services Committee, Mr. Skelton. I want to also say that if a rollcall is demanded on this amendment, I ask that the House respect my desire to do what's right for my district and what is right for the homeland security and emergency preparedness for the Mid Atlantic region. Madam Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Budget Committee, I believe that Congress has an obligation to move our country forward with sound fiscal policy and smart, forward-thinking investments to make America stronger, safer and more secure. I want to thank Chairman Spratt and the Democratic leadership for their steadfast commitment to a spending blueprint that is fiscally sound and reflects Americans' priorities. This budget reflects the priorities of Americans while balancing the budget by 2012 without adding to our national debt. It ensures tax relief for middle class American families by committing to an immediate and long-term fix to the alternative minimum tax. And it reflects our commitment to quality health care for all Americans by sustaining and strengthening health benefits for our veterans, our seniors, our children, the disabled, promoting innovation and medical research, and responsibly addressing growing costs, inefficiencies and abuses in the system. This budget is a first step towards making our economy stronger, our country safer, and guiding us towards a new direction, the right direction for building success for American businesses and for American families, building this country's future. I urge my colleagues to support passage of this sound and fiscally responsible budget for America.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Ways and Means Committee, I rise in strong support of this legislation. This package encourages the innovation and entrepreneurship needed to advance America's energy independence. It promotes economic growth, enhances the ability of American businesses to compete internationally, and provides much needed relief to American families. This proposal extends the research and development credit that encourages innovation and creates new green jobs; the higher education expense deduction that enables Americans to afford to go to college and to be able to compete in the new technology jobs. And the provisions that are included encourage renewable energy development and conservation, including a provision that I championed which incentivizes more energy efficient commercial buildings. This is not the first time that we have passed these energy provisions in this House. Past efforts have been opposed by the Republicans and by the President both on substance and on how it is paid for. But this bill passed the committee with a bipartisan vote. With a strong bipartisan vote today, we can send a strong message that we are ready for a new energy policy in this country and should be passed this afternoon with bipartisan effort.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 60th anniversary of Yom Ha'atzmaut--Israel's Independence Day, to congratulate the Israeli people on their significant accomplishment, and to celebrate the strong U.S.-Israel relationship. As the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, I very much appreciate the important role that Israel plays in the world for the Jewish people. On May 14, 1948, the State of Israel was created providing a new homeland and safe haven for those who most recently had survived the Holocaust and for Jews before and since who had been scattered throughout the world after a millennia of conflict, discrimination, and persecution. I am proud that the United States was one of the first countries to recognize Israel. Today, the U.S.-Israel relationship continues to be strong. And I pledge to work with our trusted ally to pursue a stable and peaceful Middle East, which assures safety and security for the State of Israel. In the quest for peace in the Middle East, the United States has no stronger partner than Israel. As the Middle East's only democratic country, Israel is an important example for other countries in the region. It has free elections, a free press, and protection of minority rights. It is a strong and vibrant democracy and a trusted friend. Maintaining a democratic society has not been easy. Israel has endured neighbors that have attempted to wipe it off of the map, and it continues to face threats from terrorist organizations which oppose Israel's existence and seek to disrupt any possibility of a peaceful coexistence for all people. Even today as Israel seeks security within its borders and peace with its neighbors, radical extremists attack its citizens with daily rocket barrages. It is crucially important that we stand by our friend and ally, now and in the future. It is important to note that support for Israel is an issue that Democrats and Republicans here in Congress consistently work on in a bipartisan manner. Our willingness to work together sends a strong message internationally that the United States is committed to our friend and partner, Israel. Madam Speaker, it is truly an honor to stand by Israel and I know my colleagues join me in expressing Mazel Tov to all Israelis for a remarkable 60 years and wish Israel and its people a safe and secure future.