[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 53 (Tuesday, April 23, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E600-E601]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             EARTH DAY 1996

                                 ______


                         HON. THOMAS J. MANTON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 23, 1996

  Mr. MANTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Earth Day 
1996. During this Congress it is especially crucial to emphasize the 
significance and purpose of this nationally recognized day. Since 1970, 
this country has set aside 1 day a year to highlight the importance of 
environmental conservation and preservation. But protecting the 
environment and our national resources is not a once a year project, it 
is about the way we choose to live our lives.
  Mr. Speaker, the nationwide recognition of this day illustrates the 
overwhelming public concern over how the natural and man-made world 
should interact. While I support efforts to relieve businesses of undue 
redtape, I believe it is possible to do so without also reducing 
protection of our air, water and other natural resources. Although 
striking a balance is often difficult, it is necessary for the long-
term health of both the environment and the economy.
  As a Member of this esteemed body, I am pleased with the role 
Congress has played over the past 26 years. Passage of legislation such 
as the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, the Endangered Species Act, 
among others, has been instrumental in cleaning our environment and 
protecting our valuable natural resources. It is our responsibility as 
legislators to continue to respond to the public and its priorities 
through enactment and renewal of these most important environmental 
laws.
  Mr. Speaker, I am hopeful that this day will be a reminder to 
Congress that the management of our resources is of vital importance. 
The decisions we make today will impact not only our future, but all 
future generations.

[[Page E601]]



 TRIBUTE TO OUR LADY OF THE RIDGE'S FIFTH GRADE GIRLS' BASKETBALL TEAM

                                 ______


                        HON. WILLIAM O. LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 23, 1996

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
outstanding group of young ladies from my district, the fifth grade 
girls' basketball team of Our Lady of the Ridge School in Chicago 
Ridge.
  This squad of eight determined players won the South Suburban 
Catholic Basketball League title this season, the school's first ever 
championship. The girls combined strong rebounding, spirited defense, 
and relentless hustle into a 14 win season.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate coaches Brad Grove and Mike Liston, as 
well as their players: Katie Pratl, Kellie Pratl, Jackie Grove, Colleen 
Madej, Kelly Liston, Megan Liston, Laura Dirschl, Katie Roe, and the 
ever so accurate score keeper, Ron Pratl. I wish them continued success 
on and off the court for a job well done.

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