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DTV DELAY ACT SPEECH OF HON. HENRY A. WAXMAN OF CALIFORNIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Wednesday, February 4, 2009 Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support S. 352, the DTV Delay Act, which passed television date and makes improvements to converter box coupon program.

  In 2005, Congress mandated that as of Febshut off in digital to digital will better pictures and sound, more prochoices, and interactive capabilities.

  will also serve an important public safety by freeing up spectrum for first refor nationwide interoperable communew and innovative commercial wireless Unfortunately, we are not prepared for this But Administra(NTIA) notified Congress that the conThe DTV converter box coupon program is The President's transition team asked ConThe measure before us extends the date of transition to June 12 and extends the couprogram date until July 31, 2009. It will Moreover, the economic recovery package S. 352 also takes steps to lessen the impact I am pleased that this bill has broad support the public safety community, including the of public

speed as he prepares for his deployment.

  Along with the Sartell American Legion, the Mayor and City Council will present Captain David Peterson with a flag flown over the U.S.

  and Minnesota capitols and the Sartell City Hall. They've asked David to take it with him to Iraq and they will fly it again over the City Hall when he returns.

  I join all of Sartell in our pride of this citizen- of soldier, and I, too, wish him Godspeed and the Senate last week by unanimous consent.

  This legislation extends the digital transition f the ruary 17, 2009, all television stations their analog broadcasts and transmit only. The transition from analog offer gramming HON. MIKE ROGERS It OF MICHIGAN purpose sponders IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES nications. Finally, it will provide consumers Monday, February 9, 2009 with services.

  Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Madam Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to Michigan State transition. The prior administration assured the University for its selection as a recipient of the Committee on Energy and Commerce repeatedly that the transition effort was on track.

  Service from the Corporation for National and on December 24, 2008, the National Telecommunications and Information tion Since its founding in 1968 as the Office of verter box coupon program would run out of Volunteers, the Center for Service-Learning funding the first week of January and that it and Civic Engagement at Michigan State Uni- would need an additional $250 million to $350 versity has been instrumental in encouraging million to meet projected demand.

  students to become involved with volunteering both locally and across the globe. In 2007­ supposed to ease the financial burden of the 2008, more than 14,000 students were in- transition. But it has ground to a halt. There volved in volunteer efforts, a number that has are currently over 2 million households on the doubled in the past six years. It is these quali- waiting list. In addition, the FCC has not adeties which made Michigan State University a quately planned for call centers and other aswonderful choice as an Honor Roll Presi- sistance for consumers who will face technical dential Award winner for 2008. Each year this problems after the transition has occurred.

  award is given to colleges and universities as an acknowledgment of their commitment to gress to extend the deadline for a brief period.

  service learning and civic engagement. In This is not a step that anyone wants to take.

  2008, Michigan State University was one of But we have no good alternative. Without a three universities to receive the Honor Roll's short, one-time extension, millions of housePresidential Award, and one of only 18 to be holds will lose all television reception.

  honored since 2006.

  the Specifically, Michigan State University is pon being recognized for the stability, growth, and also allow those who hold expired coupons-impact of its student volunteer program. This or never received their coupons because of program organizes students to work with over problems with third-class mail-to reapply.

  360 nonprofits, public schools, hospitals, and neighborhood organizations and cooperates that the House passed last week includes with student-led programs such as Alternative $650 million to fix the coupon program and inSpring Break. These are just a few examples tensify consumer education and support.

  of the many creative and variable ways that the Center for Service-Learning and Civic En- on other affected parties, including public safegagement reaches out to communities locally ty, broadcasters, and wireless licensees.

  and worldwide.

  in Madam Speaker, a commitment to volun- Association of Public-Safety Communications teering and service learning is the foundation Officials-International (APCO), the Interfor creating a more engaged citizen body. A national Association of Chiefs of Police commitment to others lies at the heart of many (IACP), the International Association of Fire of the principles upon which this country was Chiefs (IAFC), and the National Emergency founded. I wish to extend my gratitude to Number Association (NENA). It has the supMichigan State University for its achievements, port of the two biggest winners of spectrum and I ask my colleagues to join me in recog- that will be vacated as a result of the DTV nizing Michigan State University for its years transition-AT-T and Verizon. It has the supof dedication to service and community orga- port of the National Association of Broadnizing and in their selection as a Presidential casters, the major networks, and Univision.

  And, it has the support of a number

HONORING FRESNO POLICE OFFICER'S ASSOCIATION HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH OF CALIFORNIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Monday, February 9, 2009 Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise oday to commend the Fresno Police Officer's Association for their commitment to serving fornia. God's blessings on his journey.

  er one hundred years, the Fresno Poce Officer's Association (FPOA) has had a presence in Fresno. The organization was first niza- RECOGNIZING MICHIGAN STATE he families UNIVERSITY, PRESIDENTIAL anged to the AWARD FOR SERVICE WINNER esno Police Relief Association'' and in s incorporated. The service that the rganization provided expanded at this time to on improving benefits, salary and workditions for the members. In 1975, the name of the organization finally became the sno Police Officer's Association. Throughout the organization's hundred years, its primary purpose has always been ``Service.'' Today the FPOA has over eleven thousand members and a Board of Directors consisting i- Presidential Award for General Community tions include three officers (President, First e President), Community Service.

  lve Directors at Large, one Staff Director and two Retiree Directors. The FPOA assists members with supplemental health benefits, provides scholarships to dependent children of active or retired members, offers legal assistance and helps with various disability issues.

  The group also gives back to the community by getting involved with charitable events.

  Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the Fresno Police Officer's Association for their commitment to serving the police officers of Fresno. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing the organization many years of continued success.

  f IN HONOR OF DAVID PETERSON OF SARTELL MINNESOTA HON. MICHELE BACHMANN OF MINNESOTA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Monday, February 9, 2009 Mrs. BACHMANN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of a true patriot, David Peterson, of Sartell, Minnesota. David is a City Councilman, community leader, attorney, husband and father. And, he is about to make his first deployment to Iraq as a Captain with the Minnesota National Guard's 34th Infantry Division.

  Even a quick glimpse at David Peterson's ife reveals the heart of a true citizen. An attorney by profession, David has worked in legal aid services, as a prosecutor, and in the civil division of the Stearns County Attorney's office. He will use that training as a JAG officer during his deployment.

  His long and strong history of community leadership led him to run for City Council, and in January 2007, he was sworn into office. He will take a leave of absence from that position while he serves his fellow Minnesotans in Iraq.

  Tonight in Sartell, David's friends and family him God- Award for Service winner.