Peter Visclosky

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentlewoman yielding and her kind remarks and also at the outset would congratulate the gentleman from Washington for his leadership and dogged determination to follow through on very complicated issues relative to Hanford, not only on behalf of the constituents he represents in his district or the State of Washington, but to make sure that we in a timely fashion have a solution to a national problem, and I do respect the gentleman's leadership. Mr. Speaker, the Energy and Water bill that will be before us tomorrow is an excellent bill, and Mr. Hobson and the members of the subcommittee have done an exceptional job on it. I will be strongly supporting the bill. However, I rise now because it simply does not do enough, given the restricted allocation that the subcommittee had to deal with. That is why I am asking my colleagues to defeat the previous question on the rule so that I may offer an amendment to the Energy and Water Development Appropriation bill. Last week, in the full Appropriations Committee, Mr. Obey proposed an alternative set of 302(b) allocations that include $1 billion more for the Energy and Water bill. My amendment would propose that the same increase to this bill be given and show how the Democratic Members of the House would allocate the additional spending. Over 25 years ago, during the Carter administration, the country faced a major energy crisis. The Congress responded aggressively. Today, I believe our response is a faint shadow of what had been done previously. Today, our spending levels for research and development and demonstration for fossil fuels, renewable energy sources and conservation are about one-quarter of what they were then. The amendment would provide an additional $750 million across these areas. Some examples of this increased investment in energy innovation are: A doubling of funding for biofuels and biorefineries so that researchers can pursue the full range of biomass technologies and develop new ones; Provide the Clean Coal Program with enough funding so that they can issue the next major solicitation of innovative proposals for making better use of this abundant domestic energy source; To restore funding for petroleum, natural gas and geothermal technology programs for which the administration and the bill provide virtually no funds; Increase support for developing the full range of conservation technologies; Weatherization for an additional 30,000 homes in the year 2007, next year, providing immediate energy savings; The establishment of a DARPA-like program in DOE for advanced energy research projects to stimulate innovation that can change the paradigms for how we obtain and use energy, much as DARPA investments in networking help create the Internet. Relative to our water infrastructure, Hurricane Katrina was a wake-up call, and while we are providing much funding for this stricken area, flood protection is needed in many other areas of our country. The amendment would also provide $250 million more to accelerate needed improvements to flood control measures around the country. It would also increase operation and maintenance funding for two regions and partially restore the cuts to the R and D program for the Army Corps of Engineers. Our country needs this $1 billion increase to this year's investments to ensure our future safety and prosperity. Given that there will be additional needs in the future, I would not borrow the money for these investments from our children and grandchildren. So they must be paid for now, and to do that, the amendment would provide that those making in excess of $1 million in 2007 give up 2.42 percent of the tax cuts provided to them since 2000. I think the country will miss these investments in our common good more than the most prosperous among us will miss two-tenths of their ample income. Mr. Speaker, I had hoped that my proposal would have been made in order under the rule. I ask my colleagues to defeat the previous question so that this amendment can be debated and voted upon by the full House.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, the community of classical vocal music artists and listeners suffered a great loss on April 20, 2006, when a light plane carrying five outstanding graduate students from Indiana University's Bloomington campus School of Music crashed just short of its destination. We join those grieving the loss of these talented musicians--Chris Carducci of Monroe, MI; Garth Eppley of Wabash, IN; Georgina Joshi of South Bend, IN; Zachary Novak of Anderson, IN; and Robert Samels of Medina, OH--for their accomplishments, for the great promise they held, and for the people they were. We will remember them today: Chris Carducci--born April 18, 1978, in Monroe, MI, a graduate of Monroe High School, he received a bachelor of arts degree in music education in 2002 from Bowling Green State University--BGSU, Bowling Green, OH. He earned a master's degree in music from Indiana University, Bloomington, in 2005. He was a life member of St. John Catholic Church, where he was baptized, confirmed, and educated at its school. He was a former member and past president of the BGSU Men's Chorus. His opera career included an appearance at Carnegie Hall, where he sang selections from Wolf's Italienisches Liederbuch for the Marilyn Horne Foundation's ``The Song Continues . . . 2005.'' A baritone, Mr. Carducci performed with Toledo Opera, Michigan Opera Works, BGSU Opera Theater and IU Opera Theater. In 2005, he created the role of Pontius Pilate in ``Pilatus,'' a new opera by Robert Samels. Last year, he was recognized by the Metropolitan Opera National Council's Indiana District with an Encouragement Award. He also was a two-time winner of the Conrad-Peatee Art Song Competition. Zachary Joseph Novak--Born Sept. 17, 1980, in Anderson, IN, graduated Highland High School in 1999. He went on to Anderson University and received a bachelor's degree in 2004, graduating summa cum laude with honors in music. Zach received the Anderson University music department's Voice Performance Award and won the Senior Men category and State National Association of Teachers of Singing Awards. He was due to graduate in early May with a master of music degree in choral conducting with a minor in voice from Indiana University in Bloomington. During his years at Indiana University he studied under the direction of Dr. William Gray, professor of chorale conducting, who was instrumental in Zach's participation in the Lafayette & Carmel Bach Chorale. The Jacobs School of Music at IU continued to foster and enrich his gift of music. Numerous teachers, professors, and ministers had a positive influence on Zach throughout his life. While in Bloomington, Zach was the worship coordinator at First United Methodist Church where he directed the Wesley Choir and Children's Choir. During his time in Anderson, he was the choir director at Bethel United Methodist and choir director and organist at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, where he was a member. He touched so many with his musical talents. Zach received numerous awards during his life, including the American Legion Award twice, the Arion Music Award, Best Male Vocalist 1999, and Who's Who Among American High School & College Students. Scholarships include: The Theodore Presser Music Award, The Lilly Foundation, Anderson University Academic Honors, AU Music Award, AU Trustee Award, Tri Kappa Award, Student Exploratory Teaching, AFT Teacher's Award, and the Herman and Anne Leaf Award. Robert Samels--Born June 2, 1981, in Akron, OH. Robert taught as an associate instructor in the IU Jacobs School of Music Theory Department with the same zeal he approached all his other professional activities. He was in charge of T231 and was loved and admired by his students. As a bass-baritone he had recently appeared as Mr. Gibbs in the world premiere of ``Our Town'' by Ned Rorem, as Marco in the collegiate premiere of William Bolcom's ``A View from the Bridge,'' as well as Joseph and Herod in the collegiate premiere of ``EI Nino'' by John Adams. In September 2005, he conducted the premiere of his own opera, ``Pilatus.'' As a member of the Wolf Trap Opera Company for 2006, he would have added three roles this summer, including Bartolo in ``Le nozze di Figaro,'' Friar Laurence in ``Romeo et Juliette,'' and Pluto in Telemann's ``Orpheus.'' Other opera credits included the title roles of ``Don Pasquale'' and ``Il Turco in Italia,'' as well as Leporello in ``Don Giovanni,'' Falstaff in ``Merry Wives of Windsor,'' and Bottom in ``A Midsummer Night's Dream.'' In the summer of 2004, Samels performed Creon in the New York premiere of John Eaton's ``Antigone.'' He also frequently performed in the oratorio repertoire. In the spring of 2005, he was selected as a semifinalist in the annual competition of the Oratorio Society of New York. He began his vocal studies with Alfred Anderson at the University of Akron and Andreas Poulimenos at Bowling Green State University. He was a doctoral student in choral conducting at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and had studied voice with Giorgio Tozzi and Costanza Cuccaro. Robert was an announcer as well as host and producer of ``Cantabile'' with public radio station WFIU. A soloist with Aguava New Music Studio, he recently performed a concert at the Library of Congress. Georgina Joshi--Born October 21, 1981, in Elkhart, IN and embarked on a life filled with beautiful music. Georgina started singing at a very early age and studied violin from the age of 3. Georgina's first stage appearance was in Canton, OH, where she appeared with Players Guild of Canton in a production of the musical, Oliver. Her operatic debut was as Amahl in Indiana Opera North's production of Amahl and the Night Visitors. Georgina graduated from John Adams High School where she was a member of the 1999 State Champion Mock Trial Team. During high school she was a member of the IUSB Philharmonic and the South Bend Chamber Singers, concertmistress of South Bend Youth Symphony, and participated in summer music programs at lnterlochen, Tanglewood Music Center and Aspen Music School. She received numerous awards, including the YWCA Young Woman of the Year. Georgina attended the Royal College of Music, London, England, where she studied with Eiddwen Harrhy, receiving a bachelor of music, honors, degree in 2001. Since that time she has been a student at the IU Jacobs School of Music where she studied with Alan Bennet. While at IU, Georgina appeared as a soloist in various concert works including Haydn's Creation, Handel's Solomon, the B-Minor Mass of Bach, Britten's Hymn to St. Cecilia, Mendelssohn's Psalm 42, Schubert's Mass in A Flat Major, Mozart's Litenae Lauritenae K.195, the Mozart Requiem, and the Brahms Deutsches Requiem. She also appeared with IU Opera Theatre as Clorinda in Cenerentola and Despina in Cosi fan Tutte. She collaborated with other musicians such as the Catacoustic Consort, the Bath Street Studio, and was a member of the Carmel Bach Festival Chorale. Outside the USA she appeared as a soloist in England, Wales, Romania, and Greece. Garth Eppley--Garth was born on Feb. 7, 1981, in Wabash, IN, graduated Wabash High School. He graduated from Anderson College in 2003 with a degree in music performance, and was a student at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. He attended Giest Christian Church, Fishers, and was a member of the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America, Yankee Beamers, and Rounders No. 7. Eppley had a bachelor's degree in voice performance with honors in performance from Anderson University. A tenor, Eppley studied under Fritz Robertson while at Anderson. His IU Opera Theater roles included Lysander in ``A Midsummer Night's Dream,'' the second man in ``The Magic Flute,'' and the lawyer in ``Peter Grimes.'' He was a frequent soloist with the Indiana University Contemporary Vocal Ensemble, with which he recently sang the role of Pilatus in Arvo Part's ``Passio.'' Eppley also was a frequent soloist with the Lafayette Bach Chorale, where he had performed in such programs as Handel's ``Solomon,'' Rachmaninoffs ``Vespers'', and the Festival of Sacred Choral Music under the baton of guest conductor Craig Jessup of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Last summer, Eppley was a participant, along with other singers from the United States and Canada, in the Charley Creek Vocal Workshop, an intense program of aria and song study. He was a master's student at IU, studying with Peru native Timothy Noble. They are mourned across the country--from Carmel, CA, to New York's Carnegie Hall, to the Wolftrap Farm Park Summer Opera in northern Virginia, to all over the Midwest and Indiana. May we never forget.