Brad Schneider

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to honor the Lake County Chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). In particular, I would like to recognize the LULAC Lake County Youth Council for its efforts to mobilize fellow members of the Waukegan community to clean up their streets. For more than 80 years, LULAC has helped enhance economic and educational opportunities for the U.S.'s Hispanic population, empowering Hispanic-Americans to become more active and influential citizens. LULAC advances these efforts by harnessing the passions of community leaders, who establish local chapters, such as LULAC Lake County in my district. In June, I had the privilege of joining members of the LULAC Lake County Youth Council for a Day of Service in Waukegan. As a part of the ``Operation Clean Up Waukegan'' initiative, the 11 youth members on the Council recruited more than 50 volunteers from the Waukegan community to help clear brush and garbage from an overridden city alley, as well as paint over gang graffiti on a family's garage. The enthusiasm and commitment to service displayed by the Youth Council members is truly an inspiration. I am so proud to see our youth taking an active role in their community, engaging their friends and neighbors in the effort to restore the damaged and neglected areas of their hometown.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I am most proud to rise today to honor AbbVie, a leading global biopharmaceutical company based in Illinois's 10th District, for its incredible commitment to enhance the educational opportunities available to local students in its hometown, the City of North Chicago. In today's economy, education is a prerequisite for success, providing students with the tools and skillsets they need to climb the ladder of opportunity, realize their potential and accomplish their ambitions. We must dedicate ourselves to providing all children, regardless of zip code, with access to high-quality, affordable education so that they may fully develop their individual talents. AbbVie recently launched its inaugural ``Week of Possibilities,'' a volunteer service initiative focused on helping revitalize the City of North Chicago. Working alongside its nonprofit partner, Heart of America Foundation, AbbVie hopes to transform four North Chicago School libraries with innovative new layouts and refurbished interiors. In addition, each library will receive nearly 2,000 new books and high-tech new equipment, including iPads. On the first day of school, all of the students will go home with seven new books of their own. This effort shows the tremendous impact that successful businesses and business leaders can have by giving back to their local communities. Thanks to AbbVie's outstanding commitment to service, more children will have the opportunity to pursue their passions and achieve their dreams.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, 70 years ago, on June 22, 1944, the Servicemen's Readjustment Act became law. This was a tremendous step forward in the care of American veterans and the economic development of our country. It opened new doors to veterans and allowed them to reach their potential, and it injected into our economy talent, skills, and creativity. We know this law better as the GI Bill. For 70 years, those words have evoked our commitment to the brave men and women who defend our shores and our freedoms. Today, I am proud to celebrate that history and contribute to that legacy. I introduced the GI Internship Program Act to expand the Post-9/11 GI Bill in order to allow veterans to collect their benefits while participating in an internship program. These internships, many with small businesses or manufacturers, will allow our veterans to learn the practical skills and to gain valuable experience, and they will help our employers overcome the skills gap and find uniquely talented proven leaders to hire. That is a win-win proposition for businesses and for veterans. Seventy years ago, the original GI Bill opened new doors of opportunity and helped our country secure success in the second half of the American century. Today, we need another concentrated effort to boost the talent and skills in our economy, and like always, I think our veterans are ready to answer the call.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Madam Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Madam Speaker, this is the final amendment to the bill, which will not kill the bill or send it back to committee. If adopted, the bill will immediately proceed to final passage, as amended. Madam Speaker, this amendment would ensure that our Great Lakes and the Ogallala Aquifer, and the tremendous economic benefits that come from them, will remain protected and safe from toxic chemicals. As stewards of the health and safety of our communities, we should take sensible approaches to protect our most valuable assets. This amendment would safeguard our drinking water in 16 States for millions of our constituents--in Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, Indiana, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas. The Great Lakes provide 56 billion gallons of fresh water per day for agriculture, municipal drinking water, and electricity production. Over 30 million Americans rely on the Great Lakes every day for their safe and clean drinking water. This amendment would protect the Great Lakes from being put at risk by preventing the Department of State from approving projects that have the potential to contaminate the Great Lakes and their aquifers. We owe it to our future generations to keep the Great Lakes healthy and to use the resources we have in a responsible and sustainable way. This amendment also ensures that the owners