Zack Space

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Pro Muskingum Family and Children First has been selected to receive the Ohio Department of Education's 2007 Asset Builder Award for Exemplary Practices to a Community Organization; and Whereas, Pro Muskingum Family and Children First is enhancing the quality of life in Muskingum County and are attracting families and businesses to the region; and Whereas, areas such as family strengthening, promoting education, developing leaders within the community are being addressed by the organization: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate you on receiving the Ohio Department of Education's 2007 Asset Builder Award. With great appreciation and respect, we recognize the tremendous impact the Pro Muskingum Family and Children First has had on the community.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Zane State College is ranked ninth among two-year colleges in the nation according to a report released by Washington Monthly; and Whereas, the results are based on graduation rates and on student feedback as collected in the Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE); and Whereas, Zane State College has used student feedback in a successful effort to satisfy students' needs: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I commend and thank Zane State College for its outstanding service to students, families, and the Zanesville community. Congratulations to Zane State College on its ranking as number nine among two-year colleges in the U.S.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, the parents, students, community and staff of the Sacred Heart School celebrate the 100th anniversary with great joy; and Whereas, occasions such as these illustrate to us that we have many blessings; and Whereas, the Sacred Heart School has been preparing students to be outstanding citizens for 100 years; and Whereas, it is the fond wish of this body that you will continue to positively impact the community and develop students of strong character: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I commend the Sacred Heart School, recognizing that all great achievements come from great dedication.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Grady Jay Williams II has served as Sons of AMVETS Squadron 95 Commander for two years; and Whereas, he has held the office of 2nd Vice Commander; and Whereas, under his leadership Squadron 95 supported the AMVETS ``Thank a Vet'' program by hosting dinners and supplying food baskets for the needy; and Whereas, Commander Williams set up a budget providing the Sons of AMVETS 12th District with the necessary funds to continue their excellent service for veterans; and Whereas, Grady Jay Williams II has worked tirelessly on behalf of veterans: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I commend and thank Commander Grady Jay Williams II for his contributions to his community and country.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Matthew Segal is a sociology major at Kenyon College and resident of Gambier, Ohio; and Whereas, he is the founder and executive director of the Student Association for Voter Empowerment (SAVE), a student-led, non-profit, non-partisan organization aimed at increasing young voter participation and increasing civic awareness for young people; and Whereas, Mr. Segal is a senior fellow and national challenge coordinator with the Roosevelt Institution, the nation's first student think-tank; and Whereas, representatives at the Party for the Presidency will develop and implement strategies to inspire a stronger connection between elected officials and underrepresented American citizens; and Whereas, Matthew Segal will honorably represent Ohio's 18th Congressional District in the Party for the Presidency; Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I commend and thank Matthew Segal for his service to Kenyon College and the 18th District of Ohio. Congratulations to Matthew Segal on his selection as the 18th Congressional District of Ohio's representative for the Party for the Presidency.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Mr. Chairman, I would like to begin by thanking Chairman George Miller for his work on behalf of rural communities in H.R. 4137. Specifically, I would like to thank Chairman Miller for including provisions from H.R. 4139, the Colleges and Universities Rural Education (CURE) Act, in this important bill. I would also like to extend my thanks to Ranking Member McKeon for his hard work on the legislation, as well as the staff of the Committee on Education and Labor. Rural communities face a unique set of challenges in developing a highly-skilled workforce. Limited access to higher education makes advanced training more difficult to attain for the millions of Americans living in rural areas around the country. While we all should take pride in the work of our nation's public schools and teachers in providing a quality education to American children, the need for training beyond a basic high school diploma is clearly critical. I see this deficit every day in southeastern Ohio. Some communities struggle to fill critical professions, particularly in the medical community, due to the rural nature of their district and the lack of training opportunities in a reasonable proximity. To rectify this deficit, I introduced H.R. 4139, the CURE Act. This important legislation authorizes grants to the colleges serving rural America to create partnerships with rural school districts to improve access to higher education for rural high school graduates. These grants will provide important access to financial aid opportunities as well as programs on college campuses that will help to encourage students to pursue higher education when they might otherwise not. Additionally, this legislation authorizes grants for rural colleges to develop training programs in needed professions, and develop partnerships with employers in the area to develop employment pipelines. These grants will help rural communities struggling to fill the positions needed to maintain a quality of life, such as doctors and teachers. Again, I wish to commend Chairman Miller for his willingness to see the challenges facing rural America and work to improve the quality of life for those communities. On behalf of my colleagues and I who represent rural America, I extend my truest and utmost thanks.