Statements For the Record

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.

Madam Speaker, today the House of Representatives is voting on a jobs bill that will keep Americans working. This is a jobs bill that will keep 161,000 teachers in the classroom rather than in the unemployment line. This is a bill that prevents thousands of first-responders who are protecting our communities today from losing their jobs tomorrow. Passing this jobs bill is not a luxury or an act of political patronage as some Republicans claim.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize America's Korean War Veterans and their service to the United States on the 60th anniversary of the Korean War.

Madam Speaker, it is an honor to recognize the 100th Anniversary of Linder's Garden Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Linder's is a family-owned greenhouse that began as a small business selling fresh produce to local restaurants, and has grown into a Garden Center selling more than 25 million plants each year.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the Telework Improvement Act. This bill will help to modernize the Federal Government by expanding and improving the availability of teleworking in federal agencies. I thank Chairman Towns and the House leadership for their work on this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Nina Archabal for her 33 years of service to the Minnesota Historical Society, including 23 years of service as the Director.

The Minnesota Historical Society is a private nonprofit organization that was founded in 1849 to preserve the history of the State of Minnesota, while providing educational and cultural learning opportunities. Today, the society operates 26 historic sites and museums throughout the state of Minnesota.