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sincerity and respect that I offer congratulations of several of Northwest Indiana's most talented, dedicated, and hardworking individuals. On Friday, June 9, 2006, the Plumbers Local Union 210 will honor the graduating class of 2006 at the Annual Apprentice Graduation Banquet, which will be held at the Patio Banquet Hall in Merrillville, Indiana. At this year's banquet, the Plumbers Local Union 210 will recognize and honor the 2006 Apprentice Graduates. The individuals who have completed the apprentice training in 2006 are: Nino Arredondo, Joseph Butcher, Robert DePyssler, Lloyd James, Jr., Michael Klaich, Todd Knight, Paul Lacy, William Lawrence, Eric Longoria, Milutin Miljus, Greg Monnier, Eugene Pazdur, Derrick Poper, Jason Powers, Luis Quintana, Sean Severson, Daniel Smith, Bertram Wagner, Adam Westlund, Robert White, and Raymond Zack. Northwest Indiana has a rich history of excellence in its craftsmanship and loyalty by its tradesmen. These graduates are all outstanding examples of each. They have mastered their trade and have demonstrated their loyalty to both the union and the community through their hard work and selfless dedication. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating these dedicated and hardworking individuals. Along with the other men and women of Northwest Indiana's unions, these individuals have committed themselves to making a significant contribution to the growth and development of the economy of the First Congressional District, and I am very proud to represent them in Washington, DC.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to pay tribute to the outstanding achievements of an exceptional group of students from Munster High School, located in Indiana's First Congressional District. From April 29 to May 1, 2006, these students competed in the National Finals of the We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution program held in Washington, DC. For their knowledge and understanding of the American government, these extraordinary young people were awarded the Central Region Award at this year's competition. The We the People program, administered by the Center for Civic Education, is a program that reaches over 28 million elementary, middle, and high school students. The goal of the program is to provide students with an understanding of the fundamentals of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The program helps students to understand their rights under the American governmental system. The people of Munster, as well as the entire Northwest Indiana community, can be proud of the following members of this truly remarkable class of students: Sara Brown, Emily Clark, Andrea Coulis, Kim Dooley, Reem (Sara) Farooq, Scott Goodwin, Lauren Hudak, Hannah Huebner, Casey Jedrzejczak, Alexis Jeter, Joseph Kasenga, Emily Lyness, Thomas Paliga, Shobba Pai, Samantha Skrobot, Tamiko Toyama, Lindsay Weiss, and Matt Westerlund. The teacher for this award winning team was Michael Gordon. Mr. Speaker, I would like to once again extend my most heartfelt congratulations to the members of Munster High School's We the People program for their commitment to excellence, as well as to the faculty members who have instilled in their students the desire to succeed. The values exhibited by these young people and their interest in the history and fundamentals of our great Nation serve to inspire us all. I am proud to represent these fine individuals in Congress, and I am proud to have been given this opportunity to recognize these future leaders. I look forward to their future achievements as they continue to rise to the top.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with the greatest pleasure that I congratulate one of the most dedicated, hardworking citizens of Indiana's First Congressional District, Mr. Nenad Radoja. After working for the U.S. Steel, Gary Works Plant for over seven years, Nenad recently accepted the position of Director of Steel Shop at U.S. Steel in Smederevo, in the country of Serbia and Montenegro. Nenad began his new position on March 20, 2006. Nenad Radoja was born on June 15, 1971, in East Chicago, Indiana. Nenad is one of two children born to Ray and Sandi Radoja. He is the great-grandson of turn-of-the-century Yugoslavian immigrants who came to United States in search of the American Dream. Nenad's grandparents, Risto and Marija Radoja, also immigrated to the United States in 1951 in search of what America had to offer. Upon his arrival, Risto began working at the steel mills in Northwest Indiana. Nenad, surely inspired by his grandfather's work ethic, chose to pursue a similar career in the steel mills. A lifetime native of Lake County, Indiana, Nenad graduated from Merrillville High School in 1989. Furthering his education, Nenad went on to complete his Baccalaureate Degree in History at Purdue University-Calumet in Hammond, Indiana. He later earned his Master's Degree in Management from Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana. Prior to transferring to the U.S. Steel Plant in Serbia and Montenegro, Nenad worked at the U.S. Steel, Gary Works Plant for seven years, where he worked in several capacities. Over the years, he worked his way up from Melter to General Foreman to Desulfurization Coordinator, and finally, to Area Coordinator of Operation, a position he held until accepting his new position in Serbia and Montenegro. His exceptional knowledge and expertise in these areas will surely be missed in Northwest Indiana, but his acquisition in Serbia and Montenegro will be a definite improvement to their organization. Though extremely dedicated to his work, Nenad selflessly gives much of his free time and energy to his community, his friends, and most importantly, his family. Nenad now resides in the capital city of Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro, with his loving wife, Branka, his daughters, Katarina and Sanja, and his son, Stefan. Also important to note, Nenad is an avid sports fan. In his spare time, Nenad enjoys playing basketball and watching football games. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending and congratulating Nenad Radoja on beginning his new position as Director of Steel Shop at U.S. Steel in Smederevo, Serbia and Montenegro. Nenad has improved the lives of many residents in Indiana's First Congressional District. Northwest Indiana will surely miss Nenad's loyal service and uncompromising dedication.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on the tragic anniversary of his assassination. In the 38 years since his untimely death, Dr. King and his work for civil rights has remained an inspiration to thos committed to liberty and freedom throughout the world. While today marks a sad day in American history, it is my hope that as a nation, we will continue to reflect on the actions and accomplishments of Dr. King. It is my hope that we will celebrate his life and learn from his legacy. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born on January 15, 1929. He received a Bachelor of Arts from Morehouse College in 1948, a Bachelor of Divinity degree in 1951, and a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from Boston University. Throughout his education, Dr. King was involved in civil rights, and in 1955, he led the historic Montgomery Bus Boycott that began after Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white man. After the Montgomery Bus Boycott launched a national civil rights campaign, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. helped form the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in 1957. Dr. King led the SCLC as it promoted, organized, and conducted nonviolent protests in the name of fairness and equality. The nonviolent manner in which Dr. King fought for fundamental freedoms such as the right to vote and desegregation has had a lasting impact on this country. Perhaps the greatest example of Dr. King's leadership and impact on this country is his ``I Have a Dream'' speech, which he gave in front of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington in 1963, where he talked about his four children living in a nation where they would not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. In 1968 Dr. King set out for Memphis to support a sanitation strike that called for higher wages and better treatment. Days later, on April 4, 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. After his death, the country mourned the loss of our greatest modern- day civil rights pioneer. To this day, Dr. King's work, message, and legacy remain imprinted on the minds of those who carry on his noble cause. Mr. Speaker, today may be the anniversary of the death of one of our Nation's greatest citizens, but I also hope it is day on which we can reflect on the positive changes that were set in motion due to Dr. King's work. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. raised the consciousness of America; he made our nation re-examine our commitment to freedom and liberty, and he did so with a message of peace and non-violence. I speak for all Americans today as we honor a great man.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to honor Mr. Calvin Bellamy on the occasion of his retirement as chief executive officer of Bank Calumet, where he has served the people of Northwest Indiana over the past 24 years. Throughout his time leading Bank Calumet, Mr. Bellamy has done much to improve the quality of life for everyone in Northwest Indiana. He has been an exemplary community leader as well as a successful business man, and I am proud to call him a friend. Under Mr. Bellamy, Bank Calumet has become a crucial component for economic development in the region, with branches serving both Indiana and Illinois. Today, Bank Calumet operates in 29 locations with over 400 employees. Bank Calumet has become one of the largest locally owned bank and holding companies in Northwest Indiana with over $1 billion in total assets. Bank Calumet has been named ``one of America's best banks'' by all three national rating services under Mr. Bellamy's leadership. These incredible accomplishments reflect the drive, passion, and commitment Cal Bellamy has shown to creating a world-class financial institution that invests in the communities it serves. Cal Bellamy's contributions to the economy of Northwest Indiana are only eclipsed by his personal dedication to our community. Cal has been called on to lend his expertise and leadership to several important organizations in Northwest Indiana. Mr. Bellamy serves as chairman of the Purdue Technology Center Advisory Board, where he is involved with the center's activities to attract high-tech jobs to Northwest Indiana. He is also chairman of the Northwest Indiana Forum, the Education Committee of the Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, the Ethics In Government Taskforce of the Lake County Community Development Committee, and cochair of Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana Capital Campaign. Mr. Bellamy also serves on the Board of Directors of many organizations committed to improving the quality of life in Northwest Indiana, including the First District Pro Bono Committee, which provides legal services for low-income individuals, the Urban League of Northwest Indiana, Lake County Workforce Development, the Calumet Council Boy Scouts of America, the Northwest Indiana Minority Business Opportunity Committee, and the Northwest Indiana World Trade Council. Cal Bellamy also commits his time to educational causes throughout the area, serving as the founding director of the Hammond Education Foundation, on the Board of Advisors for Indiana University Northwest, and on the Chancellor's Council for Purdue University Calumet. Without a doubt, Mr. Bellamy has given his time and energy graciously to make Northwest Indiana a better place for future generations. Mr. Bellamy received his B.A. with highest distinction from Indiana University, his law degree from the University of Michigan, and is a graduate of the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at the University of Delaware. I wish him and his wife, Cathy, the best of luck as they approach the exciting next steps of their life. