Zack Space

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. I thank the gentleman from California for yielding his time. I would like to thank our chairman, Collin Peterson, and Ranking Member Goodlatte for their hard work on this good, bipartisan piece of legislation that does a lot of good things. It enhances conservation. It provides a safety net that our farmers need to do the work that is so important to this country. It does some very exciting things with energy. And in the end, it allows these small family farms that make up most of southern and eastern Ohio to meet their margins in a very difficult profession. But it does something more than that. It helps meet the growing needs associated with poverty; rising food prices, a diminishing manufacturing base, rising costs of living. Seventy-five percent of this bill is devoted toward nutrition, being mindful of the fact that most of those who will be fed pursuant to the nutritional programs of this bill constitute the working poor. In my district many of the counties have poverty rates exceeding 20 percent and unemployment rates at 6 or 7 percent. This means that thousands of people in my district alone are working full-time but can't afford to feed their families. This bill will help mitigate that crisis. This bill is good for farmers. It helps diminish the effects of poverty and fight the ever-growing fight against poverty in this country and will allow for the farmers of this country to continue to provide the safest, cheapest and most abundant source of agriculture on the planet.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker, I'd like to thank the gentleman from Illinois, Subcommittee Chairman Gutierrez, for his cooperation and assistance in this legislation. I would also like to thank the ranking member, Mr. Paul from Texas, as well. And I would further like to extend my gratitude to Chairman Frank and Ranking Member Bachus for their work in advancing this important piece of legislation that will, in fact, eliminate wasteful governmental spending, saving the taxpayers a billion dollars over the next 10 years. Right now, our government is needlessly throwing away money in the production of coins. Estimates, as have been indicated, suggest that we're spending 1.7 cents or more per penny produced in this country, as well as 9.5 cents per nickel. The content of a penny, as it exists now, is roughly 97\1/2\ percent zinc, with the balance copper. The content of a nickel is roughly 25 percent nickel and 75 percent copper. And during the last 5 years, we've seen huge increases in the price of copper, nickel and zinc. As Subcommittee Chairman Gutierrez indicated, that is attributable to excess demand throughout the world on those metals, along with speculation in the market. This legislation is designed with an eye toward common sense to save, again, roughly $100 million per year over the next 10 years. Wasteful spending is especially egregious at a time when Americans are facing the pitfalls of an economic downturn. This legislation will begin the process of eliminating this wasteful spending by mandating changes in the content of the penny and the nickel and giving the Treasury a louder voice in the process. Based on production numbers, again I want to emphasize these changes will save taxpayers $1 billion over the next 10 years. The legislation will also help Congress be more responsive to market changes in the value of different metals over time, helping it to be more efficient and precise in its expenditures. The savings can be spent to put money into our schools, improve our infrastructure, increase access to health care, all the things that many Americans--certainly Americans I represent back in Ohio's 18th District--desperately need. As a Congress, we have a responsibility to use our funds in a responsible fashion. This legislation is a step toward more responsible spending and represents a bipartisan effort to work together on a measure that encompasses a high degree of common sense. Refreshing.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. I thank the gentlewoman from Florida for taking the lead on this initiative. In assessing the cost of war, all too often we resort to cold, hard numbers. And we return to things like the financial cost of this war, how much is it costing this Nation or how many lives have we lost. Those are important considerations, obviously; but in assessing the cost of this war, I think it is important that we as a body, as an institution, point out that there are other costs. For example, the loss of international goodwill, the cost of veterans' care is a part of the cost of war, and what we are talking about tonight, the strain and the effect that the war has had on families. As I see it, there are a lot of different ways to measure that. The most immediate and obvious is the trauma of deployment. Many