Jim Walsh

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WALSH. Madam Chairman, I yield for the purpose of making a unanimous consent request to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Miller). (Mr. MILLER of Florida asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Kirk).

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the balance of my time; and, in conclusion, I would just like to say that any national energy policy should be heavily invested in energy conservation. That is what this amendment attempts to do, with little cost to the taxpayer and to the government. I want to thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hall) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Barton) for the hard work they have done on this bill and for asking that the amendment be included. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, H.R. 6 recognizes the key role of renewable energy and energy conservation as part of a balanced, comprehensive energy policy. The National Priority Project Designation Act, which is this amendment, would complement the provisions already included in H.R. 6 by creating an additional incentive for renewable energy deployment and energy conservation at virtually no cost to the Federal Government. The National Priority Project Designation would not only recognize the winning projects, it would also educate the public and the business community about the potential of renewable energy to contribute to North American energy independence. The designation would draw attention to large renewable energy projects, such as large wind farms that provide hundreds of megawatts of electricity generation capacity. The designation would also encourage large building developments to expand on planned renewable energy and energy efficient features to add scale and deploy emerging technologies. This is a free-market, extremely low-cost way to encourage investment and innovation in renewable energy and energy conservation. In summary, the amendment, which is modeled after the Malcolm Baldrige Quality Award Act, would recognize and highlight major green building and renewable energy projects. The legislation would direct the Secretary of Energy to establish guidelines for those interested in the designation to submit applications for an annual award process. The amendment establishes an open competitive process with minimum qualifying criteria. The Secretary of Energy would certify those projects that meet minimum criteria. The President would then, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, select projects that advance the field of renewable energy technology and contribute to North American energy independence to receive the National Priority Project designation. Winning projects would receive a medal commemorating the designation. Winning projects could also use the National Priority Project designation in their advertising. The amendment would establish two categories of projects, pure renewable energy generation of 30 megawatts or more; and integration of at least 30 megawatts of renewable energy generation with large, energy-efficient buildings. Mr. Chairman, I support enactment of this important energy legislation, and I urge my colleagues to include this amendment therein. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of a great spiritual and moral leader for the world. Throughout his lifetime, he experienced Fascism, Communism and rampant materialism. He never lost sight of his own values and beliefs and lived his life as an example that all of us regardless of faith could look to. The earthly light of this Pope has been lost but his eternal light will shine forever. The millions of pilgrims flowing into St. Peter's Square reflect the genuine warmth and respect this man of God had throughout the world. He spoke for the poor, the homeless, the infirmed, the oppressed and everyone listened. His message of caring and love certainly played a major role in many of the changes we have seen across the global map. Walls came down and individual freedom arose from rubble. To me it was especially noteworthy to watch the Pope reach out to the youth of the world and how warmly they returned his affection. Their bond will long be remembered. In life Pope John Paul II showed us how to live and in death, showed how to die. He has returned to his Lord and Savior having earned the reward of ``Welcome home my good and faithful servant.'' We have been blessed by his presence on earth and his legacy will be a strength for generations to come.

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute to the Palmyra Macedon Red Raiders, the varsity boys' basketball team that won their first Class B State Title. The 57-47 victory was well earned after trailing to the Carle Place Frogs for the majority of the game. Junior shooting guard Anthony Hall scored a game-high 26 points, and helped the Red Raiders get back into the lead in the final quarter. Coach Chip Tatro and the rest of this outstanding team deserve congratulations after their third attempt, and consequent victory, in winning the championship. Coach Chip Tatro, Christopher Milke, Jared Boisvert, Mike Beck, Anthony Hall, Todd Piccola, Dan Gorman, Tim Patchett, Jonathon Denniston, Adam Husk, Andy Weaver, Jason Clair, Sean McGinn, Chris Timbs are all equal contributors to the outstanding 2005 season. I commend the Palmyra Macedon Red Raiders for their enthusiasm and hard work in reaching their goal. Congratulations and good luck on future seasons.

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of MSGT Robert F. Green. Master Sergeant Green, a resident of Ontario, New York is retiring from the United States Air Force after years of dedicated service. His retirement allows for reflection on what can only be considered a sterling career. He has admirably served his country without question or reservation. His fellow soldiers will attest that Master Sergeant Green sets the standard regarding attributes such as honor, respect, duty and country. On behalf of my colleagues, and myself, I extend my gratitude, great appreciation and well wishes for prosperous retirement years. Thank you for your service to our country.

