Peter Visclosky

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. I continue to reserve the balance of my time, Mr. Chair.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. I appreciate the gentleman's remarks. I would note that we have no further requests for time and would conclude by simply, again, thanking the chair, all of the subcommittee members and staff for their very good work that has brought us to this point. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chair, if I could ask how much time each side has, please, remaining in general debate?

Mr. VISCLOSKY. It is my privilege to yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lofgren).

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I want to add my remarks, along with the chairman, to thank the gentlewoman for her vision of our energy future, for her doggedness, and for her commitment to basic scientific research in this country, as well as the issue of fusion. Too often people lose sight that we have to be consistent, we have to be persistent and dogged, and some day we are going to achieve success and primarily because of the gentlelady from California. I appreciate her remarks very much. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Thompson).

Mr. VISCLOSKY. I thank the gentlelady from California for bringing this important matter to our attention. The committee has heard from a number of our colleagues on the Corps' vegetation-on-levees policy. While we commend the Corps for its continued efforts to improve its policies and thereby improve public safety for everyone, we also understand and appreciate that occasionally new policies have unintended consequences. As we move forward with this bill, we intend to have further discussion on this subject. I commend, again, the gentlewoman from California for her leadership on this issue.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Matsui).

Mr. VISCLOSKY. My understanding, Mr. Chairman, is that we have one more speaker on this side and that the other side does not have any more speakers. With that, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews). (Mr. ANDREWS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. VISCLOSKY. I yield the gentleman an additional minute.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I would also be happy to work with the gentleman from California to ensure that Reclamation is executing its mission in the best interests of the taxpayer. I expect the Bureau of Reclamation to take immediate actions to right these wrongs and to take steps to prevent a similar situation in the future.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I would only add that I hope to avoid any further confusion in addressing this issue. And I do appreciate the gentleman's very serious concern here. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would like to begin by expressing my appreciation to Chairman Frelinghuysen for his efforts to be inclusive and transparent in drafting this legislation. The process has been collegial, and the chairman has ensured that the Energy and Water Subcommittee continues its tradition of bipartisanship and cooperation. I would like to join the chairman in thanking the other members of the subcommittee and also all of their staffs for their exceptionally good and dedicated work. Finally, this bill could not have been written without the dedication, hard work, and sound judgment of our committee staff. The chairman has kindly enumerated them by name. Given the constrained allocation that the subcommittee was dealt, I believe that Chairman Frelinghuysen has crafted a good bill. While I hope that we can modify some elements of the bill going forward, I would observe that our differences are marginal. As the chairman mentioned in his remarks, the allocation for the Energy and Water bill is $31.2 billion, which is $964 million below the administration's budget request and $88 billion above last year's level. As a result, the bill makes dramatic reductions to vital energy programs to stay within the allocation. While I recognize that difficult choices must be made to address the Nation's serious financial situation, and I believe that Chairman Frelinghuysen has made a considerable effort to craft a balanced bill, this legislation is severely hampered by the shortsighted nature of the spending cap set by the House-approved budget resolution. The allocation for Energy and Water is simply insufficient to meet the challenges posed by our energy crisis, the need to maintain our water infrastructure, and our national security requirements. That being said, I would like to point out some of the very positive aspects of the bill. I am grateful that additional funds for core Nonproliferation activities and Vehicle Technologies were included. These are very smart investments. The first is vital to our national security as securing, removing, and curbing the spread of nuclear materials is one of the great international challenges our country faces. I would argue the increased funding for Vehicle Technology is also a smart national security investment. Specifically, the program researches the development of lightweight materials, high-powered batteries, and hybrid electric drive motors. As the cars and trucks of our citizens and the ships, planes, and tanks of our military rely heavily on petroleum fuels, technology breakthroughs and fuel efficiency are crucial to reducing our dependency on carbon fuels and crucial to improving our