Aaron Schock

Mr. SCHOCK

Mr. SCHOCK. I now yield 1 minute to my friend from California (Mr. Lungren).

Mr. SCHOCK. Mr. Chairman, for so many reasons, this provision of the bill is flawed. I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting the repeal of section 18, and simply ask this: Regardless of where your support lies as to the underlying bill, why are we doing something separate for financial services patents? Why are we doing something separate for the business method patents? Shouldn't all reforms affect all patents and all industries? I would argue this is an earmark and a special provision for one industry, and for so many reasons would ask for a ``yes'' vote on my amendment.

Mr. SCHOCK. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SCHOCK

Mr. SCHOCK. Madam Chairman, if you want to be reminded of what an American hero is today, you don't have to search far within the ranks of our military to find one. Today, I'd like to share the story of a couple of such heroes--in fact, a family of them. Army Specialist Ron Gebur was a 23-year-old sniper who was killed by an IED in Iraq 5 years ago. Ron's wife, Bethany, also served as an Army medic. At the time of Ron's death, they had a 9-month-old son, Gage, and Bethany had just received orders to deploy to Iraq herself. Her orders would have required her to leave well before Ron was scheduled to return home from his service in Iraq. Recently, Ron's mother-in-law contacted me. She asked me to stand up for these dual military families to ensure children like Gage don't grow up as orphans or have to go through the experience of seeing both Mom and Dad deployed at the very same time. Today, I am offering an amendment that would give these dual military families with children some flexibility, knowing that they have an option to defer concurrent deployment into a war zone. We need to ensure that these families don't have to choose between serving their families and serving their country. Specialist Ron Gebur gave the ultimate sacrifice, and I offer this amendment in his honor.

Mr. SCHOCK

Mr. SCHOCK. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. SCHOCK. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. SCHOCK

Mr. SCHOCK. Mr. Speaker, it's a great honor to talk for a few minutes this afternoon about our 40th President--Ronald Reagan. I am sure many are asking how the youngest Member of Congress can relate to the oldest President. Well, the truth is while growing up in the 80's I can only admit knowing of the President by seeing him on TV, but it was the eight years of his presidency that helped define the principles I hold today. In my mind, President Reagan is still as relevant today as he was during his presidency. In fact, many of the issues we face today are eerily similar to those we faced in the 1980's--Tax Code reform, volatility in the Middle East, discussions about America's strength and role among the global community and our uniqueness, but most importantly the role of government in our lives. It was Reagan who took on the daunting task of Tax Code simplification, and he got it done. He helped America regain her economic footing again; and it's the same level ground we are seeking today. It was Reagan that always displayed that characteristic optimism of America's brilliance that was so vital to the American mindset back then. It's with that optimism that we found our strength especially during difficult times. Communism was plaguing the world--we defeated it. The tragedy of the Challenger--it was Reagan that comforted us, but reminded us that ``the future doesn't belong to the fainthearted; it belongs to the brave.'' Today, we find ourselves facing a dangerous ideology that runs counter to ours, and we are constantly reminded that the future we strive towards is no less challenging and risky than that of previous generations. We are witnesses to new and vital democratic movements around the world, and yet again today we are going through the growing pains of what government means to us. As I conclude my remarks, I think it is only fitting to do so with a Reagan quote that encapsulated the final words of his third State of the Union, and that sums up the legacy he left behind, that we strive for again, and why my generation and I are able to stand before you today . . . . ``Let us be sure that those who come after will say of us in our time; that in our time we did everything that could be done. We finished the race; we kept them free; we kept the faith.'' Well, Mr. President, job well done. We'll take it from here.

Mr. SCHOCK

Mr. SCHOCK. I like California weather.

Mr. SCHOCK. Mr. Gallegly, I was not.

