June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5157 Southeast Louisiana, I am proud of the join me in paying tribute to the Na- The question was taken. role that my State played on D-day. In tional World War II Museum in New The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the New Orleans, Andrew Jackson Higgins Orleans for sharing their stories with opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being designed the LCVPs, or the Higgins future generations. For so many years, in the affirmative, the ayes have it. boats, that were used extensively in the Greatest Generation was reluctant Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. World War II for amphibious landings. to share their stories, and fortunately Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas Higgins and the 30,000 Louisiana work- for all of us, as time went on, more and and nays. ers of Higgins Industries built and test- more have been willing to open up and The yeas and nays were ordered. ed the Higgins boats in Southeast Lou- give that testimony; and we are so hon- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- isiana during the war. ored to have much of that testimony ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the The Higgins boat was crucial to the collected at the National World War II Chair’s prior announcement, further success of D-day. According to General Museum for future generations to proceedings on this motion will be Eisenhower, the Allies would not have share. postponed. By passing House Resolution 1235, we been able to land on an open beach f without the Higgins boat. General Ei- honor D-day. More importantly, we senhower claimed that Higgins was the honor the men and women of the PROCEDURE FOR CONSIDERATION man who won the war for us. Greatest Generation who made June 6, OF RESOLUTION RAISING A Louisiana is also home to many of 1944, one of the most important days in QUESTION OF THE PRIVILEGES the brave men and women who fought our Nation’s history, a day that all OF THE HOUSE IF OFFERED and won in World War II. J.J. men can be proud of, a day that all TODAY Witmeyer, who lives in the New Orle- Americans should never forget. Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. ans suburb of Hanrahan, participated Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent in the D-day invasion. Mr. Witmeyer of my time. that if the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. served as an infantry soldier and land- GENERAL LEAVE KUCINICH) offers a resolution as a ques- ed on Utah Beach. Mr. Witmeyer de- Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. tion of the privileges of the House at scribes his experience of landing at Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent any time on the legislative day of June Normandy on Higgins boats like this: that all Members have 5 legislative 10, 2008— ‘‘When the ramp went down, you were days in which to revise and extend (1) the previous question shall be con- going through the gates of hell . . . you their remarks and include any extra- sidered as ordered thereon without in- didn’t know how deep the water was, neous material on House Resolution tervening motion except one motion to where the beach was and they were fir- 1235. refer; and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there ing at you.’’ (2) the Speaker may postpone further objection to the request of the gentle- Mr. Witmeyer escaped injury that proceedings on such a vote on a motion day but was later wounded twice. He woman from Florida? There was no objection. to refer as though under clause won a battlefield commission as a cap- Mr. GOODE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in 8(a)(1)(A) of rule XX. tain, served as an acting military gov- support of H. Res. 1235, a resolution to des- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there ernor in Dortmund, Germany, and as a ignate National D-Day Remembrance Day and objection to the request of the gentle- commandant of two camps for dis- recognize the spirit, courage, and sacrifice of woman from Florida? placed war victims in Czechoslovakia. the men and women who fought and won There was no objection. It is because of the courage and sac- World War II. One of modern history’s defining f rifice of soldiers like J.J. Witmeyer events, D-day was the climactic engagement and the ingenuity and dedication of in- TO AWARD POSTHUMOUSLY A of the Second World War. On June 6, 1944, dividuals like Andrew Higgins that we CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL an Allied Expeditionary Force representing were successful on June 6, 1944, and TO CONSTANTINO BRUMIDI twelve nations launched more than 5,000 went on to win the war. boats and ships, 11,000 aircraft, 28,000 aerial Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I The brave men and women of our Na- sorties, and landed 150,000 ground troops. move to suspend the rules and pass the tion’s Greatest Generation displayed Among those troops were more than 30 sol- Senate