families in this country today are uneasy as we speak, praying and worrying about their loved ones who are in a strange and foreign land subjected to hostile conditions. The financial strain on these families is enormous. The marital strain is significant. The cost to a child who doesn't even know their parent, it affects entire families. I, too, have a loved one serving now in his second tour of duty in Iraq. Zack Space is his name as well, my cousin. I had the pleasure of spending some time with his folks Sunday in Ohio for Greek Orthodox Easter. We gathered as a family very mindful of little Zack's absence, and prayed for him. To see the concern and worry in his mother's eyes is moving and very visceral. A second way of evaluating the cost and strain that this war has had on families is to look at the loss that those families have occasioned. We have heard some testimony today from some very able folks talking about the realities of war and those who are returning from war, the suicide rates, homelessness, drug and alcohol addiction, even the breakdown of the traditional family unit. They are all affected by the rigors of war. And many of these attributes are due to post-traumatic disorder or traumatic brain injury that my colleagues have talked about today, lifelong conditions that will forever plague these families. I would like to talk if I could for a moment about a couple of folks back home and some others that have had a really profound effect on me and my impressions of this war. One of them is Army Corporal Keith Nepsa, who at the age of 22 years was killed in June of 2007 from wounds sustained when an IED detonated near his vehicle in Iraq. Keith was from New Philadelphia, Ohio, in Tuscarawas County, and I know his father. I went to his funeral and again saw the look in their eyes as they laid their son to rest. They will forever be plagued by this war. Their lives will never be the same. Another young man from my region, Marine Gunnery Sergeant Joshua Heck who was grievously injured on the battlefield last year, and I went to visit him in Walter Reed not long after his return to the States, a return of a shattered man who had lost limbs, suffering from post- traumatic stress disorder, and doomed to a life much different than that which he took with him to Iraq. I had the pleasure of meeting his wife, Brooke, and his mother who were at his side at Walter Reed bearing much of this burden. As a side note, Joshua, in his hospital bed when I went to visit him, it was at a time when we were debating the course of action that this Congress should take on the war. I asked him what he thought we should do. Having been there, I felt he was qualified to make that assessment and I welcomed his input. When I asked him that question his response was: Sir, that's not for me to say. You tell me to fight, I fight. I'm a soldier. You tell me to stop and I stop. And despite his broken body, his love for this country remained as strong as ever. I found it very moving and touching. Under the leadership of Chairman Filner, our Veterans' Affairs Committee earlier this year held an Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee hearing on the care of the seriously injured after inpatient care. And at this hearing we received testimony from Sarah Wade, not of my district, but who came to testify on behalf of her husband, Sergeant Ted Wade, who had sustained traumatic brain injury. And Sarah has been left with a completely different life than that which she had before her husband went off to war. He, and she, and their family, will forever be plagued by these injuries. When young men and women are killed in this war, or come back grievously wounded, it's not just the soldier that suffers, it's their family. And it's not just the family that suffers, it's their community. Their communities grieve. I'm blessed with a special district. Ohio's 18 district is one wonderful small town after another. The largest city I have in my district has about 25,000 people. And there are a lot of great things about living in a district like that. We're very community-oriented. There's a strong sense of personal responsibility. When good things happen to us, we celebrate together. When bad things happen, like the loss of a heroic soldier, like Corporal Nepsa, we grieve together as a community. Our community continues to grieve for him, as well as the 15 other young men who went to this war and will never come home. This war has spread its tentacles in many different directions within our culture. As a Member of Congress, I'm sure I share this sentiment with all of those colleagues who are here with me today. We have a sacred obligation to make sure that we protect them while at war to the extent that we're able. But we also have an obligation to bring them home to their families and to their communities as soon as we are able. I yield back.