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending Cal Bellamy for his outstanding contributions to the community of Northwest Indiana. His commitment to improving the quality of life for the people of the First Congressional District of Indiana is truly inspirational and should be recognized and commended. Over the years, I have sought out Cal to seek his assistance on matters affecting Northwest Indiana. I have always found him to be trustworthy and deliberate in our conversations. As John Quincy Adams said, ``If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.'' Cal Bellamy has been a great leader for Northwest Indiana.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker I rise today to honor George Becker, a great union leader, great American, and President Emeritus of the United Steelworkers (USW). Not only has George been a dear friend of mine, but to working men and women everywhere. They owe him a debt of gratitude for the years of service he has given not only to the labor movement, but to his country. Retirement as the USW's International Union President in 2001 did not change his goals nor dim his vision and resolve. He continued his advocacy during his service on the U.S. Trade Deficit Review Commission. He is still fighting in his capacity as Commissioner on the U.S. China Economic and Security Review Commission to give a voice to the concerns of workers in the industries affected by our exploding trade deficit with China. I am sure my colleagues on the Congressional Steel Caucus will join me in expressing our good fortune to have worked in close association with a man who warned us years ahead of time that the American steel industry was on the brink of collapse after the Asian financial crisis in 1998. It was George Becker's persistence and foresight that created the joint union-industry alliance ``Stand Up for Steel'' that fought for fair steel trade policies before Congress and two Administrations to bring the relief necessary for the U.S. steel industry to restructure and consolidate. I remember standing with USW President Becker among hundreds of steelworkers on Capitol Hill who helped win passage of H.R. 975 in the Spring of 1999, a bill I sponsored titled the `Stop Illegal Steel Trade Act' to impose a freeze on steel imports. The U.S. House of Representatives passed it 289 to 141, but the measure was subsequently defeated in the Senate on a procedural vote. But the determined President Becker didn't stop fighting to save American steelworkers' jobs and the industry. He supported H.R. 808, the Steel Revitalization Act of 2001, to require a five year rollback of steel imports to pre-crisis levels, while providing assistance for retiree health care costs and establishing a $10 billion loan fund to finance steel industry modernization. The Steelworkers Union president didn't stop at the legislative door of Congress, leading a national union-industry petition under the U.S. Foreign Trade Act to implement a Section 201 tariff on all steel imports that included a public hearing in my Congressional District of Northwest Indiana by the International Trade Commission. The ITC's investigation demonstrated the need for steel tariffs and President Bush implemented relief in 2002. George Becker, a second-generation steelworker, rose through the ranks to become the sixth international president of the United Steelworkers (USW). He served seven years as the union's international president, elected in 1993 and 1997. He also was chair of the Labor Advisory Committee for Trade Negotiations and Trade Policy for the U.S. Department of Labor; during the Clinton Administration, he served on the President's Export Council and the U.S. Trade & Environmental Policy Advisory Committee. He is a respected union organizer and strategist, and an internationally-known spokesman for industrial safety, workers' rights on the job and fair global trade. Among his major accomplishments are: Mergers with the United Rubber Workers (URW) in 1995, and the Aluminum, Brick and Glass Workers (ABG) in 1997, bringing 140,000 new members to the USW. Launching the union's pioneering national Rapid Response Network to mobilize members and their local unions to personally contact their members of Congress and state legislatures with handwritten letters on bread & butter issues. Establishing a USW Legislative Leadership Program in Washington, D.C., which provides member-activists with training in lobbying and political action. On February 28, 2001, George Becker joined the ranks of one of the Labor Movement's more formidable legacies. He became only the sixth past President of the United Steelworkers. Born within a few yards of the Granite City Steel Mill in Illinois where he went to work at age 15, he lived and loved the life of a steelworker from his first day in an open hearth labor gang to the last day he served as International President. His service to his country included a stint in the U.S. Marines toward the end of World War II and again during the Korean War, when he was drafted into the U.S. Army, owing to a critical shortage of light weapons infantry leaders. USW President Becker is enjoying his 55th wedding anniversary this year with his wife Jane that began when he met her in the Ozarks of Missouri. They have three married sons and 14 grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending George Becker for his outstanding contributions to his union and his country. His commitment to improving the quality of life for working people everywhere is unparalleled, and he should be recognized and commended.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to take this time to remember one of Northwest Indiana's most distinguished citizens, Richard ``Dick'' Quattrin, of Whiting, Indiana. On Sunday, February 26, 2006, Dick passed away while in Washington, D.C. As he so often did, Dick made the trip to Washington to take part in a national meeting of the American Legion. Dick will be laid to rest on Saturday, February 4, 2006, at Saint Joseph Cemetery in Hammond, Indiana. Dick Quattrin was born on August 18, 1932, to Angelo and Laura Quattrin. He was born and raised in the Pullman-Roseland neighborhoods of Chicago before relocating to Whiting, Indiana, which he called home for over fifty years. These fifty years were spent with his beloved wife, Dorothy, who survives him. Dick is also survived by his five daughters, Lydia (Greg) Beer, Karen (Ed) Erminger, Ruth (Wayne) Rodda, Marsha (John) Jerome, and Sharon Quattrin. Dick is also survived by his brothers Norman (Laurie) Quattrin and Ron (Sandy) Quattrin, his sister- in-law Rose (Bill) Tuskan, and his loving grandchildren, whom he truly cherished: Andrew, Jason, Jennifer, Daniel, Jeffrey, Megan, Laura, Allison, Emily, and Claire. Dick's life of service to his community goes back to his days in the United States Army, where he obtained the rank of Sergeant. Dick felt tremendous pride for his country, and he was willing to endanger his own life to protect the lives of his fellow Americans, as evidenced by his service during the Korean Conflict. His courage and heroism will always be remembered, and his sacrifice will forever live in the hearts and minds of those for whom he battled. Throughout his professional career, Dick continued to serve the community as a member of the fire department for the City of Hammond, Indiana. Since his discharge from the United States Army, Dick has become most well known in the community for his commitment to veterans and his involvement with the American Legion and other veterans' organizations. Dick's dedication to the American Legion is evident in the many prestigious positions he held. Dick was a past commander of American Legion Post #80 in Whiting, where he remained a constant fixture until his passing. Dick was even named to the revered post of Commander of the Department of Indiana American Legion from 1997-1998. His efforts in this position allowed him to spread his compassion and his unwavering concern for veterans far beyond the borders of Northwest Indiana. Along the way, I am sure Dick crossed paths with many more veterans whose lives were touched, knowing that such a passionate individual was fighting for them. In addition to his service to the American Legion, Dick was also an active member of the 40/8, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Walter Kleiber Post 2724, the Knights of Columbus Council 1696, and the B.P.O.E. Whiting Lodge 68. While Dick has dedicated considerable time and energy to veterans' rights, he has always made an extra effort to give back to the community. Dick, well known in Northwest Indiana for his talents as a singer, was a member of his church choir and the ``Knight Sounds'' of the Whiting Knights of Columbus. In addition, Dick was highly respected in the community in the area of athletics, having coached the Whiting Post #80 baseball team for the past 40 years. An accomplished athlete in his own right, Dick played professional baseball as a member of the Saint Louis Browns affiliated minor league ball club. Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring Mr. Richard ``Dick'' Quattrin for his outstanding devotion to Indiana's First Congressional District. His unselfish and lifelong dedication to veterans and the Northwest Indiana community is worthy of the highest commendation. Dick's selflessness was an inspiration to us all, and I am proud to have represented him in Congress.