bill (S. 254) to award post- tremendous heroism, dedication, and diers from Bedford, Virginia, a small, rural humously a Congressional gold medal strength and forever changed the community which experienced the highest per to Constantino Brumidi. course of history. General Dwight D. capita loss rate of any community in the The Clerk read the title of the Senate Eisenhower said we would ‘‘accept United States on D-day. For this reason, Bed- bill. nothing less than full victory,’’ and our ford is the home to the National D-Day Memo- The text of the Senate bill is as fol- troops did just that. rial, which was dedicated by President Bush lows: Our success did not come without on June 6, 2001. The National D-Day Memo- S. 254 significant losses, however. American rial exists in tribute to the valor, fidelity, and Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- forces suffered over 3,300 soldiers killed sacrifice of the Allied Forces on D-day. The resentatives of the United States of America in in action and an additional 3,000 sol- Memorial preserves the lessons and legacy of Congress assembled, diers suffered injury. that fateful day and reminds all who enter it of SECTION 1. FINDINGS. Mr. Speaker, the courage and sac- the heavy price that heartland communities Congress finds the following: rifice displayed by the Allied forces on have paid, and still pay, for freedom. (1) On July 26, 1805, Constantino Brumidi June 6, 1944, should never be forgotten, I urge all members to support H. Res. 1235 was born in Rome, Italy of an Italian mother and we should always remember D-day and honor the great sacrifice of our veterans and a Greek father who inspired him with a and honor the men and women who love of liberty. who served on D-day and in all the other con- (2) While Constantino Brumidi’s Greek an- fought and persevered for the price of flicts that preserved American freedom freedom. D-day will forever be an im- cestry stirred his passion for liberty and citi- throughout our history. zenship, his Italian heritage provided the art portant part of U.S. history, and the Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. styles of the Renaissance and the Baroque day deserves to be recognized. The Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to which influenced the artwork of the United Members of the Armed Forces who par- unanimously support House Resolution States Capitol. ticipated in the invasion are true 1235. (3) Constantino Brumidi became a citizen American heroes. That is why I intro- I have no further requests for time, of the United States as soon as he was able, duced House Resolution 1235 calling on and I yield back the balance of my embracing its history, values, and ideals. Congress to support the designation of time. (4) Beginning in 1855, Constantino Brumidi a national D-day Remembrance Day. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The designed and decorated 1 House and 5 Senate Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to question is on the motion offered by committee rooms in the Capitol, as well as the Senate Reception Room, the Office of the recognize and honor the veterans who the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Vice President, and, most notably, the Presi- served on D-day and join me in thank- CORRINE BROWN) that the House sus- dent’s Room, which represents Brumidi’s su- ing them for their spirit, courage, and pend the rules and agree to the resolu- preme effort ‘‘to make beautiful the Capitol’’ sacrifice. I also urge my colleagues to tion, H. Res. 1235. of the United States.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:02 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.084 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5158 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 (5) In 1865, Constantino Brumidi completed The Chair recognizes the gentleman b 1530 in just 11 months his masterpiece, ‘‘The from New York. There is no work in the Capitol more Apotheosis of Washington’’, in the eye of the GENERAL LEAVE impressive or more renowned than Capitol dome. Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask (6) In 1871, Constantino Brumidi created ‘‘The Apotheosis of Washington.’’ the first tribute to an African American in unanimous consent that all Members Brumidi completed the fresco in 11 the Capitol when he placed the figure of have 5 legislative days within which to months at the end of the Civil War, Crispus Attucks at the center of his fresco of revise and extend their remarks on this soon after the new dome was com- the Boston Massacre. legislation and to insert extraneous pleted. This absolutely stunning work (7) In 1878, Constantino Brumidi, at the age material thereon. soars 180 feet above the Rotunda floor. of 72 and in poor health, began work on the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there To compensate for the distance from Rotunda frieze, which chronicles the history objection to the request of the gen- the floor to the