Mr. SPACE. I, once again, thank the gentlewoman from Florida. Mr. Speaker, when we ask troops to go to war, we have a couple of obligations: We have to make sure that we only send them to war when we have to, that we give them the protection on the battlefield to keep them safe and allow them to accomplish their mission, care for them when they return, especially if they're wounded; but certainly, as our colleague from Pennsylvania, Admiral Sestak, attested to, abide by their familial concerns. It is absolutely unacceptable that 50 percent of all family members of those who are deployed feel that they're not receiving the support they deserve. I thank the gentlewoman for bringing attention to it and beginning to address that problem.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Nick Jackson showed hard work and dedication to the sport of basketball; and Whereas, Nick Jackson was a supportive team player; and Whereas, Nick Jackson always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the court; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Nick Jackson on winning the Ohio Division IV State Basketball Championship. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship he has demonstrated during the 2007-2008 basketball season.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Matt Blake showed hard work and dedication to the sport of basketball; and Whereas, Matt Blake was a supportive team player; and Whereas, Matt Blake always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the court; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Matt Blake on winning the Ohio Division IV State Basketball Championship. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship he has demonstrated during the 2007-2008 basketball season.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Gerry Jasper showed hard work and dedication to the sport of basketball; and Whereas, Gerry Jasper was a supportive team player; and Whereas, Gerry Jasper always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the court; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Gerry Jasper on winning the Ohio Division IV State Basketball Championship. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship he has demonstrated during the 2007-2008 basketball season.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Shane York showed hard work and dedication to the sport of basketball; and Whereas, Shane York was a supportive team player; and Whereas, Shane York always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the court; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Shane York on winning the Ohio Division IV State Basketball Championship. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship he has demonstrated during the 2007-2008 basketball season.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great man that worked tirelessly to improve the way of life of many Ohioans. Don Myers was an extraordinary Executive Director of the Ohio Mid- Eastern Governments Association Development District, a position that is at the heart of economic development for one of the most underserved regions of Ohio. During his tenure, the organization helped secure over $600 million in development and infrastructure improvement for the region. He was the embodiment of the meaning of ``community.'' I knew Don Myers well. He was a kind gentleman who carried himself with a great degree of grace, and he will be missed very much by the people in Ohio, his family, his friends and his neighbors.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 60th anniversary of the Nation of Israel. I join a bipartisan group of my colleagues in support for H. Con. Res. 322--a measure recognizing the 60th anniversary of the founding of the modern State of Israel and reaffirming the bonds of close friendship and cooperation between the United States and Israel. This measure passed the House of Representatives earlier this week by a vote of 417 to 0. As a member of the Democratic Israel Working Group, I am proud to commend Israel and her people on the occasion of this significant milestone. We and the international community are grateful to Israel for her contributions in the fields of agriculture, technology, and medicine to name a few. Furthermore, Israel is a true democracy in an unstable region of the world, and the nation has long been an ally of the U.S. Again, I join my colleagues in commending Israel and in looking forward to a future of continued friendship.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, John Calson showed hard work and dedication to the sport of basketball; and Whereas, John Calson was a supportive team player; and Whereas, John Calson always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the court; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate John Calson on winning the Ohio Division IV State Basketball Championship. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship he has demonstrated during the 2007-2008 basketball season.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Elizabeth Lippencott showed hard work and dedication to the sport of basketball; and Whereas, Elizabeth Lippencott was a supportive team player; and Whereas, Elizabeth Lippencott always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the court; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with her friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Elizabeth Lippencott on winning the Ohio Division IV State Basketball Championship. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship she has demonstrated during the 2007-2008 basketball season.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Allison Roth showed hard work and dedication to the sport of basketball; and Whereas, Allison Roth was a supportive team player; and Whereas, Allison Roth always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the court; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with her friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Allison Roth on winning the Ohio Division IV State Basketball Championship. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship she has demonstrated during the 2007-2008 basketball season.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Justin McCauley showed hard work and dedication to the sport of basketball; and Whereas, Justin McCauley was a supportive member of the team; and Whereas, Justin McCauley always displayed dedication to the sport of basketball and the Tuscarawas County Rockets Special Olympics basketball team; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Justin McCauley on supporting the Tuscarawas County Rockets Special Olympics basketball team during their quest to win the Ohio Division IV State Basketball Championship. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship he has demonstrated during the 2007-2008 basketball season.