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and sincerity that I wish to honor Pastor Cato Brooks, Jr. of the Tree of Life Missionary Baptist Church In Gary, Indiana, and his wife, Mrs. Bettye Brooks. The members of the Tree of Life Missionary Baptist Church will be honoring Pastor and Mrs. Brooks throughout the month of March for their many years of service to the congregation. Pastor Brooks was born in Forrest City, Arkansas, where he attended Steward Elementary School and Lincoln High School. During high school, Pastor Brooks proved himself to be a stellar athlete, having been honored as an All-State football and basketball player. For his efforts in athletics, in 1999, Pastor Brooks was honored by his hometown and inducted into the Hall of Fame. Following high school, Pastor Brooks attended Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA and then answered the call to serve a tour of duty in the U.S. Army. Upon completion of his tour, he returned to school at the University of Kansas, seeking a degree in Sociology. Pastor Brooks has also attended the Mid-America Baptist Seminary, Ouachita Baptist University, and Indiana Christian University, where he earned a bachelor's and a master's Degree, as well as a doctorate of divinity. Pastor Brooks also received his Ph.D. in Communiology from California Western University of Palo Alto, CA. Pastor Brooks began his ministry on January 26, 1969. He served as Pastor of the Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas from 1970 to 1977 before relocating to serve as Pastor of the First Baptist Church in East Chicago, Indiana; 18 months later, Pastor Brooks organized the Tree of Life Missionary Baptist Church, serving a congregation of only 26 members, where he continues to serve today as Senior Pastor. He is also the Chairman of the Tree of Life Community Development Corporation and Care Center and a former Chaplain for the Gary Police Department. Pastor Brooks has also achieved many accolades and accomplishments throughout his lifetime. To name a few, Pastor Brooks has been recognized by the NAACP, A Walk Without Fear, for his efforts in the civil rights movement, and on May 23, 2004, he was elected Moderator of the Northern Indiana Missionary Baptist District Association. In addition, Pastor Brooks published his first book, Studies in Ephesians, in September 2003. The youngest of 9 children, Bettye Brooks was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, where she attended the Little Rock public schools. She later attended Arkansas Baptist College, Henderson State Teachers' College, Philander Smith College, and Indiana University Northwest. Mrs. Brooks has a degree in Business Administration and is a certified Personnel Management Specialist, Housing Counselor, and Housing Development Professional. Mrs. Brooks has held several positions in government and community service throughout her professional career. She has been a Grants Management Supervisor for the City of Little Rock, a State Planner for the State of Arkansas, serving under then-Governor Bill Clinton, a personnel director for Pulaski County, AR, a Regional Program Specialist for the National Urban League, and an Employment Specialist for the Lake County Job Training Corporation. After coming to Tree of Life in 1991, Mrs. Brooks became the Executive Director of the Tree of Life Community Development Corporation. In this capacity, she and her housing development partner have successfully rehabbed over 600 housing units in Gary, East Chicago, and South Bend, Indiana. In addition, Mrs. Brooks serves as the administrator for Treasure's Child Development Center and was recognized for her efforts in 1993 with the Athena Award by the Gary Chamber of Commerce. Mrs. Brooks also serves in many other capacities within the church and the community. She is a Sunday School teacher, a trustee, Executive Director of Development and Training, Finance Coordinator, and First Cook at the church. She is also a past president of the Ernie Pyle PTA and the Inter-Denomination Association of Minister Wives' and Widows' of Gary and Vicinity. Most impressively, the Brooks's never let their accomplishments get in the way of their family. Pastor and Mrs. Brooks are also the proud parents of 6 children and 13 grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, at this time I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating Pastor and Mrs. Cato Brooks, Jr. as they are honored for their service and ministry throughout the month of March. Their years of service have touched and improved the lives of all whom they have served. Their unselfish and lifelong dedication is worthy of the highest commendation, and I am proud to represent them in Congress.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I wish to congratulate the members of the East Gary Memorial American Legion Post #100 as they celebrate their 75th Diamond Jubilee Birthday. To commemorate this special occasion, Post #100 will be having an anniversary dinner on Saturday, March 11, 2006 at the Post #100 American Legion Hall in Lake Station, Indiana. The East Gary Memorial American Legion Post #100 was chartered in 1931. Since its inception, the members of Post #100 have dedicated themselves to the mission of serving veterans and the community. Post #100 members go above and beyond to serve veterans, as evidenced by their continued work with the Indiana Veterans Home in Lafayette, Indiana; the Knightstown Soldiers and Sailors Home in Knightstown, Indiana; and the Hines VA Hospital in Hines, Illinois, where they provide visitation and assistance to veterans in need. In addition, Post #100 has always been very active in various POW/MIA programs. Post #100 has also taken an active role in promoting local public service by sponsoring a law enforcement officer/firefighter/EMT competition, of which present Commander John Wrolen serves as District Chairman and State Co-Chairman. Currently, Post #100 and its members also support the following youth programs: American Legion Baseball, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America, the Special Olympics, and several programs that focus on patriotism and American government. In particular, they are active in Hoosier Boys' and Girls' State, a program that aims to educate high school juniors on the structure of American government and its processes. Post #100 also provides flag etiquette classes for grade- school children and sponsors the Americanism in Government program, as well as oratorical programs. These competitions test the knowledge and public speaking abilities of tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade students, allowing the winners to advance to compete at district, State, regional, and national levels. Throughout the past 75 years, American Legion Post #100 has installed 37 commanders, 4 of which have gone on to serve as first district commanders. These men are: Ralph Becktel (1934), Jay Hott (1968), Hank Cook (1992), and John Wrolen (2001). At their 75th anniversary celebration, Post #100 will honor all living past commanders for their service. They are: Robert Pifferitti, Albert Kinsey, Alfred Hanson, Jr., Robert Wilson, John Wrolen, Terry Szostek, Richard Davies, Ronald Blaney, and Evin Eakins. All of these past commanders and district commanders should be honored for their service and dedication to veterans and the community. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating the members of the East Gary Memorial American Legion Post #100 on the 75th anniversary of their noble organization. These giving and selfless individuals continue to dedicate their time and unrelenting efforts to serve local veterans and their community. I am proud to represent them in Congress.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sincerity and admiration that I wish to congratulate Father Evagoras Constantinides on the 50th Anniversary of his ordination into the Holy Priesthood. Father Constantinides will be recognized at a banquet in his honor at the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Sunday, February 26, 2006, which will also be a celebration of the 60th Wedding Anniversary of Father Evagoras and his wife, Presvytera Mary. Father Constantinides was born in Lapithos, Cyprus in 1918 and was educated in his village through his second year of high school, where he graduated with the Gold Medal Award for academic excellence. He entered Athens College in 1932, where he was accepted on a yearly scholarship with the school's science section. Father Constantinides had no trouble maintaining his scholarship for six years, and he graduated with honors while receiving the Delta Public Speaking Prize and the English Language Prize. This dedication and commitment to his studies exemplifies the hard work on which Father Constantinides prides himself. After finishing college in Greece, Father Constantinides traveled to the United States to continue his studies and broaden his experiences. In 1938, he enrolled at Fenn College, which is now Cleveland State University, where he studied civil engineering. During his four years at the University, he served as a Greek teacher and as the Hellenic Board of Education Secretary for the Greek Orthodox Community of the Annunciation of Cleveland, Ohio. Although he enjoyed his time in Cleveland, his final year was interrupted by World War II. As a British subject, Father Constantinides entered the Canadian Army as a private in the fall of 1942. After completing his basic training, he was enrolled in the officer training program, from which he graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Engineer Corps with proficiency in explosives, mines, and demolitions. His outstanding ability as a military officer, coupled with his excellent intellect, allowed Father Constantinides the opportunity to work for the United States Central Intelligence Group translating Japanese documents and the Greek Constitution into English. After being discharged in 1947, Father Constantinides returned to the United States and began extensively studying theology. On March 11, 1956, Father Constantinides was ordained into the priesthood, and on September 1, 1969, he was appointed pastor of the Saints Constantine and Helen parish in Gary, Indiana. Since arriving in Northwest Indiana, the graciousness and generosity of Father Constantinides has touched many lives. In 1971, Father Constantinides was instrumental in the construction of the Hellenic Cultural Center in Merrillville, Indiana, as well as in the design and construction of the Saints Constantine and Helen Cathedral, one of the ten largest Orthodox churches in the Americas, in 1975. During his years of service, Father Constantinides has also become deeply involved in the work of Hospice of the Calumet Area. In addition to the many contributions within his own parish, Father Constantinides has committed himself to improving the community, the nation, and the world. To name just a few of the appointments and accolades bestowed upon Father Constantinides throughout his years of service, he was honored with the office of Protopresbyter in 1972, and he served as the Treasurer and member of the National Presbyters Council from 1970-1974, and again from 1980-1982. He received the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America Service Award and Gold Cross in 1976 for his struggles and lobbying activities for the liberation of invaded Cyprus. Father Constantinides has shared his immense wisdom and faith in various countries, including Russia, Kenya, Uganda, and India. Remarkably, Father Constantinides has even found time to author four Sunday school books for children and has translated six Orthodox Service books from Greek to English. Since his retirement in June 1995, Father Constantinides has devoted his time to the Orthodox Christian Mission Center through writing, lecturing, and substituting at churches in the Chicago Diocese, but he has also been able to devote much of his time to his loving wife, Mary, and their four children. Presvytera Mary has stood by her husband's side for the past 60 years. I am sure Father Constantinides would agree that the unwavering support of his loving wife has been a major factor in the many achievements he has reached in his lifetime. Father Evagoras and Presvytera Mary are a shining example of true dedication to their vows and each other. Mr. Speaker, at this time I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in thanking Father Evagoras Constantinides for his contributions to the members of his parish, the citizens of Northwest Indiana, and his fifty years of service to people throughout the world. I also ask that you join me in congratulating Father Evagoras and Presvytera Mary Constantinides on their 60th wedding anniversary. Their love for each other and for all mankind is truly an inspiration to us all, and I am proud to be their representative in Congress.