national security since so much of our current fuel mix is imported from unfriendly nations. Additionally, I truly appreciate the chairman's commitment to American manufacturing. This was a theme of many of our subcommittee hearings this year and he has included strong language in this regard. I believe we need to pull out all the stops to support domestic manufacturing, which remains one of the most important drivers of our economy. Further, I see very little merit to using Federal dollars to foster breakthroughs for products that are not ultimately manufactured domestically. The bill upholds and continues many of the efforts to improve program and projects management at all of the agencies under its jurisdiction. I strongly support the committee in this effort and all the provisions, old and new, aimed at increased oversight and improved project management at the Corps of Engineers and the Department of Energy. I am grievously disappointed that the bill has to carry these commonsense provisions year after year after year, and I hope that the agencies begin to incorporate these policies into their management structure. That being said, with the recent Inspector General report detailing egregious overpayments to lab employees by DOE, including an example of one worker receiving a taxpayer-funded per diem for more than a decade, I am not optimistic that the message is yet engrained in Energy's culture. Where were the auditors? Where was the Inspector General for the last decade? The bill includes continued funding for the Office of Health, Safety and Security and the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. These Agencies play important roles in oversight of DOE and NNSA projects. Their independent assessment and enforcement are crucial to worker health and safety at these facilities. With regard to the Army Corps of Engineers, I am pleased that the bill provides $83 million above the President's woefully inadequate request, ensuring that some ongoing projects will not be terminated. However, the bill provides $188 million less than current-year funding. We must invest in our infrastructure by making preventive and proactive investments. Just last year, this bill carried more than $2 billion in emergency funding to respond to natural disasters. I believe this again proves that it makes more fiscal sense to prevent a disaster than to respond to one. Specific to the applied energy programs at the Department of Energy, the bill provides appropriate funding for fossil and nuclear energy, which continue to provide the bulk of our energy needs. However, I am disappointed that renewable energy programs in this bill are reduced by over $400 million from 2012 and nearly $900 million from the President's request. This disinvestment is a serious setback to our energy future. We know energy can achieve cost competitiveness, but at this time a continued and sustained research and development program is necessary and appropriate. Lastly, I would like to express my support for the chairman's inclusion of funding for the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste disposal project and for including the provision to prohibit the use of funding to abandon the project. I agree with him and the other subcommittee members that the administration's actions to close the project run counter to the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982. In closing, I am pleased that we are considering this bill under an open rule and that the Appropriations Committee continues to function amidst the turmoil that has stagnated so many other legislative efforts. Much of this credit is due to Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Dicks. I commend them for their efforts in this regard. I would also like to reiterate my sentiments at the beginning of my statement that Chairman Frelinghuysen has done an excellent job, and I support the bill we are considering today. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the ranking member of the committee, the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Dicks).

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to stand before you today to recognize and commend the members of the Gary, Indiana, branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). On Saturday, June 2, 2012, the Gary NAACP will hold its 47th Annual Life Membership Banquet at the Genesis Convention Center in Gary, Indiana. This annual event is a major fundraiser for the Gary NAACP. The funds generated through this event directly support the organization's many outstanding programs and advocacy efforts. Through its membership and the support of the community, the Gary NAACP is able to serve the people of Northwest Indiana and continue the mission started by the national organization in 1909 by working diligently to combat injustice, discrimination, and unfair treatment for all people in today's society. In addition, the banquet serves to update and keep the community aware of the NAACP's activities and formally honor its new life members. The keynote speaker at this year's event will be Reverend Dr. Michael Eric Dyson. Dr. Dyson is a Georgetown University professor of sociology and a political analyst for MSNBC. Dr. Dyson has been able to positively influence the lives of numerous individuals through his remarkable career and his noteworthy dedication to charitable endeavors. In addition to his outstanding professional career, Dr. Dyson is well-known as a social activist, renowned orator, and prophetic preacher. This year, the Gary NAACP will honor twelve outstanding individuals from Northwest Indiana who will join the hundreds of other outstanding civil, community, and religious leaders that have previously been recognized as life members. For 2012, the distinguished individuals who will be inducted as life members of the Gary NAACP are: Indiana Supreme Court Justice Robert Rucker, Dr. Judy Ball, Shontrai Irving, Esq., Gage Brown, Kamden Brown, Shante Brown, Zachery Brown, Stephen Mays, Dr. Linda Peterson, Renee Ceaser-Patterson, Kennedy Winfrey, and Kya Winfrey. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the newest life members of the Gary branch of the NAACP, as well as Attorney Karen Pulliam, the current Gary NAACP president, and all members of the organization for their extraordinary efforts and for their tremendous leadership. These outstanding men and women have worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life for all residents of Indiana's First Congressional District, and for that they are to be commended.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I stand before you today to congratulate Saint Luke United Lutheran Church on its 100th anniversary. In honor of this momentous milestone, a celebratory reception will be held on May 19, 2012, at The Senior Center in Michigan City, Indiana. For 100 years, Saint Luke United Lutheran Church has been committed to providing spiritual guidance as well as charitable contributions to numerous organizations and individuals. In 1912, Saint Luke English Lutheran Church was founded in Michigan City, Indiana, under Reverend Dobberstein. At the time, the people living in the area saw the need for an English-speaking Lutheran Church, so Saint Luke's began holding services at the local YMCA, as well as in one of the Sunday school classrooms at Saint Paul's Church. In 1915, the congregation, consisting of twenty families, witnessed the construction of their first church building. Later, in 1969, to accommodate the needs of the growing congregation, the current church building was erected on Coolspring Avenue in Michigan City. In 2002, Lutheran Church of the Dunes joined parishes with Saint Luke, and the church became the Saint Luke United Lutheran Church. Today, the church has an impressive membership of 112 families. Saint Luke United Lutheran Church, under the leadership of Reverend John Mikenas, provides much support to charity organizations and has built an outstanding community outreach program. The congregation has been dedicated to serving those in need and has focused its charitable efforts in many ways including: assisting soup kitchens throughout the Michigan City area, organizing a food and warm clothing drive for the Salvation Army, and supporting the men's homeless shelter in Michigan City. Saint Luke's has also created a program for families in need of assistance with utility and medical bills, as well as another program that provides homemade soup and fruit baskets to the homebound. In addition, Saint Luke's is dedicated to the youth of the community and runs a vacation bible school during the summer months. The Saint Luke Youth Group also participates in mission trips and assists the elderly in the community. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring the congregation at Saint Luke United Lutheran Church for its exceptional community service ministry and in congratulating the parish on its 100th anniversary. The great work of this truly admirable congregation continues to touch the lives of countless individuals, and for their selfless service, the leadership and members at Saint Luke's are worthy of the highest praise.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness and profound respect that I take this time to remember one of Northwest Indiana's most valued citizens, and a true champion of workers' rights, Mr. Leon Lynch. Mr. Lynch dedicated his life to serving the needs of the United Steelworkers (USW), and he was tremendously successful in his efforts to improve the quality of life for workers in Northwest Indiana and across the nation. Mr. Lynch passed away on Friday, May 4, 2012, but his legacy will forever be remembered in the hearts and minds of the many people whose lives he touched. Throughout his extraordinary career, Leon Lynch accomplished many visionary goals. In 1956, he joined USW Local 1011 while working at the Youngstown Sheet & Tube Company mill in East Chicago, Indiana. Over the years, Mr. Lynch served in many capacities, and because of his strong leadership skills and willingness to take initiative, his career continued to flourish. In 1968, he was named a USW staff representative and later became an international representative. In 1976, Leon was appointed the International Vice President of Human Affairs for the USW, making him the first African American to serve as a vice president for a major labor union, and he was re-elected to this position a remarkable six times. Recognizing the impact he had on behalf of his union membership, Leon was appointed by President Bill Clinton to the Advisory Council on Unemployment Compensation in 1994 and to the Air Traffic Service Board of the Federal Aviation Administration in 2000. In 1995, Mr. Lynch was elected to serve as a member of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL CIO) Executive Council. Mr. Lynch retired from his position as the International Vice President of Human Affairs for the USW in 2006. He is remembered as a great