Zack Space

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, John Decker served in the United States Navy from 1952-1954; and Whereas, he has served as a member of the color guard for military funerals; and Whereas, John Decker is saluted for his bravery and service; now, therefore, be it Resolved that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I commend and thank John Decker for his contributions to his community and country.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great pride in congratulating Chillicothe, Ohio, our great State's first capital, in being named Ohio's Best Hometown in the November issue of Ohio Magazine. A small town rich in history and nestled within the beautiful foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in southern Ohio, Chillicothe represents the very embodiment of everything that's right about middle America. In recent years, the city has gone through an impressive transformation. It has completed a large expansion of its high school. Adena Hospital is consistently ranked as one of the top rural hospitals in the country. And the OU-Chillicothe campus has grown by over 25 percent in the last 2 years. More and more people are discovering what we have known for a long time, that southeastern Ohio and southern Ohio and towns like Chillicothe offer a great place to live and a great place to raise a family. I would like to congratulate Mayor Joe Sulzer and the rest of my friends in Chillicothe on this great honor.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker, yesterday, I met with Mr. Alexis Galanos, Mayor of Famagusta, Cyprus to discuss the current situation he and his constituents face every day. In 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus, running residents of Famagusta out of their town and their homes in fear. Since then, Famagustians have been unable to return to their city in the occupied area, and the city itself remains a ghost town. Prior to the invasion, Famagusta was a bustling tourist destination and an economic dynamo. The hotel and construction industries were booming, the harbor had been widened to further contribute to its economic activity, and the rich and fertile mainland easily supported production of the potato crop. This all changed with the invasion of Turkish soldiers. Turkish troops drove the people of Famagusta out of their town and sealed it off with barbed wire. This is how the situation remains today, 33 years later. 45,000 residents of Famagusta have become refugees in their own country; they lost their land, their homes, their property, their businesses, their livelihoods, and for some, their lives. Since the Turkish invasion, churches, cathedrals, monasteries, and the cultural heritage have been subject to looting, vandalism, destruction, and theft. In 2003, partial lifting of movement restrictions by the occupying regime allowed some displaced Greek Cypriots to visit their old homes, but they are still denied the right to return to where they were born and raised. Property that was once in the hands of Greek Cypriots has been unlawfully distributed to illegal settlers from Turkey, and unprecedented illegal construction is taking place on land that technically belongs to Greek Cypriots. The former residents of Famagusta worked very hard to make a living. Families spent decades paving the way for the well-being of future generations, but they were forced to start over from square one. The people of Famagusta, like other Greek Cypriot refugees, have a burning desire, and a right, to return to their homes. I am pleased that Mayor Galanos was able to visit Washington to share the story of Famagusta, Europe's Ghost Town.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the SCHIP bill that we will, again, today, be passing with bipartisan support. This is a bill which is not intended to be a handout. This is not a form of welfare. This is legislation that will provide assistance to working families, specifically 10 million children of working families who have had a very difficult time in today's economy, a difficult time with high gas prices, high prices of natural gas, electricity, struggling to make ends meet. In Ohio we lead the Nation in foreclosures or are near the top. We're near the top in bankruptcy. In Ohio's 18th district there's an air of desperation, given the loss of manufacturing jobs. The working families of this country need help. And this is a chance to give it to them. To call this a magnet for illegal immigration, to classify this legislation as Washington, D.C.-based health care is a gross misstatement of the facts, and nothing more than a red herring. The truth is this legislation will enhance the lives, the quality of lives of 10 million young Americans. We have an obligation as a government to do that. I thank those Republicans with the courage to vote to override the almost certain looming dark cloud of a Presidential veto and urge those with the foresight and courage to do so again as we proceed on this important legislation.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker, the news of the passing of Charles Vanik was truly a sad event for Ohio. We lost a genuine statesman who always worked for the betterment of his country, state, and community.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Mr. Speaker, it is with great excitement that I share my support for H.R. 2197, the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park Boundary Adjustment Act, with the House today. Passage of this legislation will help to ensure the protection of a national archaeological treasure in Ohio's 18th Congressional District. I would like to begin by offering my thanks to Chairmen Rahall and Grijalva for their gracious assistance in assuring this legislation was heard both by the Committee and the House of Representatives. The House is fortunate to have the service of both of these Members. H.R. 2197 permits the expansion of the boundaries of Hopewell Culture National Historical Park in two areas. Hopewell Culture National Historical Park is home to historical remains of the Hopewell Culture, a culture of Native Americans that thrived between the years of 200 BC and 500 AD. This culture was known for the creation of large enclosures characterized by earthen walls, many of which still stand today. The proposed border expansion is not an arbitrary one. Earlier this year, a parcel of land known as