ceiling, Brumidi, who of America. tleman from New York? spent years mastering depth and scale, (8) On February 19, 1880, Constantino There was no objection. Brumidi died at the age of 74, four and a half painted 15-foot tall figures so that the Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I work could be appreciated from the Ro- months after slipping and nearly falling from yield myself such time as I may con- a scaffold while working on the Rotunda tunda floor. frieze. sume. Another Brumidi masterpiece, ‘‘The (9) Constantino Brumidi, proud of his artis- Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support Frieze of American History,’’ appears tic accomplishments and devoted to his of S. 254 which would posthumously just underneath the dome and spans adopted country, said, ‘‘My one ambition and award the Congressional Gold Medal to the entire 360 degrees of the Capitol my daily prayer is that I may live long Constantino Brumidi and would au- Rotunda. The frieze, which initially enough to make beautiful the Capitol of the thorize the striking of duplicate med- one country on earth in which there is lib- looks to be carved or sculpted, as all als for sale to the public. who view it believe it to be three di- erty.’’. Mr. Speaker, for those of us who mensional, was, in actuality, meticu- (10) Constantino Brumidi’s life and work work here in the Capitol, we are very lously painted with the use of scaf- exemplify the lives of millions of immigrants fortunate to be surrounded by who came to pursue the American dream. folding. While Brumidi first sketched a Constantino Brumidi’s genius every SEC. 2. CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL. design of the frieze in 1859, Congress day. Brumidi’s awesome, inspiring mu- (a) PRESENTATION AUTHORIZED.— did not authorize work to begin on this (1) IN GENERAL.—The Speaker of the House rals and frescos are remarkable as they are ubiquitous. Constantino Brumidi’s piece until 18 years later, in 1877. of Representatives and the President Pro The work masterfully displays Amer- works can be found in three Senate Ap- Tempore of the Senate shall make appro- ica’s history, beginning with the land- priate arrangements for the posthumous propriations Committee rooms, the ing of Christopher Columbus and con- presentation, on behalf of Congress, of a gold House Appropriations Committee tinuing to the discovery of gold in Cali- medal of appropriate design to Constantino room, the Senate Democratic Policy fornia. While many visitors to the Cap- Brumidi, in recognition of his contributions Committee room, the Brumidi cor- to the Nation. itol have seen Brumidi’s genius in the ridors, the Senate reception area, the (2) DISPLAY OF MEDAL IN CAPITOL VISITOR frieze over the years, they may not re- Office of the Vice President and, of CENTER.—The Architect of the Capitol shall alize that he nearly lost his life while arrange for the gold medal presented under course, the Rotunda. Like his master- ful works throughout the Capitol, painting it. While working on a figure this subsection to be displayed in the Capitol of William Penn, 76-year-old Brumidi Visitor Center, as part of an exhibit hon- Constantino Brumidi’s story is unique- oring Constantino Brumidi. ly American. fell from the scaffolding, but saved (b) DESIGN AND STRIKING.—For purposes of Brumidi was born in Rome in 1805 to himself by clinging to the rung of a the presentation referred to in subsection an Italian mother and a Greek father. ladder for 15 long minutes before he (a), the Secretary of the Treasury (referred His artistic ability was cultivated at was rescued. While he subsequently as- to in this Act as the ‘‘Secretary’’) shall an early age. In his early years, he was cended the scaffolding once more to strike a gold medal with suitable emblems, continue his work, he died a few devices, and inscriptions to be determined by commissioned to paint frescos and mu- the Secretary. rals in various Roman palaces. And months later in 1880. It took two addi- SEC. 3. DUPLICATE MEDALS. then in 1849, as did so many of our an- tional artists and 73 years to finish the The Secretary may strike and sell dupli- cestors, Brumidi, who was already an masterpiece that Constantino Brumidi cates in bronze of the gold medal struck pur- established artist in Italy and who first began. suant to section 2 under such regulations as spent 3 years working for Pope Gregory Mr. Speaker, Constantino Brumidi’s the Secretary may prescribe, at a price suffi- XVI in the Vatican, migrated to the service to the Capitol, and our country, cient to cover the cost thereof, including United States and began a new life in span the administration of six, six labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, and New York City. There he proudly be- Presidents: Franklin Pierce, James Bu- overhead expenses, and the cost of the gold chanan, Abraham Lincoln, Andrew medal. came a naturalized American citizen in Johnson, Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford SEC. 4. STATUS OF MEDALS. 