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Sodus Spartans for their victory over Faith Heritage to capture the 2005 Class C State Championship title. The 76-65 win marked the first state championship for the boys' basketball team as well as the Sodus School athletic program. Emanuel Reaves and Gregory Logins led the team, scoring 17 and 22 points, respectively. They are currently 27-0 and are looking to capture the number one spot in the state within their class. Coach Jim Sergeant and the team deserve recognition for their consistent hard work and attaining the championship title. Coaches Jim Sergeant, Alan H. Granger, and Robert Miranda, as well as players Robert McDowell, Emanuel Reaves, Johnny McCray, Roderick Johnson, Gregory Logins, Matthew Sombathy, Antonio Parker, Jeffrey Kuhn, Dennis Gorobtschuk, Jaroslaw Konikiewicz, Hauke Bruns, Brian Hanagan, Lionel Webber, and Paul Morales were all instrumental in reaching state champion status. I commend the Sodus basketball team for their determination and exceptional season. Their outstanding achievements have set a standard that other teams should follow. Congratulations and good luck on future seasons.

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, the Friends of Ireland in the Congress join 38 million Irish Americans in celebrating the unique ties between America and the island of Ireland. We welcome the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern to the United States, and we send our warmest greetings to all the people of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Irish Americans care deeply about Northern Ireland, and we commend President Bush for his efforts to keep the American government involved in the pursuit of peace. We also praise Mitchell Reiss, the President's special envoy to Ireland, for his unwavering commitment and his bi- partisan American approach to the process. We do regret that none of the political parties from Northern Ireland will be represented at the Shamrock Ceremony or the Speaker's Luncheon this year, but this should be taken as a clear signal reflecting the severity of the situation, and the immediate need for all parties to return to the negotiating table. In 1998, the parties to the Good Friday Agreement committed to partnership, equality and mutual respect as the basis for moving forward. We continue to believe that inclusive power sharing--based on those three defining qualities--is essential to the viability and advancement of the democratic process in Northern Ireland. A political system based on inclusive power sharing requires trust and confidence. The parties to the Good Friday Agreement also affirmed their total and absolute commitment to exclusively democratic and peaceful means. The recent events in Northern Ireland involving alleged and admitted criminality by IRA members have put tremendous pressure on all the governments and have seriously undermined the trust and confidence that are essential to advance the process. We deplore this tragic setback. Circumstances on both the Nationalist and Unionist sides have created great chasms of mistrust. Neither side is blameless in this tragic breakdown, and the British, Irish and United States Governments must devote themselves to instill the trust and continue the forward movement. Clearly, there is essential work to be done in ending all paramilitary activity, permanently restoring the democratic institutions, progressing with demilitarization, and advancing an equality agenda. It is also imperative, in all democratic societies, for all parties to be willing to work with the criminal justice system or in this case the Police Service. We regret that the dramatic effort to reach an agreement over the Christmas Holiday fell short. The world watched as the framework was set, and all parties were steps away from a victorious moment in history. We must remind all the parties that this framework is still in place and there was a reason why an agreement was almost settled only a few months ago. It is from this point that negotiations must resume. We commend the Irish and British Governments for their ongoing efforts to work with the political leaders in Northern Ireland to restore the trust and confidence that are essential to advance the peace. On this St. Patrick's Day, we look forward to the day when the Good Friday Agreement will be finally and fully implemented, and to the day when stable democratic institutions, peace, and justice will be achieved in Northern Ireland.