Spruce Hill became available for sale. Spruce Hill is home to many archaeological remains of interest to historians and archaeologists, and significant natural phenomena that piqued the interest of the environmental community. In fact, legislation passed by Congress in 1980 ordered the Department of the Interior to perform a study on the relevance of Spruce Hill to the Hopewell culture for the purposes of a possible expansion. The report, released in 1998, found that Spruce Hill is an ``outstanding example of a particular class of Hopewellian monumental architecture,'' confirming the importance of adding this land to the Park. Spruce Hill was scheduled for public auction by the owner last June. I, like many of the residents of Ross County, were concerned that this land might be transferred to an owner uninterested in preserving its historical treasures. Fortunately, a land trust created by a group of concerned citizens and other interested parties were successful in raising enough funds to purchase the land before it was put up for auction. I am pleased to say that the land is currently in safe hands. H.R. 2197 will allow the federal government to expand the borders of Hopewell Culture National Historical Park to include Spruce Hill, ensuring it takes it proper place within the boundaries of a park meant to commemorate an important chapter in the history of America. Historians will tell you that the Hopewell culture is a chapter of American history in need of further exploration. Dr. Brad Lepper of the Ohio Historical Society testified before the Subcommittee on National Parks in June that Spruce Hill was an untapped resource that could offer answers to many historical questions about this culture, and even raise new questions of interest. I urge my colleagues to join me in passage of H.R. 2197 today. Its passage is both timely and critical to the protection of our culture.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Bill Malarkey of Greenfield, Ohio. This gentleman, a combat veteran of the Second World War, served on the front lines of battles that shaped the course of American history. I share his story to pay homage to his bravery, and to remind Congress and fellow Americans that true heroes walk among us every day. Mr. Malarkey was a member of the 147th Engineer Combat Battalion, C Company. His unit was among the very first wave of fighters who stormed the now-infamous shores of Omaha Beach on D-Day in 1944. His efforts helped establish the D1 Exit, a route to capture Vierville-sur-Mer, and a path to advance into Europe. Though he survived, many of Mr. Malarkey's compatriots perished in the fight. Already a hero, Bill Malarkey went on to fight in the Battle of the Bulge. Though Allied forces suffered heavy losses in this battle as well, it ultimately proved our strength and resolve. The Axis' failure in this attack was a turning point in the war and marked the last major offensive of Nazi forces. After helping to secure victory for the United States and Allied forces in World War II, Mr. Malarkey returned home to southeast Ohio, where he built a small home in rural Ross County and served as a truck driver. But his courage and sacrifice were not forgotten, and those who have been touched by him were compelled to contact me with his story, as I am obliged to share it with you now. Our history books tell us that the Battle of Normandy established the foothold that allowed Allied forces to confront Adolf Hitler's swarming dictatorship of hate. We know that the Battle of the Bulge was his last-ditch attempt to divide the Allied forces. As a Congressman, a member of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, an Ohioan, and an American, I recognize Mr. Bill Malarkey today to remind others that these historic victories, these bold affirmations of our freedoms, were built on the uncommon courage of men like Bill Malarkey.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, the dedicated people of the Moravian Church of Gnadenhutten, Ohio celebrates the 550th anniversary of the Moravian Church with great joy; and Whereas, this occasion is a time to look back at the origins of our great state with the founding of the first settlement in Ohio by missionary David Zeisberger amongst the Le Nape Indians in 1772; and Whereas, the Moravian Church continues as the oldest Protestant denomination in existence; and Whereas, the Moravian Church have demonstrated excellence in its calling as a church, and we are proud to have it in the great state of Ohio and our Nation; be it Resolved, That along with the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I commend the congregation for their unwavering commitment, recognizing that all great achievements come from great dedication. With great appreciation and respect, we recognize the tremendous impact this congregation has had in the community and in the lives of those people they have touched.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Pomerene Hospital celebrates the 70th anniversary with great joy; and Whereas, Pomerene Hospital cares for the community's health through communication and trust; and Whereas, the Hospital has grown from a staff of 10 physicians and continues to grow while serving Holmes County; be it Resolved, That along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate you on your 70th Anniversary. With great appreciation and respect, we recognize the tremendous impact this hospital has had in the community and in the lives of those people you have touched.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, the dedicated people of the Zion Reform Church of Winesburg, Ohio celebrate the 175th anniversary with great joy; and Whereas, this milestone is the result of what a tempered people began on September 9th, 1832; and Whereas, occasions such as these illustrate to us that love mixed with grace and trust will stand the test of time; and Whereas, it is the fond wish of this body that you will continue to present this work as a beacon for hope to the destitute and maintain your stand as a symbol to this generation that our strength lays in our gracious commitment in unity to each other in the bonds of brotherhood; and Whereas, you have demonstrated excellence in your calling as a church, anything less would have left you bereaved of such a jubilant occasion, and we are proud to have you as sons and daughters in the great state of Ohio and of our nation; be it Resolved, That along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I commend the congregation for your unwavered labor and commitment, recognizing that all great achievements come at a cost. With great appreciation and respect, we wish you continued abundant grace as you continue to labor for your Lord, Jesus Christ.