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and respect that I take this opportunity to welcome home members of the 376th Engineer Battalion of Hammond, Indiana, and to honor them for their patriotism, their dedication, and their willingness to defend their country. These brave soldiers, known as the Men of Steel, recently returned to Northwest Indiana after completing several missions in Mosul, Iraq in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The 376th honorably provided security during the recent Iraqi elections, took part in reconstruction efforts within Iraqi cities, provided humanitarian support to the people of Iraq, and courageously disposed of improvised explosive devices. The members of the 376th Engineer Battalion will be recognized at a homecoming ball in their honor, which will take place on January 21, 2006, at the Dynasty Banquet Hall in Hammond, Indiana. The people of this entire nation, as well as the citizens of Iraq, can be proud of the sacrifice and courage of these fine individuals: CPT Sean Begley, PV2 Alexander Baker, SPC Christopher Bennett, PV1 Adam Branson, SPC David Croyle, PV1 Joseph Gibbs, SPC Jaime Hoch, SPC Muain Issa, SPC Tobey Johnson, SGT Nicholas Kowalczyk, SPC Ashley Sharp, SPC Terry Specyal, SGT Jose Tovalin, SPC Aaron Vance, SPC Michael Vician, SGT Travis Wheatley, SFC William Johnson, SPC Luke Abbott, SPC Daniel Wiley, SPC Joseph Veyette, SPC Enrique Uribe, SSG Mark Tegtman, SPC William Sideris, SPC Aaron Santonelli, SPC Carlos Reyes, SPC Brian Panzik, SGT Donald Mull, PFC William Mills, SPC Angel Lozano, SPC Timothy Bishop, PFC Christopher Boger, SPC Steven Bramer, PV2 David Kuzmar, SPC Jason Loebbaka, SPC Thomas Martinez, PFC Brandon McCormick, SGT David Moake, SSG Stephen Otten, SGT Gershom Parr, SFC Melvin Pennington, SPC Daniel Rubalcava, SPC Vincent Lenart, SPC Allen Hughes, SGT Robert Jaso, SPC Matthew Gabrano, SGT Ryan Bood, SPC Jonathan Bright, SPC Corrie Covelli, SPC Ryan Eder, SGT Michael Guz, SGT Brian Brandenburg, SPC Joshua Buikema, SPC Jonathan Cuevas, SSG Thomas Kopanda, SPC Paul Gordon, SSG Matthew Hamater, PFC Michael Brunsman, and SPC Michael Coughlin. Mr. Speaker, at this time I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring the members of the 376th Engineer Battalion, the Men of Steel, for their dedication and courage in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. They will forever remain heroes in the eyes of their families, their communities, and their country. Let us welcome them home and thank them for their commitment to preserve the ideals of freedom and democracy.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and reflect on his life and work, we are reminded of the challenges that democracy poses to us and the delicate nature of liberty. Dr. King's life and, unfortunately, his untimely death remind us that we must continually fight to secure and protect our freedoms. Dr. King, in his courage to act, his willingness to meet challenges, and his ability to achieve, embodied all that is good and true in the battle for liberty. The spirit of Dr. King lives on in the citizens of communities throughout our Nation. It lives on in the people whose actions reflect the spirit of resolve and achievement that will help move our country into the future. In particular, several distinguished individuals from Indiana's First Congressional District will be recognized during the 27th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast on Monday, January 16, 2006, at the Genesis Center in Gary, Indiana. The Gary Frontiers Service Club, founded in 1952, sponsors this annual memorial breakfast. This year the Gary Frontiers Club will pay tribute to five local individuals who, for decades, have unselfishly contributed to improving the human condition of others in the City of Gary. Those individuals who will be recognized as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Marchers at this year's breakfast include: Reverend Norman L. Hariston Sr., who is retired and a member of St. John Baptist Church; Dr. Alfonso D. Holliday II, a semi-retired physician who served Gary residents and is now a consultant; Roosevelt Haywood Jr., activist and former Gary City Councilman; Willie Kuykendall, a 1960's voting activist; and Cherrie B. White, a retired activist, will receive the 2006 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major Award. The late Mrs. Rosa Louise Parks will become the only person to receive a Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Honorary Drum Major Award for her single courageous act of dignified defiance on December 1, 1955, which set in motion the Modern Civil Rights Movement. Though very different in nature, the achievement of all these individuals reflect many of the same attributes that Dr. King possessed as well as the values he advocated. Like Dr. King, these individuals saw challenges and rose to the occasion. Each one of the honored guests' greatness has been found in their willingness to serve with ``a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love.'' They set laudable goals, and they worked hard to achieve them. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending the Gary Frontiers Service Club: President Floyd Donaldson, Breakfast Chairman Oliver Gilliam, Breakfast Co-Chairman Clorius L. Lay, Master of Ceremonies Alfred Hammond, Melvin Ward, and all other members of the service club for their initiative, determination, and dedication to making Northwest Indiana a better place for all who live and work there.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sorrow that I rise to remember the late Coretta Scott King. Our nation has lost one of its great leaders, but her memory will live on forever. Her legacy will live on so that future generations will continue to know and fight for the compassion and equality that she treasured so dearly. With the passing of Coretta Scott King, our country has lost a leader; a leader who dedicated her life to doing what was right and what was just. In order to carry out her legacy--and that of her husband, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.--we must each individually dedicate ourselves to the causes they so passionately believed in. Equality, justice, and opportunity drive the human spirit forward, and by working on behalf of these principles, Coretta Scott King advanced the causes of mankind. My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to her friends and family. Our nation will miss her greatly. As we reflect on Coretta Scott King's legacy, we are reminded of the challenges that democracy poses to us and the delicate nature of liberty. Her life reminds us that we must continually fight to secure and protect our freedoms. In her courage to act, her willingness to meet challenges, and her ability to achieve, she embodied all that is good and true in the battle for liberty. After she married Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and as a young pastor he began his civil rights work in Montgomery, Alabama, Mrs. King worked closely with him. She organized marches and sit-ins at segregated restaurants while balancing an equally daunting task: raising their four children. She held the family together as it endured the tragic events surrounding Dr. King. Even after her family home was bombed in Montgomery, she persevered--at a time when most would have given up. Those children, Yolanda Denise, Martin Luther III, Dexter Scott, and Bernice Albertine are as much a part of her legacy as her dynamic civil rights work. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues rise in honor of the legacy and life of Coretta Scott King. Her determination and dedication has made our world a better place to live, and I am proud to honor her legacy.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I congratulate Mr. James Reyome on his retirement as Public Works Director for the Town of Griffith. James has spent over 40 years of his life dedicated to the interests of the residents of Griffith, Indiana. His career in public service has allowed him the opportunity to touch the lives of numerous people. James has accomplished many visionary goals throughout his career. He started his career with the Griffith Police Department in 1962, where he worked until 1983, spending the last 7 years as Chief of Police. James also worked security at LTV Steel. He then became Lake County Police Chief under then Sheriff Bob Stiglich. In 1997, he was named Town of Griffith Public Works Director, a position his father held for 20 years. However, shortly before assuming the position of Public Works Director, James had a major stroke, followed by 2 milder strokes in 2002 and August 2005, which caused him to speed up his retirement plans. James's family and friends should be proud of his efforts, as his leadership has served as a beacon of hope throughout the community. His longstanding commitment to improving the quality of life for the citizens in Griffith, Indiana is truly inspirational and should be commended. Our community has certainly been rewarded by the true service, uncompromising dedication, and loyalty displayed by Mr. Reyome. While James has dedicated a considerable amount of time and energy to his community, he has never limited the time he gives to his most important interest: his family. James and his wife, Anna, have 3 children, 2 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating Mr. James Reyome for his outstanding devotion to Indiana's First Congressional District. His unselfish, lifelong dedication to those in need is worthy of the highest commendation, and I am proud to represent him in Congress.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to the restrictive rule for H.R. 2830, the Pension Protection Act, and I ask my colleagues to join me in opposition. Last night not only were my four amendments disallowed, but a substitute measure offered by Mr. Rangel and Mr. Miller was also disallowed. From my perspective, given the importance of the underlying legislation, we ought to have an open debate. We ought to have votes, and we ought to have decisions made by the full membership. In terms of the amendments I offered last night to the Rules Committee, the first set essentially said that the funds in retirement accounts are the workers' money, and employees ought to have a voice in single employer pension plans regarding the management of those moneys. Given the number of pensions that have been thrown overboard, and given the tens of thousands of Americans who have been hurt, I also think, as a bare minimum, companies ought to once, every 3 years, be required to inform their employees of the health of their pension funds. The third amendment I offered essentially said that every last option, whether it be from the perspective of the PBGC or the company be exhausted before that pension is assumed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, given the fact that, on average, at least 15 percent of the retirees who have their pensions assumed by the corporation are going to receive less than their full promised pension. A case in point was in United Airlines negotiations, the unions of the company were still bargaining and the PBGC came in and unilaterally assumed that pension. The final goes to the heart of the matter, and that is to close that gap. For those pensioners that do not receive their full pension under the PBGC, they are out that pension money. I am disgusted by the fact that they do not have standing under the procedures. And I would use Adelphi Corporation, which recently declared bankruptcy as an example of the abuse of the system and the disadvantage that the employees are put under. Adelphi, headed by Mr. Smith, who also was at Bethlehem Steel when they went bankrupt and they dumped their pensions over, really has no interest in going out of business. They want to dump their liabilities. Under the Bankruptcy Code, Mr. Miller and up to 500 executives at Adelphi are entitled to 30 to 250 percent bonuses for running their company into the ground, going through bankruptcy, dumping their liabilities and hurting people. What happens to the workers who do not get their full pension after Mr. Miller and his gang dump those pensions overboard, they have no standing under the Bankruptcy Code. All I asked the Rules Committee last night was that we ought to talk about that here on the House floor and we ought to have a debate. Those people who gave their lives to that company who are now short money for the rest of their lives when they need it the most should have some standing. I ask Members to oppose the rule. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to this restrictive rule for H.R. 2830, the Pension Protection Act and I ask that my colleagues join me in opposition. Last night in the Rules Committee, I offered four amendments that I believe would have made this a better bill, none of which were found to be in order. Furthermore, this restrictive closed rule does not even make in order a substitute measure authored by Ranking Members Miller and Rangel. In a time when Delphi will be awarding 500 executives, bonuses of 30 percent to 250 percent of their base salaries, workers are seeing their pensions frozen, I find it very troubling that the majority refuses to have a full and open debate on an issue so critical to our Nation's retirement security. My first amendment would have put employee representatives on the trustee board of single employer pension plans, which would ensure that employees have a voice in how their investments are managed. The growing significance of pension plans in the U.S. economy has sparked a continued public debate over the control of pension fund investments. A generation ago, Congress took action to safeguard pensions in response to an Enron-like debacle at Studebaker. These protections for defined benefit plans included diversification requirements as well as government insurance. Pension funds represent deferred compensation and there is no reason why single-employer pension plans still lack employee representation on their boards. My second amendment would have required that plan sponsors furnish pension participants with the most current benefit statement at least once every 3 years. Fiscally unhealthy pensions have caused severe hardship on employees who have depended on their pensions as part of their retirement security. In order for pensioners to have a more complete understanding of the health of their pension fund, it is necessary to provide full and accurate information on a timely basis. Both the underlying bill as well as Mr. Miller's substitute address this issue, but I do not believe that they go far enough. My third amendment would make it more difficult for companies to abuse the bankruptcy process in order to dump their pension obligations. Specifically, this provision requires that alternatives to pension-dumping be identified, which would essentially make pension- dumping a last resort for companies rather than a financial-planning tool. The amendment would require both employer-initiated and PBGC- initiated terminations to identify and disclose alternatives to dumping their pension obligations. There is a disturbing trend of companies dumping their pension obligations not because the company is going out of business, but because the company does not want to follow through on the financial commitment made to its employees. This legislation would make it more difficult for financially-viable companies to engage in pension dumping to increase their long-term profits. Current law does not sufficiently protect against the termination of plans. By implementing this provision, pension participants would have greater opportunity to work with companies to find alternatives to eliminating existing pension plans. After a company successfully terminates its pension plan, the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation, PBGC, takes over the financial obligations to make payments to pensioners. In certain instances, the maximum amount the PBGC will pay is less than the original amount promised by the pension. My final amendment would have made the cost of the pension payment ``gap'' an administrative expense for the company, which would make it easier for pensioners to collect the missing funds in bankruptcy court. Pensioners deserve the full pension amount they were promised. In cases where the company goes bankrupt, and the PBGC payment is less than the original amount promised, pensioners deserve to be near the front of the line when it comes to collecting debts from the company in bankruptcy court. I believe that a promise is a promise, and if a company emerges from bankruptcy with the finances to pay the difference of a lower pension, they should do so. Once again, I urge my colleagues to oppose this restrictive rule.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 2830. I am old enough to remember a time when everyone on my block in the Glen Park section of Gary, Indiana had a pension. The defined benefit pension system today, which protects the retirement security of over 44 million workers, retirees, and their families, is at a critical juncture. The number of defined benefit plans has declined from over 100,000 in 1985 to under 32,000 in 2004. While the number of active workers covered by such plans has dropped from over 40 million to under 20 million, an additional 20 million retirees depend on defined benefit plans for their retirement security. Both the Congressional Budget Office and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation have found that H.R. 2830 will add billions more to the PBGC's already mounting deficit. According to the CBO, this legislation would increase the PBGC's deficit by $9 billion dollars over the next ten years. The PBGC is already facing a deficit of $23 billion and could face additional liabilities of up to $100 billion in the near future. In the five years leading up to the closings of LTV and Bethlehem Steel, steel companies in North America were filing for bankruptcy in record numbers, using the bankruptcy courts to break their contractual obligations and impose cuts or outright elimination of jobs, benefits, pensions and wages of steelworkers. In 2000, LTV Steel filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for protection from its creditors, including its obligations to its pension plan. In 2002, LTV filed Section 7 bankruptcy, which liquidated its assets. Today's legislation would put additional pressure on an agency that is already picking up the slack because corporate America has used them as a dumping ground. In addition, H.R. 2830 does not ensure fair treatment between workers and executives. The bill permits CEOs to receive executive golden parachutes at the same time employees are suffering deep cuts in their promised retirement benefits. Under H.R. 2830, if an employer does not fund its pension plan above 80 percent, then workers cannot receive any increases in benefits or take a lump sum at retirement. No similar restriction is imposed on executives. If an employer does not fund above 60 percent, then the workers' plan must be frozen with no new benefits allowed to accrue. Only at 60 percent are employers prohibited from transferring funds to executive compensation. However, employers can get around this prohibition and make promises of future benefits to executives. I find this deplorable at a time when we are seeing companies like Delphi abuse the system. Under Chapter 11 reorganization, Delphi could award 500 of their executives cash bonuses of 30 percent to 250 percent of their base salary for exiting Chapter 11. In closing Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose H.R. 2830. According to CBO, H.R. 2830 would increase the Federal deficit by over $70 billion from 2006-2015. It contains a variety of unoffset tax incentives for corporate America that will not secure the pension of the hardworking men and women who are making our steel, mining our coal, building our homes, and flying our airplanes. Congress owes working Americans more.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to pay tribute to the 113th Engineer Battalion of the Indiana Army National Guard, and welcome them home after 1 year of serving our country heroically in Iraq. Upon arrival, the 113th was nicknamed the ``Ironman Battalion'' because of their links to northwest Indiana's steel industry. And throughout the past year, these Iron men and women have shown a dedication to their mission, and a commitment to their country that truly is as strong as steel. Today Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that soldiers of the 113th are coming home--coming home to be with their family and friends; coming home to be with their wives, husbands, sons, daughters, mothers and fathers. Based in Mosul, Iraq since last year, the soldiers of the 113th made heroic missions a part of their daily routine. They located and detonated improvised explosive devices, reinforced police stations and conducted combat patrols. The service of these men and women has not been without sacrifice. Over 40 Purple Hearts have been awarded to the 113th battalion, each serving as a reminder of the dangers our soldiers face every day. I welcome these soldiers home. I thank them for their service and sacrifice to our Nation, and I pledge that our support for them is equal to the sacrifice they have shown our country. Mr. Speaker, the following men and women of the 113th have bravely served their Nation in Iraq, and I am honored to submit their names for the Congressional Record: Rodolfo Alfaro Jr., Jose Luis Andujar, Erendira B. Ayala, Robert Kenneth Banaszak, Lechia Tiara Banks, Timothy Patrick Bishop, Jerry Joe Blackford, Ernest Lee Boyles, Steven Ravey Brumfield, Travis Allen Byrd, Andre Steven Carr, Jason Allen Carrera, Luis Valentin Castro, Johnathan Michael Clabbers, Joseph Earl Collins Jr., Jonathon C Creviston, Michael Brian Daake, Keenon Carlton Davis, Walter Joseph Dinga Sr., Dennis Shawn Eastman, David Michael Eckhard, Tyler Jacob Egli, Saleem Amin Elamin, Wesley Etchison, David James Evans, David Paul Evans, Steven Edward Francher, Anthony Lee Fleming, John Paul Furman III, Jennifer Arlene Graves, Justin K Greentree, Michael Crispin Guajardo, Karl Eugene Hausenfleck, Shalonda Moniece Henderson, Andre Terrell Hillard, Paris H. Holeyfield, Richard Jakubowicz, Steven John Jesuit, Bradford Shawn Jones, William Michael Rich Kalina, Douglas Paul Kinger Jr., Gary Bernard Kinney Jr., Joshua Daniel Koch, Thomas Kopanda, Thomas Edward Kren, Mark Lathrop, John Lindsey, William Charles Mackey, Anthony Romon Madry, Garrett Emon Marshall, Leo Sharpe Marshall, Scott Arnold Marshall, Nicole Dionne McCant, Gregory Quinn McHenry, Terry Dionne McQuay, Lester Dwayne McSwain, and James Allen Miller. Keith Allen Miller, William Moses Milligan, Joshua Arvino Miranda, Johnny Melvin Mitchell, Rodney Dean Mitchell, Leticia Marie Montez, Lawrence Edward Nemcek II, Steven Charles Patterson, Melvin Pennington Jr., Jorge Antonio Perez, Ricky Lee Phillips, John Edward Pitt, Peter Alan Pizarek, Thomas Michael Prosser, Mark Steven Reimer, Tommy Wade Roeske, Felicia Ronay, Briggs Obrian Rumph Jr., Alvaro Eneas Saenz, Berris Fitzroy Samuels Jr., Paul Randolph Scott Jr., Richard Dean Shatto, William Michael Sideris, Loretta Silvers, Larry Smith, Leroy Smith Jr., Jeffrey Scott Springer, Henry Louis Stone, Dawn Theresa Swantko, Michael William Thomas, Samantha Nicole Thomas, Johnny A. Trinidad, Michael Ralph Via, Dontreal Walters, Paul Nathaniel Wilderness, Demond Ellis Wilkins, Chery Lynn Williams, David Allen Young, Michael Zinman, Alexander James Baker, Charles Edward Beavers, Sean Peter Begley, Samuel James Benford, Christopher Ryan Boger, Ryan G. Bowerson, Steven Anthony Bramer Jr., Adam Joseph Branson, Johnathan Leon Bright, Aaron A. Brown, Charles Paul Bruce, Michael Joseph Brunsman, Joshua Scott Buikema, and Max Allen Colestock. Angel Luis Colon, Lasean Antowine Colter, Michael George Coughlin, Corrie Alexander Covelli, David James Croyle, Anthrice Arnez Culp, David Donald Davis, Earl Ernest Deal Jr., Tony Chang Dicharia, Tywan Tremain Dickerson, Ryan Patrick Eder, Matthew Bernard Flaherty, Matthew Alan Gabrano, Joseph Maxwell Gibbs, Mitchel Glover Jr., Michael Aloysius Goin, James Frederick Grauvogl, Elijah David Alvis Gray, Michael Guz, Donald James Adams, Rex E. Agness, Jason Ray Amstutz, Ian Thorne Armstrong, Christopher Brian Aviles, Thomas Shawn Baker, David Matthew