Statements For the Record

I rise today to congratulate the faculty, students and staff of Saint Paul College on the occasion of the 100^th Anniversary of the school. Founded in 1910, Saint Paul College is an outstanding community and technical college that is a part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system (MnSCU).

I rise in strong support of the Small Business Lending Fund Act of 2010 (H.R. 5297). This legislation will extend much needed credit and reduce taxes for small businesses all across the country.

I rise to pay tribute today to one of Minnesota's outstanding community leaders and a longtime resident of my Congressional District, Marcia Avner.

I recognize the Boy Scouts of America Northern Star Council on the occasion of 100 years of Scouting in Minnesota and nationally. Residents of Saint Paul are proud that the Northern Star Council has its headquarters located in Minnesota's Capital City.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 5827, the Protecting Gun Owners in Bankruptcy Act. This legislation would provide a special exemption to allow gun owners to keep certain firearms during bankruptcy proceedings.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to commemorate the centennial season of the Fitzgerald Theater, located in downtown Saint Paul, Minnesota. On September 18th, 2010, Minnesota Public Radio, which owns the theater, will celebrate the 100th season of ``the Fitz,'' as it is affectionately known, and commemorate its placement on the National Register of Historic Places.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res 1251, which recognizes and honors the United States troops who fought and died on D-day at the Battle of Normandy.

Nine years ago on September 11th, I was at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, only a short distance from the Pentagon, when the attack occurred. As Members and staff fled the Capitol grounds, not knowing if an attack on Congress was imminent, I remember seeing the smoke rising from the Pentagon in an otherwise clear blue sky.