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of SMSgt Robert F. Young. Originally from Rochester, New York, Sergeant Young enlisted in the U.S. Navy through the delayed enlistment program on December 1, 1966, and was called to active duty in February 1967. After completing basic training at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center, Illinois in May, 1967, Sergeant Young was assigned to the Naval Air Station, North Island, San Diego; California, where he was assigned to Antisubmarine Squadron, VAW 110. In May 1968, Sergeant Young began technical school training as an Aviation Electronics Technician at the Naval Technical Training Center in Memphis, Tennessee. After graduation from the Naval Technical Training Center in November 1968, he was reassigned to the Naval Parachute Testing and Training Facility, Aircraft Maintenance Group, EI Centro, California. On December 30, 1969, Sergeant Young was reassigned to Early Warning Squadron, VAW 111, North Island, Naval Air Station, San Diego, California. While home on leave and prior to reporting to his new duty station, his orders were changed directing him to report to Travis Air Force Base, San Francisco no later than mid-night on January 1, 1970 for reassignment to VAW 111, Early Warning Squadron on board the aircraft carrier CVA 43, the USS Coral Sea in the South China Sea in support of combat operations in the Republic of Viet Nam. On February 27, 1971, Sergeant Young was released from active duty with the U.S. Navy, and had attained the rank of Petty Officer Third Class. After finishing his college education in 1975, he took a managerial position with a large drugstore chain. On March 29, 1978, Sergeant Young joined the 174th Fighter Wing's Communication's Flight as a traditional guardsman, and in 1979 he accepted a full time position, as an aircraft electronic technician with the 174th Fighter Wing, a position he held until 1985, when he accepted a position with the Defense Contract Management Agency, working as Quality Assurance Representative, from which he will retire in June of 2005. The 174th Fighter Wing was called to active duty on December 29, 1990, and deployed to Al Kharj Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in support of Operation DESERT SHIELD and Operation DESERT STORM on January 2, 1991. During that time Sergeant Young supported the unit from home station in Syracuse, New York during the unit's deployment. Sergeant Young has deployed with 174th Fighter Wing numerous times, to Germany in support of Cold War operational training exercises. He also deployed with the 174th Fighter Wing in support of Operation Southern Watch in March 2000 and again in August 2001, in support of United Nations contingency operations against Iraq. After the September 11th terrorist attacks, he performed active duty supporting Combat Air Patrol sorties over New York City in support of Operation Noble Eagle. On October 16, 2003, Sergeant Young volunteered for his third Air Expeditionary Force deployment this time in support of the Global War on Terrorism. While deployed to Al Udeid Air Base, Emirate of Qatar, he was attached to the 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Operations Squadron, from October 17, 2003 to December 5, 2003, in support of combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sergeant Young has 31 years of combined military service, 4 years of active duty with the U.S. Navy and the remainder with the New York Air National Guard. He holds an Associate of Science Degree in Accounting and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. His military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal; Air Force Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster. He holds the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat ``V'' device and five oak leaf clusters; Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation; Navy Good Conduct Medal; Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal, with eight oak leaf clusters. His military campaign and service awards include the National Defense Service Medal with two bronze service stars; Vietnam Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with gold combat frame; and the Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon, with six oak leaf clusters; He also holds the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with silver hourglass device, mobilization ``M'' device, and numeral 4; and the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon. His New York State awards and decorations include the New York State Long and Faithful Service Award, with gold shield device; New York State Defense of Liberty Medal; New York State Exercise Support Ribbon, with two ``E'' devices. Without question Mr. Speaker, Sergeant Young is a very special person. He willingly served his nation, exuding loyalty and pride. For his unrelenting service in the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, and the Air National Guard, Sergeant Young can retire knowing he has earned such a status. I would like to wish him well in his retirement years, as he will now be able to spend more free time with his wife Kristina, and two sons, Sean and Jason. Thank you Sergeant Young for all your years of hard work and dedication.

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments and dedication of Anne Marie Ferguson to the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians State Board of New York State. Anne Marie Ferguson, the LAOH New York State President, has been a dedicated member for 36 years. She is a Syracuse native who graduated from Bishop Ludden High School and then went on to graduate from Maria Regina College in Syracuse. Her many years of dedication to the LAOH resulted in her becoming a board member some 12 years ago. This in turn led to her election as State President in July 2003 where she serves as a respected leader of this very important organization. The Hibernians clearly recognized the talent of this special person. I must also acknowledge with pride her continuing role as both mother and grandmother to her three children and two grandchildren. They are very proud of her with good reason. It is an honor and a privilege to recognize the dedication of Anne Marie Ferguson to the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians State Board of New York State. Her service and dedication to this organization is greatly appreciated.

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary of the Young Agency, Inc., an independent insurance, bonding, and risk-management company located on Syracuse's North Side. Since its inception in 1905, the agency has grown into a 100 employee business with close to 10,000 clients. George Young, the founder of Young Agency, began his business in 1905 by selling fire insurance door-to-door. After several location changes, the agency moved to its current office at Bridewater Place at 500 Plum St. George Young passed away in 1936, leaving the agency to his sons, Albert and Carl. With the help of George Schunck, George's grandson, and Roy S. Moore III, the current president, the agency has expanded into a respected company with more than $220 million in annual premiums. In 2001, Young merged with Florida-based Brown & Brown, Inc., the nation's eighth-largest insurance brokerage firm. On behalf of the clients, employees and community members of Syracuse, I extend my best wishes and many more successful years to the Young Agency, a valued fixture in our community.