Barker, Michael Bauman, Kevin Lee Bell, Tracy Red Bell, Justin Lee Bladecki, Ronnie L. Bond, Shaun Alan Casto, Byron Scott Chambers, Charles Scott Clabbers, Juba Akilaerveal Cochran, Robert Allen Craft, Gary Allen Cravens, Adam Lee Davis, Craig Mathew Dryden, Spencer Lee England, Brian Dean Farlie, Joshua Aaron Filson, Shaun Fitzpatrick, Timothy Alan Fort, Steven Franklin Foss, Daniel Trent Gakle, Brian Keith Gardner, Randy Jay Gauck, Joe Gomez, John Geoffrey Grafton, Christoff Mathew Haglund, Willim Lee Hayes, Michael DeWayne Heffner, David Scott Hitz, and Matthew John Hooper. William Austin Jarret, David Pascal Johnson Jr., Dean Arthur Jones, Stefen Michael Kaur, Joseph Ralph Kolosci Jr., Andrew Kovats, Jason Michael Landfald, Ricky Lawson, Jared Douglas Leinart, Kyle Lewis Leonard, Israel Lopez, Michael Paul Ludwig, Aaron James Malerich, Jonathan Joseph Martin, Mark Andrew Masters, Kenneth Edward Maynor, Carey Allen McCrary, Jerame Edward Miller, Dale Allen Muzik Jr., James Byron Newland, Charles Carlon Odle Jr., James Kenneth Papay, James Robert Parker, David Lee Peer, David Scott Pegg, Gregory Allen Perra, Harold Thomas Petri Jr., Paul David Price, Franklin Allen Reed Jr., Jason Keith Reed, Brian Michael Richmond, Robert Rollins, Daniel Gabriel Ronay, Aaron John Rosenfeld, Brian Michael Sardeson, Andrew Kevin Scalf, Harrold Allan Schrimsher, Damon Alan Schroeder, Blaine Daniel Schultz, David Sendejas Jr., Thomas Alan Sergent, Sean Patrick Smiertelny, Carl James Smith, Gayle Thomas Smith, Brett Robert Sobiski, Donald Jeffery Spoor, David Michael Stone, Derek William Surowiec, James Raymond Swanson, Timothy Michael Vaclavik, Omar Velez, Rodney Allen Wells, Scott Allen Williams, and Cameron Mitcheal Wright. Marlin Lee Lloyd Wunder, Anthony Derrell Alston, Brandon R. Antkowiak, Ryan William Ayres, Derek Michael Barragan, James Basinger Jr., Kevin Joseph Bell, Matthew James Bisig, Gary Robert Blake, Jason Paul Blunt, Jacob Ronald James Boyd, Kevin Briskey, Kirk Joseph Brownson, Chandler Clint Cahoon, Tomas Ignacio Canchola, James Edward Cash, Patrick Gerard Cleary, Delbert Lee Clem, Rodrice Lenall Cole, Edward T Cooney, Jason Michael Cribari, Jose Luis Cuadra, Clyde Leonard Daniel, Brian Douglas De1court, Rene Delgadillo, Billy Joe Dixon, Matthew Jason Farner, Richard Flores, Richard Paul Freeman, Mark Allen Gerber, Jason Alexander Hefner, Michael Alexander Hermann, Patrick Jermaine Hernandez, Christofer D. Hoyum, Jamie Darrell Jarboe, Michael Jonson, Chester Lee Jones Jr., Michael Ryan Jones, Richard Joseph Kerr Jr., Daniel Gerard Kirby, John Harold Koch, Stephen Kometz, David John Kozinski, Rodney Allen Kreft, Melvin Oswaldo Lira, William Lito Loubriel II, John Quincy Lubbe, Rick Allen Marino Jr., Brien Michael McCartney, Ivan Lamont McIntosh, William Everett McKee III, Matthew Lawrence Mitchell, Jason Moody, Michael Raymond Murray, Spiro David Olympidis, Kenny Wayne Parks, and David James Phillips. Jon Robert Pitts, Thomas Duane Rankin, Douglas Alan Ricca, Wesley Aaron Robertson, Samuel Victor Rogowski, William John Schissler II, Ryan Scott, Deon Scott, Anthony Joseph Schultz, Robin Laurence Siems, Andrew Wayne Sigler, Christopher Alan Smith, Bartholomew Smith, Adam James Stewart, Jerry L. Sumner Jr., Zoltan Louis Szabo, Marion Otis Thatcher, Jose Anthony Trujillo, Frank Hobert Turner III, Theodore Widin Uzelac Jr., John M. Villegas, Jerod Lee Wagner, Jerome Nathaniel Watts, Kenneth Paul Wells III, Dane Emerson Wheeler, Patrick Williamson, Lamar Benjamin Wilson, Walter Johnson Wright Jr., James Ewel Yacconi, Benjamin Thomas Zimmermann, Yvette Bell, Melissa T. Elliot, James Austin Gazaway, Steven Randall Hines, Kevin E. Kuwik, Paul Timothy South, Reynaldo Benjamin Urra, James Nelson Marker, Charles Richard Socks, Somsack Thanthima, Keith Mark Hall, Matthew John Hamater, Ruben Haro Jr., Demetrius Demonte Henderson, Jaime Demetrio Hoch, Matthew Scott Hopkins, Allen David Hughes, Charles Edward Hunter III, Muain Issa, Alvino Luis Jaime, Robert Anthony Jaso, Derrell Donte Jenkins, William Robert Johnson II, Kerry Kinney, and James Foster Knight. Nicholas John Kowalczyk, David Marshall Kuzmar, Luis Andre Landecho, Dean Lane, Vincent Isaac Lenart, Kevin Lee Littlejohn, Jason Elliot Loebbaka, Angel Miguel Lozano, Darnell Porter Malone, Thomas Martinez, Brandon Thomas McCormick, Robert William Metcalf, William Arnett Mills Jr., Sean Minard, David Ernest Moake Jr., Donald Marvin Mull, Stephen Michael Otten Jr., Brian Scott Panzik, Gershom Richard Parr III, Bruce Wayne Pierce II, Gregory Allen Potter, Carlos Reyes, Jody Van Roberts, James Michael Robinson, Aaron Shane Santonelli, Julian Anthony Scott, Ashley Cole Sharp, Richard Smart, Terry Alan Specyal, Mark Thomas Tegtman, Jeremy Thomas, Jose Angel Tovalin, Enrique H. Uribe Jr., Aaron Michael Vance, Joseph Edgard Vedette, Michael Edgard Vician, Cornelius Horace Weathers, Aaron Michael Webb, Travis Lane Wheatley, Daniel Kareen Wiley, Larry V. Williams Jr., Danile James Wills Sr., Bryan Thomas Zabrecky, Leonard Leroy Cottom, Paul Raymond Gordon, Steve Elias Haddad, Benjamin Matthew Joy, Michael Alan Kieszkowski, Thomas Willard Lamb, Jeremy Aaron Morton, Charles Andrew Pendleton, Peter Ruvalcaba, Alan Gene Scott, John Spann Everett, Derek Randall Sutton, and Alan Earle Thomas Jr.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as the co-chair of the House Croatian Caucus in strong support of H. Res. 529. I would first like to thank Chairman Gallegly for authoring this legislation, the ranking member on the Europe Subcommittee, Mr. Wexler, as well as Mr. Radanovich, my co-chair of the House Croatian Caucus for all of their tireless work advocating for Croatia. Since 1994, on more than one occasion, Congress has endorsed the enlargement of NATO. Most recently, in 2003, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia signed accession protocols to the Washington Treaty of 1949 signifying their willingness to join NATO. Since its independence from the former Yugoslavia in 1992, Croatia has made substantial progress in attaining the necessary level of military and political reforms required for receiving an invitation to begin accession negotiations with NATO. I am pleased to say that just this past October, the European Union began negotiations with Croatia based on its assessment that Croatia met the political and economic criteria for candidacy in the European Union. Croatia is a strong ally of the United Sates in the War Against Terrorism. Croatia has sent troops to Afghanistan as part of the NATO- led International Security Assistance Force and has endorsed and is participating in the Proliferation Security Initiative to prevent the flow of weapons of mass destruction to that region. Stability in South Central Europe is a very high priority, and Croatia has become a valuable, constructive partner in this delicate region. Given the potential for future regional conflicts, NATO should want to take advantage of the greater contribution that Croatia would make toward peace and stability as a full member of NATO. The resolution before us today expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Croatia has made significant progress since its independence in strengthening its democratic institutions and its respect for human rights and the rule of law. In addition, it commends the Republic of Croatia for the progress it has made since the end of its war for independence. Further, the Resolution commends Croatia for its progress in meeting the political, economic, military, and other requirements of NATO's Membership Action Plan, for its contribution to the global war on terrorism, and for its constructive participation in the U.S.-Adriatic Charter. In closing Mr. Speaker, I would like to once again thank the International Relations Committee for reporting this resolution and urge my colleagues to support this resolution and approve Croatia's accession into NATO.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to pay tribute to the 113th Engineer Battalion of the Indiana National Guard and welcome them home after 1 year of serving our country heroically in Iraq. Upon arrival, the 113th was nicknamed the ``Ironman Battalion'' because of their links to Northwest Indiana's steel industry. Throughout the past year, these ironmen and -women have shown a dedication and commitment to their country that is truly as strong as steel. Today, Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that soldiers of the 113th are coming home, coming home to be with their family and friends, coming home to be with their wives, husbands, sons, daughters, mothers and fathers. The service of these men and women has not been without sacrifice. Over 40 Purple Hearts have been awarded to the 113th Battalion, each serving as a reminder of the danger our soldiers face every day. Mr. Speaker, I welcome these soldiers home. I thank them for their service and sacrifice to our Nation, and I pledge that our support for them will remain equal to the sacrifice they have shown to our country.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to pay tribute to the outstanding achievements of an exceptional group of students from Lowell High School, located in Indiana's First Congressional District. On Saturday, November 26, 2005, the Lowell High School Football Team won the Class 4A State Championship game. The people of Lowell, as well as the entire Northwest Indiana community, can be proud of the following members of the football team: Michael Kreczmer, Jeffrey Clemens, Zach Porras, Jacob Gill, Zachary Zolmer, Scott Gray, James Ritter, John Black, Lukas Palmer, Jonathan Cap, Joshua Kuiper, Christopher Jacobson, Max Znika IV, Michael Dowling, Christopher Briggs, Christopher Lampa, Johnny Underwood, Joshua Lofrano, Chad Small, Mark Puskar, Steffan Peck, Christopher Thompson, Dean Frigo, Jeffrey Barker, Timothy Lukasik, Matthew Garton, Joseph Carlson, Daniel Remboski, Paul Demro, Ethan Winel, Tyler Overdorf, Eugene Wentworth, Kaleb Layman, David Lang, Anthony Hurst, Ryan King, Trenton Keelen, Nicholas Traficanti, Andrew Steuer, Chris Caputo, Matthew Heabel, Brandon Werblos, Jed Travis, Joshua Hayden, Robert Becker, Jr., Jon Sgouroudis, Mark Lunsford, Michael Staniewicz, Randy Layman, Eric McGee, Joe Wojcik, Justin Jackson, Gerald Jackson, Ben Rigby, Eric Roadruck, Dustin Warren, Robert Stluka, Mina Jae Park, Manager Sagan Roney, and Manager Lindsay Rothas. In addition, I would like to recognize the other members of the Lowell State Championship Team: Athletic Trainer Bobby Wong; Student Trainers Ashley Barragan, Jessica Besaw, Nicole Carlson, Courtney DuBord, Nicole Ford, Samantha Norfleet, Krystol Pigg, and Stephanie Revere; the Varsity Cheerleaders, Junior Varsity Cheerleaders, and their coaches--Cindi Blandford, Linda Glaze, Druanne Smith, and Don Bales. The team's success is also due to the outstanding ability and leadership of its teachers and coaches. In particular, Kirk Kennedy, Jim Carlson, Jim Kiechle, Keith Kilmer, Brad Stewart, Trent Staggs and Ed Miracle should be commended for the devotion they have demonstrated as coaches. Additionally, Lowell Principal James Koger and Assistant Principals Mike Chelap and Ben Ingram should be recognized for their strong support of the football team. The accomplishments of these outstanding individuals are a reflection of their hard work and dedication. Their effort, determined preparation, and rigorous approach have made them the best in the state. They have also brought pride to themselves, their families, their school, and their community. Mr. Speaker, I would like to once again extend my most heartfelt congratulations to the members of the Lowell High School Football Team for their commitment to excellence, as well as to the faculty members who have instilled in their students the desire to succeed. I am proud to have been given this opportunity to recognize these future leaders, and I look forward to their future achievements as they continue to rise to the top!