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Rachel Russell showed hard work and dedication to the sport of basketball; and Whereas, Rachel Russell was a supportive team player; and Whereas, Rachel Russell always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the court; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with her friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Rachel Russell on winning the Ohio Division IV State Basketball Championship. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship she has demonstrated during the 2007-2008 basketball season.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Robert Easlick showed hard work and dedication to the sport of basketball; and Whereas, Robert Easlick was a supportive team player; and Whereas, Robert Easlick always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the court; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Robert Easlick on winning the Ohio Division IV State Basketball Championship. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship he has demonstrated during the 2007-2008 basketball season.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Travis Glasgow showed hard work and dedication to the sport of basketball; and Whereas, Travis Glasgow was a supportive team player; and Whereas, Travis Glasgow always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the court; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Travis Glasgow on winning the Ohio Division IV State Basketball Championship. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship he has demonstrated during the 2007-2008 basketball season.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Kershal Zehnder showed hard work and dedication to the sport of basketball; and Whereas, Kershal Zehnder was a supportive team player; and Whereas, Kershal Zehnder always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the court; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Kershal Zehnder on winning the Ohio Division IV State Basketball Championship. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship he has demonstrated during the 2007-2008 basketball season.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Jenny Hostetler showed hard work and dedication to the sport of basketball; and Whereas, Jenny Hostetler was a supportive team player; and Whereas, Jenny Hostetler always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the court; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with her friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Jenny Hostetler on winning the Ohio Division IV State Basketball Championship. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship she has demonstrated during the 2007-2008 basketball season.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Coach Dan McCauley showed hard work and dedication to the sport of basketball; and Whereas, Dan McCauley was a leader and mentor for the Tuscarawas County Rockets Special Olympics Basketball Team; and Whereas, Coach McCauley has been a role model for sportsmanship on and off of the court; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Coach Dan McCauley for leading the Tuscarawas County Rockets Special Olympics Basketball Team to winning the Ohio Division IV State Basketball Championship. We recognize the tremendous hard work and leadership he has demonstrated during the 2007-2008 Basketball season.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Starlight School has displayed incredible dedication to creating well-rounded students; and Whereas, the Starlight School has been supportive of their athletes; and Whereas, the Starlight School has broadened the abilities and skills of their athletes in the sport of basketball; and Whereas, the Starlight School has always promoted sportsmanship on and off of the court; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with their friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate the Starlight School on supporting the Tuscarawas County Rockets Special Olympics Basketball team in winning the Ohio Division IV State Basketball Championship. We recognize the tremendous amount of support they have given to their athletes.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Meteor Sealing Systems has been a top performer in the U.S. Department of Energy's Save Energy Now Program; and Whereas, Meteor Sealing Systems committed itself to creating a world class, energy efficient company; and Whereas, since 2006, Meteor Sealing Systems has contributed to the conservation of over five metric tons of carbon emission; be it Resolved, That along with their friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Meteor Sealing Systems on its performance in the U.S. Department of Energy's Save Energy Now Program. With great appreciation and respect, we recognize the tremendous impact this facility has had in the community and the admirable example they have set.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Marjorie Sellers has been teaching dance for 75 years with enthusiasm and joy; and Whereas, this milestone is the result of dedication and love which began in 1924; and Whereas, an occasion such as this illustrates that hard work and commitment truly represents an honest path to success as evidenced by Marjorie's receipt of several major dance awards including the 1998 Member of the Year for Dance Masters America; and Whereas, Majorie's love of dance has fostered the education and careers of thousands of students, some of which have shared their talents as professional dancers under her guidance; and Whereas, we wish Majorie many more years of joy in sharing her talents and love with us; therefore, be it Resolved, That along with her friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Majorie Sellers, for her dedication to teaching dance for 75 years.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Rexam Prescription celebrates the 40th anniversary with great joy; and Whereas, Rexam Prescription has grown from a small manufacturing facility in 1968 through hard work and dedication; and Whereas, the Rexam Prescription has become a world class facility as a testament to the committed Ohioians who work there; be it Resolved, That along with their friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Rexam Prescription on its 40th Anniversary. With great appreciation and respect, we recognize the tremendous impact this facility has had in the community and in the lives of those people you have touched.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Jeanette VanBuskirk has acted as a role model for her friends, family, community, and church; and Whereas, Jeanette VanBuskirk has shown hard work and dedication as the Children's Ministry Director at Triumphant Church; and Whereas, Jeanette VanBuskirk's compassion has provided opportunities and support for hundreds of women and children each year through summer camps and retreats; and Whereas, Jeanette VanBuskirk has unselfishly given her time and money in support of those less fortunate; be it Resolved that along with her friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Jeanette VanBuskirk for her service, dedication, and receipt of the Columbus Woman of the Year Award.