Mr. SCHOCK. To my friend from California (Mr. Gallegly), I appreciate the deference. No, I was not born when Ronald Reagan became President, but what a tribute to President Ronald Reagan this is. Rarely in Congress do we run out of time when we're talking about an issue, but Democrat-Republican time has expired. I had prepared all kinds of flowery remarks that I was going to make in tribute to the President who hails from my home State of Illinois that I represent--Eureka College, his alma mater--but I can't think of anything more to say other than the fact that so much has been said that we've run out of time. And I can't think of a greater tribute. It's why east coast, west coast, Midwest, Republican, Democrat, the oldest Member, the youngest Member have taken time to come to the floor today. And I thank you, Mr. Gallegly from California for organizing this hour.

Mr. SCHOCK

Mr. SCHOCK. Mr. Chairman, earlier this month I read articles about President Obama's reelection campaign plans on raising upwards of three-quarters of a billion dollars. There is no system of public financing for our Presidential elections that can accommodate anywhere near that level of spending. That is why I believe the President's strong opposition to legislation abolishing a system the President himself found unworkable in reality is profoundly hypocritical. Putting out a statement of administration policy that states repealing the public financing system would, quote, ``force many candidates into an endless cycle of fundraising at the expense of engaging with the voters on the issues; and to place a premium on access to large donors or special interest support, narrowing the field of otherwise worthy candidates''--what incredible audacity. This is like the proverbial arsonist child who kills his parents by setting their house on fire and then appeals for sympathy by exclaiming he is an orphan. The President's statement is absolutely saying one thing while doing the opposite. A New York Times editorial on January 24 of this year said, ``Eric Cantor is targeting for extinction the publicly subsidized Presidential campaign finance system adopted in the wake of the Watergate scandals.'' Wrong. It was President Obama who killed it and made a mockery of public financing of Presidential campaigns with his arrogant pressing of self-advantage, his unprecedented move to decline public financing for the first and only time since the adoption of this system. In disparaging the majority leader, the Times went on to say that, ``We suspect his real motive is to give an even bigger voice to big- money contributors in Presidential campaigns.'' Once again, the record needs correcting. No campaign in American history had more maximum donors, at $30,400 per person, than Obama for America. Much has been made of that committee's legendary prowess in generating small donors over the Internet. But that committee also had a record-shattering haul among big donors, bundlers, and influence peddlers. But such is the right for Mr. Obama as a candidate in America. However, when he alone has refused to participate in public financing of a general election for a Presidential campaign, his protestations ring rather hollow. No one has made more of the system operationally obsolete than Barack Obama. Actions do speak louder than words. And Barack Obama alone has refused to participate on the level playing field that existed in publicly financed Presidential general election campaigns in history. It was not that the system was antiquated that forced Barack Obama to break a very sanctimonious campaign promise to participate in public financing. It was his decision to put expediency over his expressed support for the Democrat mantra of public financing. It was all about a ruthless pressing of self-advantage, despite a core campaign theme of promising to rise above self-interested politics. Today, we will hear about on the floor measures to address the inadequacies of the system and the need to repair the system. First, I want to note an earlier New York Times editorial on June 20, 2008, which stated, ``Senator Russ Feingold, the ranking authority on campaign finance reform, rightly points out that while the primary cycle's public matching subsidies are `broken' and need updating for inflation, 'the system for the general election is not'.'' Secondly, I ask my Democratic colleagues this: Have any of you received the specifics of what it would take to change the law that would cause President Barack Obama's campaign to abide by public spending limits in the general election for 2012? Because without those specifics, this debate is not grounded in the reality that the incumbent President has zero intention of giving up his gargantuan financial advantage in his reelection campaign by opting out of one of the most perfect systems of public financing we could possibly adopt. I ask the supporters of public financing for Presidential campaigns, are you willing to adopt a system that makes it mandatory for all candidates to participate in the system? And can you unequivocally pledge that the President's reelection committee will agree to be bound by your new system? And if not, I would suggest you are preaching at the wrong end of Pennsylvania Avenue.