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, the Holmes County Red Cross celebrates its 90th birthday with great joy; and Whereas, the Homes County Red Cross provides vital services to the residents of Holmes County; and Whereas, services such as Health and Safety, Disaster Services, Armed Forces Emergency Services, and Blood Services are provided; and Whereas, these services provide communication, training and education; be it Resolved, That along with the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate you on your 90th Birthday. With great appreciation and respect, we recognize the tremendous impact the Holmes County Red Cross has had in the community and in the lives of those people you have touched.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Tuscora Park at New Philadelphia is celebrating 100 years of operation; and Whereas, the park is one of 38 in the U.S. to celebrate this historical milestone; and Whereas, Tuscora Park has brought wonderful memories to countless patrons and will continue to create memories for years to come; and Whereas, the old amusement park has evolved into a municipal park and is still enjoyed by the community; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I applaud Tuscora Park and the community that has supported it for 100 years.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker, whereas, the Loyal Christian Benefit Association of Sacred Heart Catholic Church will celebrate the 100th anniversary with great joy; and Whereas, they protect and care for the church, family and future; and Whereas, occasions such as these illustrate to us that love mixed with grace and trust will stand the test of time; and Whereas, it is the fond wish of this body that you will continue to present this work as a beacon for hope to the destitute and maintain your stand as a symbol to this generation that our strength lies in our gracious commitment in unity to each other in the bonds of brotherhood; now, therefore, be it Resolved that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I commend the congregation for your unwavered labor and commitment, recognizing that all great achievements come at a cost. With great appreciation and respect, we wish you continued abundant grace as you continue to labor for your Lord, Jesus Christ.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker, whereas, the dedicated people of the Veterans First Foundation provide a vital public service; and Whereas, serve the veterans of Ohio admirably; and Whereas, the volunteers who serve the organization selflessly give of their time; and Whereas, the Veterans First Foundation has a long history of serving the community; be it Resolved that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I commend the Veterans First Foundation for its unwavering commitment and dedication to the veterans of Ohio. Congratulations to the Veterans First Foundation for their selection to receive the 2007 ADVOCACY award from the Governor's Council on People with Disabilities.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker, Whereas, the dedicated people of the Shanesville Lutheran Church of Sugarcreek, Ohio celebrates the 175th anniversary of the Shanesville Lutheran Church with great joy; and Whereas, this occasion is a time to look back at the origins of the church and appreciate how much it has grown from the first days in the log church when Rev. Snyder preached in 1820; and Whereas, occasions such as these illustrate to us that love mixed with grace and trust will stand the test of time; and Whereas, it is the fond wish of this body that you will continue to present this work as a beacon for hope to the destitute and maintain your stand as a symbol to this generation that our strength lies in our gracious commitment in unity to each other in the bonds of brotherhood; now, therefore, be it Resolved that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I commend the congregation for your unwavering commitment, recognizing that all great achievements come from great dedication. With great appreciation and respect, we recognize the tremendous impact this congregation has had in the community and in the lives of those people you have touched.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker, whereas, the people of the Pan-Icarian Brotherhood celebrate the 104th National Convention with great pride; and Whereas, the Pan-Icarian Brotherhood, ``Icaros'', is the oldest Hellenic organization in the western hemisphere; and Whereas, they are known for fostering fraternal bonds, renewing acquaintances and annually gathering to conduct official business; and Whereas, the Pan-Icarian Brotherhood is recognized for their hard work to preserve cultural traditions, educational scholarships, and charities; now, therefore, be it Be it resolved that along with friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I commend the Pan-Icarian Brotherhood, ``Icaros'' for your unwavered commitment, recognizing that all great achievements are a result of dedication. With great appreciation and respect, I wish you continued success.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker, whereas, the veterans and home front workers of WWII will reunite with great pride; and Whereas, they will honor Dreamville, USA as the place that served them during WWII; and Whereas, they will share their memories with one another and reflect on their time served; be it Resolved that along with friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I commend the soldiers and home front workers for your commitment, recognizing that all great achievements are a result of dedication. With great appreciation and respect, I wish you continued success.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker, whereas, the Zanesville Chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals celebrate the 60th anniversary with great joy; and Whereas, this milestone is the result of what a hardworking people began in 1947; and Whereas, occasions such as these illustrate to us that reliable and diligent employees will stand the test of time; and Whereas, administrative professionals are recognized for their contributions to the workplace; be it Resolved that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate the International Association of Administrative Professionals, Zanesville Chapter, for their service and dedication.