Statements For the Record
Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the United States Coast Guard Academy on its 100 years of operation in New London, Connecticut and in support of H. Con. Res. 258, sponsored by my friend and colleague, Mr. Courtney of Connecticut. Congratulations are due to the Commandant, the Superintendent, dedicated staff, cadets and all graduates of this fine U.S. Service Academy.
Madam Speaker, across our country there are communities, businesses, and families that continue to struggle to escape an economic recession that has caused far reaching hardship and too much pain. Congress has a responsibility to ensure the economic security of the American people, as well as defend the national security of the nation. This appropriations bill does not adequately meet the needs of the American people and I will not vote to pass it.
Secretary Johnson, thank you coming before the Committee today to testify. For over a decade and from my time as a state legislator in Minnesota, I have worked on the issue of what to do with our nation's nuclear waste. Minnesota ratepayers have already contributed $714 million to the Nuclear Waste Fund to find a permanent solution to this problem, and yet the U.S. government still does not have an answer on how to store the nation's radioactive waste. I am deeply frustrated by this.
Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1401, a resolution expressing gratitude for the contributions of the air traffic controllers of the United States.
Madam Speaker, it is my honor to congratulate the men's basketball team of Northwestern College in Roseville, Minnesota. The Eagles are the 2010 National Christian Collegiate Athletic Association (NCCAA) Division I Men's Basketball National Tournament champions. The players and coaches of the Northwestern men's basketball team worked diligently throughout the season--ultimately finishing with a 22-7 record, and winning 18 of their last 19 games. They earned this championship title through much hard work and determination.
I would like to thank my friend, Jim McGovern, for holding this hearing on child marriage. Congressman McGovern and the commission's co-chair, Congressman Frank Wolf, are both tireless champions for the rights and dignity of all people.
Of course, this commitment and determination to fight for human rights is in the tradition of Tom Lantos - a friend we all dearly miss - who I had the privilege to know and work with during my years on the International Relations Committee.
Madam Speaker, I rise today to join my fellow Minnesotans in celebrating Canada Day and to recognize the 40th anniversary of the Canadian Consulate General in Minneapolis that serves the Upper Midwest region of the United States.
Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the members of Beth Jacob Congregation, a Jewish congregation in Mendota Heights, Minnesota, who will celebrate the 25th Anniversary of their faith community on June 27th.
Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Federal Housing Administration Reform Act of 2010 (H.R. 5072). This legislation will help ensure the availability of affordable home loans while safeguarding the interests of the American taxpayer.
Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1330, recognizing June 8 as World Ocean Day. This is only the second year that World Ocean Day has been officially recognized. Unfortunately, now is a tragically appropriate time for all of us to recognize and honor our nation's oceans.