leader who will leave a lasting impact on generations of union workers to come. In 2005, having recognized the tremendous contributions he made to its members, USW Local 1011 dedicated its career development facility, the Leon Lynch Learning Center, in his honor. This outstanding facility offers guidance for steelworkers to prepare for employment opportunities. Mr. Lynch also gave much of his time to many organizations and committees throughout his life. Leon was a member of the Democratic National Committee, the Labor Roundtable of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, the A. Philip Randolph Institute, the National Endowment for Democracy, and the Workers Defense League. Leon leaves behind a loving family. He is survived by his wife, Doris Tindal-Lynch; his adoring daughters: Tina, Tammy, Sheila, and Maxine; and five beloved grandchildren. He also leaves to cherish his memory many dear friends and family members, as well as a saddened but grateful community and nation. Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in remembering the great life of Mr. Leon Lynch. His remarkable contributions to the Labor Movement, both locally and across the nation, are most worthy of our admiration. His life of service is to be commended, and his legacy serves as an inspiration to us all.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chair, I rise to express my concerns with an amendment offered by Mr. Turner contained in the en bloc amendment. I do not believe the Turner Amendment cures provisions of the underlying bill that weaken enforcement of worker health and safety, and create a self regulation regime for contractors at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). I believe these provisions place profit above safety. Specifically, Section 3115 of H.R. 4310 would move enforcement of worker health and safety from Department of Energy's Office of Health, Safety and Security (HSS) to NNSA. Taking away the independent oversight that HSS provides at NNSA facilities is a mistake. The House Committee on Appropriations in its report for the Fiscal Year 2013 Energy and Water bill was very clear on the value of HHS. It states, ``The Committee believes that having an independent assessment capability at the Department is important and supports the role of HSS in the areas of nuclear safety, worker safety and health, safeguards and security, cyber security and emergency management. The Committee agrees that the responsibility for protecting workers, the public, the environment, and national security assets rests with the Department's line management organizations. However, it is critical that the Department preserve the HSS authority to independently assess Departmental compliance and performance and to have access to and cooperation from all Departmental programs.'' Additionally, the legislation restricts the oversight authority of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (DNFSB), a board that has played a vital role in independently addressing worker safety and whistle blower issues at large DOE projects. Again, the Fiscal Year 2013 Energy and Water report was unambiguous in expressing its support for DNFSB. It states, ``The Committee expects the DNFSB to continue to play a significant role in scrutinizing the Department's safety and security activities, including the reform initiatives underway in the Department that may impact projects under its jurisdiction.'' Further, the requirement that NNSA move towards ``performance-based oversight'' is misguided and will create a dangerous contractor self- regulation regime. While I do not believe that contractors will not take worker safety seriously, I do stand by the old adage that independent oversight is always more honest and rigid than self- evaluation.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. I appreciate the gentleman for yielding. I rise to express my concern that an amendment offered by Mr. Turner that is contained in the en bloc amendments does not cure provisions in the underlying bill that weaken the enforcement of worker health and safety and that create a self-regulation regime for contractors at the National Nuclear Security Administration, which, I believe, will place profit above safety. Section 3115 would move the enforcement of worker health and safety from DOE's Office of Health, Safety and Security to the National Nuclear Security Administration. Additionally, the legislation restricts the oversight authority of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board, which is a board that has played a vital role in independently addressing worker safety and whistleblower issues at large DOE projects. To support my position, I would quote from this year's House Committee on Appropriations report accompanying the fiscal year 2013 energy and water bill: The committee believes that having an independent assessment capability at the Department is important and supports the role of HSS.