1852. (a) NATIONAL MEDALS.—The medals struck It was on a return trip from Mexico B. Hayes. On and on, Brumidi worked. under this Act are national medals for pur- that Constantino Brumidi first saw the All of us here in the Capitol that have poses of chapter 51 of title 31, United States U.S. Capitol. It was a fortuitous twist the privilege of working in this living Code. of fate: at a time when Congress and museum, as well as the millions of visi- (b) NUMISMATIC ITEMS.—For purposes of President Franklin Pierce were pre- tors that tour our building each year, section 5134 of title 31, United States Code, who admire and relish Brumidi’s all medals struck under this Act shall be paring to expand the Capitol, a word- considered to be numismatic items. class Italian American artist, who just works, but precious few know the story SEC. 5. AUTHORITY TO USE FUND AMOUNTS; happened to be passing through Wash- of the artist of the Capitol. PROCEEDS OF SALE. ington, inspired by both the freedoms In addition to awarding Constantino (a) AUTHORITY TO USE FUND AMOUNTS.— and liberties represented by the seat of Brumidi with the Congressional Gold There is authorized to be charged against the Congress and the vast open spaces in Medal, S. 254 directs the Architect of United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund, the Capitol that seemed to invite the Capitol to display the gold medal such amounts as may be necessary to pay for frescos and murals, offered his services as an exhibition in the new visitor’s the costs of the medals struck pursuant to center dedicated to Brumidi’s life and this Act. to Quartermaster General Montgomery (b) PROCEEDS OF SALE.—Amounts received C. Meigs. Wisely, Meigs commissioned work. I believe such an exhibit is long from the sale of duplicate bronze medals au- Brumidi to become the artist of the past due and would be to the benefit of thorized under section 3 shall be deposited Capitol. future generations of Americans who into the United States Mint Public Enter- Brumidi’s first work was in the Agri- come to see the Capitol and admire the prise Fund. cultural Committee room. This mas- brilliant works of Constantino The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- terpiece received such favorable atten- Brumidi, reminding us yet again that ant to the rule, the gentleman from tion that he was given a raise and we are a Nation built by immigrants. New York (Mr. ACKERMAN) and the gen- tasked with painting other larger Mr. Speaker, Constantino Brumidi tlewoman from West Virginia (Mrs. works culminating with the works in was a great son of Italy and a great CAPITO) each will control 20 minutes. the Capitol Rotunda. American. His achievements are a

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:02 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10JN7.033 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE June 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5159 great source of pride for Italian Ameri- On February 19, 1880, at the age of 74, edifice of freedom that everyone knows cans, and S. 254 would bestow Brumidi, Constantino Brumidi died four-and-a- all over the world. and the Italian American community, half months after falling from a scaf- In 25 years, from 1854 to 1879, he deco- with the recognition the artist’s great folding while working on the Rotunda rated the Capitol with murals and contributions so rightly deserve. frieze that chronicles the history of frescos. His frescos in this Capitol were Special thanks are due to Represent- America. He spent his entire time in probably the first true frescos to be ative BILL PASCRELL from New Jersey, this country contributing and attempt- painted in the United States of Amer- the main sponsor of this bill that we ing to fulfill his life’s goal. He said, ica. have before us in the House today. ‘‘My one ambition and my daily prayer Brumidi believed that the classical And I’d like to acknowledge the hard is that I may live long enough to make architecture of the Capitol Building re- work and dedication of somebody who beautiful the Capitol of the one coun- quired real fresco, like the palaces of visits us here in the gallery today, Mr. try on Earth in which there is liberty.’’ Augustus and Nero, and the baths of Speaker, Joseph Grano, who’s the As we stand here today and walk Titus and Livia at Rome, and the ad- president of the Constantino Brumidi these halls, it is clear to all that mired relics of the painting at Society, for his long and tireless efforts Constantino Brumidi accomplished his Herculaneium and Pompei. on this behalf. goal. His art drew heavily on his training Mr. Speaker, this is a great day for This bill awards Constantino Brumidi and experience in Rome, incorporating those who love fine art, creativity, the Congressional Gold Medal for his the history and symbols of the United American history, and who appreciate contribution. The medal will be dis- States into his classical repertoire. His the contributions of Italian American played in the Capitol Visitor’s Center most significant influences included immigrants and all immigrants for the as part of a display honoring his work. ancient Greek and Roman wall paint- culture and history of our country. Mr. Speaker, I urge the bill’s imme- ings and Raphael’s classical decoration I reserve the balance of my time. diate passage. in the Vatican. Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in I reserve the balance of my time. Although he’s often called the Mi- support of S. 254, a bill to award a Con- Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I chelangelo of the Capitol, this immi- gressional Gold Medal honoring the yield 6 minutes to the sponsor of the grant who came here and gave every- great artistic work of Constantino bill, Bill Pascrell of New Jersey. thing to this country, Brumidi perhaps Brumidi on this great Capitol building. Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I am should be called the Raphael of the The bill was introduced by Senator very proud to stand in strong support Capitol, since it was Raphael who was ENZI and has 99 cosponsors in the Sen- of S. 254, or H.R. 1609 in the House, to his greatest inspiration. ate, and in the House, a companion bill award this posthumous Congressional Brumidi’s creations in the Capitol was introduced by our colleague, Mr. Gold Medal to Constantino Brumidi Building include his masterpiece, the PASCRELL, which has 307 cosponsors. As we’ve heard much of Mr. which would be displayed in the Cap- allegorical fresco, ‘‘The Apotheosis of Brumidi’s history, he created artworks itol Visitor’s Center. This American Washington,’’ in the 4,664-square foot in the House of Representatives Cham- immigrant was the creator of some of canopy over the eye of the dome, 180 ber, many committee rooms, the Presi- the most beautiful works of art in the feet above the floor of the Rotunda. He dent’s Room, the Senate Chamber, and United States Capitol Building. also painted the extensive frescos in throughout the corridors of the Cap- As the sponsor of the House version the Brumidi corridors throughout this itol. His most famous work within of this bill and as cochair of the Con- Capitol. these halls is ‘‘The Apotheosis of gressional Italian American delega- His last years were spent painting George Washington,’’ which appears on tion, this is an issue very close to me, the historic scenes in the Rotunda the Capitol dome in the Rotunda. Mr. Mr. Speaker. frieze, even carrying out his own his- Brumidi painted these hallowed halls, Now, these things don’t happen in a toric research for his work. and in so doing, he depicted the nar- vacuum. I want to express my sincere Outside of his work in this Capitol, rative that is the vivid history of these gratitude to Senator ENZI and Senator he also was well-connected in the United States. CLINTON, to Congresswoman CAROLYN Catholic church. His commissions in- Born in Italy in 1805, Constantino MALONEY, to Congressman JOHN MICA, cluded altar pieces and murals in im- Brumidi studied at the Italian Acad- to Congressman ZACK SPACE and GUS portant cathedrals in Mexico City, New emy of the Arts. In 1852, at the age of BILIRAKIS, and my very close friend York City, Washington, Baltimore, and 47, he emigrated to America and de- GARY ACKERMAN, JOHN SARBANES, MI- Philadelphia. voted the rest of his years completing CHAEL BURGESS, and RICK RENZI for The consummate American, Brumidi frescoes, sculptures, and paintings in their tireless work in garnering sup- is reported to have remarked: ‘‘My one the Capitol Building. port for this worthy initiative. ambition and my daily prayer is that I The story of Constantino Brumidi is If it were not for the diligent advo- may live long enough to make beau- important not only because he was the cacy efforts of the Constantino tiful the Capitol of the one country on artist who gave life to these walls, but Brumidi Society, the American Hel- Earth which there is liberty.’’ because his story is the American lenic Educational Progressive Associa- Sadly, at the time of his death in story. He was an immigrant to this tion, and the National Italian Amer- 1880, as I said, he was penniless. Fol- country, and he used the skill that he ican Foundation, we would not be lowing his death, his work was roundly had to contribute what he could. In the standing here today. It’s as simple as criticized by the artistic establishment process, he, like millions of others, that. of his day. However, the 1970s, not that built this country into what it is Born in Rome of Italian and Greek far long ago, brought a renewed appre- today. Immigrants built this Nation’s heritage in 1805, Constantino Brumidi ciation for Victorian architecture and building, constructed its factories, fed trained in drawing, painting and sculp- decoration and the growth of the his- its people, and when called upon, de- ture at Rome’s prestigious Accademia toric preservation, and work was done fended its sovereignty. Men and women di San Luca. to restore Brumidi’s art to its