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker, whereas, the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Tuscarawas Valley Chapter 635 celebrates its 50th birthday with great joy; and Whereas, they started with 18 members and now have over 135; and Whereas, the organization works to better the quality of life for active and retired employees of the Federal Government; and Whereas, they are working to put federal employees on an equal level with employees of other companies and organizations; be it Resolved that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I commend you on your 50th birthday. With great appreciation and respect, we recognize the remarkable impact the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Tuscarawas Valley Chapter 635 has had in the community.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker, whereas, the people of the Pan-Messinian Federation of USA and Canada celebrate the 32nd National Convention with great pride; and Whereas, the 180th Anniversary will be celebrated, recognizing the Navy of Battle of Navarino; and Whereas, the battle which took place on October 20, 1827 ensured Greece's independence Whereas, they are known for fostering fraternal bonds, renewing acquaintances and annually gathering to conduct official business; and Whereas, Pan-Messinian Federation of USA and Canada is recognized for their hard work to preserve cultural traditions, educational scholarships, and charities; Be it resolved that along with friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I commend the Pan-Messinian Federation of USA and Canada for your unwavered commitment, recognizing that all great achievements are a result of dedication. With great appreciation and respect, I wish you continued success.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, John and Audrey Birney are appreciated for their dedication and contributions to the Harrison County Farm Bureau; and Whereas, the couple has had a positive impact on agriculture in Harrison County; and Whereas, they have served their community on the P & E Committee; and Whereas, John and Audrey Birney have gone above and beyond to be a spokesperson for agriculture; and Whereas, John and Audrey Birney have served the organization and the community selflessly and tirelessly; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That along with their friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I commend John and Audrey Birney on their contributions to Harrison County's agriculture. Congratulations to John and Audrey Birney on receiving the Hall of Farm Award.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Daniel Wiggins, Sr., has served during three war periods; and Whereas, he is a Life Member and Past Commander of American Legion Post 84 and a Life Member of V.F.W. Post 2901 where he served as Jr. and Sr. Commander; and Whereas, Mr. Wiggins is a charter and life member of AMVETS Post 70 and served as Commander for four terms; and Whereas, he served as the Guernsey County Veterans Service Officer for 21 years; and Whereas, Daniel Wiggins, Sr., is a member and President of the Guernsey County Veterans Service Commission for the past 16 years and a former member of the GOVA Advisory Board; and Whereas, he is a member and immediate past President of the Ohio State Association of the Veterans service Commissioners; and Whereas, he is the past president of the DAV National Commanders and Adjuncts Association and he is a volunteer DAV van driver; and Whereas, Mr. Wiggins is the past President of the Veterans Association of State Commanders and Adjuncts for Ohio; and Whereas, Mr. Wiggins has been appointed to Congressman Space's Veterans Advisory Council; now, therefore, be it Resolved That along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I commend and thank Daniel Wiggins, Sr., for his contributions to his community and country. Congratulations to Daniel Wiggins, Sr., on his induction to the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker, due to travel conflicts beyond my control, I was unable to be back in Washington on October 9, 2007. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 949 on passage of H. Res. 32. I also missed rollcall vote No. 950 on passage of H.R. 400, the War Profiteering Prevention Act of 2007. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on H.R. 400.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Paul E. Bebout has been a wonderful father to seven children and made time to coach little league, be a boy scout leader and serve as a school board member; and Whereas, Mr. Bebout is a Mason and Shriner, where he serves as the local project chairman and has helped raise thousands of dollars for Crippled Children's Hospitals; and Whereas, he is a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans and American Legion; and Whereas, Mr. Bebout was named Legionnaire of the Year 2002/2003; and Whereas, Mr. Bebout contributes to the Church Christmas programs; and Whereas, he assisted to raise funds for scholarships for the local high school; and Whereas, Mr. Bebout belongs to the Military Order of the Purple Heart Post #625; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I commend and thank Paul E. Bebout for his contributions to his community and country. Congratulations to Paul E. Bebout on his induction to the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Mrs. Bayley has been a devoted mother and wife, mentor, confidant and friend to many; and Whereas, Mrs. Bayley has demonstrated values of hard work and dedication throughout her life, always maintaining a positive outlook; and Whereas, she has an unwavering passion for baseball; and Whereas, Mrs. Bayley's character and faith has been appreciated for enhancing all of those she has come into contact with; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That along with her friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I wish Florence Bayley a happy and healthy 105th birthday. We recognize the tremendous impact she has had in her community and in the lives of all those people she has touched.