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with immense sadness and great respect that I rise to remember Staff Sergeant David P. Nowaczyk for his bravery and willingness to fight for his country. Sergeant Nowaczyk was assigned to A Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, out of Fort Carson, Colorado. While serving on his third tour in Afghanistan, Sergeant Nowaczyk was killed when his vehicle struck an enemy improvised explosive device in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. David Nowaczyk, from Dyer, Indiana, graduated from Lake Central High School in 1997, where he was a member of the wrestling and football teams. Later, in September 2005, he enlisted in the Army. Throughout his career, Sergeant Nowaczyk earned several medals, honors, and commendations for his service, including: a National Defense Service Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, an Army Service Ribbon, two Army Commendation Medals, two Bronze Stars, and the Purple Heart, awarded posthumously. Friends describe David as a loyal, kind man who would be willing to do anything for the people in his life. His family describes him as a good son and a great father who was willing to drop anything to be there for his family. Residents in the community are remembering Sergeant Nowaczyk as a dedicated warrior and a true American hero. Sergeant Nowaczyk leaves behind a beloved host of family and friends. He is survived by his devoted wife, Rachel, his adoring daughter, Kiley, and his loving stepson, Conner. David also leaves to cherish his memory his dear mother, Patti, and proud father, Andrew. He will also be greatly missed by his sister, Megan, with whom he was very close. Sergeant Nowaczyk also leaves behind many other friends and family members, as well as a grateful, yet deeply saddened community. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring a fallen hero, United States Army Staff Sergeant David Nowaczyk. Sergeant Nowaczyk sacrificed his life in service to his country, and his death comes as a great loss to our nation, which has once again been shaken by the realities of war. Sergeant Nowaczyk will forever remain a hero in the eyes of his family, his community, and his country. Thus, let us never forget the sacrifice he made to preserve the ideals of freedom and democracy.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound respect and sincere appreciation that I rise once again to recognize two of Northwest Indiana's most charitable citizens, and two dear friends, Dr. Howard Cohen and his wife, Patricia. Throughout the years, Howard and Patti have been recognized many times for their contributions to the Northwest Indiana community. On Tuesday, May 15, 2012, Dr. and Mrs. Cohen will be honored by the Rotary Club of Hammond, Indiana as the 2012 recipients of the Heinze Vocational Service Award, a recognition bestowed annually upon individuals exhibiting outstanding leadership qualities and a commitment to community service. It would be impossible to speak of the great contributions of Patti and Howard to Northwest Indiana without boasting of the immense impact both have had at Purdue University Calumet (PUC) in Hammond. Fittingly, the event at which they will be lauded for their outstanding leadership will take place at the university, where Howard served as Chancellor from 2001 until his retirement in 2011. Under Howard's leadership, PUC's expansion was remarkable, and his commitment to the university continues today. During his tenure, students at PUC witnessed the construction of the Academic Learning Center, as well as the establishment of nine centers and institutes focused on applied research. Student housing, which had previously not existed at PUC, was also added to the campus during that time. While these visible additions to the school are quite impressive, it is Howard's commitment to raising academic standards, expanding the educational curriculum, and exposing students to a system of instruction that translates far beyond the walls of a classroom that are the true testament to his leadership. Without question, Patti Cohen shares responsibility for these achievements and the progress that was made over the last decade. Patti has represented PUC on trips to universities in countries throughout the world including: China, Poland, Spain, Oman, and Costa Rica. She was also instrumental in promoting the university and creating a welcoming atmosphere for students, parents, and visitors. Patti also served on numerous committees and was active in the planning and hosting of many campus and community events. In addition to their outstanding contributions to Purdue University Calumet, Patti and Howard Cohen are also to be commended for their dedication to the entire Northwest Indiana community. With the same dedication, they have served the people of Northwest Indiana through their involvement in local organizations and their service on various boards. Although their efforts encompass many different aspects of society, all contribute to one central goal: the improvement of the quality of life for the people of Northwest Indiana and beyond. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating Howard and Patti Cohen on being named the 2012 recipients of the Heinze Vocational Service Award by the Rotary Club of Hammond, Indiana. Leaders in the truest sense of the word, their selfless commitment to their community is to be commended, and they are most deserving of this prestigious honor.