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Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2965, the Don't Ask Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010. This will be the second time this year that the House votes to repeal the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Every year in the world's poorest countries millions of girls are forced into marriage. These girls - as young as age 8, but often 13, 14, 15 years old - are sold by impoverished parents to settle debts or they are given away to become wives to men years or even decades older.

I'd like to thank Chairman Waxman and Representative Frank Pallone and as well as my colleagues on the other side of the aisle Congressman Lee Terry.

House Resolution 1600 acknowledges the critical role of physician assistants (PA) by designating a week in 2010 as National Physician Assistant Week.

Madam Speaker, tonight I rise with the sad honor of recognizing the retirement of my friend, colleague, Congressman Jim Oberstar. He has served the residents of Minnesota's Eighth Congressional District with distinction for more than 36 years. Jim is the dean of the Minnesota congressional delegation, and all of us, House and Senate, are deeply grateful for his commitment to our State.