February 13, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD -- Extensions of Remarks E271
the American automobile industry. And finally, Chairman DINGELL's work to establish a ``Patient's Bill of Rights'' that means that doctors, not insurance bureaucrats, make decisions for our health care. In more than half a century of service to all Americans, Chairman DINGELL has a record of achievement that will not be surpassed. It is a record that I respected as a Member of Michigan's State legislature, and it is one that I continue to respect to this very day.
I join my colleagues in congratulating Chairman JOHN DINGELL, along with all of Michigan's sons and daughters, regardless of race, religion, or party affiliation, on his record length of service to our Nation. Chairman DINGELL's service has made a difference for us all. I am proud to honor Chairman DINGELL for a lifetime of dedication to our country.
f DTV DELAY ACT SPEECH OF HON. MARCY KAPTUR OF OHIO IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Wednesday, February 4, 2009 Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S 352, the DTV Delay Act.
America is unready and as always, the poor and elderly are the most at risk. In my district alone, 4,569 people have requested vouchers for their analog televisions and have not yet received the coupons. Unless Congress acts, these televisions will flicker black. These constituents will not be able to hear news alerts, be notified of national emergencies and continue to be connected to the outside world through their televisions because the Government didn't follow through with a promise to provide DTV vouchers.
It is the Federal Government that for years, has been assuring these constituents that their televisions will not turn black as long as they follow through with the instructions and submit requests for digital television vouchers. It is imperative that we delay implementation of the digital transmission and fulfill the commitment we have made to our constituents that have followed the rules.
The legislation being considered today has important provisions which allow the FCC with flexibility in implementing these requirements.
The bill permits the FCC to approve full DTV conversion in markets where the consumers are prepared for the transition before the hard date in June. Where the transition does occur before the June 12th date, this legislation allows first responders to take over the airwaves immediately once the analog signal space is open.
While this delay is unfortunate, it is a necessary step to assure that the millions of Americans televisions will not go dark because of a bureaucratic snafu.
In the multiple media markets in Ohio, 6.88 percent of the Dayton market is unready for the digital transition, 5.91 percent of the
ber of the State House of Representatives in Michigan and now as a Member of the United States House of Representatives for more than three decades. I know first-hand of the hard work and leadership of the long-term Chairman Emeritus JOHN DINGELL. People outside of the great State of Michigan, in which I have been proud to serve as a Member of the State House of Representatives in Michigan and now as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives for more than three decades know the long-time Chairman Emeritus of the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee as JOHN D. DINGELL. In Michigan, we know Chairman DINGELL as a dedicated, devoted and dutiful public servant who continues to serve the people of Michigan's 15th Congressional District and the United States superbly. As the Dean of the U.S. House of Representatives, Chairman DINGELL has been a fighter for the automotive industry; a protector of our environment; a dogged investigator and leader of Federal oversight; and one of the leading supporters of health care for all Americans.
Chairman DINGELL's sense of public service goes beyond his service as a Member of Congress for more than the past five decades.
Chairman DINGELL, who began learning his skill as a legislator at the feet of his father, John, the Chairman joined the U.S. Army at the age of 18 to fight in WWII. After graduating from college, working as a forest ranger and becoming a lawyer, Chairman DINGELL became a member of our august body after winning the seat of his departed dad.
Chairman DINGELL's influence upon the lives of all Americans is broad and deep. As the longtime Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, to which more than twothirds of all legislation in Congress is referred, Chairman DINGELL has been at the forefront of legislation that has improved the health of minorities, women, and men; improved the quality of the water we drink, the food we eat, and the very air that we breathe; and uncovered some of the worst fraud, waste and abuse of scarce American tax dollars.
Every Congress for more than the past five decades, Chairman DINGELL has introduced legislation that would guarantee each and every American access to health care. This is carrying on a family tradition that was begun by his father, and continued by the son. This is but one of the hundreds of bills and laws that Chairman DINGELL has directly influenced.
Under Chairman DINGELL, we discovered that the Department of Defense were paying more than $600 for a toilet seat. The ``Do Not Call'' law that restricted telemarketers from interrupting our homes. The recently-signed into law State Children's Health Insurance Plan, guaranteeing health insurance for millions of children of working families. Saving our beloved Great Lakes from pollution. Preserving America's forestry and animal heritage with the Endangered Species Act. Ensuring that women and minorities are counted and considered as we find cures for cancer, AIDS, and other debilitating diseases. Fighting for
EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS IN HONOR OF IBEW'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY HON. NANCY PELOSI OF CALIFORNIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Friday, February 13, 2009 Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, on February 21, 2009 San Franciscans will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 6.
Local 6 has a proud history of providing labor and services to the citizens of San Francisco; with electrical lighting and power systems for more than 125 years and communications systems for more than 150 years.
Electrical workers were the pioneers who changed the face of society. Recognizing the need for unity, fair compensation and safe working conditions, they organized and affiliated with other electrical workers and were chartered by IBEW on February 21, 1895 and newly chartered on February 21, 1909. From helping to rebuild our fire-ravaged city after the 1906 Earthquake to developing San Francisco's infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, civic buildings, bridges and transportation, the Bay Area would not be the magnificent area it is today without Local 6.
In our more recent history, Local 6 played an integral role in building the Bay Area Rapid Transit system (BART), seismic retrofitting of City Hall, relocation of the main pubic library building, the new municipal court and federal buildings, Pacific Bell Park, University of California's development of Mission Bay, and they have made high-tech switching facilities and modern communication systems available for use.
This is a great opportunity to recognize all the brave men and women who struggled and sacrificed so that we can enjoy the quality and life and standard of living that we have come to cherish.
I pledge to continue to fight in Congress for economic opportunity, good jobs and good opportunities for America's working men and women. I will work with President Obama and Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis to ensure fair wages, safe workplaces and job training for working Americans. I join my constituents and all those in the San Francisco Bay Area to salute Local 6's success and unrelenting commitment to working Americans and to look forward to a bright future.
f HONORING JOHN D. DINGELL FOR HOLDING THE RECORD AS THE LONGEST SERVING MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SPEECH OF HON. CAROLYN C. KILPATRICK OF MICHIGAN IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Wednesday, February 11, 2009 Ms. KILPATRICK of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I have been proud to have served as a Memre not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor.
r than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.
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