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the legislation before us that will help both seniors and children alike receive the health care that they deserve, and continue our national investment in combating chronic disease. I am particularly pleased to see that the legislation includes an extension of the Special Diabetes Program, which affords critical research funding to research into type one diabetes. Every year, thousands of parents receive the tragic news that their child will have to bear the burden of juvenile diabetes. With this news comes the realities of a life permanently changed by a disease for which we currently have no cure. As I have shared with the House before, I am one of these parents. Nearly a decade ago, my wife and I learned that my son Nick would have to face the challenge of type one diabetes. We have been blessed and fortunate that Nick has lived an active and normal life. His successes are in large part thanks to the insulin pump he wears and other innovations that help type one diabetes patients manage their disease. While Nick and so many other children have been able to manage their disease, they still worry about their future. It is the obligation of Congress to work towards finding a cure. The Special Diabetes Program provides the guarantee of continued, groundbreaking research into this disease. The yields of this research hold unquestioned promise for a better future. I am disappointed that the extension of the program prescribed in this legislation is only one year. An overwhelming bipartisan group of my colleague in both the House and Senate expressed support for a longer extension of the program. Unfortunately, those who carry the weight of type one diabetes were casualties of partisan warfare over other, unrelated issues. I look forward to working with my colleagues next year to ensure a longer renewal of this legislation. Congress has an obligation to lead the charge against this disease. I know that we can meet this challenge if we work together.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Pro Muskingum Family and Children First has been selected to receive the Ohio Department of Education's 2007 Asset Builder Award for Exemplary Practices to a Community Organization; and Whereas, Pro Muskingum Family and Children First is enhancing the quality of life in Muskingum County and are attracting families and businesses to the region; and Whereas, areas such as family strengthening, promoting education, developing leaders within the community are being addressed by the organization; be it Resolved, that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate you on receiving the Ohio Department of Education's 2007 Asset Builder Award. With great appreciation and respect, we recognize the tremendous impact the Pro Muskingum Family and Children First has had on the community.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Harold and Diane Keesee are recognized for receiving the Angels in Adoption Award, and Whereas, Mr. and Mrs. Kessee are an asset to our community and have been fostering children for seventeen years, and Whereas, Mr. and Mrs. Kessee have made a difference in those lives that enter their home, and Whereas, Mr. and Mrs. Kessee exemplify the spirit of selflessness and giving through their extraordinary work in child welfare; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with their friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I commend Harold and Diane Kessee on their contributions and service to children in Tuscarawas and Guernsey Counties. Congratulations to Harold and Diane Kessee on receiving the Angels in Adoption Award.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Mr. Gary has demonstrated values of hard work and service throughout his life, always maintaining a positive outlook; and Whereas, Mr. Gary is recognized for 30 years of dedication to the Hocking County community; and Whereas, Mr. Gary has impacted the lives of many while teaching residents skills that have helped them obtain employment; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I thank Norm Gary for his 30 years of service. We recognize the tremendous impact he has had in his community and in the lives of all those people he has touched.