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, it is with a warm heart I rise today to pay tribute to an organization lending support to our men and women in uniform, the Towpath Quilt Guild of Fayetteville, NY. About 80 members of the Towpath Quilt Guild have harnessed their skills to hand make quilts for recovering soldiers at Bethesda Naval and Walter Reed Army Medical Center. In early spring, these quilts will be personally delivered in hopes of offering another layer of comfort and warm sentiment to our service members. In this time period when so many of our loved ones are scattered around the globe ensuring American's freedom and safety, the Towpath Quilt Guild has expressed with gifts what we all wish to convey. Thank you for all you do. And thank you, Towpath Quilt Guild.

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an extraordinary group of athletes, the Marcellus Girls Varsity Soccer team. Marcellus captured its second consecutive Section 3, Class B state title with a 6 to 0 win over Fredonia, ending their season with an overall record of 23-1-1. The Marcellus Mustangs lived up to their season long No. 1 ranking with a decisive victory over Fredonia led by senior striker Jenna Farneti scoring three goals and two assists. Amy Ware and Hannah Vaughn struck the final blows to the nails in the coffin adding three more goals with Meghan Mannion and Alyssa MacLachlan contributing the assists. While acknowledging these five, outstanding athletes for their efforts in the championship game is well deserved; any member of a team knows that victory isn't possible without the contributions of all team members and coaches. Coach Laurie Updike, Jenna Farneti, Rachel Farneti, Stephanie Gosson, Kelly Hanlon, Sarah Holden, Jocie Jankowski, Alyssa MacLachlan, Meghan Mannion, Ashley Martin, Lauren Longo, Alyse O'Brien, Sarah Potter, Cahterine Scott, Amanda Stessen, Hannah Vaughn, Katie Walter, Amy Ware, Jennifer Young, Katie Young, Katie Zimmerman, Emily Zimmerman, Emmy Potter, Meghan Kaminska are all equally valued components of the Marcellus perennial powerhouse. A special recognition is also deserved to those whom support Marcellus's fine athletes, the parents, teachers, students and fans. You were all instrumental in the Mustang's success. I commend the Marcellus Girls Varsity Soccer team for their dedication and congratulate them on a triumphant season. Your continued success reflects your tireless work ethic. Congratulations to the Champs.

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I address the House tonight to extend my best wishes and a fond farewell to my good friends and colleagues in the New York Congressional Delegation, Congressmen Jack Quinn and Amo Houghton. Beyond the insight, experience and professionalism these gentlemen brought to this body, they represented the very essence of what it means to represent New York State in Congress. They were loyal to their constituencies, and their voters were in turn loyal to them. Their policy expertise transcended ideological lines, and they understood that, in our corner of the world, good people are good people, regardless of party affiliation. People voted for them year-in and year out on account of who they were as people, and how hard they worked for Buffalo, Rochester, Corning and the Southern Tier. Jack and Amo have nearly 30 years' worth of experience in Washington between them, and, though none of us like the fact that they are leaving us, we are all grateful to have been the beneficiaries of their good humor, wisdom, graciousness and friendship. The U.S. Congress, New York State and our country are better off for having been represented by these two gentlemen. I've had the privilege of serving with Jack and Amo for a long time and feel fortunate to consider them good friends. It is my hope the other members of this body from New York and beyond recognize and applaud their service, friendship, and loyalty to those who have worked beside them along the way. I know I will miss Jack Quinn and Amo Houghton when the gavel falls to begin the 109th Congress; but I join my colleagues in wishing them the absolute best for whatever comes next. I take comfort, though in knowing that departure from this House will not signal the termination of their public service. Nor will it be the end of their involvement in the lives of the people they represented so well, for so many years. So as we depart for the year and bring an end to the 108th Congress, I once again say good-bye and thank you to Jack and Amo while wishing them the very best for the future.