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Rangel and Chairman Frank for acting so swiftly and wisely to stem the tide of foreclosures and address the sagging home values that are hurting families and communities across our Nation. By addressing a whole range of issues, from the continuing foreclosure crisis to the new and existing homes that are sitting vacant and further depressing the housing market, this package represents a significant step toward stabilizing the economy and restoring consumer confidence. I am very proud of the portion of this package that came through the Committee on Ways and Means, particularly a timely, targeted, and well- designed first-time homebuyers credit; a new Federal tax deduction to help families meet rising State property taxes; and expansion of the ability of cities and States to raise capital for infrastructure improvements by partnering with the Federal Home Loan Banks. In particular, I am pleased that the package includes a provision that I championed, along with my Republican colleague Jon Porter, which would enable State housing finance agencies to raise capital through tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds and use these additional funds to help at-risk borrowers refinance their subprime loans, access mortgages at fair rates, and enable families to meet their financial obligations and stay in their homes. This provision will work hand in hand with the Federal Housing Agency reforms that have come out of Chairman Frank's committee and will allow States to play a role in addressing the needs of their local communities. As Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke put it, `` . . . doing what we can to avoid preventable foreclosures is not just in the interest of lenders and borrowers, it is in everyone's interest.'' It is in everyone's interest that we overcome this crisis in the housing market, that we work to stabilize the economy, and we work to maintain and build our competitive edge in the global economy. The proposal before us is a comprehensive approach to this challenge, and I hope that it will be supported by all.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Chairman, on rollcall No. 293, the Waters/Frank amendment, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' Stated against:

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart. On Saturday May 3, 2008, Sgt. Stephen Liczbinski, a 12-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department and a constituent of the 13th Congressional District, was shot and killed while responding to a bank robbery. Sgt. Liczbinski, who would have turned 40 today, left behind a wife, Michelle, and three children, Matt, Steven, and Amber. He was known to his friends and colleagues as ``the real deal,'' ``a great family man,'' and ``a hero.'' Sgt. Liczbinski spent most of his career working South Philadelphia as a beat cop in the Fourth District. In November 2007, he moved to the 24th District where he was promoted to Sergeant and became a valuable asset to his fellow officers. He was known as a great supervisor who treated all of his colleagues equally. When he wasn't on the clock, Sgt. Liczbinski was known as a dedicated father who would bring his entire family with him to police barbecues. His last words, according to the brave Northeast Philadelphia residents who ran out of their homes to provide him with comfort and assistance was ``Tell my wife I'll miss her.'' Like many in Philadelphia, I'm hurt and shocked that we've lost yet another courageous, outstanding officer. Unfortunately this is not an isolated incident. The lack of respect for our law enforcement officers and the failure to respect the life of any human is appalling and intolerable. Our city owes Sgt. Liczbinski its eternal gratitude for the sacrifice he made to protect the public from these heinous criminals. In respect of that sacrifice, I ask that the whole House of Representatives extend its condolences to Michelle Liczbinski, her family, and the Philadelphia Police Department for their loss. May our thoughts and prayers ease their grief and help sustain the dedicated men and women of the Philadelphia Police Department who put themselves in harms way every day to protect the safety of our families and communities.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Speaker, as the co-Chair of the Congressional Georgia Caucus, I rise in support of House Resolution 1166 and to express my strong support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Georgia. On April 16, 2008, the Russian Government declared that it would establish legal and official ties with Abkhazia and South Ossetia. This is nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt by Russia to extend these regions, which are part of the sovereign nation of Georgia. This action was denounced by the international community, including the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, better known as NATO to all of us. Nonetheless, Russia remained unfazed by international opinion and further escalated tensions in the region just 4 days later by shooting down a Georgian unmanned aerial drone over Georgian territory. Georgia is one of the strongest allies in the Caucasus region, and it is important for the United States to continue to stand by our allies. I spoke with President Saakashvili on Thursday, and he's very concerned about the situation and, as was mentioned by previous speakers, has offered a number of peace proposals. But he very much appreciates the statements that were made in support of Georgia by our State Department and is grateful for this resolution and the strong bipartisan support it demonstrates from Congress. Since speaking with the President last week, the situation has become even more difficult for Georgia. The Russian Federation continues to move troops into Abkhazia, and yesterday we heard reports of possibly two more Georgian aircraft being shot down. Considering our close relationship with Georgia, it is appropriate that the House of Representatives join the international institutions that have condemned Russia's actions and called for a peaceful resolution to the current tensions in the region. This resolution is supported by the chairman and ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, who were original cosponsors of the resolution. And it was introduced by Representative Wexler, the chairman of the Europe Subcommittee. I urge my colleagues to support this important resolution and appreciate its bipartisan nature.