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Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 24, the "Marine Corps Identity" bill. This bipartisan legislation would change the name of the Department of the Navy to the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps.

Mr. Chairman, Dr. Collins, I see the NIH as a public good. Like highways and clean water, the NIH is a benefit to our entire society. But those benefits widespread, long-lasting, and not always immediately profitable. That is why private business does not - and often cannot - make these investments.

Funding for public goods is one of the most important functions of the federal government. The investments this Committee makes in the NIH are critical not only to the health of our citizens but also to the growth of our economy. You made some excellent examples of that earlier.

The air we breathe, the water we drink, the land we use - all of these are our planet's most valuable and irreplaceable resources. All Americans - not just government and businesses - have a responsibility to ensure that present and future generations can continue to fully enjoy those resources," said Congresswoman McCollum. "In his efforts to preserve and protect our environment, Senator Nelson demonstrated the amazing power of a single person's ability to make a difference. His legacy of environmental awareness and activism will live on for generations to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1185, a resolution congratulating Reverend Daniel P. Coughlin on his tenth year of service as Chaplain of the House of Representatives.

Reverend Coughlin was sworn in as the 59th Chaplain of the House of Representatives on March 23, 2000 - the first person of Roman Catholic faith to hold the office. In his decade of service, he has opened House proceedings with prayer, provided pastoral counseling and arranged memorial services for the House and its staff.