and operators of pipelines who have been responsible for major spills in the past that resulted in contaminated community drinking water supplies will not receive special treatment to build additional pipelines across our borders. When accidents occur in our Great Lakes, it is not a simple fix to restore the ecosystem and return to business as usual. The time it takes our Great Lakes to naturally rid themselves of pollutants can take up to 191 years. This is why we must take every precaution now to make sure that the health of our Great Lakes and the health of our economy are not put at risk for short-term gains. Energy independence remains one of the primary drivers of our economy and will continue to have a major role in our future competitiveness and the health of our future generations. By eliminating commonsense environmental regulations and evaluations for projects with potentially massive public health consequences, it is a dereliction of our duty to protect our families, protect our communities, and protect our businesses that rely on the Great Lakes. Instead of assessing the impact of the full project, the underlying bill would limit environmental review for new infrastructure projects to only the cross-border sections. We live in an interconnected environment, and the Great Lakes system is not an isolated resource but, rather, a complex ecosystem intertwined with the health and vibrancy of countless communities across two countries and eight States. What happens to one has an impact on all. This amendment would ensure the proper planning and environmental impact evaluations are complete and that the total scope of projects are known and assessed. The Great Lakes represents more than 1,000 miles of border between the United States and Canada. It is irresponsible to take on all the environmental risks to our drinking water, our $4 billion fishing industry, and the 200 million tons of shipping that occur on the Great Lakes, including 90 percent of the Nation's iron ore and 58 percent of the automobiles produced here. It is irresponsible to put at risk the millions of Americans who rely on the Great Lakes and the Ogallala Aquifer for their basic human needs. It is irresponsible to take on the risk of chemical and toxic contaminants permanently changing our environment for the worst without doing our own due diligence. For all Great Lakes and Great Plains communities, I ask that you take this commonsense step with us to protect our safe access to clean drinking water and to deny companies who have a track record of contamination from being given the opportunity to do so again. With that, Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SCHNEIDER. I am opposed.

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Madam Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Madam Speaker, I rise in recognition of the recently completed Tourette's Syndrome Awareness Month, a time when we educate ourselves and our children about Tourette's syndrome. At a ceremony earlier this year, I had the privilege of meeting and listening to many of the courageous young people--heroes--telling their own Tourette's syndrome story. Tourette's is a neurological condition that affects millions of Americans every day, mostly young children. For these kids, the involuntary tics can mean strange looks from classmates, bullying, or total alienation. The simple fact is that most kids and even most parents don't understand TS or its symptoms. That is what makes awareness and education so important. It is also a time to celebrate the bravery and perseverance of the local heroes nationwide--the heroes telling their own TS stories. The heroes I met ranged from energetic kindergartners to high school students to young college kids sharing an increasing awareness of TS. The glowing comments from their teachers, friends, and family described how these young people took the obstacles they faced head-on and make a difference in the lives of their community. It is an honor to stand and recognize Tourette's Syndrome Awareness Month.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to honor two community organizations in the northern Illinois district I represent. Both groups assist with one of the most basic and most important functions of our democracy--the naturalization and integration of new citizens. The Hispanic American Education and Community Service Inc. (HACES) and the Father Gary Graf Center--both based in Waukegan--offer educational and support services to help new citizens, recent immigrants and their families fully integrate in their communities, become naturalized citizens and engage with our democracy. These extraordinary organizations and the dedicated people who make them special provide some of the most valuable and helpful services to immigrant families. HACES and the Fr. Gary Graf Center work together to deliver a broad spectrum of vital services to immigrant families and to ensure that our communities are engaged, thriving and inclusive. Witnessing a group of immigrants take the oath as citizens for the United States is an experience unlike any other. The first time I witnessed such a ceremony, I was deeply moved and inspired. In that unique moment, it is important to remember all of the work and all of the support that makes that possible. Today, I rise to recognize two great organizations that help enable the dreams of millions around the world.