former from this great Nation’s inception con- In 1840, this rigorous artistic training glory. Today’s scholars are able to tributed whatever they could to make was put on display when Brumidi and fully comprehend the full extent of his this Nation better. several other artists were commis- talent. Constantino Brumidi contributed his sioned to restore the richly decorated Even though he is long gone, it is im- talents as an artist. And now, because frescos in the Vatican Palace. perative that we fully recognize the of his efforts, we and all who walk He immigrated to the United States transcendental beauty, the intricate through the Capitol may see not only in 1852, with nothing in his pocket, and grace he brought to the building that his talent but this country’s history when he died, he had nothing in his we stand in and that we work in every and be filled with the same sense of pocket. His only objective was to come day. awe and hope that filled those who here and become an American citizen, There is widespread bipartisan sup- walked these halls before us. That, la- and he did that in 5 years. He gave it port for this initiative. You heard how dies and gentlemen, is a wonderful gift. all, as you walk through this beautiful many cosponsors in the Senate, as my

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:13 Jun 11, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10JN7.088 H10JNPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with HOUSE H5160 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 10, 2008 good friend from West Virginia pointed We were led so well by our colleague The Clerk read the title of the resolu- out how many, 307, right here in the and good friend, Representative tion. House of Representatives. What great PASCRELL. And we acknowledge the The text of the resolution is as fol- testimony. hard work of Congressman PASCRELL lows: I urge my colleagues, Mr. Speaker, to and also the Hellenic Caucus and the H. RES. 1010 support this legislation and to remem- Italian-American Caucus in getting the Whereas manufactured housing plays a ber the background of this individual, necessary cosponsors. vital role in meeting the housing needs of his Italian and his Greek heritage, and Brumidi was the son of a Greek fa- the people of the United States and is an im- think of all the immigrants when we ther and an Italian mother. He fled portant source of quality, affordable hous- think of Brumidi and his contributions. Rome and immigrated to the United ing, including both homeownership and rent- Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I yield as States in 1852. From 1868 to 1879, he was al housing; much time as he would consume to the a resident in my congressional district Whereas the manufactured housing indus- gentleman from Florida (Mr. BILI- of New York City. And while he was try in the United States has approximately $6,000,000,000 annually in sales and employs RAKIS). there, he painted 43 murals at St. Ste- Mr. BILIRAKIS. Thank you very approximately 70,000 people in factories and phen’s Church, which is in my district, retail centers alone; much. and scholars come from around the Whereas 18,000,000 people in the United Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great world to study his work there, and here States, representing all segments of the pop- pride in support of Senate bill 254 to in the Capitol. ulation, including emerging demographics, posthumously award Constantino He is most famous, however, for his live in manufactured homes; Brumidi the Congressional Gold Medal. artistic achievement here in our great Whereas because it is an important source We have just heard from the previous Capitol. ‘‘The Apotheosis of George of affordable housing, manufactured housing is a critical part of the solution to the ongo- speakers the life and times of this in- Washington’’ on the dome in the Ro- spired artist with whom I’m very proud ing crisis in the housing market in this Na- tunda is one of the highlights of his tion; to share the same Greek heritage. brilliant work. He was called the Mi- Many walk through the halls of Con- Whereas the factory production process chelangelo of the Capitol. provides manufactured housing with techno- gress, but do not know much about the He worked flat on his back on wood- logical advantages, value, and customization man who dedicated most of his profes- en scaffolding through the intense options for consumers seeking quality hous- sional life to beautifying it. summer temperatures, and he created ing and sustainable homeownership; Constantino Brumidi, a Greek and masterpieces throughout our Capitol. Whereas manufactured homes are built to Italian immigrant, came to America in a national standard under the National Man- His artwork can be found in the Cham- search of freedom and opportunity. ufactured Housing Construction and Safety ber, the House of Representatives What he accomplished rivals most any Standards Act of 1974, which governs con- Chamber, several committee rooms, immigrant