Mr. SCHOCK

Mr. SCHOCK. Mr. Speaker I rise today to recognize the thousands of Americans who have come to Washington, D.C. for the annual March for Life. Starting as a grassroots movement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court's fateful 1973 decision in Roe v. Wade, the March for Life has grown to over 200,000 participants in recent years. I applaud this year's marchers who traveled across the country, including many from my home state of Illinois, to show their support for the unborn. Abortion is one of the great tragedies of the last half century. In 2008 there were 1.21 million abortions in the United States, the equivalent of 100,000 abortions per month. I believe we need to continue to work with women, many of whom are afraid of the consequences of an unwanted pregnancy, on the alternatives to abortion. Crisis Pregnancy Centers, for example, provide various services to pregnant women including pre-natal care, counseling, pregnancy tests and information on adoption. Putting a child up for adoption is never an easy choice, but it is a preferred alternative to abortion. Adoption gives the pregnant woman the opportunity to bring happiness to another family that may not have the ability to have children of their own. According to the Administration for Children and Families and the U.S. Census Bureau, 57,000 children were adopted in the United States in 2009. Those 57,000 children will now have a better chance to have a successful and productive life. On this, the 38th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, I applaud the hard work of all who were involved in this year's March for Life. I urge my colleagues to support legislation which honors the most innocent of human life.

Mr. SCHOCK

Mr. SCHOCK. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the repeal of this job-killing health care law. How many times as American citizens did we hear the President say on national television, ``If you like your health care coverage, you can keep it?'' But for the rest of the Americans, let me talk to you. Well, ladies and gentlemen, wake up, because if you are one of the 80 percent of Americans who have an employer-provided health care plan that you like, you're about to lose it. Simply put, the burdens placed on employers by this new law are too costly. The estimated cost for an employer to provide the ``minimum essential benefits'' package as prescribed by this bill will cost them per full-time employee $12,250 a year. As we speak, businesses all across America are crunching the numbers and figuring out that it's financially more beneficial for them as companies to pay the $2,000 per employee penalty and dump their employees into the government-run health care plan. The result, of course, will be that the 80 percent of Americans who currently like their health care coverage will be put in a government-run system that, of course, will be riddled with inefficiencies and limited options. Think the DMV or FEMA for your health care plan. Additionally, this health care legislation is riddled with job- destroying regulations, burdens, and tax increases that will stifle private-sector growth and smother economic recovery in this country. According to the National Federation of Independent Business and the Chamber of Commerce, this will cost 1.6 million jobs as it currently stands. I urge passage of this repeal.

Mr. SCHOCK

Mr. SCHOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the International Preventing Child Marriage Act. I had the opportunity to travel earlier this year in September with the well-respected nonprofit CARE to the country of Ethiopia. During that time, we visited the Hamlin Fistula Hospital and saw firsthand the atrocities and the realities of the situation with so many of these young girls who are forced into early marriages beyond their wishes, marriages that rob their potential to grow and mature both physically as well as mentally, for them to be able to establish their own life and their own goals and hopes and dreams for them to pursue. As a leader here in our country and around the world in preventing world poverty and spreading goodwill, there can be nothing better that we can do as a country than to join with our international partners in trying to prevent child marriage, both in Ethiopia as well as other countries around the world, and give these young women the hope and opportunity that people in our country have for themselves. I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. SCHOCK

Mr. SCHOCK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Saint Vincent de Paul School in Peoria, Illinois on being named a 2010 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. Saint Vincent de Paul joined only 50 other private schools throughout the nation in receiving this recognition. The school was nominated by the Council for American Private Education, also known as CAPE. By being recognized with the award, Saint Vincent de Paul has demonstrated its successes in ensuring students achieve exceptionally high national test scores. I applaud the concerted effort it took to elevate the school's test scores to such an extraordinary level. As I honor this school I must remind this body that while this award is presented to Saint Vincent de Paul School, the award really reflects the combined efforts of all those involved with the school. As former Peoria School Board President, I know that every successful school has the trinity of skilled educators, committed students and involved parents as a base. Also, on a personal note, I always find it impressive to see a school allow for students' academic and personal development. As such, I must applaud the school's commitment to the mission to ``generate outstanding academic achievement and expect students to be confident leaders with a strong positive and moral impact on the community.'' I'm certain that Saint Vincent de Paul will not only continue to flourish as an institution for years to come, but that its young students will eventually become active leaders in Peoria, Illinois and throughout these United States. Again, congratulations Saint Vincent de Paul School.