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a very special woman on the occasion of her retirement. Karen Walanka is stepping down as the Executive Director of Moriah Congregation in Deerfield, a synagogue in the Illinois district I represent, and of which I am also a proud member. Karen is completing this chapter of her life, leaving a legacy of accomplishments too long to mention in full, having touched the lives of countless people. From her parents, Karen learned a deep love for her heritage and community, and she developed a great passion for ``Tikkun Olam'', for making her immediate world, and the entire world, a better place. As the Executive Director of Moriah, Karen has been responsible for many achievements and had a tremendous impact in our community. In her first week in the position, she began the Shabbat Bulletin to better engage the community and keep the congregation informed. She later started the Moriah All-Judaic Art and Jewelry Fair that is a celebrated community event. And Karen created the widely anticipated weekly Moriah Shabbat lunch, or ``kiddush.'' But perhaps Karen's most lasting legacy will be the establishment of the Moriah Congregation Endowment Fund, which will ensure the long-term financial future of the congregation as well as support its continued expansion and deeper engagement with the community. This contribution will truly define her legacy for years to come, leaving the Moriah Community vibrant and strong. Karen is a Moriah Congregation institution, a true leader and visionary, a dear friend and a beloved member of our community. Her constant presence and leadership will be missed, but her professional legacy will leave a permanent mark, and her friendships will continue to flourish. I want to personally thank Karen for everything she has done for me, my family and our community, and wish her the absolute best in her future.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an exceptional public servant who worked in library administration for 40 years and served for the last 11 years as director of the Zion-Benton Public Library in the northern Illinois district I represent. When Nann Blaine Hilyard retired in April, she completed what has been a truly remarkable career in service to her community. In her time with the Zion-Benton Library, Nann was a champion of the Zion Genealogical Society, offering rooms for research, expanding a collection of genealogical materials and always demonstrating the strongest support for the group's mission and efforts. This pursuit into family and local history underscores the dedication and commitment that Nann demonstrated for her adopted community. In her 11 years with the Zion-Benton Public Library, there were tremendous advancements in collections, resources and outreach. Her broad experience and exceptional leadership helped define a truly successful period in the library's history. It is fitting that one of Nann's last actions as director was to secure a grant from the State of Illinois, ensuring that her legacy of excellence continues well into the future. The entire Zion-Benton community is lucky to have enjoyed Nann Blaine Hilyard's service.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize some of the Waukegan community's finest leaders. In education, business, government, faith and more, these 15 outstanding men embody what is best about Waukegan and demonstrate a deep commitment to strengthening our community. It is my great pleasure to honor the 2014 Men of Distinction: Dr. Phil Carrigan; Arthuer Craigen; Don Elliott; Ronnel Ewing; Chuck Gutman; Kenneth Mayo; Mayor Steve Pannell; Greg Moisio; Joe Moody; Mayor Wayne Motley; Bill Newby; Martin Perez; Pastor Eugene Roberson; Mayor Leon Rockingham; Jose Rodriguez. It takes strong leaders with vision and dedication to bring a community together and secure a hopeful, prosperous future for the next generation. With no less than their fullest commitment to the people and the township of Waukegan, these 15 honorees work each and every day to enrich their community. As true Men of Distinction, this year's honorees deserve the highest praise and greatest respect. I know that this honor will merely inspire them to work even harder to strengthen Waukegan and build an even better, closer community.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize five outstanding women who have enriched our communities across five different sectors. The Deerfield/Bannockburn/Riverwoods and Wilmette Chambers of Commerce joined together to host the seventh annual North Shore Women's Conference in the suburban Chicago district I represent. This year's honorees have each contributed in their unique ways to the strength and success of our communities, and each is well qualified and deserving of this recognition. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize this year's five honorees: in the Corporate Sector, Joy Foster of Deerfields Bakery; in the Small Business category, Megan Quinlisk Van Treeck of The Irish Connoisseur; in the Entrepreneurial category, Adriane Johnson of Populus XP; in the Not For Profit category, Deb Guy of the Women's Exchange; in the Government category, Wendy Durkin, Battalion Chief of the Buffalo Grove Fire Department. Each of these women exemplifies part of the spirit that makes the Tenth District an ideal place to start and raise a family as well as build and grow a business. I am grateful for the dedicated work each of them does in our communities, and I am confident that this honor will mark the start of an even greater chapter of service to the community.