success story. Constantino struction, engineering, quality, safety, and the President’s Room, the Senate Re- Brumidi’s life and work exemplify the systems performance; ception Room, and truly throughout Whereas that Act supports innovation, lives of millions of immigrants who the corridors of our Capitol. I am consumer safety, efficiency, and quality came to pursue the American dream. thrilled that we are recognizing such while preserving the affordability and b 1545 an outstanding artist and an important customization of manufactured housing; Whereas creating affordable homeowner- Soon after becoming an American contributor to the history of art and ship opportunities helps build communities citizen, Brumidi was commissioned to the history of our Nation. and requires the cooperation of the private decorate the structure which houses The Capitol building is special be- and public sectors, including the Federal the greatest democratic institution in cause of its beautiful architecture and Government and State and local govern- world history. This feat is a testament priceless artistic treasures. Without ments; both to Brumidi’s resolve, and our Brumidi’s influence, tours of the Cap- Whereas the laws of the United States, great Nation’s willingness to embrace itol simply would not be certainly as such as the Manufactured Housing Improve- beautiful or interesting to Americans. ment Act of 2000, encourage manufactured those who want to share in the Amer- housing homeownership and should continue ican dream. He is truly deserving of the honor we to do so in the future; I would also love this award to be ac- are bestowing upon him. Like many Whereas June is designated as National companied with a statue that would immigrants, he has brought many Homeownership Month; and adorn the Capitol Visitors Center. treasures to our country. Whereas the third week of June is recog- That’s why I have introduced H.R. 1313. I thank all my colleagues on both nized as Manufactured Housing Week: Now, A statue of Brumidi, along with a Con- sides of the aisle for their important therefore, be it gressional Gold Medal, will serve as a work in bringing this legislation to the Resolved, That the House of Representa- shining example of American ideals floor. tives— Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I yield (1) recognizes the importance of manufac- and inspire people everywhere who tured housing in providing decent, sustain- wish to embrace freedom. back the balance of my time. able, and affordable housing; While it has taken over 130 years, it Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I (2) recognizes the importance of manufac- is never too late for the installment of yield back the balance of my time. tured housing in contributing to homeowner- this Gold Medal in recognition of the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ship in the United States; contributions of Constantino Brumidi question is on the motion offered by (3) recognizes the importance of home- to the Nation. Congratulations, and I the gentleman from New York (Mr. ownership, including homeownership of man- urge all my colleagues to support this ACKERMAN) that the House suspend the ufactured homes, in building strong commu- bill. rules and pass the Senate bill, S. 254. nities and families; and Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, at The question was taken; and (two- (4) recognizes and fully supports the goals and ideals of Manufactured Housing Week this time, I yield 3 minutes to the gen- thirds being in the affirmative) the and National Homeownership Month. tlewoman from New York (Mrs. rules were suspended and the Senate The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- MALONEY). bill was passed. Mrs. MALONEY of New York. I A motion to reconsider was laid on ant to the rule, the gentleman from In- thank my good friend and colleague the table. diana (Mr. DONNELLY) and the gentle- woman from West Virginia (Mrs. from the great State of New York for f his hard work on this and so many en- CAPITO) each will control 20 minutes. deavors. And I rise today, as the co- RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE The Chair recognizes the gentleman chair and cofounder on the Congres- OF MANUFACTURED HOUSING IN from Indiana. sional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, in THE UNITED STATES GENERAL LEAVE strong support of S. 254, to award post- Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. Speaker, I Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. Speaker, I ask humously a Congressional Gold Medal move to suspend the rules and agree to unanimous consent that all Members to Constantino Brumidi. the resolution (H. Res. 1010) recog- may have 5 legislative days within I’m so pleased to join 307 of my col- nizing the importance of manufactured which to revise and extend their re- leagues here in this legislative body. housing in the United States. marks on this legislation.

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