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with immense respect that I rise today in remembrance of the many men and women who have lost their lives in the workplace and to honor those who have fought tirelessly to improve conditions for workers throughout the United States. On April 28, 2012, the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL CIO) and union members nationwide will once again gather in various locations in observance of Workers Memorial Day. The great men and women of America's unions will pause to pay tribute to the many workers whose lives have been lost, and the millions who have become ill, due to accidents and unsafe conditions in the workplace. They will also reinforce their commitment to improving conditions for future generations to come. In the United States today, an average of twelve men and women per day go to work and never make it home to their families, having lost their lives due to an accident in the workplace. Unfortunately, many of these accidents could have been prevented. Under outstanding leaders such as AFL CIO President Richard Trumka, Indiana AFL CIO President Nancy Guyott, and Northwest Indiana Federation of Labor President Dan Murchek, AFL CIO union members have continued the flight of their predecessors to ensure that the lives lost were not in vain. Since the passage of the landmark Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), the unions of the AFL CIO have been instrumental in a movement toward the Act's goal that all American workers would have the right to a safe workplace. The AFL CIO and its unions are to be commended for their contributions to the passage of OSHA and many of the subsequent laws and regulations involving workplace safety. It is because of the organization and demands of labor unions that employers and the government have acted to improve the quality of life of the American workforce. In Northwest Indiana, the steel industry has played a vital role in supporting our local communities and stimulating the economy. On April 26, 2012, in accordance with Workers Memorial Day, United Steelworkers members will pay a special tribute to their fallen comrades whose lives have been cut short in the workplace. These fine men and women will forever be remembered by their devoted colleagues and a grateful community. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me in observance of Workers Memorial Day, and in remembering the many workers who have lost their lives on the job, while honoring the hardworking, loyal men and women of America's unions who have taken up the struggle to improve safety conditions in the workplace. The great men and women of our unions are the finest representation of America's workforce, and I am proud to represent the many dedicated men and women of labor unions throughout Northwest Indiana. Their unwavering commitment to their fellow workers is to be admired.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep respect and admiration that I rise to commend five exceptional business leaders from Northwest Indiana who were recently honored as the Northwest Indiana Business and Industry Hall of Fame's Class of 2012. Created by The Times and BusINess magazine, induction into the Indiana Business and Industry Hall of Fame is determined by a panel of local civic and business leaders. While there were many deserving nominees, the individuals selected as the 2012 Indiana Business and Industry Hall of Fame inductees are: Milford Christenson, Wil Davis, Linda Woloshansky, Tom Gryzbek, and Steve Pangere. For their many contributions to the enhancement of Northwest Indiana, these honorees were recognized at a ceremony that took place at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza in Merrillville, Indiana, on Friday, March 9, 2012. Milford Christenson, of Highland, is the president of Christenson Chevrolet. For decades he has been a leader in the philanthropic community of Northwest Indiana. Milford served in the United States Army during World War II as a member of General Patton's Third Army and earned a Bronze Star for his service. A 1947 graduate of Indiana University, he is a proud member of the Indiana University Alumni Association. In 1951, Mr. Christenson and his family purchased a Chevrolet dealership in Griffith and, twelve years later, moved to their current location on Indianapolis Boulevard in Highland. Christenson Chevrolet was named Indiana Dealer of the Year by Time magazine in 2001. Milford Christenson's story is proof that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. Wil Davis, of Gary, is the owner/operator of the Gary Jet Center, located at the Gary/Chicago International Airport. A Brooklyn native, Wil graduated from Cornell University and later entered the United States Navy. After serving on active duty during the Vietnam War, Mr. Davis joined the Navy Reserve and served until 1987. In 1989, he visited the Gary Airport, and one year later, Wil and his wife, Jean, along with two partners, purchased a small regional airline and moved its base of operations to Gary. Since then, he has developed the Gary Jet Center into a growing and thriving business, which is a tremendous benefit to the citizens of Northwest Indiana. Linda Woloshansky, of Ogden Dunes, is the president and chief executive officer of The Center of Workforce Innovations in Valparaiso. An East Chicago native, Ms. Woloshansky graduated from Andrean High School and Indiana University. Linda learned early on that good employment opportunities allow people to obtain a better quality of life. Her career has been dedicated to the service of others by improving the educational attainment, workforce viability, and economic development of Northwest Indiana. Tom Gryzbek, of Dyer, is the president of Franciscan Saint Margaret Health in Hammond and Dyer. Mr. Gryzbek earned a degree from the University of Illinois in 1974. Mr. Gryzbek has also earned a master's degree in business administration from Indiana University Northwest and a law degree from DePaul University