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an industry leader and educational institution that have joined together to improve skills training and help bridge our economy's skills gap. In Wheeling, Illinois, ICARTEAM, an industrial electronics repair services provider, and Solex College, a private career college, partnered to develop and implement training programs in manufacturing repair services. The 21st Century global marketplace will demand highly-technical skills and a national commitment to improving skills training--from design to development and repair. Recognizing the critical importance of skills training and advanced manufacturing, ICARTEAM and Solex College forged a partnership to address the skills gap that affects far too many of our businesses. Through this partnership, Solex College will provide specialty training that is not only industry-recognized but industry-developed. The expertise and experience of ICARTEAM, combined with Solex College's educational excellence, will help train and field a 21st Century workforce to support and boost 21st Century manufacturing. I am proud that the Tenth District is home to this type of industry- educator collaboration, and I look forward to seeing its tremendous results for years to come.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor five outstanding women and four exemplary organizations in the suburban Chicago community that I represent. The YWCA Lake County hosts its annual Women of Achievement Award Dinner to honor several individuals and organizations dedicated to empowering underserved and low-income families, and especially women and girls. This year's impressive group of honorees celebrates the ideals of the YWCA and has made a tremendous impact in the community. From education to local government and entrepreneurship, these honorees represent the finest ideals of social service, community involvement and civic leadership. This year, YWCA Lake County honors Roycealee J. Wood with the Lifetime Achievement Award, after 40 years serving the students of Lake County as a teacher, administrator and Superintendent; Roberta Rubin with the Arts and Culture Award for sharing her love of books with the community; Audrey Nixon with the Civic Leadership Award, after 32 years on the Lake County Board; Tiffany Brooks with the Entrepreneurship Award, after winning HGTV's ``Design Star'' competition and launching her own firm; Jamie Kreppein, a high school senior, with the Dr. Minnie J. Leggett Scholarship for diverse and inspiring work with children. This year's Corporate Champion Award goes to Allstate Insurance Company for its longtime support for YWCA programs and community endeavors; and the Community Champion Awards go to Greater St. James Temple Church in God in Christ (North Chicago), Redeemer Lutheran Church (Waukegan) and St. Paul's Church (Waukegan). Mr. Speaker, the accomplishments of these honorees stretch pages and pages and have touched the lives and hearts of countless individuals and families in our communities. Their work, their passion and, most of all, their commitment to helping others is truly commendable and remarkable. I thank YWCA Lake County for its community service, and I congratulate the worthy and impressive 2014 Women of Achievement.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a few of the companies that make the suburban Chicago communities I represent ideal places to build businesses and start families. Each year, the Lake County Chamber of Commerce recognizes excellence in the business community and also in the realm of community service. Like this year's honorees, the Lake County Chamber of Commerce understands that a thriving business community helps build a thriving town, village or city. From practicing good, everyday corporate citizenship to launching community initiatives and engaging the community culturally, the businesses and employees of Illinois's Lake County routinely go above and beyond typical expectations. It is my great pleasure to recognize the 2014 Lake County Chamber of Commerce Honorees: Tranel Financial Group will receive the Community Involvement Award; AbbVie will receive the Major Benefactor Award; Six Flags Great America will receive the Good Neighbor Award; Kimberly Kreml of Key Lime Cove will receive the Volunteer of the Year Award; and The Waukegan Public Library will receive the Community Impact Award. Each of these honorees has demonstrated a deep commitment to the community and to the spirit of service. I am proud that Lake County is home to so many responsible businesses, organizations and individuals who dedicate themselves to helping those around them and enriching our communities.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Technology and Manufacturing Association (TMA) for its outstanding commitment to training and education in the advanced manufacturing industry in the district I represent and across the country. Since 1925, the TMA Training & Education program has served as a valued source of employee learning and development for member companies. TMA training has experienced a significant resurgence. Its Related Theory Apprentice Training program has been assisting member companies in training their apprentices for more than 70 years, and is one of the largest, most recognized precision metalworking apprenticeship programs in the United States. Remarkably, enrollment in this program has more than quadrupled in the last three years. TMA has also expanded its curriculum to include the latest advancements and, for the first time since 1925, incorporates hands-on training. The Fred W. Buhrke Training Center in Arlington Heights trains in the programming, set-up and operation of new, state-of-the-art computer numerical control (CNC) machines. More than 100 students have completed CNC training with TMA and can now earn nationally-recognized, stackable credentials. TMA continues to partner with local organizations to expand training and work hand-in-hand to help bridge our skills gap and ensure our future success in advanced manufacturing. I personally thank TMA for all it does to support advanced manufacturing and to expand economic opportunities throughout our communities and in the Tenth District.