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Today, Americans buy health coverage believing they are doing the right thing and expecting that they have secured access for needed health services for themselves and their family. But, unfortunately, this is simply not always true. Individuals, regardless of their age or circumstances, are denied health coverage every day due to the evidence or existence of preexisting conditions. This could be anything from asthma to heart disease, and it could affect anyone from our Nation's children to our grandparents to each of us. For more than 10 years, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act has provided protection for some individuals and families to ensure this information is not used to deny health coverage by either an employer or an insurer; but gaps still remain. With the evolution of biomedical research, our Nation's scientists have discovered opportunities to use genetic information to prevent, diagnose, and more effectively treat some of the most devastating diseases of our lifetime. I am honored to represent some of these most brilliant researchers and scientists in Southeastern Pennsylvania. In addition to the great medical potential they are exploring, genetic information also has the potential to reduce health care costs with better prevention and disease management. We must ensure that these new revelations do not come with a price: Discrimination by employers, insurers, schools, or others based on genetic information of those who are not even sick but are simply identified as being predisposed to a specific disease. If we do not reassure our fellow Americans that they are safe in taking full advantage of the opportunities provided by exploring the genetic information, then these advances in biomedical research could well be for naught. For this reason, I applaud my colleague, Representative Slaughter, for introducing the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act and for being its champion for so many years. I am proud to support its passage today. It is important for all Americans and their access to health coverage.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 218, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' Stated against:

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ambler on an important milestone--its 100th anniversary. Over the past 100 years, St. John's, known by many as ``the little church with the big heart,'' has served the people of my district. I am honored to represent the St. John's community in Congress. In 1907, Samuel F. Tholan, a young Lutheran pastor from Upper Dublin Lutheran Church, began holding worship services for Ambler residents who were unable to travel to Upper Dublin. On April 26, 1908, Pastor Tholan's 28 member congregation was organized officially as St. John's Lutheran Church. St. John's was housed in the Ambler opera house until 1913, when it moved to the congregation's current home at the corner of Race and Ridge Streets in the heart of downtown Ambler. Over the tumultuous past century, St. John's has embraced music as the fabric and heart of the congregation. On Sunday mornings, passersby are greeted with the swells of jazz, gospel, or Bach's cello suites emanating from within the chapel. In recent years, as a result of committed service to the Nation at large, St. John's has earned a new nickname: ``the little church with big ideas.'' In 2005, following Hurricane Katrina, St. John's held concerts to raise money for those who were displaced by the storm and sent a group of volunteers to Biloxi to aid in reconstruction efforts. St. John's also donated hundreds of musical instruments to replace those that were lost in the hurricane. In 2007, St. John's turned their attention to the Ethiopian orphans of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Harnessing the power of their musical congregation, St. John's held concerts that raised funds for the Fountain of Life Child Sponsorship Project, which will provide support for 300 of these orphans. Madam Speaker, once again I congratulate St. John's Lutheran Evangelical Church, and all of the men, women, and children of the congregation for their dedication to religious and community service. This ``little church with big ideas'' has had a remarkable impact on our local, regional, national, and international community. I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the 100th anniversary milestone of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, and wish the St. John's family many more years of community enrichment and service.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate the Edge Hill Fire Company on the celebration of their 100th anniversary. Beginning in 1908 with just a few volunteers and hand drawn equipment, the Edge Hill Fire Company has developed into a modern, professional fire company. In Philadelphia 272 years ago, Benjamin Franklin started the first fire department in America. Franklin's brigade, comprised entirely of volunteers, was dedicated to looking out for their neighbors. Today, volunteers constitute 73 percent of all firefighters nationwide, and Franklin's proud tradition of volunteerism is being continued by the brave firefighters of Edge Hill Fire Company. In 1909, following a serious fire in the village of Edge Hill, a few residents spearheaded the effort to protect properties and lives in their community against future destruction. By 1911, Edge Hill Fire Company was able to purchase a fire truck, the first motorized apparatus in Abington Township. In 1933, the company moved into a new firehouse, built and funded largely by the company's volunteers. This firehouse, located on Limekiln Pike at Cricket Avenue is still in use today, but has been renovated to serve as a meeting hall. As the community grew, so did the fire company, building a large addition in 1956 to include three truck bays, a service bay, hose tower, radio and recreation room. Today, the company continues their proud tradition of providing the best service to the community. They, as the firefighters described by Benjamin Franklin, still ``apply themselves with all vigilance and resolution,'' as well as dedication and courage, to the protection of their community in times of fire crises and as promoters of fire safety and prevention. Madam Speaker, once again I congratulate the members of the Edge Hill Fire Company for their service, commitment, and sacrifice. I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating this milestone and wish the dedicated firefighters another 100 years of success and safety.