Mr. SCHOCK

Mr. SCHOCK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Verna Moore, a true inspiration from my hometown of Peoria, Illinois. Verna will be turning one hundred years old on October 16, 2010 and plans to celebrate her birthday by spending time with her family. Throughout her life, Verna has inspired others with her positive attitude, warm personality, love of music, and active lifestyle. Verna was born on October 16, 1910 to John and Elizabeth Troker, owners of a coal mine in Peoria. She was the youngest of eight children and was always very close with her sisters, brothers, and cousins. Verna has been a resident of Peoria, Illinois her entire life. From a young age, Verna was always filled with love and possessed a giving soul. Under her father's influence, she was raised Catholic and it was from a nun in their church that she first learned to play the piano. She began lessons at a young age and immediately loved the instrument. Verna graduated the eighth grade from Lucy E. Tyng Middle School and began working in a warehouse. Her life changed when she first met her husband, Carthy Moore, near a pond at Glen Oak Park. They were immediately drawn to each other and married in 1936. Their marriage was built on love and stability, lasting nearly forty years until her husband passed away in 1974. The couple built their house from the ground up and Verna has lived in that same home ever since. Carthy made a living as a foreman at the Keystone Steel and Wire Factory in Martinsville, Illinois. Verna supported Carthy as a homemaker and mother. Her first and only child, William Moore, was born January 16, 1941. William fondly remembers his mother's wonderful baking and cooking, and the great care she always gave to him when he was sick as a child. As she grew older, Verna took interest in a Mennonite church down the road from her Peoria home. She soon began attending the church and later played piano during the services. She continued to play hymns for the church services up until just a few years ago. To this day she continues to stay active. Today she not only is a mother, but a grandmother, a great grandmother, and a great-great grandmother. Her love has affected the entire community. Through her vibrant spirit she continues to inspire others, especially at the age of 100 years old. In conclusion, Madam Speaker, I wish to whole-heartedly congratulate Verna Moore on reaching the immense milestone of 100 years of age. I hope that every American can learn the important lesson of staying healthy and fit in both mind and body while maintaining a loving heart such as Verna's.

Mr. SCHOCK

Mr. SCHOCK. I thank my good friend, Dr. Foxx, for the time here today. Madam Speaker, at the President's first news conference after his first official Cabinet meeting, he addressed the Nation, and he said that he was asking his agency heads to come together and collectively come up with $100 million in savings that they could bring forward for this next budget year to eliminate over last year's spending. His quote was, ``We've got to earn their trust.'' The President said, ``They've got to feel confident that their dollars are being spent wisely.'' I couldn't agree with the President any more. So that is really what today is about. We bring forward House Resolution 5679, which is really quite simple. It says we don't need to tell the American people with propaganda signs that we're spending their tax dollars wisely. More specifically, we don't need to put up road signs all over the country when we're doing paving projects at the tune of hundreds, sometimes thousands. We've found signs that cost over $10,000 apiece simply to say this is your tax dollars at work. First of all, I would suggest to you that it's an insult to the intelligence of my taxpayers to suggest that they drive by a public works project and think that anyone other than they, as taxpayers, are paying for it. Second, I would suggest to you that this is a dangerous precedent. Think if every unit of government, from your school board, your township officials, your State government, your Federal Government put a label on everything that they were using to spend your tax dollars on. The unnecessary bureaucratic expense, the unnecessary overhead that it creates. We have found in 1 year since the stimulus bill was passed that we have spent over $20 million just on signs. The Illinois Department of Transportation, in my home State, has spent over $650,000 on signs. The State of Ohio reports they've spent over $1 million just on signs--not creating jobs, not the infrastructure that was promised, not to lower unemployment, but rather a bunch of sheet metal along the road. This is not only the financially smart thing to do. I would argue it's the environmentally right thing to do. And then my friends on the other side of the aisle stand up and suggest, well, gee, you know, Aaron, it's only $20 million. The estimates, if we don't stop doing this, are that by the time the stimulus program has run its course, we will spend $192 million on these signs. Now, I don't know about you, but whether you supported the stimulus program or you voted against the stimulus program, I hope we can come together and say, You know what? At the end of the day, this $192 million, this $20 million that's already been spent, would better be spent on road projects, on filling potholes, on fixing bridges, on something that we can show for that we're going to ask the next generation of Americans to pay for. And that's all we're doing. We're saying, from this day forward, you can't spend money on signs. Put it into the infrastructure.