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. I thank my friend from Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I am honored to be a part of this group that places such a high priority on fiscal responsibility, the Blue Dogs. I really believe that we live in a crossroads of history and that there are several seminal issues of our day that in and of themselves would be considered the seminal issue of virtually any other era, whether you're talking about the war in Iraq, the war on terror, the challenges posed by globalization, the challenges facing our environment, all very important issues, and indeed, seminal. But yet another seminal issue, one which is much more insidious and not so readily identifiable, but nonetheless serious, is that posed by our national debt. $9.17 trillion, a number that by any account is virtually incomprehensible; $236 billion a year being paid in interest on that debt. I have not done the math, but I suspect that if you broke that down for every one of the 435 congressional districts in our country, you would find that each Member of Congress, each congressional district could use several hundred million dollars a year from that figure to build roads, repair bridges, cure diseases, educate children and do the kinds of things that make us a strong Nation. This debt is sapping us of vital resources, and it is, in the words of my colleague earlier today, the gentleman from Tennessee, one of our leaders, John Tanner, making us a weaker Nation. PAYGO, a simple concept, one that, again, my colleague from Tennessee referenced as something we expect of our government in the same way that we expect it from our families, live within our means. The alternative minimum tax is poised to draw in 23 million Americans who were never intended to be the victims of that tax. We need to fix it. We must fix it. This House has voted to fix it in a fiscally responsible way, in a way that is paid for. Now, the Blue Dogs stand for the proposition that we stand behind that and that we don't irresponsibly fix the tax, we do it in a responsible fashion. Back home in Ohio's 18th District, in towns like Chillicothe and Zanesville and New Philadelphia, Ohio, we can't understand what $9.1 trillion is. I certainly don't get it. It's incomprehensible. But we do understand the need, the pressing need of this Nation to once again engage in fiscal responsibility, acting in a way that we expect our citizens to act. And with that, I am very proud to be a member of this organization and will continue to stand behind that basic and fundamental principle of fiscal responsibility.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Coach Ryan Taggart showed hard work and dedication to the sport of golf; and Whereas, Mike Taggart was a leader and mentor for the Garaway Golf Team; and Whereas, Coach Taggart has been a role model for sportsmanship on and off of the greens; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Coach Ryan Taggart for leading the Garaway Golf Team to winning the Division III State Golf Tournament. We recognize the tremendous hard work and leadership he has demonstrated during the 2007 golf season.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Al Davies competed in England's largest youth soccer tournament; and Whereas, Al Davies showed hard work and dedication to the sport of soccer; and Whereas, Al Davies has broadened her abilities and skills in the sport of soccer; and Whereas, Al Davies was a supportive team player; and Whereas, Al Davies always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the field; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Al Davies on placing second in the Manchester Umbro International Cup. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship she has demonstrated.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Fredericktown will celebrate the 200th birthday with great joy; and Whereas, they will reflect on the past 200 years with fondness and celebrate; and Whereas, Fredericktown will reminisce on a lifetime full of memories and look forward to many more; now, therefore, be it Resolved that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I wish Fredericktown a happy 200th birthday.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Raymond ``Skeet'' Botdorf was a member of the Army Band Corps; and Whereas, he earned a Bronze Star for capturing a Nazi Prison Officer who tried to escape from a prison camp in Czechoslovakia; and Whereas, Raymond ``Skeet'' Botdorf is a member of the VFW Post 63 in Dover, Ohio; and Whereas, he plays TAPS for an average of 100 funerals a year; and Whereas, Raymond ``Skeet'' Botdorf has honored 3,000 veterans by playing TAPS at their funerals; and Whereas, Raymond ``Skeet'' Botdorf is saluted for his service and dedication; now, therefore, be it Resolved that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I commend and thank Raymond ``Skeet'' Botdorf for his contributions to his community and country.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Chelsea Steen competed in England's largest youth soccer tournament; and Whereas, Chelsea Steen showed hard work and dedication to the sport of soccer; and Whereas, Chelsea Steen has broadened her abilities and skills in the sport of soccer; and Whereas, Chelsea Steen was a supportive team player; and Whereas, Chelsea Steen always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the field; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with her friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Chelsea Steen on placing second in the Manchester Umbro International Cup. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship she has demonstrated.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Donny Beachy showed hard work and dedication to the sport of golf; and Whereas, Donny Beachy was a supportive team player; and Whereas, Donny Beachy always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the green; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Donny Beachy on winning the Division III State Golf Tournament. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship he has demonstrated during the 2007 golf season.