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 180, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, on April 8, 2008, I was unavoidably detained and was unable to be present for rollcall vote No. 162. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise as co-chair of the Congressional Georgia Caucus, and I rise in favor of House Resolution 997 which expresses support for extending NATO membership action plan status to Georgia and Ukraine. I do thank Chairman Berman and Congressman Wexler for their leadership in this bipartisan effort to support Georgia and Ukraine in their entrance into NATO. As leading democratic reformers in Eastern Europe, Ukraine and Georgia are both worthy of advancing their participation in NATO from ``intensified dialogue'' to membership action plan, MAP, status during the Bucharest Summit. This is an important and timely next step toward the goal of becoming full members of NATO. Both of these nations are keenly interested in joining NATO and working closely with Western allies. They have already demonstrated this by actively participating in both U.S. and NATO forces. More than 2,000 Georgian soldiers currently serve alongside U.S. military personnel in Iraq, making it the third largest coalition partner. And Ukraine is the only nonmember state taking an active role in all of NATO's peacekeeping and anti-terrorist operations. As a member of the House Democracy Assistance Commission, I had the great pleasure and opportunity to meet both Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili and Ukrainian President Yushchenko in their home capitals. Their commitment to democratization in their respective nations is impressive, and is an important example for other emerging democracies around the world. Certainly both nations have work to do to stabilize and ensure development of permanent democratic institutions. Yet, as recently established democracies changing a history of totalitarian rule, they are making enormous strides. They are ready to be granted MAP and be given the opportunity to work toward full NATO membership. In a world with real threats against us, it is critically important that we strengthen relationships with those nations that choose to be our allies. Georgia and Ukraine are key allies in an important region of the world. We should stand with our friends. We should stand with Georgia and Ukraine, and we should pass this resolution today.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 117, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' Stated against:

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the 100th birthday of Settlement Music School, the largest community school of music in the United States. Settlement Music School originated in 1908 at the College Settlement House, a social service center for newly arrived immigrants in south Philadelphia when two young women volunteers, Jeannette Selig and Blanche Wolf, offered piano lessons for a nominal fee. Their effort grew into an independent community school of the arts. Today, there are six Settlement branches serving every zip code in the Greater Philadelphia region. The Jenkintown and Kardon- Northeast branches of Settlement Music School are located in my Congressional District, serving residents of Montgomery County and northeast Philadelphia. Since its inception, the mission of Settlement Music School has been to provide community-based music and arts instruction and activity to students of all ages, races, religions, economic standings, talent levels and music preferences. In addition to the school's core program, it offers educational and enrichment programs for disabled children and adults, pre-school programs for low-income inner-city children, and a Teacher Training Institute to disseminate best practice techniques to the broader educational community. Settlement Music School tuition fees have remained modest with over 60 percent of the student population receiving financial aid. Annually, close to 15,000 students participate in music, dance and visual arts programs guided by a faculty of experienced and credentialed musicians. Settlement Music School is the largest employer of musicians in Pennsylvania, providing a source of income for many freelance musicians. Since its opening, Settlement Music School has served over 300,000 students. Today there are Settlement graduates in every major symphony in the United States, as well as alumni who have distinguished themselves in the worlds of opera, theater, popular music, and jazz. Settlement Music School has produced Pulitzer prize- winning composers and former students have served as Mayor of Philadelphia, Philadelphia City Council member, Pennsylvania Senator and Representative, and Member of Congress. Settlement Music School will celebrate this milestone centennial year with banquets, concerts and recitals featuring alumni and present-day students. Settlement Music School will honor the ``Settlement 100''--a roster of diverse Settlement alumni whose experiences at Settlement Music School helped to shape their lives. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Settlement Music School's centennial milestone and wishing the alumni, students, teachers, and board directors much continued success.