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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, 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.

This Week from Congresswoman Betty McCollum

Congress Extends Benefits for Long-time Unemployed Americans
Yesterday, July 22, the House of Representatives passed legislation to extend basic unemployment benefits that have been denied to millions of long-term unemployed Americans. The extension of benefits legislation passed with the support of 241 Democrats and 31 Republicans. It was immediately signed into law by President Obama.

This Week from Betty

Congress Passes Wall Street Reform
The Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act has been passed by Congress and will be signed into law next week by President Obama. This historic legislation imposes common sense rules on Wall Street to protect consumers and prevent the abuses and recklessness that triggered the worst recession in 70 years.

Congresswoman McCollum voted for Wall Street reforms, which passed the House with the support of 234 Democrats and 3 Republicans.

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.