Mr. SCHOCK

Mr. SCHOCK. It is my honor to welcome to the Chamber Pastor Henderson, who just gave us the opening prayer. Pastor Henderson contacted me when he was planning his family's trip to Washington, D.C. It had been a dream of his to be able to give the opening prayer, and I was pleased to be able to recommend him to the Speaker to have that privilege. In addition to his pastoral duties at his home church, the First Baptist Church in Lincoln, Illinois, he is also a pastor for Memorial Medical Center, located in Springfield, Illinois. In addition to that, he's a public servant in his own right, being elected to his second term now for the West Lincoln-Broadwell School Board. He's in a whole host of organizations, constantly giving back to not only his family but his community, being a member of the Lincoln Area Musical Society orchestra and an officer of the Cub Scouts organization in his community. He is joined here today with his wife and children, who are seated in the gallery: His wife, Melissa; his daughter, Burgundy; and his son, Joshua. We thank you and welcome you to the United States Capitol. We wish you and your family a good time as you learn more about our American history. Thank you for offering the prayer this morning.

Mr. SCHOCK

Mr. SCHOCK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Bernard ``Bernie'' Behrends, an exceptional philanthropist with a passion for education. He will be celebrating his 89th birthday on July 27, 2010. His passion and dedication for providing charity to others is inspiring and commendable. Bernie's mother was widowed and raised Bernie and his sister Anna with the help of their grandfather. At an early age, they were inspired by a philosophy of charity. They were taught to help others whenever possible and to view their successes as opportunities to help others in the future. These values were the foundation on which Bernie started his volunteer and charity work and why he continues to do so to this day. Bernie was born in Lincoln, Illinois on July 27, 1921. He completed his primary and secondary education in Lincoln, through the Lincoln public school system. In 1946, after three years of service during World War II, Bernie was honorably discharged from the United States Navy. Bernie attended Lincoln College from 1946 to 1948 and Bradley University from 1948 to 1950, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in general engineering from Bradley University. After completing his post-secondary education with assistance from the GI Bill of Rights, Bernie began his successful career working as a civil engineer with the Illinois Department of Transportation. After thirty two years of service, he retired in 1982. Throughout the years, Bernie Behrends has been an invaluable asset to our community in central Illinois by volunteering countless hours of his time and expertise. Between 1958 and 1963, Bernie served as Vice President of Immanuel Lutheran Church, and during the Vietnam War, he was a member of the Logan County Selective Service Board. Through this position, he was assigned to the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees from 1967 to 1973. This experience was followed by membership on the Logan County Election Board for eight years. Eventually in 1992, Bernie was elected to the coveted Board of Trustees at Lincoln College, a position he has now held for eighteen years. Through his position on the Board of Trustees, he has worked to provide financial assistance to high school students seeking to attend college but do not have the means to do so. In 1998, with the help of his sister Anna, Bernie established the Anna and Bernard Behrends Endowed Scholarship Fund. This scholarship has provided more than forty students with the opportunity to go to college since its creation. He has also been a pioneer for education through the founding of Logan County Voiture 985 of the Forty and Eight Nurses in Training Scholarship, which has helped over 150 students pursue careers in nursing through financial assistance. All of these accomplishments are examples of Bernie's fervor for service and leadership to the Peoria community. Not surprisingly, Bernie is also a lifetime member of many recognizable organizations such as the American Legion, Forty and Eight, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Veterans, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks No. 91, Lincoln Masonic Lodge, Springfield Consistory, Ansar Shrine, Logan County Shrine, and the Legion of Honor. As of today, there are no signs of Bernie curbing his service to Peoria. He continues to dedicate his time and energy to educational service by working with his sister to provide the necessary resources to the people of our community. In summary, Madam Speaker, Bernie Behrends is an exceptional example of service and leadership in our community. His charity and commitment to serving those less fortunate than himself has been a hallmark of his life dedicated to being a man for others. Because educational opportunities are the foundation for future success, I believe Bernie's incredible charity to the people of central Illinois is something to be cherished and celebrated. I wish Mr. Behrends a very Happy 89th Birthday, and congratulate him on his continued legacy as a community leader.