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate the Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce on achieving an important milestone, its 75th anniversary. Since 1933, the Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce has tirelessly promoted its members and the economic health of our community. I am honored to represent this organization in Congress. In 1933, the Jenkintown Businessmen's Association was incorporated with just 44 members. Since that time, the chamber has changed its name a number of times to mark its growth within the business community. In 1961, the organization became the Jenkintown Chamber of Commerce. By 1968, the organization became known as the Greater Jenkintown Chamber of Commerce to reflect the expansion of its service area. In 1992, the chamber became the Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce. While successfully fulfilling its mission to support and promote local businesses of all sizes, the chamber has also successfully established strong community ties. The chamber has partnered with area businesses to host the annual Best of the Burbs celebration of business cultural and community events, featuring the chamber's annual Business Expo, which showcases over 100 area businesses. In 2003, the chamber established Leadership Montgomery County, an innovative program dedicated to strengthening the personal and professional skills of our community's future leaders. The chamber's active board of directors and committed staff implement outreach, advocacy and fundraising activities to strengthen the chamber's enduring presence in the community. Over the past 75 years, the Eastern Montgomery Chamber of Commerce has served as a powerful catalyst, uniting businesses, community agencies, government officials, and educational institutions to make our community a great place to live and work. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce's 75th anniversary milestone and wishing the chamber and its members many more years of community enrichment and service.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate The Peak Center of Lansdale, Pennsylvania, for receiving National Institute of Senior Centers accreditation. Of the 15,000 senior centers in America, The PEAK Center is one of only 153 senior centers to receive this high honor, bestowed by the National Institute of Senior Centers, a constituent unit of the National Council on Aging. The National Institute of Senior Centers mark of accreditation demonstrates the PEAK Center's outstanding service and commitment to seniors who live in the North Penn region of my district. As part of the accreditation process, staff evaluated their current programs and developed a 3-year strategic plan that will facilitate the development of additional programs and services. Accreditation demonstrates the Peak Center's outstanding leadership and commitment to continuing their tradition of developing quality programs and services for adults. The Peak Center's mission is to support wellness and quality of life for adults over 55 years of age and promote their participation in all aspects of community life. The staff of the PEAK Center works diligently to maintain the center as a hub of learning and activity in the community. The center has year-round programs that engage adults in lifelong learning pursuits, some in cooperation with local corporations and civic groups. Programs include aerobics, studio art, health screening, computer training, and the ``Senior Environment Corps.'' I have been pleased to recognize the Peak Center's active participation in the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the PEAK Center on receiving National Institute of Senior Centers accreditation and wishing this important organization many more years of success.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Speaker, last week the price of oil surpassed $100 per barrel for the first time ever. American families are hurting from these record prices. Gas prices are up 17 cents in just the last 2 weeks. Since 2001 when President Bush came into office, gas prices have doubled, up to $3.13 a gallon from $1.47 in 2001. At the same time, oil company profits have tripled, from $30 billion in 2001 to $123 billion in 2007. ExxonMobil alone had a profit of $40 billion, $132 for every American citizen. It's time our country set a new direction for energy policy by taking advantage of America's greatest resource, our ingenuity and our innovation. This legislation embraces this goal. It accelerates the use of clean domestic renewable energy sources and alternative fuels through long-term extension of production tax credits. This legislation increases research, development and deployment of clean, renewable energy-efficient technology, and this legislation promotes the use of energy-efficient products and conservation, including a provision for energy-efficient commercial buildings, which I introduced as separate legislation called the Buildings for the 21st Century Act. That's why this bill was endorsed by the 83,000-member American Institute of Architects. The American Institute of Architects, February 24, 2008. Hon. Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House, Capitol Building, Washington, DC. Hon. Harry Reid, Senate Majority Leader, Capitol Building, Washington, DC. Dear Speaker Pelosi and Leader Reid: The American Institute of Architects (AIA) commends you for your leadership in advancing legislation that will put America on the path towards energy independence. While our nation has made great strides in pursuing energy efficiency and developing renewable energy sources, the AIA believes that the federal government can and must do more to bring energy efficient technologies to the marketplace. One of the most effective strategies to do this is through tax incentives. We therefore strongly support provisions within H.R. 5351, that provide tax incentives to spur the construction of energy efficient buildings and encourage businesses to use renewable sources of energy, specifically solar power. In order to significantly improve energy efficiency in the United States, we must make a serious commitment to designing and constructing more energy