College of Law. Soon after graduating, he joined the former Saint Margaret Hospital as a suggestion plan manager. Tom has since made his way up the ranks of the organization, serving in numerous capacities, including executive vice president and chief operating officer of Saint Margaret Mercy. In 2004, Tom was deservedly appointed to his current position. He also serves the religious community of Northwest Indiana as a Gary Diocese deacon at Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish in Merrillville. Steve Pangere, of Crown Point, is the president and chief executive officer of The Pangere Corporation and Culver Roofing Incorporated, both located in Gary. The Pangere Corporation was founded by Steve's grandfather, John Pangere, who opened the company in Gary after arriving to the Calumet Region from Greece in 1905. Steve Pangere hopes his sons, Nick and Tony, will someday take over the company, making it a fourth generation family business. Steve Pangere has managed to lead a successful corporation while battling the effects of progressive vision loss due to Rod-Cone Dystrophy. He is an advocate and an inspiration to the visually impaired and has contributed to many worthy causes around the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana region. Mr. Speaker, the lives of every citizen living in Northwest Indiana has been enriched because of the selfless good work of these five extraordinary individuals. I ask you and my distinguished colleagues to join me in commending these outstanding leaders on their induction into the Indiana Business and Industry Hall of Fame. These individuals are most deserving of being named the Class of 2012, and for their leadership and commitment to the Northwest Indiana community, each of them is worthy of our respect and admiration.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to announce that the Indian American Cultural Center of NWIHRC will celebrating its 10th Anniversary by hosting a gala dinner and banquet on Saturday, April 21, 2012, at the Halls of Saint George in Schererville, Indiana. The Indian American Cultural Center, which opened on March 9, 2002, was established with the following goal in mind: to foster peace and harmony amongst the people of Northwest Indiana by showcasing their cultural heritage and creating spiritual awareness in both young people and adults, as well as to engage in various charitable events, both nationally and locally. Since its inception, the Indian American Cultural Center has been instrumental in educating Northwest Indiana's citizens on the traditions and customs of the Indian heritage. The members of the Indian American Cultural Center of NWIHRC are to be commended, not only for their commitment to preserving tradition, but also for their commitment to making improvements that benefit all mankind. Proceeds from this year's gala will go to support The Arc of Northwest Indiana, located in Hobart, Indiana. The Arc of Northwest Indiana works diligently to improve the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. In the past, proceeds from the gala have gone to such noble causes as cancer research, educational scholarships, the American Red Cross, tsunami relief, and to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina and the earthquake in Kashmir, India, and most recently, the Carmelite Home for Girls. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending the board and members of the Indian American Cultural Center of NWIHRC for their outstanding contributions to society. Their commitment to improving the quality of life for the people of Northwest Indiana and throughout the world is truly inspirational and should be recognized and commended.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and honor that I congratulate Mrs. Edna Ecklund on a momentous milestone, her 100th birthday, which was on April 14, 2012. Edna celebrated with family and friends on Friday, April 13, 2012, at the Kindred Healthcare facility in Dyer, Indiana. Mrs. Ecklund was born on April 14, 1912, in Crete, Illinois. She is the oldest of three children born to Henry and Clara Reichert. Her family later moved to Indiana and lived on a farm between Crown Point and Lowell. On June 5, 1931, Edna married Clarence Ecklund, and they lived in various locations throughout the region over the years. In 1962, Clarence and Edna moved to Schererville, Indiana, where Edna remained until relocating to her current residence. Edna worked most of her life as a millinery salesperson for the Edward C. Minas department store in downtown Hammond, Indiana, before moving to the store's River Oaks location in nearby Calumet City, Illinois. Edna, who retired in 1974, has always been known as an outstanding saleswoman with an exquisite fashion sense. In addition to her successful career, Mrs. Ecklund was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star for many years. She is also a member of Immanuel United Church of Christ in Highland, Indiana. Edna has many friends and family who share a common respect for her commendable qualities, including her vigor, sense of humor, and kindness. Edna, an avid musician, has played both the organ and the piano for many years. A truly remarkable woman, Edna's dedication to her career and her involvement in her community is exceeded only by her devotion to her amazing family and friends. Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring Edna Ecklund on this special day and in wishing her a very happy 100th birthday!