Statements For the Record

Mr. Speaker, on May 3, 2014, our former House colleague and dear friend, Chairman Jim Oberstar, passed away. Congressman Oberstar served Minnesota and the families of the 8^th Congressional District from 1975 to 2011, including four years as chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Prior to being elected, Jim served in the U.S.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the passage of the 1968 National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, signed into law 45 years ago by President Lyndon Johnson. This landmark legislation has resulted in the protection of more than 100 rivers, including Minnesota's Saint Croix River.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor National Park Service staff, volunteers and partners of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (MNRRA) on the 25th anniversary of its establishment as a national park.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the congregation of Saint Peter Lutheran Church of Afton, Minnesota on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the church. Since its founding by German settlers in 1863, the church has served as a center of faith and community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my profound sympathy for the loss of life and destruction in the Philippines caused by Typhoon Haiyan.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Planned Parenthood of Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota (PPMNS) on the 85th anniversary of its founding.