Mr. SCHOCK

Mr. SCHOCK. Madam Speaker, I was recently contacted by over 50 U.S. Business leaders who all support an appropriate Foreign Affairs budget which will help the U.S. stay competitive globally and ultimately produce more jobs domestically. I am pleased to see that the business community has joined a number of non-profits who have come out in support of providing assistance abroad to help us reach our goals at home. Please see their letter below: Business Leaders Letter to Congress June 8, 2010. Dear Member of Congress: We are writing to urge your support for the International Affairs Budget and its important investments that help spur U.S. economic growth. The importance of the International Affairs Budget's development and diplomacy programs to U.S. national security and our moral leadership is well recognized. However, the vital role these programs play in creating American jobs and trade is not fully appreciated. Now more than ever, America's economy is linked with global trade and economic growth. Over the past 40 years, trade has tripled as a share of our national economy. Today, 1 out of 5 American jobs are tied to international trade. America's fastest growing markets--representing roughly half of U.S. exports--are developing countries. Export promotion programs funded by the International Affairs Budget are essential to expanding U.S. trade in these emerging markets and are indispensable to reaching President Obama's goal of doubling exports within five years. U.S. businesses and entrepreneurs benefit significantly from programs in the International Affairs Budget that provide technical assistance, identify business opportunities, and build stronger legal and economic policy regimes that help developing countries become more reliable trading partners. The International Affairs Budget is critical to promoting U.S. exports, protecting intellectual property rights, and advocating for American businesses abroad. The International Affairs Budget is a fundamental tool for advancing U.S. economic and strategic interests around the world. That is why we urge you to support the President's FY 2011 request for the International Affairs Budget. Representing less than 1.5% of the total federal budget, it is a smart economic investment in a stronger and more prosperous future for American workers and businesses. Sincerely, Aerospace Industries Association (AIA); Amway Corporation; Amgen; ARD; Biotechnology Industry Organization; Boeing; Business Council for International Understanding; Business Roundtable; Campbell Soup Company; Cargill; Caterpillar; Chevron; Cisco Systems; Inc.; Citigroup; Coalition for Employment through Exports; Computer and Communications Industry Association; Corporate Council on Africa; Creative Associates International; DAI; DHL; DuPont; Eli Lilly and Company; FMC Corporation; General Electric Corporation; GlaxoSmithKline; Google; John Deere; Johnson & Johnson; Kraft Foods; Land O'Lakes; Lockheed Martin Corporation; Mars; Microsoft; Motorola; National Foreign Trade Council; National Retail Federation; Northrop Grumman Corporation; Pioneer Hi- Bred International; Pfizer; Procter & Gamble; PhRMA; Raytheon; RTI; Seaboard Corporation; Thales USA; Inc.; United Technologies Corporation; UPS; U.S. Chamber of Commerce; U.S.-Russia Business Council; Wal-Mart; Xerox.