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Coach Mike Felton showed hard work and dedication to the sport of golf; and Whereas, Mike Felton was a leader and mentor for the Garaway Golf Team; and Whereas, Coach Felton has been a role model for sportsmanship on and off of the greens: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Coach Mike Felton for leading the Garaway Golf Team to winning the Division III State Golf Tournament. We recognize the tremendous hard work and leadership he has demonstrated during the 2007 golf season.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Krista Siegfried competed in England's largest youth soccer tournament; and Whereas, Krista Siegfried showed hard work and dedication to the sport of soccer; and Whereas, Krista Siegfried has broadened her abilities and skills in the sport of soccer; and Whereas, Krista Siegfried was a supportive team player; and Whereas, Krista Siegfried always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the field; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with her friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Krista Siegfried on placing second in the Manchester Umbro International Cup. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship she has demonstrated.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Alex Leas competed in England's largest youth soccer tournament; and Whereas, Alex Leas showed hard work and dedication to the sport of soccer; and Whereas, Alex Leas has broadened her abilities and skills in the sport of soccer; and Whereas, Alex Leas was a supportive team player; and Whereas, Alex Leas always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the field; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with her friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Alex Leas on placing second in the Manchester Umbro International Cup. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship she has demonstrated.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Stella Girkins competed in England's largest youth soccer tournament; and Whereas, Stella Girkins showed hard work and dedication to the sport of soccer; and Whereas, Stella Girkins has broadened her abilities and skills in the sport of soccer; and Whereas, Stella Girkins was a supportive team player; and Whereas, Stella Girkins always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the field: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with her friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Stella Girkins on placing second in the Manchester Umbro International Cup. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship she has demonstrated.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Bailey Van Order competed in England's largest youth soccer tournament; and Whereas, Bailey Van Order showed hard work and dedication to the sport of soccer; and Whereas, Bailey Van Order has broadened her abilities and skills in the sport of soccer; and Whereas, Bailey Van Order was a supportive team player; and Whereas, Bailey Van Order always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the field; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with her friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Bailey Van Order on placing second in the Manchester Umbro International Cup. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship she has demonstrated.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Casey Cliff competed in England's largest youth soccer tournament; and Whereas, Casey Cliff showed hard work and dedication to the sport of soccer; and Whereas, Casey Cliff has broadened her abilities and skills in the sport of soccer; and Whereas, Casey Cliff was a supportive team player; and Whereas, Casey Cliff always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the field; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with her friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Casey Cliff on placing second in the Manchester Umbro International Cup. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship she has demonstrated.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Alisha Hastilow competed in England's largest youth soccer tournament; and Whereas, Alisha Hastilow showed hard work and dedication to the sport of soccer; and Whereas, Alisha Hastilow has broadened her abilities and skills in the sport of soccer; and Whereas, Alisha Hastilow was a supportive team player; and Whereas, Alisha Hastilow always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the field; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with her friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Alisha Hastilow on placing second in the Manchester Umbro International Cup. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship she has demonstrated.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Karissa Hastilow competed in England's largest youth soccer tournament; and Whereas, Karissa Hastilow showed hard work and dedication to the sport of soccer; and Whereas, Karissa Hastilow has broadened her abilities and skills in the sport of soccer; and Whereas, Karissa Hastilow was a supportive team player; and Whereas, Karissa Hastilow always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the field; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with her friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Karissa Hastilow on placing second in the Manchester Umbro International Cup. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship she has demonstrated.