Paul Tonko

Mr. TONKO

Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on House Resolution 448.

Mr. TONKO. I yield myself, Madam Speaker, as much time as I may consume. I rise today to commemorate the University of California at Davis for completing more than 100 years as a public university. First opening its doors to students in 1908 and being formally established as a University of California campus in 1959, UC Davis has grown into one of the Nation's finest research universities. With over 30,000 students representing all racial and economic classes, over 100 undergraduate majors, 87 graduate programs, six professional schools and world renowned faculty, UC Davis generates more than $500 million in research funding and consistently contributes meaningful research to academia while also impacting its local community and the world. UC Davis' medical center serves more than 6 million people in the region. Its research has helped fuel the $45-billion-a-year California wine industry, helped to preserve local environmental treasures and assisted the city of Davis with innovations in environmental housing and bicycle transportation. Nicknamed the ``Aggies,'' UC Davis has also produced successful athletic programs. Aggie athletics have produced records in football and a Division II national championship in basketball while also gaining recognition for the academic accomplishments of its athletes. Initially founded as the University Farm of UC Berkley, UC Davis has grown to receive premier status as a top-tier research university with prestigious graduate programs that is a national leader in interdisciplinary research. One example of UC Davis' leadership in academia was its creation of the very first Native American Studies department and doctoral program in the Nation. The regular success of UC Davis alumni across the spectrum of public and private life demonstrates the prowess of this great university. Today we salute this university's dedication to excellence. And I do want to thank Representative Thompson for bringing this resolution forward. Madam Speaker, once again, I applaud the University of California at Davis. And I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TONKO. Does the gentleman from Kentucky have any further speakers?

Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, obviously the resolution before the House is one that speaks to the greatness of a prestigious institution like the University of California at Davis. It obviously has excelled in several program areas and holds high standards in its interdisciplinary research areas. For those reasons and the many others cited by Representative Guthrie and myself, I believe that it is important for the House to move forward with this resolution and would encourage everyone to support the resolution before the House.

Mr. TONKO. I yield back my time, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. TONKO

Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 386) commending the University of Georgia Gymnastics Team for winning the 2009 NCAA National Championship, as amended.

Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on House Resolution 386 in the Record.

Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, the resolution before the House obviously congratulates an outstanding team. The Gym Dogs, under their coach at the University of Georgia, Coach Yoculan, have achieved great records. They have broken records and established a tremendous multiyear record, all while being great achievers in the classroom. For these reasons, I commend the Gym Dogs and encourage the House to support this resolution honoring a great team. I yield back my time, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. TONKO

Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 300) congratulating Camp Dudley YMCA of Westport, New York, on the occasion of its 125th anniversary, as amended.

Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on House Resolution 300 into the Record.

Mr. TONKO. I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 300, which recognizes Camp Dudley YMCA for the contributions made to their community. Located in Westport, New York, Camp Dudley was founded in 1885 by Sumner F. Dudley, a YMCA volunteer. It is the oldest camp in continuous operation in our United States. Camp Dudley is a place that celebrates timeless traditional values, inspiring boys, girls, men, and women alike to seek something higher than their own self-interests. This dedication to personal development of campers can be exhibited in the camp's motto of ``The other fellow first.'' The admirable mission of Camp Dudley includes helping campers to develop moral, personal, physical, and leadership skills in the spirit of fellowship and fun, enabling boys and girls to lead lives characterized by devotion to others. In this way, Camp Dudley has shown dedication to creating a community of selflessness, teaching boys and girls to think of the larger community before one's self. A variety of activities offered at Camp Dudley, including arts and crafts, a multitude of sports, photography, writing, and many more, allow the campers to have new experiences and new adventures. With a great legacy of cabin leadership, Camp Dudley is driven by caring and bold leaders, whose devotion to their campers is the cornerstone for successful summers. As such, the camp's leadership development program is a dynamic and vital part of the camp experience. Camp Dudley has committed itself to making camp affordable for all socioeconomic levels, never letting financial capabilities stand in the way of opportunities for our young adults. Demonstrating such, Camp Dudley's scholarship program awards scholarships to approximately 20 percent of summer campers. This also serves as proof of the strong foundation built by the camp's alumni. The scholarships awarded are generously funded by both alumni and parents. Some notable alumni include Burgess Meredith, Bob Pettit, C. Roland Stichweh, Ink Clark, Pete Willmott, Paul Grinwis, John Harbison, Robert Appleyard, Gerald La Grange, Johnny Jones, and many others. The impact of Camp Dudley's influence expands beyond the campgrounds. Current and former campers, as well as staff, continue to make significant differences in their own communities and families. Mr. Speaker, this resolution serves to recognize the successes of Camp Dudley, and it congratulates the institution on the occasion of its 125th anniversary. I want to thank Representative McHugh for bringing this resolution forward, and I do urge my colleagues to resoundingly pass this resolution. I reserve the balance of my time, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. TONKO. Does the gentleman from Kentucky have any further speakers?

Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, the tradition of 125 years with Camp Dudley, whereby they have nurtured our young and have strengthened our future by creating the leaders of tomorrow, is commendable, and I would encourage strongly that the House support House Resolution 300, honoring the 125th anniversary of Camp Dudley.

Mr. TONKO. I yield back my time.

Mr. TONKO

Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on House Resolution 297 into the Record.

Mr. TONKO. I yield back my time, Madam Speaker.

Mr. TONKO. I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 297, which recognizes May 25, 2009, as the 27th National Missing Children's Day, and urges everyone to do what they can to prevent the tragedy of a missing child. In the late 1970s, a succession of high-profile missing children cases helped heighten the awareness and underline the seriousness of child victimization. When Etan Patz went missing on his way to school in 1979, the first major national media campaign surrounding a missing child took place. The considerable media attention and comprehensive search helped highlight the problem of child abduction nationwide. Etan's case and others helped expose a flaw in the system. At that time, there was no national response system in place to coordinate State and local cooperation or a central mechanism to support searching families. In 1983, May 25 was proclaimed National Missing Children's Day, and a nationwide movement was born. May 25 was chosen because it is the anniversary of Etan's disappearance. More than 2,000 children are reported missing every day, but strides have been made to change this disturbing statistic. Programs such as the AMBER Alert program, which notifies law enforcement officials and the public of child abduction cases, have done a lot to help return missing children to their families. To date, 443 children have been recovered because of the AMBER Alert program. Each May, we reflect on missing children, and we renew our efforts to reunite those young people with their families. National Missing Children's Day is an opportunity to remind families of the importance of maintaining up-to-date photographs of their children and to encourage everyone to give their full attention to the photographs and posters of missing children. Anyone can be a hero and offer the tip that helps return children to their families. Protecting young people is one of our Nation's top priorities. On May 25, Madam Speaker, we will pause to remember the children whose lives have been lost. We will celebrate those who have been reunited with their families, and we will renew our effort to continue searching for children who continue to be missing. Madam Speaker, once again, I express my support for National Missing Children's Day, and I thank Representative Biggert for bringing this resolution to the floor. I do urge my colleagues to support this important resolution. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TONKO. Does the gentleman from Kentucky have further speakers?

Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, the impact of missing children on those children and their families is obviously immeasurable, and it is important for us to continue that unfinished business that needs to be accomplished here in this country so as to recognize the missing children situation for the gravity that it poses. For that, I believe strongly that we should support this resolution and recognize our missing children through a day of observance.

Mr. TONKO

Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 347) congratulating Averett University in Danville, Virginia, for 150 years of service and leadership to the United States.

Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on House Resolution 347 into the Record.

Mr. TONKO. Thank you. I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 347, which celebrates Averett University's 150 years of service and leadership to the Commonwealth of Virginia and to our United States. Originally founded in 1859 as an educational institution for women, Union Female College grew to what is now known as Averett University. For the past 150 years, Averett University has remained steadfast in its commitment to its students and to its community. With a mission of preparing students for a lifetime of success, Averett University has a renowned liberal arts curriculum that provides individuals with the skills necessary to succeed on campus and beyond. Demonstrating a spirit of innovation that dates back to 1859, Averett University was one of the first universities in Virginia to offer a business degree program for working adults. Because of its reputation, Averett University places nearly 100 percent of its education program graduates in employment positions each year. In fact, numerous students have job offers prior to even completing their student teaching. With faculty members that are successful entrepreneurs, artists, and scientists, Averett University students are prepared to succeed inside and outside the classroom. Since its inception, Averett University students have been dedicated to the surrounding community. This commitment continues to this day with students now participating in service organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, and the Boys and Girls Club. With more than 20,800 alumni in 50 States and 38 countries, this commitment now spreads the globe. As the university celebrates 150 years of achievement, may it renew its commitment and passion to service, to its students, and its community. Madam Speaker, I again congratulate Averett University. And I thank Congressman Perriello for bringing this resolution forward. I urge my colleagues to support the resolution. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, the history of Averett University is well documented and has been of service to so many students who are achieving their professional goals. They have inspired them in the classroom, and they have encouraged a community responsiveness within its student body that continues as a tradition. With all of that being said, I congratulate Congressman Perriello for the resolution and encourage my colleagues to support the resolution. I yield back my time.

Mr. TONKO

Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 442) recognizing the importance of the Child and Adult Care Food Program and its positive effect on the lives of low-income children and families.