Mr. SCHOCK

Mr. SCHOCK. Madam Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. SCHOCK. Madam Chairman, I rise to offer this amendment to the America COMPETES Act, which ensures the innovative and intellectual prowess and technical minds of the currently unemployed are taken into account during the formation of the underlying regional innovation clusters. While I have some reservations about the current overly broad language in this section of H.R. 5116, I nonetheless believe it is important to provide these regional innovation clusters with the best partnerships available. That is why I'm offering this amendment to instruct the Secretary of Commerce to give priority to those innovative clusters that work with local Workforce Investment Area, or commonly referred to WIA boards. The WIA boards serve the unemployed by providing them with specific resources that help them improve their abilities and skills to get hired. Local WIA boards are typically known for hosting career fairs, providing continuing education assistance, and working on resume and job improvement strategies. WIA boards offer One-Stop Career Service Centers and take the time to get to know the unemployed citizens in their neighborhood. WIA boards are often on the front lines of providing assistance to unemployed workers. They are in the best position to know the demographics of those who have been let go from jobs and understand the skills that these displaced workers have. In addition to helping individuals, WIA boards also work with employers to help them fill the jobs they have vacant. In my hometown of Peoria, Illinois, the WIA board provided 19,094 individuals with career services last year, a 44 percent increase over the previous year. The WIA board has recently implemented a program called JobFit, which is a Web-based job matching and assessment tool that places individuals with companies that best suit their personality and skills. It is this type of matching service that will be vital to regional innovation clusters. My amendment uses a similar concept by encouraging regional innovation clusters to partner with their local WIA board. WIA boards have been unsung heroes during these tough economic times, and I believe encouraging partnerships between the WIA boards and regional clusters will allow access to a well-trained workforce, which will have a positive impact on regional economic growth, and provide the expertise to bring many of these new manufacturing innovation and technology improvements into the marketplace. If the purpose of the regional innovation clusters is to spur technological innovation, then the Workforce Investment Area boards will be able to provide employees whose skills those innovations require. The technology that will come to the marketplace will need a skilled workforce to utilize this technology. As such, local WIA can help to match the new technology with skilled employees who are looking for work. At a time when the national unemployment rate is 9.9 percent, this commonsense amendment will utilize the skills of unemployed workers in order to keep America globally competitive. I urge adoption of this amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SCHOCK. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SCHOCK

Mr. SCHOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the extension of the Short Line Railroad tax credits that have recently expired. Because this credit has not been extended for 2010, the Illinois & Midland and Tazewell & Peoria Railroads in my district have not been able to perform much-needed maintenance to their infrastructure. These companies depend on the extension of this credit to keep their track laborers working and to continue to invest in their track which is necessary to serve local businesses in my district. Companies like Caterpillar, Exelon, Midwest Generation, Reed Minerals, Aventine Renewable Energy, and many others may lose their connection to the national freight rail network. The problems facing these companies in my district are not unique to the rail industry. The uncertainty of all of these expiring credits leave businesses in a state of flux, unwilling to make the necessary investments and long-term planning to expand their businesses and put people back to work. Over 250 Members of this body have already signed legislation which extends this credit. I urge the Speaker to call this bill and to pass the Short Line Railroad tax credit today.

Mr. SCHOCK

Mr. SCHOCK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 10th anniversary of the Greater Peoria Mass Transit District, also known as Citylink. The Greater Peoria Mass Transit District was first formed on May 4, 1970 to provide public transportation to the Village of Peoria Heights, West Peoria Township and the City of Peoria. In its first year of operation over 667,000 passengers rode the Citylink system. Since that time the Greater Peoria Mass Transit District has expanded its area of operations to include East Peoria, Pekin and Bartonville. With this expanded area of service the transit district was able to provide over 3,000,000 bus rides to passengers this past year. During its 40 years of service to the Greater Peoria area, innovation has been key to the success of the transit district. Citylink was the first transit system in the country to take advantage of local commodities by implementing ethanol-fueled buses into its fleet. A relationship with the Peoria Historical Society was also established in order to bring trolley-buses into the district's fleet. These trolleys were obtained in order to provide for historical tours of the area with the guide of local Peoria Historical Society Members. Catering to the needs of its passengers has been another key to the success of the transit district. Citylink has extended early morning and late night routes in order to help those passengers with work shifts starting early or ending late in the night. Along with these hours of extended service, special fares were established to help seniors, students and passengers who may be physically or mentally challenged. In fact, over 118,000 trips were given to paratransit riders during this past year alone. I wish to congratulate and thank the Greater Peoria Mass Transit District and all the staff members who have provided stellar service to the entire Peoria area over the past 40 years. It is my honor this day to congratulate them, 40 years after their inception.