February 23, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD -- Extensions of Remarks E293
for environmental protections and defended consumer rights. He displayed great leadership and stewardship in ushering through important pieces of legislation such as the landmark Endangered Species Act of 1973, and the Clean Air Act of 1990. Additionally, Mr.
DINGELL has consistently sought to uncover government corruption and waste, ensuring American tax dollars are spent wisely and transparently.
Today, I proudly recognize Mr. DINGELL's distinguished service to the United States. He has been and will continue to be a role model to me and hundreds of others in this chamber.
I am honored to serve with him and wish him well on this historic day.
f AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT OF 2009 SPEECH OF HON. SILVESTRE REYES OF TEXAS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Friday, February 13, 2009 Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the conference report accompanying H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Investment Act.
This jobs creation package comes at a critical time for our nation as we face one of the greatest economic crises in our country's history. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate in my home state of Texas climbed from 4.2 percent in December 2007 to 6 percent in December 2008.
The employment situation has grown worse in 2009 as major employers across the country continue to cut tens of thousands of jobs.
These dire circumstances require swift and bold action by the Congress to create jobs, jumpstart growth, and transform our economy to compete in the 21st century.
I support the American Recovery and Investment Act because it will help businesses create jobs and will allow families to afford their bills while laying a foundation for future economic growth in key areas like health care, clean energy, education, and infrastructure.
This $789 billion compromise package will create or save 3.5 million jobs nationwide over the next two years. This comes down to an estimated 269,000 jobs in Texas and 7,600 jobs in my congressional district. The jobs created will be in a range of industries from education to healthcare, with over 90 percent in the private sector.
The tax cuts in the legislation will place more money in American workers' wallets by providing direct tax relief to 95 percent of workers. This refundable tax credit of up to $400 per person or $800 per couple will provide much needed tax relief and help stimulate our economy.
By offering an additional $100 per month in unemployment insurance benefits, this bill will help the 677,000 workers in Texas who have lost their jobs in this recession as well as provide extended unemployment benefits to an additional 125,000 laid-off Texas workers.
an Exceptional Student Educational Paraprofessional.
For the past fifteen years Ms. Campbell has dedicated herself to helping children in the community realize and reach their full potential. Working with small groups of students, Ms. Campbell provides instructional support to those students with disabilities while also providing much needed assistance for teachers.
Through these small groups, Ms. Campbell focuses on strengthening and reinforcing reading and math skills. It is also through this setting that Ms. Campbell has come to form close bonds with her students. Her support and praise brings much needed encouragement and propels her students towards academic success.
In addition to time spent within the class room, Ms. Campbell spends hours tutoring students during after-school hours. She is also an active member of her school's reading carnival and family science night. As highlighted by her work ethic and reinforced by the praise she receives from both teachers and students, Ms. Campbell is a valuable asset to Walton County. The First District of Florida is greatly indebted to her service and is honored to have her as one of its own.
Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to recognize Ms.
Michelle Campbell on this outstanding achievement, the Walton County 2009 Support Person of the Year.
f HONORING JOHN D. DINGELL FOR HOLDING THE RECORD AS THE LONGEST SERVING MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SPEECH OF HON. PHIL HARE OF ILLINOIS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Wednesday, February 11, 2009 Mr. HARE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 154, a resolution honoring my good friend and colleague, Representative JOHN DINGELL for becoming the longest-serving member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
A true public servant, Mr. DINGELL has devoted more than half of his life to the service of our nation both in his home state of Michigan and in the United States Congress. Today marks the 54th year of his commitment and dedication to the American people and a day when Mr. DINGELL has surpassed every other member of the House of Representatives with the longest tenure in House history.
Over the past half-century, Mr. DINGELL has proudly championed the rights of workers from being a longtime supporter of equal pay for equal work, to supporting collective bargaining rights. However, he is perhaps best known for his vigorous approach to government oversight.
As an icon serving on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Mr. DINGELL fought
EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS CITY OF WHEATON 150TH ANNIVERSARY HON. PETER J. ROSKAM OF ILLINOIS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Monday, February 23, 2009 Mr. ROSKAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the incorporation of Wheaton, Illinois, in the heart of my Congressional District.
In 1836, the vibrant community of Wheaton found its roots when Erastus Gary and brothers Warren and Jesse Wheaton purchased a plot of land from the federal government. They quickly set about building a town and, through the enterprising spirit that continues to characterize Wheaton to this day, secured a rail line through the center of the town. By 1859, the City of Wheaton was officially incorporated.
In the years since its humble founding, Wheaton has become a center of government and commerce, serving as the Seat of DuPage County and home to businesses, professionals, educational institutions, publishing houses, churches and organizations that have had an impact all over the world. Throughout the State of Illinois and across the nation, Wheaton has developed a reputation as a wholesome place to raise a family. In fact my wife Elizabeth and I are proud to call Wheaton home and the place where we are raising our four children.
On the occasion of this 150th Anniversary, we join together to celebrate Wheaton's legacy of growth and prosperity and to look ahead to the opportunities facing our city and our nation. Today both marks 150 years of working together to build a brighter future, and reminds us that our work continues.
Madam Speaker and Distinguished Colleagues, please join me in recognizing Whea ton Mayor Michael Gresk, the Wheaton City Council and the citizens of Wheaton, and in wishing them happiness on this special occasion.
f RECOGNIZING MICHELLE CAMPBELL AS THE WALTON COUNTY 2009 SUPPORT PERSON OF THE YEAR HON. JEFF MILLER OF FLORIDA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Monday, February 23, 2009 Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today in recognition of Michelle Campbell, Walton County's 2009 Support Person of the Year.
There is more to a school than the primary educators and administrators. To be successful, a school relies on the efforts of countless other individuals whose unique skills and contributions enable the rest of the school to function. One such individual is Michelle Campbell, e not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor.
than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.
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