February 4, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD -- Extensions of Remarks E195
Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Sean Patrick Keenan for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.
f BILL NANGLE HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY OF INDIANA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Wednesday, February 4, 2009 Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to honor one of Northwest Indiana's most devoted citizens, Bill Nangle, Executive Editor of The Times. I have known Mr. Nangle for many years and can attest to a life dedicated to maintaining the integrity of the press and improving the governance of all those he serves. Not only is Bill a distinguished journalist, but he has used the power of his pen to be a force for progress and change in the community. Last week, the Hoosier State Press Association recognized Bill for his commitment to the pursuit of open government by presenting him with its Distinguished Service Award.
Throughout his illustrious career, which spans five decades, Bill has taken his role in the Fourth Estate seriously, leading the charge for openness and transparency in government.
For example, in 1989, he pushed state legislators and then-Governor Evan Bayh to enact a state law reversing a court decision that closed county coroner records to the public.
And in 1998, Bill assembled Indiana's seven largest newspapers to collaborate on ``The State of Secrecy,'' an investigation of government sunshine and First Amendment rights in which investigative journalists went undercover as ordinary citizens to try to access records in each of the state's 92 counties that are lawfully open to the public. The flagrant legal violations that they uncovered prompted action from then-Governor Frank O'Bannon and spurred similar projects on openness and transparency in 32 other states. For his efforts, Bill Nangle was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash, the state's highest honor at the time.
Bill has also exercised his commitment to open, effective government locally. In 2005, he joined me in a consortium of local civic and business leaders to create Northwest Indiana's Good Government Initiative. He was a driving force behind that effort to study government efficiency across the many levels of our local government, including my office, and to implement solutions that improve government services while cutting costs. The Good Government Initiative became the model for the statewide Kernan-Shepard Report on Indiana government, which is the basis for government reform initiatives currently underway in the State
Participants are selected by a committee composed of personnel from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the Department of State and past participants of the exchange.
Members of the House and Senate who would like a member of their staff to apply for participation in this year's program should direct them to submit a resume and cover letter in which they state their qualifications, the contributions they can make to a successful program and some assurances of their ability to participate during the time stated.
Applications may be sent to the Office of Interparliamentary Affairs, HB-28, the Capitol, by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2009.
f A PROCLAMATION HONORING W.E.
QUICKSALL AND ASSOCIATES, INC., FOR REACHING THEIR 50TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY HON. ZACHARY T. SPACE OF OHIO IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Wednesday, February 4, 2009 Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, W.E. Quicksall and Associates, formed in 1959, has provided quality service to private entities, local, state and federal government; and Whereas, W.E. Quicksall and Associates has provided countless miles of municipal streets and state highways, bridges, water treatment and distribution lines; and Whereas, for 50 years W.E. Quicksall and Associates has been dedicated to customer satisfaction and public safety; and be it Resolved, that along with friends and clientele of W.E. Quicksall and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate W.E. Quicksall and Associates, Inc. on their 50 year anniversary. We recognize the service provided by W.E. Quicksall to the New Phila delphia area, and commend them on building such an outstanding professional relationship with the city of New Philadelphia.
f HONORING SEAN PATRICK KEENAN HON. SAM GRAVES OF MISSOURI IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Wednesday, February 4, 2009 Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Sean Patrick Keenan a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 376, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.
Sean has been very active with his troop participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Sean has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community.
insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor.
or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.
EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS THE 2009 CONGRESS-BUNDESTAG/ BUNDESRAT EXCHANGE HON. NANCY PELOSI OF CALIFORNIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Wednesday, February 4, 2009 Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, since 1983, the U.S. Congress and the German Bundestag and Bundesrat have conducted an annual exchange program for staff members from both countries. The program gives professional staff the opportunity to observe and learn about each other's political institutions and interact on issues of mutual interest.
A staff delegation from the U.S. Congress will be selected to visit Germany from May 22 to May 31 of this year. During this ten day exchange, the delegation will attend meetings with Bundestag-Bundesrat Members, Bundestag and Bundesrat party staff members, and representatives of numerous political, business, academic, and media agencies. Participants also will be hosted by a Bundestag Member during a district visit.
A comparable delegation of German staff members will visit the United States for ten days July 11-19 of this year. They will attend similar meetings here in Washington and visit the districts of Members of Congress. The U.S. delegation is expected to facilitate these meetings.
The Congress-Bundestag-Bundesrat Exchange is highly regarded in Germany and the United States, and is one of several exchange programs sponsored by public and private institutions in the United States and Germany to foster better understanding of the politics and policies of both countries. This exchange is funded by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
The U.S. delegation should consist of experienced and accomplished Hill staff who can contribute to the success of the exchange on both sides of the Atlantic. The Bundestag re ciprocates by sending senior staff professionals to the United States.
Applicants should have a demonstrable interest in events in Europe. Applicants need not be working in the field of foreign affairs, although such a background can be helpful. The composite U.S. delegation should exhibit a range of expertise in issues of mutual concern to the United States and Germany such as, but not limited to, trade, security, the environment, economic development, health care, and other social policy issues. This year's delegation should be familiar with transatlantic relations within the context of recent world events.
In addition, U.S. participants are expected to help plan and implement the program for the Bundestag-Bundesrat staff members when they visit the United States. Participants are expected to assist in planning topical meetings in Washington, and are encouraged to host one or two staffers in their Member's district in July, or to arrange for such a visit to another Member's district.
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