efficient buildings. The building sector is one of the largest consumers of energy in our nation and is responsible for a massive share of the electricity used. Section 233 of H.R. 5351 extends the Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings Tax Deduction. This deduction will provide the necessary incentives to stimulate the design and construction of more energy efficient buildings in the United States. We urge Congress to include an extension of the Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings Tax Deduction in the energy tax package. This year, Congress has a unique opportunity to pass energy legislation that will set our nation on the path to a secure energy future. To meet this challenge, Congress should pursue policies that will both reduce the amount of energy our nation's buildings consume and increase the use of renewable sources of energy. Providing tax incentives to achieve these goals is one of the most effective tools Congress can use to achieve these goals. For these reasons the AIA strongly urges Congress to pass H.R. 5351. Sincerely, Andrew L. Goldberg, Senior Director, Federal Affairs. Cynics say that America isn't ready to embrace an economy that runs on a diversity of clean, American-made energy, but our renewable energy industries are ready to make America more energy independent, more energy efficient and ready to run on safer, cleaner and cheaper energy. This bill before us moves us more quickly and more deliberately towards this goal. It will make us safer, healthier and more economically competitive in the future. And we pay for this bill. We do so by repealing taxpayer subsidies for the five biggest oil companies, redirecting these revenues towards these renewable sources of energy and energy conservation, creating new jobs in America and spurring new economic development. I urge all of us who believe in the capacity of American innovation to power American businesses and industries and to make us more energy independent, to build a safer, cleaner future for all of us to support this legislation and to pass it today.

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Coach Jim Algeo on celebrating his 40th anniversary as Coach of the Lansdale Catholic High School football team. I am proud that such a dedicated and honorable man has served the constituents of my district for the past four decades. For the past 40 years, Coach Jim Algeo has been a teacher and head football coach at Lansdale Catholic High School. Through far more than football plays and academics, Coach Alego has also taken great pride in preparing the young men on his team for life by teaching them to live by the admirable motto: ``Faith, Family, and Football.'' Coach Algeo's well-rounded approach mentoring players has enabled Lansdale Catholic to achieve a winning record with five PAC-10 titles and six District 1 crowns during his tenure as head coach. Coach Alego has been recognized with numerous distinctions and awards, including the Pennsylvania State Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame, Associated Press PA Class AA Coach of the Year and the Maxwell Football Club Lifetime Achievement Award. Together, these inspired young men and their determined coach were able to bring home the PIAA AA State Championship in 2004. Coach Alego lives his personal life with the same commitment as his life on the field, sharing the past 48 years with the Crusaders' biggest cheerleader, Mickey Algeo. Together Jim and Mickey have raised nine children, and are the proud grandparents of 16 loving grandkids. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating Coach Jim Algeo's 40th anniversary milestone and in wishing him many more years of enriching the lives of those around him. In the many roles Coach Alego has been blessed to fulfill in his life, he has set an example for all of us to follow

Ms. SCHWARTZ

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, today we will again attempt an override of the President's veto of the CHIP reauthorization bill. Over the last 6 months, while President Bush and his Republican allies on the other side of the aisle have doggedly refused to take action to extend the Children's Health Insurance Program, a public- private venture that helps middle and low-income families be able to buy private health insurance, to an additional eligible 4 million children in this country, during that time the demand by America's working families for accessible health coverage has only increased. Amid this economic downturn, with skyrocketing energy costs, a record number of mortgage foreclosures, fewer new jobs, the rate of unemployment has jumped dramatically in the last year, adding an additional 900,000 Americans who are jobless. Two-thirds of unemployed individuals lose their health care coverage for their families when they lose their jobs. So it is times like these when CHIP is needed most for their children. According to the Joint Economic Committee, as many as 1 million additional children will likely become eligible for subsidized health coverage like CHIP as a direct result of this economic downturn and increased unemployment. Now is not the time to turn our back on America's children. It is time for my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to join us in supporting America's working families when times get tough, like they are now. So they should join us, and I hope they do, because together we could and should override this misguided veto by the President, and help America's working families and their children weather this economic downturn and get health care to the children of America. Health care should not be optional. It should be something we are sure that every American child has access to. Now is the moment when Republicans on the other side of the aisle can stand up for working families, for children in this country, and make sure that 10 million, an additional 4 million children, get health care coverage under CHIP.