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an extraordinary group of athletes, the Christian Brothers Academy's football team. CBAS captured its first State title in Class AA, the state's largest classification for any Section 3 team in the history of the tournament. The 41 to 35 victory was a nail biting, come-from-behind win lead by Coach Joe Casamento, senior Greg Paulus, senior Lavar Lobdell, senior Bruce Williams, senior Brian Bojko and senior Erik Estabrook. While these individuals paved the way to victory in the final game of the season, the entire CBA football roster is responsible for the 2004 flawless success. They and their families who offer daily support deserve special recognition. Lavar Lobdell, Erik Estabrook, Bruce Williams, Matt Kinnan, Greg Paulus, Max Greenky, Peter Giordano, Joe Nicoletti, Mike Paulus, Jim Chapman, Matt Halliday, Greg Khanzadian, Jovon Miller, Steve Peltz, Joe Losurdo, Adam Drescher, Mike Kenien, Alfonso Merola, Ricardo Donalson, McKenzie Mathews, Jim Brennan, Austin Merola, Brian Bojko, Greg Hadley, Dario Arezzo, Mike Suits, Pat McNamara, Tim Bobbett, Evan Mazur, Jon Knaust, Dan Delluomo, Andy Bongiovanni, Rich Cummings, Mike Dracker, Matt Oliver, Eric Fletcher, Tom DiStasio, Steve Kuhns, Matt Rainbow, Brian Dushatinski, Peter Paris, Mark Callahan, Leon Saddler, Stephen Pride, Kevin Didio, Kris Estabrook, Matt Wilson and Bill Urciuoli were all instrumental components of this CBA powerhouse. Throughout the 2004 season, the team overcame fatigue, injury, sweltering August heat, and a rigorous schedule, to complete an unblemished record of 13 wins and 0 losses, truly exemplifying the definition of a champion. I commend Christian Brothers Academy's 2004 football team for their hard work and perseverance and congratulate them on a perfect season. You have set the standard for future Purple and Gold teams. Congratulations to the Champs.

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, as we conclude our work today on the omnibus fiscal year 2005 spending bills, I wanted to take a few moments to recognize publicly the work of our Appropriations chairman for the past six years, the Honorable Bill Young of Florida. Like so many members here in the House I greatly admire and respect my friend Bill Young. He is truly both a gentleman and leader of this body and his work as chairman can only be categorized as outstanding. The Appropriations Committee must find ways to fund the many programs authorized by the committees of the Congress. It is an awesome and challenging job requiring a person of skilled leadership abilities to accomplish. Our chairman is such a person who in his own quiet but fair manner finds ways to solve the problems around here. The reason is that warmth, fairness and skill he brings with him every day in coming here to work. I support the omnibus legislation, H.R. 4818, we have before us now. It is a tribute to Chairman Young and his many talents that we are able to debate and pass this bill today.

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the bill and our chairman.

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of my Special Order.

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, in the rush of events at the end of this session, the New York delegation has attempted to set aside some time to recognize the distinguished careers of two of our colleagues who are retiring at the end of this session. What I intend to do is make a brief statement and then reach out to my colleagues, both sides of the aisle, to give them the opportunity to provide remarks to acknowledge the great service of these two men. First, our colleague from Corning, New York, Amo Houghton. Amory Houghton came to the Congress in 1986, was appointed to the Committee on Ways and Means, has served as a subcommittee chairman and has done great work not only on tax policy and health care policy but, also, he has been a dedicated global citizen. He has been involved in Africa and in other troubled places around the world where his gentle, thoughtful approach to problem solving has been respected and has brought great credit to not only to him but to our country. He has been a great adviser, counselor to me; and his service to our State has been no less than remarkable. We will miss him very, very much. He will leave a tremendous void in our delegation, and we wish him all good health, and a long and enjoyable retirement with his beloved wife Priscilla. Our other colleague who is completing his career at the end of this session is my good friend Jack Quinn, who represented Buffalo, New York. His home is in Hamburg, New York, where he served as supervisor. He came to the Congress in, I believe, 1992, was appointed to the Committee on Transportation, served as the subcommittee chairman on railroads for an extended period of time and set very important policy regarding our rail lines around the country. Jack, as all of us know, has a very personable, delightful personality. He is a hard-working, dedicated family man who always brought joy and laughter wherever he traveled. He is a close personal friend, someone that we all respect, and someone we will all dearly miss as he proceeds into his next iteration, whatever that may be. We all know he will be successful at whatever he does, and we wish him all the best. To both my colleagues, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Houghton) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Quinn), we bid them adieu. We know you are not going far away. We hope to see you on a regular basis.