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to commend these dedicated individuals who have made significant contributions to Northwest Indiana: Bob Anadell, Hannah Cherry, Nancy Kelly, and the members of the Hispanic Women's Forum of Northwest Indiana. These individuals will be honored by the Calumet Project at an awards luncheon for their dedication to justice and to the people of Northwest Indiana. The event will take place at the Social Hall of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Hammond, Indiana on Friday, November 18, 2005. The Calumet Community Hero Award is being presented to Mr. Bob Anadell. Bob has had many positive accomplishments throughout his career with I.B.E.W. Local 697; he has also actively contributed to his community through participation in various programs aimed at improving opportunities for the people of Northwest Indiana. He has been a powerful member of the Northwest Indiana Building Trades, Secretary Treasurer of the IBEW State Conference, Vice-President of the Indiana State AFL-CIO, Trustee of the Lake Area United Way, Board of Directors of Trade Winds, Member of the Lake County Integrated Services Delivery Board, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Investment Committee, and Executive Committee of the Legacy Foundation, as well as Co-Chairman of the Heroes Committee of the American Red Cross. Also receiving a Calumet Community Hero Award is Ms. Hannah Cherry. Ms. Cherry graduated from Maywood High School in Hammond, Indiana where she was one of three African Americans that year. Her passion has always been to improve the conditions in the city where she lives and to fight for justice for all people. Hannah is a lifetime member of the NAACP, a member of the Project Area Committee, and a charter member of the Neighborhood Action Council. She has also given her time and efforts selflessly as a volunteer at St. Margaret's Hospital for almost twenty years. Hannah is a compassionate activist and she is being honored for her ongoing quest to see to it that justice prevails. The third Calumet Community Hero Award is being presented to the Hispanic Women's Forum of Northwest Indiana. The forum was started in the early 1980's when a group of young Hispanic women came together with an idea to form an organization that would focus on mentoring fellow Hispanic women. The Forum's common goal was to make Hispanics in professional careers more visible in the community by stressing the importance of education. The Hispanic Women's Forum conducts a yearly luncheon where they honor young Hispanic women graduating from local high schools. Monetary awards are given to some of the young women based on a selection process. The Hispanic Women's Forum's longstanding commitment to improving the quality of life is truly inspirational and should be commended. The final award, the Lifetime Achievement Award, is being presented to Nancy Kelly for her outstanding service to the Northwest Indiana Community. Nancy decided at a young age to be a local missionary in the service to her community. Mrs. Kelly was a volunteer and community organizer under Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley's administration. She moved to Gary, Indiana 30 years ago with her late husband. Mrs. Kelly dedicated herself to improving the quality of life for the residents in her community. She is the founder of the Horace Mann Ambridge Neighborhood Improvement Organization and she has served on the LCEOC board as well as numerous other boards. Mrs. Kelly's lifetime of service continues as she still serves with the Grand Calumet River Task Force. Along with her many other contributions to society, she was also honored with the Indiana Older Hoosier Award of the year. I am proud to commend Mrs. Kelly for her lifetime of service and dedication. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending these individuals for their outstanding contributions to Indiana's First Congressional District. Their hard work and dedication has improved the quality of life for the community and is worthy of the highest commendation.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I recommend that all Members join me in supporting this conference agreement. Its presentation has been bipartisan, and the chairman has been fair throughout his preparation. I would also join the chairman in adding my appreciation to the staff led on the majority side by Kevin Cook. He is joined by Terry Tyborowski, John Blazey, Scott Burnison and Tracy LaTurner. They are a very strong team. On the minority staff, I would like to thank Dixon Butler. This year we have two of the finest detailees ever from the Army Corps, Taunja Berquam helping with the majority and Felicia Kirksey helping with the minority. I would also thank Kenny Kraft on Chairman Hobson's staff as well as Peder Maarbjerg on mine. Conference negotiations this year were protracted and their favorable resolution required both patience and firmness in pushing for positive reforms of the Corps of Engineers management practices. I want to thank Chairman Lewis as well as Ranking Member Obey for their steadfast support in getting this done. As I said in my remarks earlier this year, Chairman Hobson has led our subcommittee to take a long-term perspective on a number of important issues, and this is resulting in some profound and positive changes, including saner and safer policies on nuclear weapons, insistence on 5-year planning from the Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, and the Department of Energy; a focus on completing projects in management reforms, particularly at the Corps. On this side of the aisle I am pleased to have had the opportunity to support my chairman on these issues. The conferees were given an allocation of $749 million larger than was available when the House developed its bill back in the spring. The tragic events that resulted from the hurricanes demonstrated that our Nation has crying needs in the areas served by the program of the corps, and we have devoted the increased funds to meet these needs along the Gulf of Mexico and across the Nation. Mr. Speaker, I ask for my colleagues' support of this conference agreement. Mr. Speaker, I recommend that all members join me in supporting this conference agreement. Its preparation has been bipartisan and the Chairman has been fair throughout its reparation. I would add my appreciation to the staff led on the majority side by Kevin Cook. He is joined by Terry Tyborowski, John Blazey, Scott Burnison, and Tracy LaTurner. They are a strong team. On the minority staff, I would thank Dixon Butler. This year we have two of the finest detailees ever from the Army Corps: Taunja Berquam helping the majority and Felicia Kirksey helping the minority. I would also thank Kenny Kraft on Chairman Hobson's staff and Peder Maarbjerg on my staff. Conference negotiations this year were protracted and their favorable resolution required both patience and firmness in pushing for positive reforms of the Corps of Engineers management practices. I want to thank Chairman Lewis and Ranking Member Obey for their steadfast support in getting this done. As I said in remarks earlier in the year, Chairman Hobson has led our subcommittee to take a long-term perspective on a number of important issues and this is resulting in some profound and positive changes, including saner and safer policies on nuclear weapons, insistence on 5- year planning from the Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, and Department of Energy, a focus on completing projects, and management reforms, particularly at the Corps. On this side of the aisle, I am pleased to have had the opportunity to support him on these issues. The conferees were given an allocation $749 million larger than was available when the House developed its bill back in the Spring. The tragic events that resulted from hurricanes Katrina and Rita demonstrated that our Nation has crying needs in the areas served by the programs of the Corps of Engineers, and we have devoted the increased funds to meeting these needs both along the Gulf of Mexico and across the Nation. The Energy and Water Development conference agreement had to work within the constraints that started with the President's budget request and its inadequate commitment of resources to the programs of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The events of this year amply demonstrated the latent threats to our Nation from natural disasters and the failure of inadequate manmade structures. The Congress is doing the right thing in increasing spending on the Corps in FY 2006 by more than $1 billion over the request. Hopefully the Administration will now understand the level of investment needed and submit a budget for FY 2007 that sustains and extends this investment level for the water infrastructure of our Nation. An additional top priority within the Energy and Water appropriations is nuclear nonproliferation. While the overall level included in the conference agreement is slightly below the request, considerable funds have been shifted from a construction project with major unspent balances to support of high priority programs to help Russia protect and control its nuclear weapons material. The Russian side has signaled strong willingness in this area, and bureaucratic obstacles in the U.S. have been removed. We must seize this opportunity for the increased safety of us all. Alas, this conference agreement is limited by an overall constraint forced by allocation. Four fifths of the Energy and Water funding goes to the Department of Energy, but energy research, development and demonstration is only 10% of the Department. The cost of gasoline, natural gas, and home heating oil have exploded over the past 18 months. Only the Federal Government can invest in the long-term R&D needed and stimulate demonstration and deployment of new technologies through partnerships with the private sector. When our Nation faced high costs and uncertain supplies for energy in the mid-1970s, President Carter and Congress, made major investments in energy conservation and renewable energy along with unconventional sources of fossil fuels were funded. A comparable response today would require quadrupling our support for renewable energy and doubling our support for conservation R&D at DOE. As a start, Democrats advocated for creation of an energy independence fund of one-quarter billion dollars of new money at DOE at the time the House considered the Energy and Water appropriations bill. The prosperity of our Nation is built in part on preeminence in almost all areas of fundamental science research. The Department of Energy is the primary supporter of physical science research and provides state-of-the-art user facilities available to investigators from government, academia, and industry. The constraints on this conference agreement have allowed only one area of research and user support to be increased above the request-- high performance computing. This is an area where the United States invented the field and long held undisputed leadership in the world. Several years ago, that leadership was challenged by Japan with their development of the Earth Simulator. For three years in a row, the Congress has had to increase support substantially in this area to sustain momentum in reachieving U.S. leadership. The conference agreement provides no increased support for the operations of DOE user facilities. Construction of these facilities represents a major investment. Before the recent run-up in energy prices, it was estimated that an additional $95 million was required to operate these facilities at full capacity. Operation of these facilities is energy intensive, and the FY 2006 operating levels are likely to be smaller than planned. Within the constraints of the conference allocation, the Energy and Water conferees have made good choices for our Nation. I ask for support for this measure. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.