Statements For the Record

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.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4213, the American Jobs, Closing Tax Loopholes and Preventing Outsourcing Act. This legislation accelerates our economic recovery by creating or saving over one million jobs and by providing emergency aid to American families.

Our economic recovery is thankfully underway. The private sector is working again. Jobs are being added. The task before Congress is finding the right balance between addressing the federal budget deficits and debt and supporting American families still struggling with the lingering effects of the recession.

Madame Speaker, today I rise to congratulate the Friends of the Parks and Trails of St. Paul and Ramsey County, on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the organization. Since it was established in 1985, this group has been dedicated to serving and promoting parks and green spaces in St. Paul, Minnesota and surrounding communities.