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate my friend, Pastor Eugene Roberson of First Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church in North Chicago on his 20th Pastoral Anniversary. Over those 20 years, Pastor Roberson has been a dedicated community servant and a passionate religious leader, making him a prominent figure throughout the suburban Chicago district that I represent. With his leadership and guidance, First Corinthian has grown tremendously over the past two decades, both physically and spiritually. Membership continues to rise annually, and in 2001, First Corinthian finished a brick and mortar addition and renovation, fulfilling part of Pastor Roberson's vision for the church. His weekly sermons and Bible study courses offer insight and inspiration. His passion and enthusiasm engage all generations of his community. And his vision and determination help enrich his flock and his city with community initiatives and charitable activities. After 20 years, Pastor Roberson is an undisputed community leader in Lake County as well as a respected a faith leader. The breadth of his work in the community has drawn many accolades and much recognition, including awards from the city and the College of Lake County and recognition from the Illinois General Assembly. Leaders like Pastor Roberson ensure our communities remain close and strong and focused, in common purpose, on giving back and helping out. Congratulations again to Pastor Roberson on 20 years with First Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church. I look forward to many future successes for many years to come.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize 13 exceptional students at Lake Forest Country Day School (LFCDS) in the suburban Chicago district I represent. These fifth through eighth grade students honored a 39-year tradition born out of a moment of pure courage, when Robbie Bermingham, recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, rose to his feet, delivered a speech from his heart and moved all those in attendance. This year's 13 finalists spoke with poise, passion, pride and great courage themselves. They elucidated universal topics, big and small, and brought them to life with personal experiences. Angelique Alexos on technology; Foster Graf on courage; Chapin Grumhaus on community cooperation; Heather Knobel on dyslexia; Luke Maggos on stereotypes; Olivia Maggos on Russian adoption; Tyler Medvec on unsung heroes; Calvin Osborne on NASA; Charlie Shattock on optimism; Lily Silvester on baking; Scotty Skinner on Falling Whistles; Kimberly Stafford on underdogs; and Chloe Whelan on what is normal. Since the Annual Robbie Bermingham Speaking Contest is, in fact, a competition, special recognition must go to Chloe Whelan, who took First Place, to Tyler Medvec for a Second Place finish and to Heather Knobel and Chapin Grumhaus for jointly taking Third Place. These students, their enthusiasm, their eloquence and their vision truly inspired me and gave me hope for our future. I am grateful for the lasting impression that young Robbie Bermingham has left on Lake Forest Country Day School, its faculty and students, and I am glad that they carry on that legacy of public speaking excellence today. Congratulations once again to all 13 finalists, and thank you for bringing us hope and perspective.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Rondout Elementary School in the suburban Chicago district I represent as it celebrates its sesquicentennial. For 150 years, Rondout School has educated children with a commitment to the Rondout Way: Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, Kindness. Honoring these principles, Rondout School strives to focus its ``collective professional expertise to deliver the highest quality instruction to our students and to measure their academic and social learning . . . one student at a time.'' This is the Rondout School mission, and it is this mission that the talented, dedicated teachers, employees and administrators of District 72 carry out. Good education is the foundation of all of our future success in the 21st Century, and all kids, regardless of zip code, deserve the opportunity to pursue an excellent education. Outstanding schools like Rondout Elementary exemplify the character and vision that our educational system needs. Whether it is in the classroom, during the summer, through social and emotional learning or at one of Rondout's extracurricular activities, students are engaged, stimulated and challenged in rewarding and enriching ways. I am proud of Rondout Elementary School's commitment to excellence, and I am so pleased to congratulate Rondout School District 72 on 150 great years.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a dedicated community servant and an outstanding community organization in the suburban Chicago district I represent. The Jewish Council for Youth Services (JCYS) will present Alyssa Knobel with the Director for Life Award at its 2014 Annual Gala. Both Alyssa and JCYS embody a commitment to service and a dedication to enriching the lives of children that strengthens our community and lays a foundation for the future success of the next generation. In the time I have known Alyssa, I have consistently been impressed with her energy, her enthusiasm and her passion for helping others. Her many activities are as diverse as they are inspirational, and her work with JCYS, in many roles, has helped boost the confidence and expand the imaginations of countless children. JCYS is a tremendous organization that understands the fundamental principle that our generation's success will best be measured by the quality of opportunities we provide the next generation. Its steadfast commitment to educational, recreational and leadership development and activities offers many extraordinary opportunities for kids throughout our community. I also would like to take this opportunity to welcome John Thomason as the new Executive Director of JCYS, and wish him only great success in his new role. With people like Alyssa and John leading the way, I know JCYS will achieve great new heights and will continue its work inspiring and empowering generations of children for years to come.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Pastor Walstone Francis of Shiloh Baptist Church in Waukegan, on his 22nd Pastoral Anniversary. Pastor Francis has been a dedicated community servant, a passionate religious leader, and an important and prominent figure in the suburban Chicago district that I represent. Since 1992, Pastor Francis has offered his vision, his guidance and his spiritual insight to Waukegan and established himself as an invaluable leader in and out of the religious community. A moving preacher, dedicated scholar, gifted writer and clear communicator, Pastor Francis is an exemplary ambassador for the Shiloh community. His tremendous impact in the community is also a testament to the great immigrant tradition of this country, having obtained citizenship two years after being called to pastor Shiloh. In his distinguished 22 years, he has crowned seven deacons, licensed ten ministers and ordained six preachers--ensuring that his passion for, and commitment to scripture and positive vision continue through the work and preaching of others. Leaders like Pastor Walstone Francis ensure our communities remain vibrant, strong and focused, in common purpose, on giving back and helping our neighbors. Congratulations again to Pastor Francis on 22 years with Shiloh Baptist Church. I look forward to many more years and many more celebrations in the future.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Round Lake Area Schools' commitment to quality education and the arts. The Round Lake Area Schools, located in the suburban Chicago district I represent, will host its first annual Fine Arts Extravaganza. This program will offer an area-wide exhibition of student artwork, highlighting the extraordinary talents of our young people. Including visual and performing arts, dance, drama and music, the Fine Arts Extravaganza is a showcase for the creative and artistic expressions of Round Lake Area students. The school district includes more than 7,000 students attending five elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school. The study and appreciation of the arts is a bedrock quality of an expansive, well-rounded education fostering independent thought and self-expression. Our children's future prospects, and the future of our communities, are enriched when we all understand and appreciate the arts. In the student art competition that I host, I am consistently struck by the excellence and thoughtfulness of the submitted works, and I know that our community is filled with outstanding artists at every grade level. The 2014 Round Lake Area Schools Fine Arts Extravaganza offers another exciting opportunity to showcase much of that talent and cultivate a breeding ground for future artistic endeavors. I am grateful for the Round Lake community's commitment to the arts and to student artists, and I am excited for many future Fine Arts Extravaganzas.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the North American Professionals and Entrepreneurs Council (NAPEC) on the occasion of its 2014 Innovation Conference. Drawing many of its volunteers and organizers from the suburban Chicago district that I represent, NAPEC demonstrates a commitment to fostering innovation and supporting the entrepreneurs and startups that will increasingly define our success in the 21st century. Lacking the necessary support, too many of our brightest entrepreneurs' ideas and innovations never get off the ground. Dedicated organizations like NAPEC and the volunteers who make them great--many of whom come from the Tenth District--are helping these young innovators go from startup to step out to success. Organizations like NAPEC play a key role in building and maintaining the infrastructure and networks our innovation economy needs. I am grateful for the tremendous work of NAPEC, and I look forward to many more years of supporting innovation and ensuring our economic success. From a successful 2014 Innovation Conference to all of its work throughout the year, NAPEC is hard at work trying to kickstart our economy and accelerate our startups.

Mr. SCHNEIDER

Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the 100th anniversary of the North Shore Sanitary District (NSSD), a critically- important municipal utility that serves the suburban Chicago district I represent. Chartered in 1914, NSSD has grown into the second largest sanitary treatment district in the State of Illinois. The wastewater treatment process is critical to the health of our families and our environment. The average American produces 100 gallons of wastewater per day, and NSSD serves more than 300,000 people. NSSD operates three major facilities in the district I represent, with 125 miles of sewers and the capacity to deal with more than 60 million gallons of wastewater each day. For 100 years, NSSD has diligently worked to protect our inland waterways and Lake Michigan from storm and wastewater runoff. The water reclamation process is integral to our modern ecosystems, and NSSD conducts this process with unmatched skill, precision and care. To more appropriately reflect NSSD's breadth of work and commitment to water quality, NSSD will officially change its name to the North Shore Water Reclamation District. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate NSSD on a century of outstanding service to the North Shore, and I look forward to another 100 years of success as the North Shore Water Reclamation District.